Once We Sang and Danced

Once we sang and danced with gladness;
once delight filled every breath;
now we sit among the ashes,
all our dreams destroyed by death.

All the willows bow in weeping,
all the rivers rage and moan,
as creation joins the pleading:
“God, do not leave us alone.”

God who came to dwell among us,
God, who suffered our disgrace,
from your own heart, grieved and wounded,
come the riches of your grace.

Come, O Christ, among the ashes,
come to wipe our tears away,
death destroy and sorrow banish;
now and always, come and stay.

This is the text from closing hymn at the Ash Wednesday service Aaron and I attended last night. I sobbed through the hymn as I thought about Jessica Marie Larson, Aaron’s 25 year old cousin who lost her battle with cancer at 5:05am that morning. The hymn has become my prayer.

I'm Sorry

I don’t have class until February! This extra time translates to more time for seeing the awesome friends and family around the Columbus area. Recently I’ve noticed a trend. The three women I’m closest to, Mom, Grandma and Mel are constantly giving Aaron the ‘I’m sorry’ comments or look.

Last night it came from Mel. While she was picking up her youngest daughter she asked if I’d like to come over because she had a pan of double chocolate brownies in the oven. I picked up Aaron and headed over. We were all standing in her kitchen when Aaron and I said we should get back to grandmas to so Aaron could work on laundry. Mel chimed in, “he does all the laundry, what do you do?” The more distant women in my life say that it’s great the man does the laundry, but not Mel. She’s concerned. Her concern was somewhat abated when I informed her that I do the grocery shopping, but she still had that poor Aaron look.

After noticing the trend I decided to ask Aaron about it. He denied it at first, but then he chuckled and said that yes, they do this. I began thinking, what am I doing to illicit this response. Am I that hard to be with? Why the looks of sympathy for Aaron? Aaron shot back that in his words I am a ‘force of nature.’ I’m not sure if I’m confident I know what he means, and I am less sure that I am comfortable with that title. Aaron continued that I’m a force of nature because when I set my mind to something I am really set on it and I will not let anything stand in my way. There has to more to it though. For now I’m off to do the same thing I do every night, Pinky - try to take over the world.

Christmas Pics

Here are the photo highlights of Christmas.
1.The Friday before Christmas Mom, Jack, Raven, Grandma, Tina, Aaron and I went to Cincinnati for a night away. We saw a fun Christmas cabaret and partied a little too much.
2.The Sunday before Christmas the Wernicke’s gathered to celebrate. Todd and LA got no-bake cookies from Mom as part of their gift.
3.Bryon’s gift from Santa.
4.Todd and Grandma listen to “T’was the Night Before Christmas”
5.Elyse learns her fate from Santa’s Good Children – Bad Children Book
6.The Wernicke great grandgirls
7.Christmas Day at Mom’s
8.Katelynn and her ‘real’ cat
9.Freezing fog. There was no mist or rain, but we drove through crazy thick fog. I had to turn the defrost on as high as it would go and open the back windows, but we made it!
10.Parry’s Settler’s Wonder Tower.
11.Boys will be boys. Mike, Aaron and Parry at Giggle Bee’s. Non – South Dakotans think Chuck – E – Cheese from the 80’s.
12.Quilts made from Grandpa and Grandma Matson’s clothing for the siblings.
13.Audra, Ava and Becca
14.Ava, her grandpa and her uncle
15.Becca at Chuck – E – Cheese
16.Me at work ice skating with Bethel’s youth and Santa!

Thank the Lord and Sing Praise!

Today I stopped by my mailbox before heading to my last class of 2007. I received a paper from a professor I had turned a few weeks ago then I heard screams of joy. A classmate said she got $400 she wasn’t expecting. I was happy for her because it’s money crunch time for students as our fall loan money is out and our next checks won’t come until late January. How are we gonna pay rent becomes a question. We walked to class and she is continuing to sing through the halls. We enter our classroom and another students says, “My husband got one too, they were from an anonymous donor for Capital alumni.” I was disappointed because I hadn’t got a check in my school mailbox. I went through class, did my presentation and said my goodbyes wondering how I had been forgotten. When I got back to our apartment I checked the mail and sure enough there was an envelope from Capital!

Alleluia! Every time we begin to run short we get a gift from a generous donor. Sometimes we get help from the church ladies in South Dakota and other times we are awarded a scholarship we’ve never even heard of. We have been given many blessings. Today, we thank Capital’s Anonymous Alumni. Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Is 'P' for Pastor?

