A non-quotidian existence

The rules

2010-03-15T13:50:00.004-07:00

If you know Yuma, Arizona at all you know it's home to thousands of retiree's (snowbirds) during the winter months. Including my Mom.

We're visiting her for a few days in her 55 and older retirement park. Here's the sign that greeted us on the way to the pool.

Singer/Songwriter Jenna

2010-03-02T13:16:00.002-07:00

Another Rhett and Link Video

2010-02-24T07:42:00.001-07:00

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

2010-02-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

Imaginary Jesus

2010-02-05T09:53:00.002-07:00

Thanks to my good friend Matt Mikalatos and the people at Tyndale publishing I got my grubby little hands on an unedited version of Matt's new book called Imaginary Jesus. There's now easy way to say it, so I'll just say it....I liked it :)

It's a partially true story of the Matt's interaction with his imaginary Jesus's as they race across Portland Oregon and through time. There's a talking donkey and the rugged apostle Peter to keep him company in his quest to find the real Jesus.

I know Matt fairly well, so I know that he's wicked smart and slightly crazy, thus my expectations were set for a ruckus of a good time. Imaginary Jesus did not disappoint. Hilarious at times and deeply moving at times, I found my own wrong perceptions of Jesus challenged. This book taught me theology in way that helped it stick. I heartily recommend this book when it releases this spring.

Pressure

2010-01-24T13:11:00.002-07:00

I'm getting all this pressure to update this blog...and be funny.

I can't handle it. Aaaahhhhhh!!!

The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

2010-01-05T14:24:00.004-07:00

The Sweet By and By is the story of Jade’s life. She’s a young woman who has a one-eyed, faithful dog, owns a Vintage shop called the Blue Umbrella, has a broken family which has left many scars in her life and soul and is engaged to a wonderful man named Max. Jade and Max decided to leave the past in the past and only move forward into the future together. As the wedding day approaches the past and all the wounds that have been there begin to come to light. In the midst of it all God meets Jade and it begins a new story of redemption and freedom.

Overall I enjoyed this novel and plan on loaning it to others to read. Although I can’t imagine my husband picking it up to read. I found at times that I related so much to Jade and some of her past experiences, fears and desire to leave the past in the past. As a result of working with college students even if I didn’t relate I felt like I have met many people who could. It did a great job of developing the story of Jade’s life, her relationship or lack thereof with her family and the past relationship that broke her heart. It was sweet to see how God pursued Jade throughout her life even though Jade was not willing to see it until the end of the story. The ending seemed a little “too good to be true” but overall I enjoyed the story, how bringing her past to light and inviting God into her life brought healing, freedom and the ability to truly walk ahead into the future.

Please note: This review was written by Jody McComas

The Necky -hahahahaha!!!

2009-12-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Santa Sighting

2009-12-13T09:19:00.001-07:00

Santa Sighting
Originally uploaded by mmccomas01

We got a new camera yesterday. Here's my favorite photo so far.

one chance in life

2009-11-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

Face-Off With a Deadly Predator

2009-11-16T22:25:00.001-07:00

The Hole in the Gospel - Review

2009-11-09T16:50:00.004-07:00

Join the bigger story of the whole Gospel! It's waiting for you.

Richard Stearn's book The Hole in the Gospel is a convicting, intense look at the state of the western church. Stearns gives a powerful argument that ought to revamp our understanding of what it means to follow Christ and represent Him to a broken world.

Backing his thoughts with some powerful statistics like the fact that if you make more than 25K a year you're richer than 90% of the worlds population, Stearns makes it well known his belief that the world will not hear our message of Jesus Christ if we don't balance proclamation with demonstration.

This book is a bit long, challenging, intense, and almost overwhelming. At times I wanted to set it down and give up because of how bad everything seems. Other times I was moved to tears and torn up inside about my priorities in life. I believe that the themes in this book must be dealt with, not just in the American church, but in my own life. This book has changed my perspective of what I'm calling people to as I ask them to follow Christ

Bottomline...I recommend it. It's a tad bit long and it could've been about 3 different books, but it's a great place to start the conversation on these themes. If you want to understand the brokennes of the world and how we as followers of Christ can have a part in fixing it, this book is for you.

A Million Mile in a Thousand Years - Review

2009-09-30T05:39:00.003-07:00

This book is good!

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is the best book by Donald Miller since Blue Like Jazz. This book is an easy read and I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times and then reading sections to my wife. I can still picture his roommate Jordan getting pulled around the snowy streets of Portland, Oregon in a kayak and running into a tree.

In this book Donald Miller is awakened from a slump in his life by the chance to edit his own life for a movie. The process leads him into a greater understanding of what makes a life great and worth living. We follow Donald on his adventures hiking Machu Picchu as well as meeting his Dad, who he hasn't seen since childhood. Through these events Donald is forced into greater appreciation of how God wants to shape his story into something great.

This book challenges the current status of life. It’s honest, challenging, thought provoking, hilarious, inspiring and moving. I loved it. You’ll want to go out and ride your bike across America or dig wells for clean water in Africa after reading this. Donald Miller has grown up and I recommend reading this book.

This is a where we're moving this spring!

2009-09-12T18:34:00.001-07:00

Apparently in this video it never rains in Portland. Oh well, it looks nice. Wanna join us in Portland next year!

