Day 20

Nov 20th : Day 20

Today I will be thankful that I didn't have the MOST expensive speeding ticket at the courthouse... only the second most.... $220 OUCH! Learned my lesson there! That's a whole week of work right there!

So today was fun.... I decided I didn't want to pay for parking downtown, so I parked in a church parking lot that is free (for members) and there is a sign that says violators will be towed.. well how would they know if I was a violator? So just in case, I put my bible on the passenger seat so they knew I was a christian. The church parking lot is a bit aways from the courthouse, so I thought it would be good to get some exercise in. So I walk.. eh... lets say 7 blocks to the courthouse and go through security and find the room that says "Traffic Court", I go and ask if this is where I need to be, They look at my ticket.... I'M IN THE WRONG BUILDING!!! The building I NEED to be in is, you guessed it... right. next. to. the. church. So by this time I am LATE! I hustle over the the MUNICIPAL courthouse go through THEIR security, find my room and go to check in. She asked my name, I say "Matthew Gerdin, G-E-R-D-I-N. she responds "I don't see your name on here." I hang her my ticket, she says "Today is the 20th.... Your court date is the 21."

What a day! Luckily it wasn't a problem and they were able to do it today instead. WOW!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! I am thankful that my life produces fun stories like that, but also thankful that it doesn't happen... too often.

Thanks for reading.
-M

Day 19 of Thankfulness

November 19 : Day 19

So every morning I take the shuttle from the bottom of the hill up to campus, doing this saved me approximately $250 in a parking pass. The only downside is that I have wake up a little earlier each day (which is very hard to do sometimes). Anyways, it is 8:45 am, the bus is dead because the regular college student is a zombie until at least 9:15 (sometimes later). So on a relatively quiet bus, when one person is talking you can't help but overhear and eavesdrop. So this morning was really cool, because I overheard this guy call one of his friends. From what I could hear, it sounded like he had awaken his friend, to LITERALLY ask him "Do you know where you are going when you die?" WOAH! This guy a few rows behind me was so convicted by the Holy Spirit on the bus this morning that he couldn't wait to witness to a friend! The conversation continued about how Jesus loves him SO much and how much He wants to be in this friends life. Now that is evangelism. We have been talking about evangelising at CRU. for a couple weeks now, and how scary and overwhelming it can be. But this guy on the bus didn't care how scary it was, He had good news and wanted to share it! Ahh I am so thankful for that little moment I was able to encounter this morning at 8:50 on my 15 minute bus ride to school.

Day 18 Thankfulness

November 18th : Day 18

Today I am thankful that the day is almost over... It was a long one. Had a rough day at work. For some reason my back was hurting, spilled a venti drink ALL OVER THE PLACE, wasn't getting the orders right. Thank you Laura for letting me leave early, even if it was only 5 minutes. That was a blessing. Get home and have to do Jazz homework and Calculus. I am thankful for calculus, even if it is kicking my butt. I like math because there is always a right answer. So besides all of that, I am thankful to be sitting in my bed about to go to sleep (after I finish my homework of course) to start another day to be thankful of.

Thankful Day 17

AHHH SHOOT! I missed two days!

This is a lot harder than I thought.

Today, however, I am thankful for my mother!! She helped me fix my bed that was WAY TO HIGH (literally 8 in. from the ceiling -- Thanks Nicole) back to normal size, closer to the ground. THEN, she did all my dishes for me!! What a blessing that was! I have a clean kitchen, a normal bed, and working on cleaning my house... ok ok... room for my party next week!! SO THANKS MOM! YOU ARE THE GREATEST!

Thankfulness (14)

November 14th : Day 14

Today I am thankful for CLEAN LAUNDRY!! Not going to lie, being a guy, a college student, and living alone... my laundry does not get done very often... to much information? Don't judge me! I have febreeze and most of my clothes smell like coffee because of my job anyways. But I did 4 loads of laundry today.. but that probably should have been done in a few more loads..

Day 13 of Being Thankful!

November 13 : Day 13

Today I am thankful for the winter season. The only time you will here me say I love snow is when I am about to sherd it on the slopes! I got my first season pass to copper mountain and winter park today! I will finally be able to put my snowboard to work!! Can't wait till I finally hit the slopes! Next Wednesday is the big day!! SO PUMPED!

Just a trick that I love to do... no big deal.

Thankfulness Number 12

November 12th : Day 12

Today I am thankful that I finished my calculus homework and turned it in ontime, and that I understood... most... of it! Gosh! Calc is kickin my butt and I am really just hoping to finish out this semester strong!

Day 11 of being thankful!!

November 11th : Day 11

OH NO!! I forgot to do one yesterday!!

