The Blog is not Dead..

Ok, so Shedden might be the only one that reads my blog, so Matt the Blog is coming back. I just got a new job so I am going to be traveling a lot but I will try to update on occisan.

Back in Town

So I had to run home this week. By home I mean Texas and Louisiana. My grandfather passed away. It was sad but it was also good to be with my family. Thanks for the ticket Dad! I know that my grandfather is with the Lord now. He died of cancer. He was 86 and lived a great life! He was decorated war veteran. He was given a full military funeral. Which really put in perceptive for me how much sacrifice every solider gives to fight for our freedom. And for that I am blessed.

Friends

Since I have moved to Denver I have been going non-stop. It has been amazing! I have had friends from Durango and other place in and out of town. As well I have been catching up with old friends here in Denver. It has been great! Amazing in servel ways but just engageing in great conversations. Sometimes that is what life is all about just reaching out for fellowship and walking thorough life with poeple. Wheather they are your best friend or you are just reconnecting with them for the first time.

Can the Nuggets beat a good team????

So I am a casual Denver Nuggets fan. Its is always fun to support your local team. The truth be told, I am more of a Dallas Mavericks fan. Anyways…. Ever since the Nuggets obtained Allen Iverson, the team has been hot and cold. Allen has been out a few games with an injury. And Carmelo Anthony has been pretty good since coming back from a multi game suspension after a fight. Anyways…. my point is that the nuggets even with both of these superstar can beat teams like Memphis and Orlando, but when it comes to the big dawgs like the Mavs or Suns they choke.

Crisis in Darfur

Right now on iTunes there is a great free download. There is a Dateline NBC special with Anne Curry about the Crisis in Darfur. You probably see something about Darfur every-time you watch the new. But I feel this special give you a great in site on the situation there. Check it out if you get a chance.

Church Shopping….

With the move to Denver it is time to find a church. As weird as it sounds I kind of like it. Finding a new church used to be the worst thing for me. First of all, church was always a place that I never felt totally comfortable. But in the last few years I have been involved with a church in Durango as well as working for that church, so finding a new church isn’t all that bad for me anymore. Yeah there is still that awkward feeling walking into a new place for the first time.  For me what make a church inviting is the people. The first impression you have of a place can be based on the first five minutes you are there.  Last night my buddy Michael and I (he is visiting from Durango) checked out a church in Denver called Pathways. From the minute we walked in the door we treated with nothing but welcome arms and love. Now I am not saying that I going to base everything off the first impression but that makes such a difference. Beyond feeling welcome, I felt safe there.  I am not saying that my church shopping days are over but I think I can find a home there.

Fat Tuesday 2007

So I am not into recyclingmy blog post, but last year I posted a great explanation of Mardi Gras. So here is the link to that post. So if the opportunity strike you celebrate today because tomorrow is Ash Wed. And the start of Lent and the remembrance of our Savior.

Moving to Denver

I haven’t posted in the last couple of day because I have been saying my last goodbyes and package. I am moving to Denver.  It is only a 324 mile change in zip codes, but I think Denver will have a lot to offer. I have lived in Durango for the last 3 and a half years, I have enjoyed the great times and the good friends.

Shedden’s Worst Nightmare…

Here is a link to an article about unique church marketing. Some (Matt Shedden) will argue that churches don’t need to market. This article talks about unique ways of attracting non Christians and people that have had little experience with church. I am a marketing guy, but I think I am neutral or bias on this subject. Jesus did have a huge marketing team or billboards on the side of the highway. But what he did have was word of mouth advertising. The word of mouth of his gospel and his miracles.

A Valentines Promise…

 So I am going to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Valentines Day. My fellow marketers have turned it into a sappy day in which flower, candy, and jewelry sales sky rocket. I usually have a pessimistic view today, but not this year. I might not have a the love of a significant other.  But I do have God’s love. And for me that is something greater than any Valentine that  I will ever receive.! Below I posted part of psalm 118.
Happy V-Day.  And remember God loves us all!

 Psalms 118

1Thank GOD because he’s good, because his love never quits.
2Tell the world, Israel,
“His love never quits.”
3And you, clan of Aaron, tell the world,
“His love never quits.”
4And you who fear GOD, join in,
“His love never quits.”
5Pushed to the wall, I called to GOD;
from the wide open spaces, he answered.
6GOD’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
who would dare lay a hand on me?
7GOD’s my strong champion;
I flick off my enemies like flies.
8Far better to take refuge in GOD
than trust in people;
9Far better to take refuge in GOD
than trust in celebrities.
10Hemmed in by barbarians,
in GOD’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
11Hemmed in and with no way out,
in GOD’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
12Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
in GOD’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
13I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
when GOD grabbed and held me.
14GOD’s my strength, he’s also my song,
and now he’s my salvation.
15Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
in the camp of the saved?
“The hand of GOD has turned the tide!
16The hand of GOD is raised in victory!
The hand of GOD has turned the tide!”
17I didn’t die. I lived!
And now I’m telling the world what GOD did.
18GOD tested me, he pushed me hard,
but he didn’t hand me over to Death.
19Swing wide the city gates-the righteous gates!
I’ll walk right through and thank GOD!
20This Temple Gate belongs to GOD,
so the victors can enter and praise.
21Thank you for responding to me;
you’ve truly become my salvation!
22The stone the masons discarded as flawed
is now the capstone!
23This is GOD’s work.
We rub our eyes-we can hardly believe it!
24This is the very day GOD acted-
let’s celebrate and be festive!
25Salvation now, GOD. Salvation now!
Oh yes, GOD-a free and full life!
26Blessed are you who enter in GOD’s name-
from GOD’s house we bless you!
27GOD is God,
he has bathed us in light.
Festoon the shrine with garlands,
hang colored banners above the altar!
28You’re my God, and I thank you.
O my God, I lift high your praise.
29Thank GOD-he’s so good.
His love never quits!