Pure awesome

2009-08-23T19:52:00.004-07:00

Look how awesome my wife is.

MAtrix Ping Pong

2009-08-16T12:47:00.001-07:00

Use this for a metaphor on working as a team.

Ridge Run

2009-08-16T11:42:00.003-07:00

The crazies were out running the 20+ mile Bridger Ridge Run yesterday. We have some of the most hardcore people in the world living in this town. Photo by Erik Peterson of the Bozeman Chronicle.

Another thing for me to do on the interweb

2009-08-15T11:57:00.003-07:00

I started another blog over here. It's exactly what it says it is. I'll be posting specific leadership thoughts I'm digesting and insight into leveraging technology to help fulfill the Great Commission.

Flutter: The New Twitter

2009-08-02T07:12:00.001-07:00

Christianity and the Culture

2009-07-31T13:17:00.002-07:00

Some crazy stuff is going on as the Church interacts with the city of Portland. Read the article in the USA today from a few weeks ago.

And then watch this clip from a Portland city council meeting.

How Technology is changing the world

2009-07-25T09:48:00.001-07:00

The voice of God

2009-07-24T13:13:00.002-07:00

I saw this in person today at our National staff conference. Except the voice over was live from Tim McKenzie without notes...all memorized.

Challenge your thinking

2009-07-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Robert Murray McCheyne on giving and the poor

Now, dear Christians, some of you pray night and day to be branches of the true vine; you pray to be made all over in the image of Christ. If so, you must be like him in giving. A branch bears the same kind of fruit as the tree…An old divine says well: “what would have become of us if Christ has been as saving of his blood as some men are of their money?”

Objection 1. “My money is my own” Answer: Christ might have said, “my blood is my own, my life is my own”…than were should we have been?

Objection 2. “The poor are undeserving.” Answer: Christ might have said the same thing. “They are wicked rebels against my father’s law: shall I lay down my life for these? I will give to the good angels.” But no, He left the ninety-nine, and came after the lost. He gave His blood for the undeserving.

Objection 3. “The poor may abuse it.” Answer: Christ might have said the same; yea, with far greater truth. Christ knew that thousands would trample His blood under their feet; that most would despise it…yet He gave His own blood.

Oh, my dear Christians! If you would be like Christ, give much, give often, give freely, to the vile and the poor, the thankless and the undeserving. Christ is glorious and happy and so will you be. It is not your money I want, but your happiness. Remember His own word: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843) Sermon 82.

Priority List

2009-06-29T15:13:00.002-07:00

Hilarity!!!

Please note the typo in priority #3

Read more here in deadspin.

Love is an Orientation - Book Review

2009-06-11T13:55:00.006-07:00

“Every stereotype can be broken with a face, and every face has a story. Even leaders in both the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GBLT) and the Christian community tell me they know that something needs to change -- but nothing is changing because we’ve all been conditioned to dig in and fight. So where are we to go from here?”
-Andrew Marin Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community

In his book Love is an Orientation, Andrew Marin takes us along with him on his immersion into the gay neighborhood “Boystown” in Chicago. Examining the current reality of the relationship (or lack thereof) between the Christian community and the GBLT community Marin seeks to build bridges between the two camps. Marin teaches from his experiences in the gay community in a way that is both thought provoking and entertaining. If you’re looking to find scientific answers to the “gay-gene” question, you’re gonna be out of luck here. But if you’re looking for helpful insight into the lives of gay men and women, along practical tools to authentically reflect the love of Christ to those you encounter (even in church..surprise!) this is a great place to start. Be warned this book will challenge your thinking and force yourself to question how you view people. Do you really love people as God does them? Remember God made them.

Although sometimes a bit theologically messy and seemingly unorganized, Love is an Orientation did a great job of resourcing me in my ability to relate to, understand and overcome the issues surrounding the Gay/Faith culture wars. The ultimate goal being that my interaction with gays men and women would be a “wonderful opportunity to prove my faith by reclaiming the word love as I tangibly live out all I believe in Christ.”

Andrew Marin's blog
The Marin Foundation

Summer Reading

2009-05-31T07:44:00.004-07:00

I try to read way to many books in the summertime. Here's what I've read so far, what I'm reading now and what looms on the horizon.

Read:
The Principle of the Path - Andy Stanley
Did a review here
Silos, Politic and Turf Wars - Partick Lencioni
I love Lencioni's stuff. I read this in one 3-hour sitting.
Three bags full: A Sheep Detective Story - Leonie Swann This is the one fiction book I've read so far. This book is like nothing I've ever read. It took me a while to get into it, but after a while I couldn't put it down. Entertaining

Reading:
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller
Really good apologetic book. I'm about 100 pages in. I have to read this one a little slow to make sure I digest it, but so far it's one of the best apologetic books I've ever read.
Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community - Andrew Marin
Very interesting so far. Andrew Marin has quite the stories of his interaction with the Gay community and helping them get a taste of who God is. Very challenging. I'll do a review of this one when I'm finished
I Samuel - Dale Ralph Davis
I think I've mentioned Davis's commentaries before, but let me just say it again. They are amazing. Get one.

