so you looking for your next great CD?  maybe for yourself or for your special someone?  even a gift you cane easily give your grandparents!  definitely don’t hesitate in buying “To Be Loved” by Thad Cockrell.  just go to iTunes and look it up or here to have option of the CD or even vinyl.

due to my luck with working under the wisdom and leadership of Thad’s brother, i have had a few awesome opportunities to lead alongside as well as play for Thad.  as you probably could go read every review and rarely find a negative one, i can just say the same.  knowing Thad and hanging with him and playing with him, this CD is him.  it is him through and through.  his big, huge heart is in every note.  his faith is evident in the music.  his passion is sung loudly.  his vocals are true.  his voice cuts live through a room like a hot knife through butter, and it is no different on this CD.  a great produced album. a CD that is awesome for a rainy afternoon.  a CD suitable for a nice afternoon drive or a lifting of spirits.  a CD of heartbreak and hope.  an awesome buy and a great Christmas gift i hope it makes for many!  get it now!

so tonight we had a leader party for Detour at the Simpson’s barn.  first off the Simpsons are my family away from home.  love those guys with everything i’ve got and they look after me like a son.  secondly, their place is the bomb.  i’ve been lucky to have our Elevate Christmas party there last week, and then follow it up with this one.  we had around 60 leaders  and that wasn’t all of them, but most of them.  the theme was country and it was awesome.  the food was great.  with that many people we pretty much just ate and played the longest, most intense White Elephant game of the year.  it was awesome.  i am so blessed to be a part of a church ministry that has so many volunteers in the body wanting to work with YOUTH.  rare in many places!  without them the success of our ministry would not exist and the we as a staff certainly know that we couldn’t bare the weight of handling 400 students on all 4 of us!  that’s 100 students a staff person!  that would be ridiculous!  they are a super supportive and fun bunch of people who have been there for our students over a crazy past few months!  God is continuing to bless us and their encouragement for the students and their help in their faith walk is amazing.  so blessed to spend an awesome night having fun and chilling with them!

on a book note.  still reading and actually took a break but will be soon hitting the nightstand light as i read myself to sleep.  need to catch up on three chapters so that is my goal for these next 30 minutes.  until next time. check out theotter.org!

one.love

So I got an early Christmas present from some awesome future in-law siblings, a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.  I have purchased some great reads in recent weeks and still trying to churn through them.  But as I roamed the aisle for something new and fresh my mind was trying to figure out what kind of book I wanted.  I have gotten some great thinkers (Becoming A Person of Influence by Maxwell), some awesome spiritual challengers (Forgotten God by Chan), some Holiday specials (Case for Christmas), but haven’t gotten just a relaxing “easy” read.  I recently read and viewed a few reviews on Donald Miller’s new book “A Million Miles In A Thousand Years”.  I got a great premise about the book but loved that in the reviews nothing too much was given away.  I saw it on the shelf and got it.  I have pushed myself to read a chapter a day, which I found out is rather relaxing and pretty easy, not too stressful.  The chapters are fairly short and I have absolutely no expectations or idea what I will get out of this book.  The opening chapter is as far as I have gotten, and it is great!  It sets up the premise of the book.  It talks about memories and how hard it is sometimes to remember “life” and the story we live out here on earth.  It definitely has sparked a thought to really kick into blogging not just for people to read, but to record things that happen in my life so I can go back and remember.  So I can see what things I go through or the things God puts me through, both “up” and “down”.  I hope this book sparks some creativity in me and really looking forward to reading more.

Now I definitely don’t replace this read with reading God’s Word and Truth.  So remember, reading is good, but the yearning for His word and His guidance through that is the most important thing.  So the time I spend reading other authors I try to read just as much or double that time in God’s Word.  His Word constantly intrigues me and keeps me coming back daily for it.  I am thankful it is something I definitely thirst for more and when I forget to read or just don’t I definitely feel it.  Read and memorize His Truth!  one.love

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Matthew 25:31-35 (NLT)

So this past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving, and then the following day amongst the United States “shopping world” is called Black Friday.  Most likely called that due to the fact that all the stores open with these amazing deals when it is still dark (black) outside.  Did I wake up at 3 a.m. and go shopping? No. But I did end up at the mall that day to watch a movie and explore the stores in hopes of finding some awesome deals.  I wanted new shoes, I wanted new jeans, I wanted the iPod compatible Nike+ chip that would magically get me back into physical condition.  Ha!  But every time I picked up something and sometimes stood in line to purchase it, I talked myself out of it.  It really tugged in my heart more and more that I don’t need those things.  I have jeans and shoes.  I can go running with just discipline instead of having a fancy gadget that just sits in my shoe.  I am very fortunate to have what I do have and God helped me realize that over and over again on this past Black Friday.