So, I’m taking classes on the Pass – Marginal – Fail system instead of traditional A – F grades. Today I received an email from a professor stating that a late paper will receive a Marginal if I do not make a few changes. Honestly, I just want to Pass, but since she took the time to send the email stating exactly what needs to be changed to receive a Pass I feel like I have to rewrite the paper. Really, does it make any difference if I write a paper on the rationale behind my Spirituality and the Arts final presentation? It makes the difference between being a student just going for an overall Pass and the student going for the Super-Pass. Aren’t I taking classes without letter grades so I don’t have to worry about how spectacular my work is? Enough ranting, it’s time to earn that Super-Pass that really is only worth a Pass. P is for Pastor!

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A Thanksgiving Rant

Finding time to write these days has been harder than ever before. I forgot about the quick pace of life I lead Ohio. I certainly have much to be thankful for: seminary, youth, family and friends, but wow are these things exhausting! I can’t begin to explain the past few months, so I’ll stick with the past week and random highlights.

One of the coolest parts of my fall semester at Trinity was Choral Evensong. Trinity has two choirs, one is a liturgical choir that sings during Eucharist on Wednesday. The second comes together to rehearse one large work. This year over 65 students and friends of Trinity came together to sing Haydn’s Paukenmesse (Mass in Time of War) we were accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra and some of the top local opera singers. Paukenmesse is set in the sermon rubric in the Service of Light. It was great to have family at worship; Mom, Jack, Grandma and Aaron were in attendance. Following the worship we all went to the Monk for drinks and some great live jazz. Part of being near so many people I love means I am never able to spend as much time with them all as I would like. The evening provided the perfect excuse for us to come together and enjoy each other’s presence and a few fine chocolate martinis.

Another highlight would have to be the Luther Bowl. On Luther’s birthday, November 10th 8 seminaries came together in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to play flag football. The winner gets the championship Book of Concord and bobble head Luther. Trinity won the championship the past two years, but had to let it go home with the folks from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. It was a sad day. Aaron and the rest of the Trinity players fought hard, but the battle was just too much.

The Luther Bowl set me up for a really rough week. My due dates for the following week were… Monday, New Testament II take home exam due. Tuesday, Pastor as Leader critical question due. Wednesday, Feminist Biblical Interpretation, 10 page paper on Naming the Holy due and our class attended For the Bible Tells Me So that evening followed by a discussion until 1:30a. Thursday I was sick with a fever, but that was gone by Friday. Friday I wrote my 10 page exegetical paper for New Testament II due today because this was quite the busy weekend.

Friday night, Aaron and I finally hosted a few friends for dinner and games. Saturday Ohio State crushed the team up north and Briseis had her first birthday party. Sunday, I taught Sunday School and then led 11 5-6th graders and chaperons on a pizza party and bowling field trip followed by 24 7-12th graders and chaperones at a Blue Jackets game. The Jackets lost after the second shoot out. The day was a blast but quite exhausting. Working with youth isn’t my most passionate area in ministry, but my it’s fun! Today I’m catching my breath and preparing to celebrate my victory over class work and craziness with classmates in the Short North with $1 Margaritas.

The plan is for this week to be a much-needed time to catch my breath. I think I have it scheduled to meet the needs of catching up with folks, but not too crazy of a time. On Wednesday night we’re probably staying with the Bradley’s as the night promises to be late, filled with cooking and friends from afar. Thursday Aaron and I will make three turkey dinners and Friday we’ll be with my folk’s for a end of the year bonfire party. Saturday the only obligation thus far is getting Aaron some new shoes at the outlet ‘cause Mom just got a 40% Reebok coupon and possibly a movie. Sunday it’s back to work, but then Christmas isn’t far off. Oh, and last week I was approved to take January off. So, this January I’ll be working and traveling. I’m thinking Hocking Hills, Chicago, Milwaukee, NYC and DC, but we’ll see.

I know this seems a little long, but really, it’s nothing compared to the 20 pages I wrote last week. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Free Rice

For each word you get right 10 grains of rice will be donated though the United Nations to end world hunger.

FreeRice was recently in the BBC news.

What is FreeRice?

FreeRice has a custom database containing thousands of words at varying degrees of difficulty. There are words appropriate for people just learning English and words that will challenge the most scholarly professors. In between are thousands of words for students, business people, homemakers, doctors, truck drivers, retired people… everyone!