Today I am thankful that I was let out of work an HOUR AND A HALF early today!! However that only gave me more time to come home and do calculus homework, (which I am not so thankful for). But that's so awesome! Thanks Jeremiah and Blake

Thankfulness Number 9

November 9th : Day 9

Are you kidding me! Its already the 9th of NOVEMBER!! woah! Today I am thankful that I am still able to go over to my parents house, watch cable, mooch off their food, and have good quality time with my family. Its not always easy living alone. All we need to do is get rid of the pesky dog that bits my ankles! Thanks Mom and Dad. It was good to see you Hannah and Gabi. And can't wait for Rachel to get back so we call all spend time together for the holidays!

Thankfulness : Day 8

November 8th : Day 8

AHHHH! The day is almost over, so I better make this quick! Today I was thankful for doing well on my bio exam, having a day of rest, and being able to attend Cru for the second week in a row after a LONG hiatus due to my exhausting work schedule the past couple weeks! Things are starting to look GOOD! Had a GREAT night hanging out at Village Inn with some friends and now its almost midnight and I have work at 6am tomorrow!!!

Thankfulness Day 7

November 7th : Day 7

Today I am so thankful for this BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!! I thought it was November and supposed to be cold! Well not here in Colorado Springs. Today we had a high of 70!

 

In other news, all you people on the east coast... enjoy the snow!

Thankful Day 6

November 6 : Day 6

Today I am thankful for my God, who is all knowing, all powerful, and ultimately has a plan. We all need to know this and support the men and women who were elected tonight. We need to be in prayer for our country, for the generation rising up to be the next leaders of this country.

So happy to participate in my first election.

30 Days of Thankfulness : Day 5

[remember, remember] The Fifth of November : Day 5

So this past week or so I have been thinking a LOT about my summer, and I have been having an overwhelming sense of thankfulness because of it. CSM (Center for Student Missions) was such an amazing opportunity to meet some EXTRAORDINARY people. Not only was I able to work along side 6 other Godly, uplifting and super rad co-workers, I was able to gain insight to working the ins and outs of nonprofits in an urban setting. The men and women who run, coordinate, and dedicate their ENTIRE LIVES to the missions that are running faithfully everyday in the city of Philadelphia are truly inspiring!

(Breauna, Brittany, Amy, Me, John, Katie, Kathleen)

On Saturday after work, I stopped by Whole Foods and then to Barnes and Nobles, next door to check out a book that was just published, recognizing 50 of the most influential nonprofit entrepreneurs in the United States. One of the men profiled is Ray Gant, co-founder of Ray of Hope, a man that I was able to personally meet and work with, and now can call a friend. WOAH!! Can you believe this? I know someone that is in a book? SO COOL! Check out the book! Its called Everyday Heroes : 50 Americans Changing the World One Nonprofit at a Time.

(Photo from Ray's Facebook Page)

I am Thankful for so much of my summer, and how it has extended even to today! Glad I was able to Skype with Amy and Brittany this week, could call Breauna a few weeks ago, and can't wait to hit up John, Kathleen and Katie!

(Workin Hard, or Hardly Workin?)

Thanks: Justin, Kelsey, Nicole, Amy, Brittany, Breauna, John, Kathleen, Katie, Ray, Lorraine, Joanna, Joetta, Michael, Mrs. Chris .... and everyone else I met this summer!! 

Thankfulness Day 4

November 4th : Day 4

I better make this one quick, because I fear that I will fall asleep out of pure EXHAUSTION.

I am not going to write about being thankful about the obvious choice today, being that we got an extra hour of sleep last night, however I am VERY thankful for that.

Today I am thankful for the BREAK I am about to have. I was able to get my shift covered on Tuesday, and after working ALL weekend long, I am now off until FRIDAY! Finally I will have a good rest and get back on track in all of my classes, and get ready to head back to work!

Phew... Glad I made it through that, now off to bed.. and yes, its 7:45 in Colorado Springs right now. GOOD NIGHT

Thankfulness Day 3

November the Third : Day 3

I am thankful for NAPS!! I have been working a lot of EARLY mornings this weekend, and after work it is so nice to shower and just fall asleep on the sofa.

Here is a little montage of how kind and thoughtful my friends and family are to document the many times I have fallen asleep in public....

Shout out to my sister: Rachel, Hannah (Pictured), and Gabi

Road trip from Yorktown, VA to Elizabethtown, PA

 

...

 

 

Thanks Jessie Fields Forrider... It was a LONG day of DayCamp

 

more DayCamp...

 

and more DayCamp........

I Promise I did more than just SLEEP while I worked at Beulah Beach

 

 

Napping in the Park on the 4th of July... Skipping the Parade!

 

It was a good book!! Just a long day! Thanks Kathleen.....

 

 

Not gunna lie... I look pretty good in these. But, for real, I love to nap!