Hoping to read:
When People are Big and God is Small - Welch
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands - Paul Tripp
More than Me - Jim Peterson

Bozeman Police Reports - May 28, 2009

2009-05-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

* A caller wanted information about a duck rescue that occurred Friday or Saturday on Durston Road.

* A man tried to pay his bill with a “ridiculously fake $100 bill” at an establishment on East Main Street. The bill was later determined to be genuine.

* A farmer was injured after a bull sat on him around 2:30 p.m.

Jonah talk

2009-05-27T12:49:00.003-07:00

I just dumped a talk I did at CRU this spring into Wordle.net. It highlights words based on the number of time I used them....and makes it cool looking. Kind of interesting.

Need Caption Please

2009-05-17T19:54:00.002-07:00

I need a caption for this picture. This is Jenna on the left and her friend Lira on the right. The winner will get a prize...or at least my appreciation

Update: Jenna is still cute

2009-05-17T19:51:00.004-07:00

This is mostly for my sister and brother-in-law in Scotland.

1976 'Swine Flu' Public Service Announcements

2009-05-01T17:10:00.001-07:00

The Principle of the Path - Andy Stanley

2009-04-28T18:28:00.006-07:00

With honesty, humility and humor, Andy Stanley helps us connect our thinking to the direction we set for our lives. In The Principle of the Path a relatively short and easy to read book he tackles the complex issues of decision making and life direction and clarifies it for us in a way that is both accessible and motivating. The major theme of the book is the well packaged phrase “Direction -- not intention -- determines our destination.” The basic idea is that often we (basically smart people) end up far from where we intended to be originally. Andy suggests that we tend to make a lot of little decisions that end up placing us on the wrong path headed in the wrong decision. Our direction, not our good intentions, determines our destination.

I read this book while doing some traveling on a plane, and I was a little bit embarrassed by the “self help” look of the cover and title, but The Principle of the Path has helped me slow down from my harried pace and reflect on the parts of my life that need to be adjusted. The parts that if I don’t adjust are going to cause me to end up at a very different destination than I intended. The principles in this book apply to all parts of life; relationship, health, parenting, marriage, work, church and more.

The Principle of the Path would be a insightful and challenging book for someone who needs to reevaluate the direction their life is headed. But, if what you want is a straight up leadership book then I recommend Andy’s The Next Generation Leader for a more helpful read before jumping to this one.

Nick Thune

2009-04-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

If you think this is funny you're in your late 20's early 30's. This is courtesy of Donald Miller's blog.

It's her birthday!!!

2009-04-15T09:26:00.007-07:00

Here is a post that I wrote about Jody (my wife) to celebrate her birthday 3 years ago.

Today (technically 1.5 hours from now) is her birthday again. A few years older, wiser and even more beautiful!

Jody, today we celebrate you! We revel in the fact that you are uniquely handcrafted by God. You are lovely!

Happy Birthday my dear!

How to get free books

2009-04-09T06:21:00.002-07:00

My first free book is on it's way to me thanks to this post by Matt Mikalatos. All I had to do is swear on my life that I would write a 200 word review and post it on my blog and a retail site like Amazon.com.

I ordered a copy of Andy Stanley new book, The Principle of the Path.

I think Andy Stanley is a brilliant spiritual leader, so I'm excited to read this book. I'll let you know when I'm done.

Fast Food Folk Song (at the Taco Bell Drive-Thru)

2009-04-08T14:42:00.001-07:00

That's what she said.

2009-04-04T06:34:00.003-07:00

I'm on Dad patrol this weekend while Jody speaks at our womens retreat up in Big Sky. Last night I was getting Jenna ready for bed and this interaction took place. Keep in mind she's only a little over two years old.

Me: Which pj's do you want to wear tonight?

Jenna (admiring the options within the drawer): ummmm....striped ones!!!

Me: ok

Jenna (holds pj's up, inspect them and declares her thought): That's a good option!

Adoption?

2009-03-29T13:13:00.004-07:00

After last nights info session with Christian World Adoption at church we're getting more serious about adoption.

This morning we asked Jenna if she wants a brother or a sister

Jenna: Brother! No...Sister! Both! I want brother and sister!!!

Made my Saturday

2009-03-21T20:10:00.003-07:00

If you didn't know that I'm a rabid Gonzaga fan you should be ashamed of yourself.
They advanced to the sweet sixteen tonight with this win over Western Kentucky. I don't care if the rest of my bracket is busted. Tonight I can go to bed happy.

Jennas walk

2009-03-21T11:23:00.003-07:00

Jenna's Walk from Matt McComas on Vimeo.

St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T10:17:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patricks day from the McComas clan.

Enjoy some corned beef and cabbage today!

Bozeman Police Reports March 9, 2009

2009-03-12T14:18:00.001-07:00

This was actually in the Police reports the other day

-An accidental 911 call was received and upon follow up, the man who had called said “his butt dialed.”

You can also now follow the police report on twitter here

I live in Antartica

2009-03-10T20:17:00.004-07:00

What does a guy got to do to get some warm weather around here?

Last night I actually thought to myself as I walked back to my car at 10 pm with the wind swirling across the frozen tundra and my nose hairs freezing, "this must be what it's like to live in the arctic circle."

Ok, I live in Montana, but Spring break for students at MSU starts on friday!