FreeRice automatically adjusts to your level of vocabulary. It starts by giving you words at different levels of difficulty and then, based on how you do, assigns you an approximate starting level. You then determine a more exact level for yourself as you play. When you get a word wrong, you go to an easier level. When you get three words in a row right, you go to a harder level. This one-to-three ratio is best for keeping you at the “outer fringe” of your vocabulary, where learning can take place.


Get smarter feeding people at FreeRice!

A Reformation Blessing

It's Reformation Sunday again! I love the history and tradition surrounding this day. For a taste of the excitement and history of today check out this new twist on the tune "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious".

The Reformation Polka
by Robert Gebel

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...

Chorus

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

Chorus

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

Chorus

Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...

Now that you have a little history of the day I feel better. Now on to a personal reflection.

Today Aaron and I sang with the choir at both services. Because I wanted to sit with Matt, and because I haven’t spent much time with Katelynn lately I choose not to sit in the choir loft. I had the honor to hold 6 year-old Katelynn during worship. I held her when we sat and I held her when we stood. The magic came when the congregation sang the Kyrie. When the congregation sang Katelynn belted...

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

Worthy is Christ the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power, riches and wisdom and strength
and honor and blessing and glory are his.

Sing with all the people of God,
join in the hymn of all creation.

Blessing, honor and glory,
glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.

For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia, alleluia.

While we sang the words took on new meaning. These words have been sung for generations and will continue to be sung long after this generation passes away. The faith that Katelynn expressed today rekindled my faith. We joined in the hymn of all creation. We joined in the hymn of creation that is past, present and to come. My hope is that Katelynn will sing these words thousands of times in her lifetime. My prayer is that she and all our children know the power of Almighty Fortress that is our God.

And We're Back

Aaron and I are back in Ohio getting ready to begin the second half of the fall semester. I’m relieved to be done with one course and following the choir concert this Friday I’ll be done with two classes. My week will have 8 extra hours!

I’m quite excited for the concert on Friday, if you’re in Columbus you should check it out at Trinity at 8p. Over 60 voices in the seminary choir will be joined with soloists and chamber orchestra to perform Haydn’s Paukenmesse or Mass in Time of War. Yes, this is a shameless plug.

The journey to the upper Midwest and Great Plains was rejuvenating. I wish I could say restful, but driving over 2,300 miles and sleeping in 7 different places in 8 nights is hardly a restful week. Highlights of the week include Parry and Melissa’s wedding and meeting baby Ava (see pictures in blogs below). And of course it was great to reconnect with family and friends in the region. We drove home yesterday so that we could be back for Reformation worship today. For the first time I felt like I was leaving home to go home. It sounds weird, but I now realize I have the privilege of many homes. South Dakota feels like home, Minnesota friends feel like home and Ohio feels like home. I am blessed.

The Toft's

Melissa and Parry are married!

Ava

During Fall Break Aaron and I made a stop in Fremont, Nebraska to meet Ava Joyce. We also got to hang out with her mom and dad, but she stole the show:)

Midterms and Such

Preparations are underway to leave Ohio in 29 hours. Destinations: Jackson, MN, Sioux Falls, SD, Delmont, SD, Fremont, NE and St. Paul, MN. After a crazy week of midterms we’re planning an all night drive across the Midwest for Parry and Melissa’s wedding, to meet Ava and see family and friends sprinkled throughout the upper Midwest and Great Plains.

In preparation for the journey we’re headed to Grandma Miller’s to do laundry and fill up on the best Chinese food ever, China Bell. Who would guess that the best Chinese food would come from a suburb in Columbus, Ohio? Don’t ask questions, just enjoy. In a conversation with Mom yesterday she said, “you haven’t seen Grandma since she got back from Georgia. She says you better see her before you leave you because haven’t seen her in almost two weeks!” Mom didn't need to lay the guilt we were already excited for an evening with Grandma.

The truth is I can’t wait to get out of here. I love being back home, but it’s time for a road trip (almost 2 months in one place, yuck!). I figure we’ll be in the car about 40 hours over break. That’s quite literally a full-time job, ahh! Well, doing two weeks worth of laundry tonight will be quite the undertaking too. The joys of seminary life are almost too much sometimes.

