Matt Brannon

The World's Travelin'

  More to post soon, yet for now- it seems like everyone is traveling away. My roommates are headed to Colorado and Tennessee respectively, friends flying off to Montana, other people escaping to the beach for the weekend...and I am stuck here with the dog. Oh well, at least she's cute.

  I am compiling the list of things I want to do before I die and should have it up in grand fashion this weekend. Not morbid in the least--I'm thrilled.

The Politics of Christianity

  As of late, I have been so disheartened by the presence of what I will term politics causing a void amongst Christians. Perhaps I have a unique perspective derived from exposure to a variety of different congregations and ministries around the area, but the way Christians put one another down and belittle each other has been heavy on my heart.

   I will speak to someone and as they inquire as to what I'm doing these days will proceed to warn me against certain people or speak negatively about past places I've been. It's so easy to engage in this kind of stuff and to an extent you expect it as part of human nature. Yet, as I remove myself from it all and reflect, I can clearly distinguish between the people that do this and the people that do not. More often than not..it is the people speaking ill at others that need to examine their hearts.

   When will this come to an end? Why do we wonder when nonbelievers look at our relationships through hypocritical eyes? When will the judgment of each other as a body pass? Where is the root of competitive Christianity? When did we become compartmentalized to the extent we are on opposing teams rather than the same team? Why has nobody told me of how Jesus did this? Why has nobody counseled me on the point that as imitators of Christ we are to invest more energy into breaking other Christians down rather than glorifying His name? Oh...that's right, He never did. The next time you enter into a line of discussion that isn't constructively supporting another: church, pastor, staffer, leader, ___________, ask yourself who that ultimately serves. In that time, I'll be there with you. In that time, I'll be the one to disengage from the talk. In the end, we'll each stand before the Almighty-alone.

Steal Much?

   I find it absolutely pathetic to get mail containing publications that I have created myself  that someone else is trying to pass off as their own. Here's a bit of advice: if you are going to "borrow" ideas from someone and go so far as to distribute the work as your own, make sure the creator (in this case me) is not on the mailing list to receive the plagiarized material. This minor detail will prevent the author, of the work you are stealing, from realizing that you are blatantly using ideas that they created and passing them off as your own under the pretense that you are actually doing something. In all honesty, I must commend this individual for doing the unthinkable...lessening my opinion of them even more.

 

Discovering Your Path In Life

  My sole reason for this entry is to highly recommend the book below to anyone in college, in a career that's not satisfying, or searching for that next step. There are a series of books, DVDs, and more via their site @ www.roadtripnation.com.

Vying For Time

 

I'm not really in the mood to write. Been doing too much of it lately. Writing to close out Beyond the Smile. Writing for classes. Writing new songs. Writing out my camp/conference talks. Writing samples for this new mother/son devotional project.

  Lately, so much and so many have been vying for my time. I don't say this to be negative. I just feel stretched thin. Between working with my publisher, trying to keep tabs on ministry kids, trying to finish out my undergraduate work, working on this church plant.. I feel like everyone has been saying this to me, "Come do this____..if can you be here at __pm..we'll meet ___..how about lunch__."  To quote Dr. Evil, "How 'bout NO!"

  Honestly..I love the people in my life. I love where I am and what I am going for. I miss my "family" whatever that means these days. Above all else, I would give anything to have one week to myself.

At A Week's End

  Where am I...?  I must tell you, lone reader. It's amazing to think life can be so full of activity without a job, yet I am exhausted. I've really appreciated the financial opportunity to not have to work for a month or so, but I am ready to get into something again.