I'm just saying, that even though our calenders say it's spring break and it's almost officially spring it's still arctic tundra time in Montana. It was -14 last night, not including the windchill.

Shorts and flip flops might have to wait till after spring break.

A pick me up for when you're blue

2009-03-06T19:07:00.003-07:00

I first heard this a couple of years ago and it resurfaced in our staff meeting today.

It's an audio recording of a guy from Texas leaving a phone message and witnessing a car wreck. Check it out here.

Bozeman Blast

2009-03-05T12:58:00.004-07:00

This morning Bozeman was rocked by an explosion downtown. I drove by the area on the way to campus this morning to get a closer look at the fire and destruction. Needless to say, this type of stuff doesn't happen everyday in Bozeman.

On a sobering note our next door neighbor plays in a local band and three of his fellow band members live in the taller building in this picture and 2 of them are unaccounted for.

Update: Our neighbors friends are ok. Only one person missing still.

Square root day!

2009-03-03T15:03:00.004-07:00

Don't forget to celebrate Square Root day today. Today is the day when both the day of the month and the month are the square root of the last two digits of the year.

The history of Square Root Day is long and varied and goes back all the way to 9/9/81. That's what Wikipedia said anyway, and I didn't want to do any math...so there.

Celebration options:
-cut some vegetable roots into squares
-bake a cake in the shape of a square root

The Gospel

2009-02-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

This is from Donald Miller's blog. Read the whole post here.

American invention

2009-02-26T21:10:00.003-07:00

This item was highlighted on the Jon Stewart show last night. As Jon said, "for those of you who want to have a heartattack, but are to lazy to cook some bacon."

Leadership Model clarification

2009-02-23T19:40:00.002-07:00

If you've been around Campus Crusade you'll at least recognize some of the terms on the Leadership model. When you're new staff you're supposed to have a working understanding of it. Check out this post by Brian Barela helping to clarify some things that might help new staff and at least one old one...me!

This was super helpful and encouraging when I think about how I'm wired and how my giftings and passions can be used for the Kingdom.

Bozeman Police Reports: Monday February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T17:00:00.003-07:00

I'm starting a new posting series based on the Bozeman police reports in the local paper. I don't know who does the writing but the amount of details is hilarious. They are too funny to keep to myself. Here's a sampling from today...

-A caller reported her neighbors making loud sounds and yelling, "oh my God." Upon investigation, the occupants of the apartment said they were excited to see an acquaintance on television.

-A report of suspicious activity was made when two males entered a rug shop and told the reporting party that they were male strippers "looking to make some money."

I just met Alec Baldwin...kind of

2009-02-10T21:24:00.004-07:00

What follows is my recent Facebook chat with our friend John who works at Saturday Night Live in New York City.

8:39 John
I'm still at work...ugh
8:39pmMatt
which work?
8:39pmJohn
SNL
and the new Jimmy Fallon show
8:40pmMatt
say hi to the Jimster for me
8:40pmJohn
okay
he's a very nice guy
8:40pmMatt
you live on a different planet than me
I'm sure of it

9:14pmMatt
Jody says hi
9:16pmJohn
hi Jody

Alec Baldwin is standing over my shoulder

I'm explaining Facebook to him

LOL Alec officially says hi to you guys

9:18pmMatt
tell him we think he's great on 30 rock

9:18pmJohn
he just left...but you just indirectly met Alec Baldwin

9:18pmMatt
yes, my life is complete

9:19pmJohn
nobody will believe you...

Death by Meeting - A quick review

2009-02-10T14:47:00.002-07:00

I just finished Patrick Lencioni's book Death by Meeting.

It's a quick read and if you've read any of Lencioni's books you know that they are fun to read. The term Lencioni uses to describe them is "Leadership fables". Anyway, this book was interesting, funny and challenged my thinking about how the tone of our "corporate" meetings influence the rest of our organizations performance, moral and motivation. Staff meetings should be a highlight of your week. Some of the most stimulating and challenging conversations should take place during them. If you lead meetings regularly I highly recommend this book.

Immobile

2009-02-09T12:01:00.002-07:00

I'm currently helping my Chiropractor save up to put his two kids in college.

My lower back has been giving me fits for a number of years now, often seizing up completely in opportune times...like when I was leading a summer project in Croatia last June.

On Saturday morning I went and did some Nordic Skiing with some friends and by nightfall I couldn't really walk, stand up, sit down, or assume the prone position without any pain. I'm not sure what the problem is, but I'm becoming close friends with Dr. Anderson who I will see for the second time today in a few hours.

Back injury has got to be one of the most demoralizing injuries ever. I can't "do" anything. What an interesting reminder that my significance isn't dependent on what I do (or don't do).

So now I lay here in bed waiting for my back to stop yelling at me.

Current Events

2009-01-29T18:00:00.002-07:00

- I'm speaking at CRU next week so I'm trying to figure out what to teach on. Perhaps the story of Jonah chapter 4 and his lack of compassion for people. You know...the call to love what God loves...people!

- I went to the chiropractor for my lower back pain, which since last summer has been like a thorn in my side....or back. Results are TBD.

- The man-challenge outreach is tonight. Truck pulling and jousting will take place along with a couple guys sharing their testimonies and thoughts about what it really means to be a man. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

There's lots more, but for some reason I haven't had a lot of time lately.