4th Move in 2 Years

(Seminary)


Aaron and I have been quite busy the past month. On the 6th we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in Yankton, SD at the Captain’s Inn. My folks visited the following weekend (thanks Joe, Shirley, Michael and Kennedy the wonderful hospitality) and took a load from Sioux Falls to ohio. Then Aaron turned 27. We had dinner and played Settlers of Catan with friends and family. The real fun came when Audra and Jake brought over an ice cream birthday cake. Since we were 3 days before the move we had packed all the dishes and sent them to Ohio with my folks. We had to serve on Tupperware lids and containers with plastic forks.

Sunday afternoon we moved in to find one drawer in the kitchen, no cabinets under the bathroom sink and two closets for the entire apartment, both located in the hallway. But what can we expect when we’re only paying 415 a month for an apartment where the average house costs 299K. Monday we began setting up our place. Tuesday Aaron setup a little more while I had my first meeting for work (Director of Youth at Bethel, my home congregation) and visited my paternal grandma. Then walked over to my cousin Elyse’s first ice cream social at school, yeah kindergarten! Wednesday we had seminary orientation, dinner with my maternal grandma and choir practice. Thursday and Friday brought more orientation, a potluck, and then finally on Friday afternoon we packed up to head to Deer Creek State Park for a weekend of camping with 9 families from Bethel. Today, Labor Day, we’ve finished unpacking the apartment before classes begin Tuesday and tonight we’re serving at Faith Mission, a soup kitchen in downtown. Wow, I think that’s most of the latest with us.

This is all to say, sorry I haven’t updated in a while. We’re still deciding whether we should pay for Internet at home or get it free at sem, work and local restaurants. So, if you really need to get in touch, give us a buzz.



1. Our room at the Captain’s Inn
2. Kissin at Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Canyon, SD
3. Mom on the trail
4. Shooting Jack at Salon No. 10 in Deadwood, SD (Wild Bill Hickock was killed)
5. Trading our husbands for the locals
6. Aaron and I pose by Ohio’s flag
7. Faces
8. Aaron and Jack play at Wall Drug
9. Mom gives the People’s Eyebrow
10. FREE ICE WATER!
11. Aaron’s birthday party!
12. Mel and Parry
13. Aaron attempts to eat his cake
14. Parry and Mel
15. Scary snakes the Badlands
16. Mom sees something




1 – 13 Camping at Deer Creek
14 – 16 Aaron’s birthday present…a Twins game

Freedom

Sunday's sermon - Galatians 5:1, 13-25

It’s no secret that we’re approaching a big national holiday, the 4th of July. There are bound to be gatherings and fireworks, but I’d like to take the next few minutes to talk about a word all of us often use without thinking about the true meaning. The word I’m referring to is freedom. Take 30 seconds or so to think about what this word means. Also think about this question: What is absolute freedom?

My first impulse is to negatively define freedom. My first thoughts are absolute freedom is freedom from tyranny, from being told what to do, freedom from my car payment and student loans would be true freedom, and of course I’d be free to do whatever I want. Absolute freedom would mean that I am free from all laws imposed on me by the U.S. government and I would not be indebted to anyone or anything.

These thoughts of absolute freedoms are incredibly individualistic, selfish and negative. I essentially asserted that freedom from everything defines freedom.

I’d like to offer another way to look at freedom, that is, freedom to. In this case, freedom is defined by what it is instead of what it is not. I am free to worship this Sunday. I am free to live in the covenant of marriage and I am free to gather with my friends on Tuesday night for a fireworks display.

When defining freedom as “freedom to” the connotation changes. Instead of choosing something over another, becoming bondage, or something that impedes my freedom, the opportunity to live into a choice becomes freedom. Freedom is the freedom to act, the freedom to live and freedom to love. The definition changes drastically.

In 1 Kings, Galatians and Luke all the folks that were called to follow were free to follow. In the letter to the Galatians Paul certainly understands freedom when he writes; “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery… You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

“Freedom to” is the lens with which Paul is writing.

Craig Koester puts it, “According to Paul, true freedom is precisely the foundation for community, because it means freedom from sin as well as from law. Community is destroyed not by freedom, but by bondage to the desires of the flesh. True freedom is produced by the Holy Spirit; it is expressed in love for the neighbor and in the joy, peace, patience [and so on] which build up the community. Such love is impossible precisely for those held captive by the flesh.”

True freedom is only found in, and given by, God. The expression of our true freedom is in living a life where we love our neighbor as ourselves. It’s not a duty to be discharged or another law from on high – it is true freedom to love your neighbor as yourself.