   Wednesday brought some time with my dad who was passing through town on his way back to Palm Beach from Alabama, as well as, another unexpected visit from the Winter Park cross country team. This has been an interesting deal...they run by my house and because I know a few of the guys they like to come in and get something to drink on their break. So you'll be sitting there and all of a sudden like ten guys run through your house. Of course, I see it as a great opportunity to meet some new students and hopefully get to know them well enough to bring them into something ministry related. Always amazing how God uses opportunities like this. I've had this ridiculous urge for Moe's burritos lately, and since I'm not cooking these days..been satisfying this urge in a ridiculous way. Friday night was Zach's birthday party..great to see some of the Orangewood high school guys again. Above all else, enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with Danny Anderson and talk about future insurance job possibilities. So if it works out I will probably be going into the Personal Lines area with Insurance Office of America and getting my license. They also have an office in Jupiter.....

   Sunday blew me away..for a number of reasons. I woke up at 4:45am to jump on the Mikkelson's plane with Danny, Melissa, Mike, Julie, Cindy, Ashley, and Mark and fly to Georgia. The purpose of the trip: visit North Point Community Church and gain inspiration for the Baldwin Park church plant with the core group. Mike proved to be an excellent pilot and the flight was smooth. I wasn't initially all that impressed when we arrived at North Point..that is until we got inside. What looks like a building that would be your typical public junior high school is inside-amazing. You have got to check out this church:  North Point Programs. I'm rarely blown away by something..but this ministry did it. They have a children's program called Kidz Stuf and UpStreet that are both award winning in my book and good enough to be on any television program. The middle school group not only enjoys an awesome facility, but averages between 700 and 800 middle school students every week. The high school group meets Sunday afternoons and has around 650 students. The church's staff is comprised of 350 paid positions. The pastor, Andy Stanley, gave a very biblically rooted message on temptation. Overall-absolutely loved and was amazed by this experience. While ministry is never a numbers game..this church is certainly doing it right and for the glory of God.

   So after leaving North Point we went to eat Mexican (always a good idea when flying with 8 other people on a jet..). Just great times with people excited about starting a church. The flight back was pretty bumpy and I was glad to be back on the ground for sure. After a 45 minute break from all the traveling headed to my freshmen small group at the Pietkiewiczs'. I straight up love my small group boys. They're awesome and it has been amazing to see how God is changing their hearts. They're finally opening up, trusting, and respecting each other and we're working through some topics that really push and question their faith. Finally.. at the end of the 7th day of this week (just like the Big Guy in the Sky) I finally get rest.

 

Week of Writing

  This week..lone reader..has been full of reading for class and writing to get to print on some things. I'm currently in the final stages of my longest work to date, Beyond the Smile:Moments in Ministry. I'm really excited about this particular book because it highlights some of the most amazing moments and most ridiculous battles I have encountered in my journey thus far, and it's dedicated to the young men that I have had the privilege of working with/for these past years dating back to First Pres NPB and going through my stint at Orangewood. The book goes to the editor May 5th and you will buy it hopefully Fall of 2006 (like that subliminal sell?).

  I've also started a new endeavor of compiling my devotions, camp talks, and messages into print after speaking at a high school camp in Sarasota this December. One of the directors of this particular camp is a publisher for P&R Publishing and approached me about doing it. It's exciting to think my message and thoughts will be available to the public in print form, but I am beginning to question my ability to cite everyone and every source---tedious--- would be a monumental understatement. Also tossing around the idea of co-writing a devotional for middle school boys with a parent/former Rollins student from Orangewood. So we will see what the future brings...even if I don't see much of anything in the way of sales, I will be published at 21.

Great People & Good Times

What a great past few days..all made possible by some people very near and dear to my life. Got to watch Davis ball it up in their last game of the season and by chance spent some time with Bret Allen. Friday night spent some time with the Kazecks (who I used to live with) and went out to dinner with Andy before he headed back to Birmingham. Then a late night random party at Gallo's with some jokers I haven't seen since freshmen year.

    Saturday morning hung out with my small group guys and kidnapped Zach out of his bed to get breakfast on his birthday. Then my best brotha Lance came into town and we spent some time catching up. It's great to spend time with someone that has known you since the tee-ball days and to scheme up new ways to get in trouble. So Lance and I went to Fiddler's and then enjoyed floor seats to the Magic game (where I almost got into a fight with a 65 year old man who shoved his finger in my face). The game went into overtime and the Magic ended up pulling it out. Then we went "out" afterward.. 