Have a great week and make wise life decisions.

The Starfish and the Spider - Book review (short version)

2009-01-25T07:24:00.004-07:00

I just finished this book. Has great implications for how we're doing ministry in our current culture. It tells lots of stories about decentralized (Craig's List, Wikipedia) and centralized companies (Federal government, Music labels), as well as the hybrid company (GE, Ebay). I learned a lot about what a catalyst should be and what empowering people can look like. I heartily recommend it for those that want to be stretched in their paradigms of leadership. Oh, ....and it's fun to read!

no time

2009-01-18T19:06:00.002-07:00

We've become Netflix suscribers....now I have no time to update my blog.

Turning Two

2009-01-07T06:52:00.004-07:00

Jenna, you turn two years old today. I can’t even fathom this reality. I know I’ll probably continue to say that every year on January 7th for the rest of my life, but the fact of the matter is that long gone are the days of an immobile infant. Now the pitter-patter (i.e. stomping) of little feet can be heard from all rooms of our house.

Jenna, you are a two year old who lives life with passion. This truth is one of my favorite things about you. Whether you’re coloring, dancing, laughing, crying, running, bathing, smiling, reading, playing, drinking, or trying to tickle Mommy and Daddy you do it with such determination and intensity. It’s as if your current activity is the most exhilarating thing you’ve ever done. You love life and people, and you have so much fun interacting with both.

I love the way you give “the pound” to everyone. I love the way you dance to the worship music at church. I love the way you recite all of our staff teams’ names. I love that you talk our ears off with a new word every minute. I love the sound of your laugh. I love that you love to be outside exploring your surrounding and politely saying hi to everyone who happens to pass by. I love that when you give me a kiss good night, often it’s not just one kiss but about 20 in rapid succession on my cheek only interrupted as you throw yourself into the crib for the night.

I can’t imagine life without you now…except before the hours of 7 am when you’re up and want to play and watch cartoons. Bet even at those unholy hours, all it takes is the hope of seeing your bright smile and hearing your little giggle to coax me out of bed and to join you for a snuggle on the couch and an episode of Wordworld on PBS.

You’ve changed my life for sure, making it far more complex and yet at the same time far more rich and beautiful than I’d ever imagined. I wouldn’t change it for anything. My prayer is that your third year is filled with even more amazing discoveries, exhilarating learning and laughing, and much joy for you and for me as your Father.

Now let’s go eat some birthday cake with passion.

A New Year!

2009-01-05T14:10:00.003-07:00

Well, my wife is hassling me to update my blog. I guess it's time. The recent delay in posting is mostly due to the reality of a sickness sucking the life out of me.

After spending Christmas with family in Oregon, we drove up the road to Portland for our annual Winter Conference (don't get me started on Oregon's chain restriction policy...it's ridiculous). We had a great time, worked hard and saw the Lord do some pretty neat stuff. In fact the second night 59 students gave their lives to Christ.

We picked up Jenna in Biggs, OR (I'm suprised you've never heard of it) and headed home after the conference. After staying the night with some dear friends in Spokane, which by the way has the more snow than I've ever seen at one time, we finally made it home. Then I made my way to bed and didn't leave the house for almost 72 hours.

Sometimes my life isn't that glamorous.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T12:33:00.003-07:00

Recent events in the McComas household:

-had the alternator replaced in our car
-drove to Oregon almost avoiding storms last friday and saturday
-managed to avoid car wrecks on the rural 97 highway of central Oregon
-watched the Portland storm coverage that was on 24 hours a day
-watched my wife chop some wood yesterday (don't judge me... she wanted to)
-lamented the Gonzaga basketball teams recent losses
-struggled to nurse my dieing computer back to health
-almost cursed the spotty internet connection

Future events...depending on the weather:

-Christmas with family in Prineville
-Watch Jenna go crazy with all her new toys
-drive to Winter conference in Portland
-pray for students who are driving to the conference
-clear the snow out of the gutters and off of the room at the in-laws house
-probably almost curse the spotty internet connection again

Staff Christmas getaway

2008-12-14T20:16:00.006-07:00

Our staff team enjoyed a night stay up in scenic Big Sky, Montana. I love these people. There's not much I wouldn't do for any of them. Be sure and note the way Pete is standing....I'm not sure what that's all about.

Right to Left: Pete Zagorda, Jenna (she's not technically on staff), Me, Thang Pham, Jody, Jennifer Pham, Emily Whipple, Shana Brennan, Reyshawn Bobo, Bob Schwahn (not pictured: Matt and Sarah West, Carmen Schwahn)

Love it or hate it

2008-12-13T08:35:00.005-07:00

Conditions / High / Low (°F) / Precip. %

Today
Dec 13 Snow and Wind 22°/-11° 100 %

Sun
Dec 14 Snow Shower and Wind -4°/-14° 40 %

Mon
Dec 15 Few Snow Showers 5°/-5° 30 %

Tue
Dec 16 Few Snow Showers 13°/1° 30 %

That's right folks...a high of -4 tomorrow!!!

Vision for Ministry

2008-12-05T18:21:00.001-07:00

Vision - Campus Crusade at Montana State University from Matt McComas on Vimeo.

This was a video I helped put together last year to help communicate what we do in our ministry with college students. The guy talking is Bob Schwahn who serves as our director. Check it out.

