My name is Matt and this is my blog.

I'm designing a vocational program for adults with developmental disabilities at a non-profit in Plano and my wife teaches at a daycare in Las Colinas.

I enjoy reading, writing, and thinking.
I run. A lot. Like Forrest, only I shave.
I like bacon, coffee, and peanut butter.
I love Jesus, His Church and my wife.

  1.  

    3 AM Chat with a Cop

    PO: "What are you doing?"

    Me: "Running."

    PO: "At 3 AM?"

    Me: "Yes sir."

    PO: "Do you live out here?"

    Me: "No sir, I live over there (pointing to our street)."

    PO: "Okay, are you sure you're okay? It's raining."

    Me: "I couldn't sleep and love running in the rain, just making the best of it."

    PO: (Pauses for a moment) "Well, be careful."

    Not gonna lie, that pause had me a bit worried...

  2.  

    28 gifts…

    Today I turn 28 and during my run this morning, my mind was flooded with reminders of the gifts God has given me. Though way too many to number, I thought I’d make a list of 28 to share…

    1. He has given me the breath and heartbeat to make it 28 years
    2. He has given me the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, for salvation
    3. He has given me the priceless gift of adoption by two loving grandparents
    4. He has given me a beautiful, loving, and faithful wife
    5. He has given me a passion to serve Him “vocationally”
    6. He has provided for us a place to stay while our house sells in Arkansas
    7. He pas provided for us financially, even when the numbers simply don’t add up
    8. He has provided me with a job that I love, serving people I adore
    9. He has provided us with fuel efficient cars which help us financially, especially now
    10. He has provided me time and is teaching me to use it wisely
    11. He has given me the dearest friendship of Todd and Jennifer Mason
    12. He has given me a strong and faithful brother in Christ, Caleb Southerland
    13. He has given me the constant friendship and encouragement of Aaron and Karice Ledford, Cameron and Erin Newton, and others
    14. He has given us the friendship of Malcom and Becky Johnson, who introduced me to Rebecca
    15. He has given us lifelong friends at several churches like the Wilsons, Vineyards, McFarlands, Spriggs, Geeos, and many others which would be impossible to list
    16. He has transformed me from a 288 pound sedentary man into a 153 pound running machine
    17. He has and continues to transform my heart to love the things he loves and hate the things he hates
    18. He has given us a church to serve that is passionate about the gospel and the transformation of the city
    19. He has gifted me with the ability to write and make music
    20. He has gifted me with the desire to make Him known
    21. He has forgiven me
    22. He has adopted me
    23. He has redeemed me
    24. He has restored me
    25. He has given me the Advocate, Intercessor
    26. He gives me the strength to battle and fight for joy and against depression
    27. He has given me the strength to lead, protect, and provide for my dear wife
    28. He has given grace…grace upon grace, marvelous grace!

    “Soar back through all your own experiences. Think of how the Lord has led you in the wilderness and has fed and clothed you every day. How God has borne with your ill manners, and put up with all your murmurings and all your longings after the ‘sensual pleasures of Egypt!’ Think of how the Lord’s grace has been sufficient for you in all your troubles.”

    Charles H. Spurgeon

  3.  

    Jesus I Come

    Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
    Jesus, I come; Jesus I come.
    Into Thy freedom, gladness and light,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.
    Out of my sickness into Thy health,
    Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth,
    Out of my sin and into Thyself,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.

    Out of my shameful failure and loss,
    Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
    Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.
    Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
    Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
    Out of distress into jubilant psalm,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.

    Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
    Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
    Into Thy blessed will to abide,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.
    Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
    Out of despair into raptures above,
    Upward forever on wings like a dove,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.

    Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
    Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
    Into the joy and light of Thy home,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.
    Out of the depths of ruin untold,
    Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
    Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
    Jesus, I come to Thee.

    William Sleeper