  Sunday we slept late, hit up Bagel King, and Lance hit the road back to Gville. Then it was hanging out with Josh for the afternoon and getting in a little bit of fishing. Sunday night marked the start up of our Freshmen Fellas small group again at the Muller's home. Almost everyone made it out and we had a good time. 

   It was back to class yesterday, but got to enjoy 24 with some of my "new" friends at the Mikkelson's house which I am excited about making a weekly routine. Looking forward to sitting down with the Matthew, Ashley and the Mikkelsons this Saturday. Until next time, lone reader, enjoy life.<><

Palm Beachin' It

 

   Nothing deep to post, lone reader..just glad the previous week is coming to an end as it was probably one of the most emotionally draining and unproductive in my life. It's difficult "moving on" from a place that you love...but it happens and now I'm looking to the future.

   I'm still out in the job market, searching for a job (doesn't that sound redundant). Had several generous offers, but I'm focusing long-term and more seriously careerwise these days. So we'll see-nothing to report really.

   Decided to escape Winter Park for the weekend and crash in Palm Beach for a few days again. Saw my sister dance last night at the Variety Show and frequented the ole spots, again. This area is, quite simply, the best place to live. Biased? Sure..it's my home, but there's a reason why people retire here and why people like Tiger Woods and Jimmy Buffet call it home. I like it, I love it, and I want some more of it..gonna live here when I hit the real world. The "real world" that's soon by the way..my friends are graduating, getting real jobs, and even getting married. Dang time flies when you're...well time flies.

Until Next Time..Peace<><

Well, lone reader, lots of news to share. So much has happened in the past few months that I'm not really sure where to begin. So I will start with what has been most dear to my heart for the last year, the family you see pictured. December marked my year on staff at Orangewood Presbyterian Church, as well as, my resignation as the Director of Middle School Ministries. This is what I would say to any Orangewood family:

"While I cannot openly express all that led me to come to this decision, I can say that the Lord moves in mysterious ways and I felt a strong calling to move on. I also cannot begin to express how much I love each and every one of these students and their families. This was one of the most difficult decisions in my life to date, and it saddens me greatly to leave. Orangewood has been my place of employment..but more than that. It has been my home, both church-and-otherwise, a centerpiece of my life, and lastly my job. I am leaving with amazing relationships, memories, and valuable life lessons. This is not goodbye, but until next time~"

   This past Sunday I had to break the news to my friends and it was more difficult than I have ever experienced before and certainly more emotional than I was anticipating. At the end of the day, this all has been bigger than us. I invested everything I could to further the Kingdom, left on my own accord with good graces and consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity. Yesterday, I said goodbye to the church staff and faculty at the school, packed up my office and drove away-surreal.

   So I sit before you typing in transition. Contrary to what some have read or heard, I am not working at Winter Park High School, and beyond that I am not working anywhere yet because I am searching for the right next step. I feel God telling me to step out of full time ministry for a while and explore different platforms to lead others. So I will be working somewhere in the day, finishing my undergrad work at Rollins College in the evening, and trying to discern His voice for my future. It's exciting, terrifying, and confusing all at the same time. Yet, He has a plan that He unfolds when we come to a fork in the road, and I have no regrets of the journey to date. I like to think of life as traveling down a highway. You drive and drive until you feel like you should stop. You pull off at an exit and spend time until you feel called to move on. It doesn't mean any exit is better than the last or worse than the next, but sometimes you have to fill up your tank and press on.

   There is much more going on, lone reader, but I think I will leave it here because this is where my heart is at this time.  I'll be adding some pictures that I think really capture the amazing people I have loved so much. Until next time, lone reader & anyone else, Peace<><