Mac's are taking over

2008-12-05T13:14:00.003-07:00

This is a graph of Campus Crusade staff and their increased use of Mac's over the past few years. Interesting.

Be careful out there.

2008-12-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

November is over

2008-11-30T19:43:00.004-07:00

My 30 days of November blogging is over today. I think I managed about 24 or 25 days of posting.

Not to shabby.

I can't promise much for December. We'll be on the road for Christmas and have a couple retreats before then. So who knows what the blogging motivation will be like. I may run into some circus performers, nascar racers or other missionaries that I want to tell the world about.

Today we trudged through the wet snow out in the Gallatin National Forest to bag and tag our Christmas tree. It's absolutely not a perfect tree, but I like the natural look. Besides, after it's all done up it looks pretty darn good in our living room. To bad I had to cut a foot and half off of Mr. Tree to fit it under our 9 foot ceiling.

Civil War

2008-11-29T20:25:00.005-07:00

My wife is crying because her Alma Mater (Oregon State University) is being humiliated by the University of Oregon in the annual Civil War football game. I told her, "chin up young lady, your team still gets the most fashionable award with cool hunters orange jerseys."

In other news, we discovered recently that you can watch cable sporting events for free online at stoogetv.com. This website came in handy for Pete Zagorda, who used to live in Croatia.

Advent Conspiracy Promo Video

2008-11-28T17:59:00.001-07:00

This is my anti-black friday video

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T16:30:00.003-07:00

Happing Thanksgiving!

I have a boatload to be thankful for. Including, but not limited to, my sweet wife and crazy little girl, my home, my job, the beautiful view of the Bridger mountains out the back window and of course the Spudzilla 9000 (more to come on this device in the next few days).

Last night, thanks to the History channel, I learned that the so called original Thanksgiving meal in 1621 featured a variety of meats such as turkey, swan, seal, duck, crane and partridge as well as some seafood, including cod, eel, clams and lobster.

Interestingly Cranberry sauce was not on the menu.

Today at our amazing Thanksgiving meal we had two guys from India join us for dinner. We were getting to know Nipun and Rajit when we asked them about the climate in the city they're from and Rajit responded,

"It's...(contemplative pause)

freakin' hot!"

much laughter ensued.

Courage

2008-11-26T13:00:00.002-07:00

-Leadership is not defined by talent. Look for an opportunity to break from the pack and seize it. Those are the moments when leadership is discovered and defined.

-You're afraid. So what? Everybody is afraid. Fear is the common ground of humanity. The question you must wrestle to the ground with is, Will I allow my fear to bind me to mediocrity? If so there is no reason for you to finish this book.

-Don't let how get in the way of pursuing what? Leaders pursue opportunities way before the means and the maps are available. Your industry's unsolved problems are the gateway to the future.

-Leaders don't hide from the truth. The pain of discovery is the first step on the path to change. If you are going to fear anything, fear not know the truth about what's happening around you. In the world of leadership, denial is analogous to receiving the last rites.

-What could be? What should be? Write it down. Hang it on a wall. Broadcast it.

Next Generation Leader - Andy Stanley

Christmas Picture

2008-11-25T13:49:00.003-07:00

I've missed a few days in my "30 days of November blogging" campaign...sorry about that. There is no excuse.

Maybe this will make you feel better. This is our Christmas card picture this year. Many thanks to Elliot Jenko a student at MSU who took our picture and tried to get Jenna to smile.

Jenna got tagged

2008-11-23T10:51:00.005-07:00

Name/Meaning: Jennalynn Grace - God is Gracious

Age: 22.5 months

Nicknames: Jenna Bean, Peanut, Sweet Pea, Crazy

Favorite Activity (ies): Reading, going to the park and swinging, hanging out with our staff team, riding in the bike trailer, talking on the phone and lately pretending to be texting.

Favorite Food: Pizza, cold black beans (I know...weird), crackers, chocolate, cereal and quesadillas.

Least favorite food: anything nutritious especially veggies

Favorite Music: Hip-hop, and bluegrass and her favorite songs is Jesus Loves Me.

Favorite toys: Giant legos, blocks, books, little jungle animals, mommy and daddy's cell phones.

Favorite books: The Jesus Story book Bible (which I highly recomend for your parent out there), Good Night Moon, and Thomas the Train

What makes her happy: Being outside and being around people. Her blanky and seeing her grandparents. Lately her new veggietale movies...she goes craaazzzzy for them.

What makes her sad: I swear she has the spiritual gift of empathy like her mom, because she get's sad when others are sad. Other things include eating (about 90% of the time) and diaper rash. Diaper rash would make me sad too.

Jenna tags: Mckenzie, Lucy, Rosie, Z & A, Nathan

Friday night

2008-11-21T19:22:00.002-07:00

It's 7:23 on a friday night and I'm ready for bed. I feel like I could go to sleep for 12 hours.

In other news, tomorrow is the 108th Cat-Griz game.

Winter Conference 08 - The Office Promo

2008-11-20T14:50:00.001-07:00

If you're a fan of The Office you'll know how perfect this video is. These are our students in action.

November Posting

2008-11-19T09:55:00.003-07:00

I've beening doing decently well with my effort to blog every day during the month of November. I've missed a few days but added an extra post the following day to make up for my apathy.