Day 2 : 30 Days of Thankfulness

November 2nd : Day 2

Today I could have had a lot to be "unthankful" for. I had to wake up at 4:45 AM for work this morning, and worked an extremely LONG shift. 5:30am-2:00pm. BUT I am SOOO thankful to have such an AMAZING job, working at Starbucks. After spending 5 months last year searching for some sort of employment, It's such a blessing to finally have one. So an 8 hour shift with a bunch of super cool Barista's... it's alright with me!

30 Days of Thankfulness

November 1st: Day 1

Today I am thankful for the people and relationships I have made in my life. Knowing for certain that I have people in my life who will be there for me, challenge me, and truly care about me. Thank you Grace Manning for this challenge! Its so important to consciously make an effort to find things in your life to be thankful for, because far to often we take our blessed lives for granted.

This November, I challenge you to find one part of your day that makes you thankful, and share it for everyone to see!

Happy November!

Art On A Budget (DIY): Geometric Art

 

After recently rearranging my house, I found myself with a HUGE empty wall that needed something to fill the void, and without breaking the bank. My solution was simple, creating my own work of art of my living room.

Its SO simple, Here is what you need:

• Canvas (however many you would like, I chose 4 small ones) ............. 5 for $20 (Michael's)
• Paint (2 or more colors) ......................................................................... $2.94 ea. (Home Depot)
• Tape ........................................................................................................ $2.97 (Home Depot)
• Brushes ................................................................................................ Found them laying around

1. I began by getting all of my supplies ready. Put out a sheet for the mess, got my paint, tape, and brushes out and ready to go. I put all 4 canvas next to each other like it would be on the wall so the lines stayed consistent.

I went to Home Depot to buy my paint, because you can get sample paints for very inexpensive, and when at the paint department you have a wide variety of colors to choose from.

Tape

Paint Brushes (and bird poop)

2. Step two, begin to tape your geometrical lines. This has no particular flow or design. The lines are random and whichever shape you happen to create is the art about it. If working with multiple canvas, like this, be sure that the canvas stay together to avoid inconsistencies.

3. Now you begin to paint. I started with one color. When painting you have discretion to how much of one color you would like to paint, whether that be half and half with your colors, or like I did, and paint most of the smaller shapes one color (blue) while making the other color be more predominant (green).

Now begin painting the rest of the open shapes the other color.

4. REMOVE THE TAPE! Well wait a minute, let it dry first because you do not want to be removing the tape with the paint is still wet because it WILL leak onto the white lines.

When you are removing the tape, try your best and retrace your taping steps backwards so you are getting the last ones (which are on top) first.

The best part of removing tape is the big wad of tape at the end! 

 Now you get to hang up your work of art!! BE SURE ITS EVEN! Now you can sit back and enjoy the work of art you made for about $30 bucks

(llama)

A Balancing Act

In lieu of the Olympic starting up, I title this blog “A BalancingAct”. Not because as a City Host we do back flips off a 4 inch beam, but becausewe are forced to balance our life here as hosts making hard decisions on thefly, as well as our personal lives back at home. And as many have probably heard,my great state of Colorado has not been doing so well this summer.

June 25^th:The Waldo Canyon Fire was started about 15 minutes from my family’s house inSouthern Colorado Springs. I heard this news while spending a weekend with mygrandparents in Lancaster, PA just before starting my fourth week of groups atCSM Philly. Beginning a week not knowing what was going to be happening to myfamily, my home, my city, or my life back home was frightening. It was so vitalto completely trust in God through this. The power of prayer was utilized tothe maximum capacity here at CSM. We had groups pray for Colorado Springs andthe families there. As the fire began to take route, it was comforting to knowthat it was moving north, away from my house, yet devastating to know that inan instant my city could be burned to the ground. However, it was suchcomforting news to ease my mind, and to get me focused on the group that washere and still help them have the very best week possible in the amazing cityof Philadelphia.  For the next few weeks,I would still hear the stories of neighborhoods being engulfed by flame andpeople missing, that that stayed on the backburner of my mind. Thank the Lord,July 10^th the fire had been completely contained.

July 20^th:Friday morning I woke up to hear the devastating news that a man in Aurora,Colorado set off a canister of tear gas and open fired in a movie theater inthe early hours of the morning at the new Batman Movie Dark Night Rises, killing 15 innocent people and injuring 58others. This happened only an hour from my home, and only a few minutes fromColumbine High School, which had encountered a similar experience 13 years ago.