My family lives in Charlotte, N.C. and so that is where I spent my holiday weekend.  It was a great time of relaxation and family-times, but a long drive home.  I left a little later than planned but got plenty of sleep, got to see our Christmas tree put up, hugs all-around, and then hit the road.  For the next 4 hours I planned on just cruising and listening to worship music.  Praising God and having awesome car conversations with Him about things in my life now. Praying for those I care about and things I know people need prayer for.  It was an awesome ride as I just shuffled through 1,000 Hillsong songs I have on the iPod.  But about 20 miles west of Whiteville the speed limit goes back down to 35mph for about the 5th time, sometimes annoying going from 70mph to 35mph over and over.  But as I was driving I flew past a dark silhouette at the corner of this four-way intersection.  He was walking backwards just putting his bags on as if he had just been dropped off.  As he got smaller and smaller in my rear-view mirror, I gazed at my empty passenger seat.  I always travel with an empty passenger seat just for this reason.  But it hasn’t happened in a very long time.

I begin to pray, reasoning back and forth with God.  Feeling the tug on my heart but also throwing thoughts away, but the whole time looking for a turn-around.   I drive 5 miles, still nothing.  Continuing to pray for this man and arguing with God I reach another 5 miles, still nothing.  About that time I am content that it wasn’t meant to be for me to pick him up and settle back down in my seat (and in my head), but not in my heart.  It must of been around 12 miles and I came to another stoplight with a four-way intersection.  I popped right back up and turn on my blinker.  I threw away any hesitation this time and sped up to pick him up before someone else did.  Now I’m not saying it is safe to just go pick up any person off the street and take them somewhere.  I definitely approached with caution and engaged him with still room to bail if he seemed threatening or intoxicated.  I luckily grew up in downtown Charlotte and watched my dad (a music pastor also) encounter many homeless men both safe and not so safe.  I paid great attention to his wisdom in approaching the homeless.  After it was obvious this somewhat clean-cut African American man just needed a ride and was actually just heading less than 20 miles down the road, I got out to help him with his bags.  Here I meet Melvin.

He had two bags, both rather heavy, stuffed to the brim as he pulled out a map to show where he needed to go and where I could drop him off.  He gets situated and we start heading down 74 east towards Whiteville. We begin to chat, but the conversation slows pretty quickly as his words became more softer and blurred.  I’m still acting like I was intently listening even though I could barely make out what he was saying.  He did mention in the beginning he hadn’t slept for two days, spent Thanksgiving night alone outside and didn’t sleep, and had the same loss of fortune the following night.  Within the first five minutes of the ride he was out like a light.

I was instantly overtaken and began to wonder how tired was this man?  He could barely stay awake 5 minutes?  As my thoughts continued I began to wonder what he had been through?  Where did he come from?  How far must he have walked?  What is it like to not sleep for two straight nights, and better yet spend them alone on the streets?  By that time I had prayed continually for him and looked up as we came to the Whiteville exit.  He awakened as I slowed down but continued to fall in and out of sleep as I decided to just drive around so he could do so.  Finally I just asked him if he knew where he wanted to go, and he didn’t.  He was just seeking a church for help or a place to sleep.  So we continued to drive around and talk a bit.

Then it hit me, yet another tug on my heart, this time with no hesitation.  Matthew 25.  The verse about “hunger and you fed me, tired and you took me in”.  I told him we’d turn around and I’d put him up in the Best Western we passed.  Minutes later we had a room and he wanted to go to the grocery store.  Perfect.  So I took him and though it was a very funny sight, we walked around Food Lion and found all his favorites.  Definitely interesting and eye-opening seeing how simply and cheap he shopped.  Yet he was content and wanted nothing greater, despite my suggestions for “better food” he was happy with a Cup-O-Noodle and hot dogs.  With a few other things in the cart we checked out and headed back to the hotel.  I had to find out if I would see him again one day.