One who knew freedom in Christ in such a deep and real way was Archbishop Oscar Romero. Romero was the bishop of El Salvador, a small country in Central America. He began ministry as one with conservative social and doctrinal leanings. About the time he became bishop, El Salvador saw escalating violence from death-squads against union organizers, striking workers and human rights activists.

Romero was deeply affected by the murder of his friend and colleague, Rutilio Grande, who was murdered with a young boy and an old man who were on their way to vote. In response to this murder Romero held a mass at San Salvador Cathedral where mass was celebrated with over 100 priests. It became clear that Romero had heard God calling him to love his neighbors as himself as he became a voice for the Salvadoran peasants.

As Romero lived into loving his poor neighbors as himself, brutal violence continued to escalate, 4 priests and hundreds of church workers were assassinated. Romero himself was assassinated for his words and actions on behalf of his neighbors. Two weeks before his assassination Romero stated, "If they kill me, I shall arise in the Salvadoran people." Romero also was compelled to speak directly to soldiers and policemen saying, “Brothers, you are from the same people; you kill your fellow peasants…no soldier is obliged to obey an order that is contrary to the will of God…In the name of God, in the name of this suffering people, I ask you – I implore you – I command you in the name of God: stop the repression!” The next evening, while presiding at a funeral mass, Romero was murdered as he held the cup for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Today Romero’s memory, generosity and love for his neighbor continue to live in the Salvadoran people and many throughout the world. He was a man freed by the gospel for the sake of loving his neighbor unto death.

You and I might never love our neighbor unto death, but rest assured that we are free to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is only in the freedom of the risen Lord that we truly are free and we will only ever love our neighbor as ourselves as an expression of the perfect love of God in Christ.

Reunion

Saturday the Matson’s will gather for the annual family reunion in Volga, SD. After loosing so Grandpa, his brother, his sister and his sister-in-law I’m left in awe of the repeated message at Grandpa’s funeral just a week ago, "We need to get together to laugh instead of cry" although I’m sure tears will be shed. We’re supposed to be gathering to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary of Anne and Charles – we will be celebrating them, but instead of their lives we’ll gather to celebrate their lives as well as the lives of Donald and Grandpa. We’ll also celebrate family with joy and sorrow entangled.

Aaron and I are processing and grieving the best way we know how. Somehow we both learned the same coping method – comfort food. We’ve eaten at Jimmy John’s, Panera, Q’Doba, Old Chicago and the list continues. Sunday night we decided to get away from our house…we ran all the way to a suite at the Holiday Inn 2 miles away. We filled our evening with food and drink from the spectacular Hyvee and a few hours in the pool. Monday we put off coming home by going to see Ocean’s 13. Grieving sucks, it really does, but we’re doing it and loving on each other as our way through it.

Tomorrow night we get to spend the night at Uncle Scott and Aunt Jan’s in Volga, I told Aaron that I need to be around his family, I didn’t care if he wanted to stay in Sioux Falls, but I wanted to hang at Scott and Jan’s with all the four cousins (‘cause Aunt Shirley and maybe Uncle Joe will be there too) before the reunion. It’s a time to be together, it’s a time for love, family and faith.

Grandpa Matson's Eulogy

A month ago we were gathered in this place to celebrate Grandpa Arnie’s 80th birthday. Today we gather in praise and thanksgiving for the fun, food, faith and family that Shirley identified as central to his life. His last day was filled with these four central ingredients at Audra and Jake’s wedding. When I married Aaron, Grandpa’s grandson, Grandpa must have clinked his silverware on his glass to get us to kiss somewhere close to 50 times. During my sister-in-law, Amber’s wedding to Tyler Grandpa received a set of plastic utensils to eat with to cut down on the clinking, but as you can imagine this didn’t stop Grandpa. To make sure Grandpa had something to clink at the reception this Saturday Tyler snuck in Jake’s SDSU cowbell for Grandpa.

Of course a clinking cowbell is just a clinking cowbell without his distinctive laugh. On a memory note card Nicole wrote, “When I think of my Grandpa Arnie I always think of his laugh. If you have every heard it, you know what I am talking about. His laugh comes from his toes, it comes from his soul, and you can’t fake that one. It is the sound of complete happiness.”