For awhile there, I was ashamed to say I was from Colorado. People came to me andtold me, “It’s so nice to meet someone who isn’t evil from Colorado”. Through that, however, God taught me a HUGElesson. Colorado isn’t evil, GOD isn’tevil--man is evil. Because Eve took that forbidden fruit thousands of yearsago, sin entered the heart of man, and that has affected the entire outcome ofthe world thus far. God is almighty and victorious. He has ultimate control andpower over all situations. It is devastating what has happened in Colorado, andits heart-wrenching that I am unable to be there and comfort those who havelost everything, but life is a balancing act, and only through the power of JesusChrist, can we win the Gold medal. My prayer continues to go out to all of thevictims that have lost something in Colorado this summer, whether it was theirhouse or a loved one. I also pray for the CSM Denver staff as they are forcedto deal with these issues so close to their ministry-- that them being in thecity will offer a light and bring hope to a city that may seem disillusioned towhat has taken place.

Hands of Hope - Philly 2012

Well I have been here in Philly for five days now. Its been a crazy five days, very busy, and a lot of fun. I have a great staff here to be working with, and they are GREAT. 

Just an update on what I am doing, and what I am doing for the rest of the summer: My job title is City Host. Basically, I am working for a missions organization where youth groups from all over the United States come to do inner city service projects. Specifically, I will be leading these groups around the city to the various service projects that we do. So this week so far, We have been going to the different organizations that we are partnered to serve with and taking a tour and hearing the heads of these organizations share their passion and experience for their organizations. 

Talking with these people is the most amazing thing ever. They are overflowing with vision and excitement about what is being done, and what is going to be done. 

As many of you may know, my senior year of high school I started my own non-profit organization, brown baggin' it, passing out bagged lunches to the homeless around Colorado Springs. This idea was rooted here in Philadelphia four years ago when I came to CSM with my youth group on a missions trip. Tuesday night, part of training was to talk with Joetta, the women who inspired me in such a big way to start my own ministry each week. I was so excited to meet her, because she really paved the way to make a dream of mine come true.

She is such a passionate women. She can hardly walk and she lives an hour away from the city, yet she is so dedicated to helping the less fortunate. I was able to go out and pass out my own bagged lunch and get into an awesome talk with Robert, a homeless man, who I saw the face of Jesus in, for 45 minutes! As the night started to draw to an end, and I finished, waiting for the other groups to get done passing out all their lunches, I had a chance to tell Joette my story. She told me I gave her goosebumps, while I myself was just in awe to talk with her. 

I feel as if I have been here already for months, with the close knit staff, and the amazing experiences I have already had. This summer is already gearing up to be a GREAT one. God is truly working in this city, I feel so fortunate to even be apart of it. 

Summer Staff (left to right): Katie, Kathleen, Me, Amy, Breauna, John, Brittany

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Its been an awesome 19 years! You are ONE OF A KIND! LOVE YOU!

_________________________________________

My summer vacation is quickly coming to an end, and I feel as if it just started... (well that is because it did). On Thursday I will be flying out to Pennsylvania to visit Grandparents/Aunts, then start work with CSM in Philadelphia! I am really excited to get there and get to work for the next three months! I will be doing my best to keep blogging while I am there to keep you all updated in what is going on. Keep me, and the rest of my team in your prayers as we navigate the city with youth so excited to serve the Lord. God will be doing some amazing things in the lives of the people of Philadelphia!

The Art of Chalk

Well... I was tired of looking at my bare kitchen walls, I mean after painting it a chalkboard and then not doing anything with it, most people would be frustrated. So I decided to finally draw some stuff. Here it is..

Tree of Life. The roots go deep.

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in the season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

                                                 Psalm 1:3

What is on the menu for today.. not sure how long I will use this. Usually I decide what dinner will be two minutes before I make it...

add to shopping cart

My shopping list

eventually I will draw a bird for this.. wasnt my night for bird drawing

Bon Appetit!

Paris is a pretty cliche kitchen theme.. oh well

Hope you enjoyed the artwork

it. is. finished.

Well I mean I have only been working non stop for the past three weeks. But it is finally able to move it! ITS LIVABLE WOOHOO.

This is prolly my favorite view of my whole house, it only seemed right to put it as the first picture. My bed & futon. (anyone need a place to stay? futon is REALLY comfortable)

 Love to see a bookshelf full of books. If you look closely you can see a couple friends! You should feel honored to have made it on my bookshelf :)

 well... not quite done. my table has no chairs.. IM WORKING ON IT.

 the entertainment center. (yes, if you look closely those are bunny ear antennas.. going old school with basic cable)

 The kitchen. Painted with chalkboard paint!

pantry on the go... works for me 

 "Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Matthew 5:6

more pictures on the fridge! 



Today I got the TV working, Internet set up, and one of the last loads of STUFF! Will be sleeping there TOMORROW NIGHT!

Thanks to everyone who as followed, there will be more to come when I do cool, fun, DIY stuff!