I drove a little slower back to the hotel as I opened the conversation about the exact verse from Matthew 25.  He began to thank me and I explained to Him that I believed in Jesus Christ and if He was in my place He would be doing the same thing.  That I lived my life to do things and love people the way He did.  He wasn’t in shock, but understood and continued to thank me.  I then asked him if he believed in Jesus and without hesitation he said “yes” and began to tell me that he believe in Christ and God.  That He died for him and loves Him very much.  My heart exploded!  I was secretly happy and content in knowing that this wouldn’t be the last time I would see Melvin.  Within minutes we were back at the hotel, dropped off his food and after an awkward hug (I don’t think he gets them much) I was on my way.

So I know this is a long story and it sure isn’t meant for me to be up on a pedestal to say “look what I did”.   But I have personally been praying for opportunities to serve God’s people in need.  I have made it a focus to be ready for anything and to serve as He leads me.  But see the obedience began with the tug on my heart not to buy those shoes or jeans.  I didn’t understand why, just knew I didn’t need to.  I don’t have much money and saving for a honeymoon and soon-to-be marriage are top priority.  Honestly if I had bought them, I wouldn’t of been able to afford that hotel room or food for Melvin.  Then there was also that tug on my heart to just pick him up.  Then the reminder of scripture, paying for hotel and food.  Did I do all those things without hesitation completely?  Without battling thoughts telling me not to pick him up, or just drop him off and keep on home?  YES!  But as those thoughts came through I fought them, as Gods truth rang in my ears.  ”I was hungry and you fed me.  I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me into your home.”  I just simply obeyed Him.  He instructs us to have compassion on those in need and He often tugs our hearts towards moments to do so.  Today I was lucky and fortunate to be close enough to Him to obey.

Are you praying for opportunities to serve Christ?  Are you praying for an openness to obey Him as He tugs your heart?  Whose life will you impact today as a result of direct obedience to His word?  Will you fight the opposition as He tugs your heart to a world in need?

Did I end up feeling good about this experience?  Yes and no.  Initially no.  I became more heart-broken for the homeless and people who have to live like that.  I began to actually cry.  In a time of thanksgiving was I truly thankful for the things I am fortunate to have?  But as time drew on I began to be happy for thoughts of Melvin sleeping in that bed.  For what happiness he may have in his dreams under a blanket, or watching TV for the first time in a while.  To know that one day we shall see each other again.  Be bold.  Take action.  Live for Him.

one.love

So it’s Saturday afternoon.  I got to sleep in today and relax and it felt SO good.  I had a great Friday cleaning and hanging with my roommate.  Then practiced for Sunday morning.  I got to attend an event at Topsail High School last night for Bradley Lutterloah’s Senior Project.  It was awesome to go to a school function and hear God speak.  There were a few people who came to know Christ last night.  I repeat, in a school auditorium.  So awesome it was! Then the night cap was a few video game rounds with some awesome guys.

Today has been a day of relaxing and chillin.  Cleaning a bit here and there.  I plan on hitting up some Worship Studies thanks to Aaron Keyes on his website.  Tonight is guys night at Alex’s and tomorrow is going to be a sweet day.  Surprise at church in the morning!  Then all day with my 10th grade peeps! HOLLA! Then leading at Lord’s Supper then movie night at Elevate!  Going to be a great day!

For now… laundry is the death of me.  Speak at you later!  one.love

So I am slowly not only creating a new look for the blog, but what is taking so long is the fact that I am learning CSS/HTML/WordPress lingo to educate myself and offer better stuff for you guys.  I want there to be a few resources for my life and the things going on as well as being a part of things God is doing in my life, my church, and my ministry.  So keep checking back as the design changes and is molded.  Then soon once the Detour site kicks in I will be back to blogging about random things DAILY!  THANKS.  one.love

Matt

Currently working on updates. To be revealed with launch of new takeadetour.org Check back soon!