Grandpa found complete happiness when the love of his life, Lorraine, heard his laugh from across the room. She was determined to find out where that wonderful laugh came from. Arnie and Lorraine were married for 44 years and had 6 incredible children. Their children have written many memories about their parents for various wedding anniversaries and birthdays. On a memory card Steve wrote, “I remember Dad and Mom and the excitement surrounding their trip to Norway. I remember dad thinking Mom would leave her purse somewhere along the trip.” Lowell wrote, “I remember the love you showed to our mother, your wife. The tears we shed when she left this world. She was the force and you were her strength.” Also thinking about her parents, Loretta wrote, “Dad loved mom with all his heart and soul and I know he still misses her a lot even though it has been almost 15 years since she went to meet her maker. His example of loving a spouse is one I have also followed and love my husband with all my heart and soul.”

Teaching love by loving is something that naturally flowed out of grandpa. After loosing Lorraine he began doing the things she used to do out of love for the family. He made lefsa by the dozens for us even though he didn’t like it. Everything he did was a labor of love. Scott wrote, “There are lots of happy memories of dad helping me with all of my ‘honey-do’ projects. Dad is my right and left hand man.” He did the small things big. Every year he’d say we’ve got to cut back on the garden this year and inevitably he’d plant more than the year before because if one is good more is better.

And a big part of our family life is faith. One weekend when Grandpa was still farming Loren remembers enormous amounts of snow. Apparently the snow piles were almost as high as the tractor grandpa used to move them, but he moved mountains to get his family to church, because that’s just what you do.

Faith was more than attending worship – faith is a gift that God has richly blessed this family with. In April grandpa was in a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of his brother Donald, sister Ann and brother-in-law Charles. He struggled a great deal with these losses but he also found comfort in the promises of Christ. Today we trust deeply in those promises, the promises grandpa knew deeply, loved dearly and passed on to us.

In the freedom of the promises that we are God’s children we go on with the values grandpa embedded in us - food, fun, family and faith – as well as the desire to not throw anything out and the enjoyment of a thrilling game of Rook.

Also embedded in us are Grandpa Arnie’s love for children and his favorite sayings. How many times have you heard, “You know why you lost those teeth, you’ve been kissing to many boys.”

In closing I’d like to share a story from earlier this week. 4-year-old Luke was getting ready to leave Grandpa’s house. Luke ran up to Grandpa, jumped on his lap and gave Grandpa a big goodbye hug. Then, all of a sudden, Luke reached out grabbed Grandpa’s nose and said, “I got your nose” as Grandpa laughed his big Grandpa Arnie laugh.

Grandpa's obituary is available at Eidsness Funeral Home.

Introducing Mr and Mrs Jake and Audra DeGroot

Grandpa

Saturday was a day of great joy - Audra and Jake got married! Love and joy filled the day. Sunday Aaron and I got the call that Grandpa Arnie died in his sleep. Back in May we celebrated his 80th birthday. During the birthday party Aunt Shirley noted Grandpa Arnie’s 4 F’s – food, fun, faith and family. On the date of his passing Audra and I noted that his last full day was full of all 4 F’s. Saturday was a day for the entire Matson clan to celebrate with Jake and Audra’s wedding. As far as we know his passing was free of pain and suffering. No one predicted that Saturday was his last day with us, but what a day it was! It was a day of celebration for Audra and Jake filled with all the virtues he taught his children and his children taught their children. Grandpa Arnie is missed, but Grandpa Arnie has filled his family with the life giving faith that will sustain through his passing. All who have heard his laugh, all who have eaten the lefsa and all who have been privileged enough to embraced Grandpa Arnie have been blessed. May God continue to bless his family and all who have encountered the faithful man of God.

The wedding photographer blogged a few pics of Grandpa at AC Ellis Photography

East Coast

This past week I traveled to Washington DC for two conferences, Pentecost 2007 with Sojourners and Call to Renewal as well as Bread for the World. I also made it to NYC, VA and MD.



Famous places
1. White House
2. National City Christian Church
3. March to Congress from #2
4. Smithsonian sculpture
5. Congress
6. & 8. Washington Monument
7. & 9. Lincoln Monument



Here are some of the folks I saw during my stay.
1. John Edwards
2. & 3. John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Jim Wallis & Barack Obama
4. Barack Obama
5. Hillary Clinton
6. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
7. Rep. John Lewis
8. Shane Claiborne
9. Harold Ford. Jr., Chair of the Democratic Leadership Council


On my last night Steph took me to Solomon's Island, MD for crab. The boat we're standing next to caught the crab we ate for dinner.