What's interesting about this November blogging campaign is that it's a little like exercising your brain. It takes some work to think and then blog and finally make your posts sound legible. It's exercise for your creativity muscle...although sometimes I'm more creative than others. For example, I woke up at 4:15 this morning and couldn't fall back asleep...thus I'm not feeling very creative.

My point is what if all Americans (or followers of Christ, for that matter) stopped watching reality tv and began to exercise our brains and begin to be creative and innovative? I'm guilty as the rest of of them, but what if we began to create instead of being consumers all the time?

Or maybe I should take a mid-morning nap.

Props to this guy for being creative.

Everything is amazing and nobody is happy

2008-11-18T09:21:00.003-07:00

So true. Beware there is a bad word edited out in this.

Snow Cone Jeep

2008-11-17T16:57:00.003-07:00

I had a friend send me this link today and suggest that CRU purchase it and make the official "CRU SnowCone Jeep." Of course we would have to trademark the phrase.

We could travel around to all the extreme sporting events, ala Redbull, and peddle our sweet snowcone goodness to all willing partakers.

Quantum of Solace

2008-11-16T19:27:00.003-07:00

We were given some Movie bucks for the local cinema a couple months ago and finally got a chance to use them last night. We opted for the new James Bond movie. My official review...it was so-so. One of the coolest things about the movie however, is the scene set in the middle of Siena, Italy during the Palio di Siena horse races, which Jody and I experienced a few years ago.
Anway, it wasn't nearly as good as Casino Royale. The action in the movie wasn't very creative and the sheer volume of it limited the character development. Plot was fairly predictable, yet hard to follow throughout (if that makes sense). It was nice to watch on the big screen, but I'm glad it was free for us.

In a side note, I never buy pop/candy/popcorn at the movies, but after we purchased our tickets we had some extra movie bucks, seven to be exact. I was all excited to buy some popcorn, candy and a couple of diet Cokes. I was midly disapointed when all I could afford with $7 was a large coke and handful of sour patch kids.

22 month old's vocab...or "that's what she said."

2008-11-16T19:23:00.004-07:00

Today Jenna said the word "actually" about 400 times and the phrase "see you later" once.

Lately

2008-11-14T18:46:00.004-07:00

Things I've enjoyed lately, in the following categories:

Internet: Apartment Therapy
A website all about decorating and enjoying your home. I have visions of someday being a cool, hip person with good taste.

Books: The Next Generation Leader, Andy Stanley
See me explanation in previous post.

Entertainment via TV: The current season of The Office; Frontline (PBS)
Question. Why do I schedule my thursday nights around The Office?

Fact: I can't help it, it's my guilty pleasure.

I think Frontline is one of the best TV programs there is...although I've only seen 3 episodes. Get online on watch it, specifically the one about the war in Afghanistan.

Cuisine: Hebrew National Hot Dogs
All beef hotdogs that are soooo tasty.

Outdoor recration: Flyfishing
When I spend time outside right now, there is nothing I'd rather do than go flyfishing. There have been multiple moments over the last few months where I've thought to myself, "this could be a scene from the movie A River Runs Through It." It doesn't hurt that a bunch of scenes were filmed right outside of Bozeman on the Gallatin River.

This "Things I've enjoyed lately" ideas was stolen from Alexis.

International Thanksgiving

2008-11-14T06:51:00.001-07:00

Jody and I are going to have some International students over for Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Any ideas of what to do during that time?

Leadership

2008-11-12T14:44:00.005-07:00

I've been reading this book by Andy Stanley (pastor of North Point church in Atlanta). I highly, highly recommend it for you people out there itching to refine your leadership ability. It has challenged and inspired me, as well as forced me to ask myself serious questions about what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.

Worth every penny of the $15.

training for the 2024 Olympics

2008-11-11T21:24:00.001-07:00

Thoughts from Church this weekend

2008-11-10T13:14:00.002-07:00

Big Idea: We want our lives to matter, to leave a mark. This God-given hunger for significance is squandered through an unexamined life. Intentional alignment increases our chance to be part of a noble endeavor greater than we could produce individually

-Recognize opportunities for significance
-Align my world to those opportunities
-Make sure I'm involved in somthing bigger than me

"Greater things than I have done will you do..." Jesus

-Regret is often the unsettling awareness that we paid too high a price for something worth too little. Greatness is measured not only by the size of the accomplishment but the sacrifices made to achieve it. Too many people just window shop.

Thanks Pastor Derry.

Water

2008-11-09T15:20:00.002-07:00

Check out the pictures of the water situation in various parts of Africa. The reality of it is tough to take.

Surrogate Sharers

2008-11-08T08:54:00.004-07:00

Here at the NQE Blog we like to provide practical tools for daily living. For all you college students out there who need to tell their parents you're changing your major...check this out.

30 days of posting down the tubes

2008-11-07T15:08:00.005-07:00

I can't even post 3 days in a row...how can I expect myself to post 30 days in a row.

Look at it this way, 3 out of 6 ain't bad.

Our annual Fellowship dinner is tonight in which we raise all the funds that directly support the ministry at MSU. It's always a little stressful, but it should be a fun time and hopefully point everyone toward how amazing our Lord is. I wish all of you could be there to get a taste of what we do!