so this past weekend was a blast!  it was definitely very long and tiresome.  but so many things happened in so short of time that this blog may hit you in the face but is going to be quick.  kind of like DNow was for i think everyone who attended.  the them was Hype and it was awesome to see Chad (speaker) take this and run with it.  every message hit you in the face at one point and made you realize the world vs. God.  definitely hyped up God in some students lives this weekend.  the music.  man the music was awesome.  we brought down two brothers from Westside Buffalo, NY.  Kulu and Julius from Christ Records.  we met them this past summer and only had small talk about hip hop mixed with worship.  man they came down and rocked the place!  they did a few songs on their own but the sweet times were when they got to come out and help with worship!  a few worship songs i mixed up with popular beats of today.  lryics that drive the heart of Christ collab’d with thump from the FM.  it was tight.  it definitely busted down the “awkward” wall that is sometimes up when we associate being accepted or noticed in our worship.  the students opened up on these songs and when the worship tunes came around before the music they weren’t focused on “what does he think of me if I raised my hands or moved a bit”, they were focused on God and singing straight to Him in heaven.  they definitely felt free to express their praise in whatever way they wanted to without even thinking of acceptance or the person beside them.  it was definitely a sight to see!  oh wait.  here are some pics!

it was an awesome time and make sure you keep posted on dnowcaswell.org in the next few weeks.  should be some recap stuff coming up on there soon!  oh and one more awesome thing happened at DNow 2009.  but i’ll save that for tomorrow.  it’s gotta have a post by itself.  it was a good good night at DNow 2009!  praise be to God for all the things He did this past weekend!  all glory and honor to His name!  one.love

so yesterday i was in the office ALL day.  it started with my morning at PCJ in Hampstead with a few peeps.  which is always an awesome way to start off the day.  then down to the office at an unusual 8am.  right into a meeting to beat out the details of the weekend to come.  that meeting lasting until about 11am.  a meeting that long just to has out ALL the crazy things going on this weekend.  DNow is going to be so hype!  then ran around with Ryan Ortego (intern) to pick up things for the weekend and for activity center.  Back to work as we watched an episode of the Office on Hulu while scarfing down our lunch.  Then on to creating Set Lists and organizing the things from the earlier meeting in preparation for everyone involved this weekend.  That was quite a task because of ALL the things that went on.  But timeline is created and we are ready to go!!!  I spent the evening creating some music samples for the weekend and then got to see a glimpse of new backdrop being created for Detour/Crosspoint worship area.

Today brings picking up the things I didn’t get done as well as planning the next two weeks of Detour.  Also a lot of guitar practicing and word memorizing for this weekend!  Make sure everyone comes out this Wednesday as we start our series on “Friends.”  We kick it off with something pretty familiar to that word “friends.”

In other news, Kanye was a jerk Sunday evening.  But last night Leno I think became our generations greatest talk-show host.  Man what a guy.  Think he made Kanye think about his actions.  Maybe finally Kanye will realize his actions affect other people!  My hope is that something good comes out of this in his life.  Also last night while catching up on local news our local weatherman just spit out all the hurricanes from the past 10 years in 10 seconds within “news conversation.”  Lame maybe.  But it impressed me.  Shows me that even though he might now have a clue how to accurately predict weather, he doesn’t just sit around in the studio.  He knows his stuff.  Gained my confidence in him and I’ll watch WRAL for my weather from now on.

Keep God first in your life and know that your decisions now effect you life in the future.  Heard it all the time growing up, and it actually is true.  onelove.

so i have been away for quite some time.  i have had a ton going on and i know i needed to blog.  hopefully with God’s blessings some new ideas will come about.  i guess i have been just putting this blog off with hopes that a “renovation” or a “remodel” will sprout a new blog, etc. but I realized that I do need to update and keep this thing going.  God has really popped a lot of ideas in my head and I have been just waiting before I wrote about them or got them out there.  well i’m no longer waiting.  i am going to write and see what God has in store in His time.  but for now i will start with this blog and hopefully get back up to par.

thank all who read this and i hope that as i write this blog this year that you will get involved with it.  that you will comment on it.  start your own blog!  that it will be a tool to challenge our minds as Christians and talk about Christ in the world.  here’s to the new year.  well new school year.

“but those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. they will soar high on wings like eagles. they will run and not grow weary. they will walk and not faint.”