If you're in town, swing by the ski-swap tomorrow and buy some of the stuff I dropped off there today.

Jeff Sharkey Android Developers - CompareEverywhere

2008-11-05T09:58:00.001-07:00

This is genius Jeff Sharkey, a student here at MSU who's been involved with CRU.

30 days of blogging

2008-11-04T07:30:00.001-07:00

I started this 3 days late so it's actually only 27 days of blogging.

GO VOTE!!!

2008-11-04T07:15:00.003-07:00

Get out there and vote people! History is being made.

I voted a couple weeks ago on my handy dandy absentee ballot.

An interesting fact...Montana State University gives all the students the day off from school because of election day. I'm not completely sure why this is. Maybe it's so they can drive back to their towns and vote or maybe it's so they can all sit around and scan internet headlines of the big day.

Anyay, I hope your election day is great one!

99 Balloons

2008-10-28T20:56:00.002-07:00

Matt and Ginny were on Oprah today. Watch out, this will make you cry.

I met Ginny when she came to Bozeman as an exchange student from Alabama....way back in the day, when I was still a student here at MSU. Matt and Ginny just had a little girl a couple of weeks ago named Hazel

Home alone

2008-10-21T09:56:00.011-07:00

From Thursday till Monday of next week I will be home alone as Jody and Jenna fly to Tucson to visit Jody's brother, his wife and new little girl Addison! Congratulations Todd and Crystal!

I, of course, will miss the ladies in my life very much, but being home alone means I've got some planning to do for the "tour de Montana fishing extravaganza."

I must plan my time carefully to allow maximum time of fishing in the most spots. My goal is to fish every major river within 50 miles of Bozeman in 4 days...

Yellowstone River

East Gallatin River

Gallatin River

lower section of the Madison River

and finally the upper section of the Madison River

I know what you might be thinking..."Matt sure is spoiled with all the fly-fishing spots nearby."

I think you might be right.

In case you're wondering...

2008-10-21T09:11:00.003-07:00

...here's my weekly schedule. It's not perfect and not every week stays true to this schedule, but it's gives you an idea of what my week looks like as thirty year old married with one-kid Campus Crusade for Christ staff member.

FYI:
Op's = Operations
D-Group = Discipleship Group (small group Bible study)
WSN = Worldwide Student Network (international ministry)
MPD = Ministry Partner Development (support raising)

Yellowstone

2008-10-12T10:02:00.008-07:00

I forgot to mention a few weekends ago while my sweet Mom was in town we took a trip down the road to the Yellowstone National Park and saw....

a HUGE BEAR!!!!

When it started to attack us I just grabbed it by the ear (which as everyone know immobilizes a bear) and told that huge grizzly who's boss. I then (after realizing you can't reason with a bear), gave it a Chuck Norris like round house kick and for good measure yelled at it saying, "go back to eating your fish and berries bear!!!"

We then visited the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone...not to be confused with the other Grand Canyon. Don't we look good for having just been attacked by a bear?

No animals were injured in the creation of this blog post.

Flip Card Testimonies

2008-10-09T17:28:00.001-07:00

A little something our staff team created for the winter conference last year.

Things I thought I would never have to say

2008-10-07T07:32:00.002-07:00

"Don't lick toilet water off your hands!!!"

The Economic Meltdown Song

2008-10-07T07:31:00.001-07:00

Quick summary of the weekend

2008-10-06T17:07:00.003-07:00

Our Fall Retreat came to a close on Sunday with a whopping 220 students in attendance! By far the largest retreat we've ever had. But it wasn't just about quantity either. As my friend Nick said at the end, "I'd wager this was the best Fall Retreat ever."

I could tell you story after story about how God is at work in students lives preparing them to live a life that is dangerous for for the Kingdom of God. Including one guy who came to the retreat to just check out Christianity and gave his life to Christ. I could also show you pictures from our super-hero dance party (lot's of spandex and capes) and our ridiculous staff hunt water balloon game...but I won't.

One of the highlights was that our big meetings were in the old Union Pacific dining lodge. People used to ride the train in to West Yellowstone, go check out the National park and then come back and eat dinner at this big lodge. It was sweet.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while

2008-10-01T13:17:00.003-07:00

It's been probably the busiest 3 weeks of the year for me. Friday we're headed down to West Yellowstone for our fall retreat. The good news is that probably about 200 students are going with us. The bad news is that we're overflowing our hotel. A good problem to have I guess.

Anyway here's a public service announcement for all you headed to Yellowstone this weekend.

Jesus Is My Friend

2008-09-17T11:50:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine found this video from our "CRU" weekly meeting. Check it out.

My mother-in-law

2008-09-16T20:48:00.004-07:00

This is the transcript of a voicemail message that my wife recieved from my Mother-in-law tonight.
*Please note...I think my Mother-in-law is great.

"Hi There, how are you? Dad and I are on the way home from Bend and we're discussing
the Moon...

Because we can see the moon and it's almost a full moon, it's just bright bright...it's gorgeous.

We were sort of wondering how the moon looks to you tonight. Because we're curious.

I sort of feel like I could just jump up and grab it. It's beautiful.

So anyway, nothing important. Hope you guys are good. Bye"