Matthews Family Herald

I thought you would enjoy seeing this article appearing in The New York Times about how a company paid a group of homeless men $20 per day, plus tips to carry around wireless routers at a large conference in order to meet the cell phone and internet needs of the conference participants. The homeless workers were provided T-shirts and other items to aid them in doing their job.

Apparently, a person desiring service would visit this website on their mobile device:

http://www.homelesshotspots.org/

and then click the paypal button with their homeless provider's name in order to access the internet or cell phone provider. In following the link, you learn a little bit about the homeless person on the site and suddenly, the whole process makes a homeless person a real human being that we might be able to relate to.

Other than potential health concerns associated with wireless devices, I think it's great that they have this opportunity to work. Maybe I would change the shirt from saying "I'm Clarence, a 4G Hotspot" to "I'm Clarence offering you a 4G HotSpot." He's a person not a hotspot. But otherwise, awesome stuff. I don't make this statement in an unqualified manner either. I've been homeless myself briefly, someone very dear and in my immediate family was homeless for years, and my wife and family have worked quite a bit with the homeless among other Christians and friends. I'll close with 1) a link to the article, 2) a few quotes from that article coming from the three sides of the argument, and 3) a YouTube link where you can hear from Clarence himself (the guy in the picture) talk about the program for about 40 seconds.

1) New York Times Article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/technology/homeless-as-wi-fi-transmitters-creates-a-stir-in-austin.html?_r=1&hp

2) Quotes from the three sides of the argument:

The company says: “We saw it as a means to raise awareness by giving homeless people a way to engage with mainstream society and talk to people,” he said. “The hot spot is a way for them to tell their story.”

The opposition says: Tim Carmody, a blogger at Wired, described the project as “completely problematic” and sounding like “something out of a darkly satirical science-fiction dystopia.” (You can see the opposition blog on Wired by clicking on the highlighted words "described the project" in this paragraph.)

The homeless workers said: “Everyone thinks I’m getting the rough end of the stick, but I don’t feel that,” Mr. Jones said. “I love talking to people and it’s a job. An honest day of work and pay.”

3) Clarence on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuykePeqzp8&feature=player_embedded

Hi,

Just wanted to share a couple of recent quotes I've come across. This post comes from reading the book "A Love that Multiplies" co-authored by The Duggar husband and wife team. The quote is particularly relevant right now because 1) I have children who choose each moment who they will hang out with and who they will talk to online, etc., and I want them to be successful in the eyes of the Lord. 2) It's relevant because there is are some folks I know who I'm concerned for. I am watching their recent life decisions while observing who they spend a majority of their time with. I believe there is a co-relation there. I'm not about hurting people and I understand also that Jesus, for example, came to help sinners and outcasts, etc. Well, here's the quote. Goodness, I'd want someone to say these things for me if I needed to hear it. It comes from love and so let me share it here. It's a quote from "Grandma Duggar" that she often shared with her children:

"Show me your friends and I'll show you your future."

Yes, you should pray for people and care for their needs. But Michelle Duggar says they teach their kids not to approach others from the point of view of making friends, but from discipling others. When you approach with that mindset, you'll stay connected with those God either links you with for mutual encouragement, or you'll link with those who are responding to God's working in their lives, but you'll be protected from falling into harmful life choices because your thrust or perspective is for edification and not for self affirmation. God is your affirmation.

So, look at those friends we are around so much and spending time with, okay? I'm talking to we grown ups now too. Are those friends close to the Lord? Or are they all caught up in the world? Are they foul mouthed or speak words of holiness? Are they leading stong Godly families, or are they divorced multiple times and trash talking their current spouse or being unfaithful to their spouse in word, deed, conversation, and thought? Are they deeply involved in their child's lives, or are they seeking after self-improvement, self-entertainment and seem to see whatever children they have as some kind of burden, weight, and distraction? Do they build up their spouse and encourage him or her, or do they tear him or her down both privately and publicly?

You've heard "Birds of a feather flock together." My granddad said something like "Bluebirds are also shot by the farmer if perching with the crows." Not an exact quote there but you get the point. Will Smith's character's wife in the movie "Pursuit of Happiness" said she was not happy as to why she left Will. Will didn't look like he was going anywhere in life, but we know how far he later went. Will made the mistake of telling her "Go get happy" and releasing her spiritually to leave. Are words are powerful and we should guard our tongues and keep from releasing and giving authority spiritually away when we speak. For Will, he ought to have fought for what God gave him.

But also, his wife should have fought for what God gave her too; a husband, a family, a future. I wonder who Will's wife had been spending her time with? How had they influenced her thinking and her perspective? What if she had sought out, instead, Godly women who honored thier husbands for the Lord's sake and spent their time, energy, and efforts on building up their marriage, their home, and their families? Maybe she would have gotten a better grasp on what really matters and stayed in it with her husband. She'll never know, but we can make a change right now.

The Holy Bible, God's truth and Word above all truth that our heart, our emotions, our beliefs, or this world, or our friends, family, etc., may tell us says:

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." Deuteronomy 30:19

If a friend is really a friend, they'll respect your decision. If God is calling that friend too, they'll even come with you and then not only are you and your family saved, so are those friends.

But how can I overcome how hard it is, and what about the importance of myself and what I want, need, feel? That's simple. You know Jesus was crucified for our sins with two thieves next to him; one on either side. Remember that one thief who stuck up for Jesus and asked Jesus to remember him? Jesus told that man that he would be with Jesus in paradise that day. Think about that man's perspective while he hung up there. Maybe he had a struggling marriage. Maybe he had many disappointments. Maybe he had large amounts of debt and big plans. Maybe he had been worried about the Roman government and felt extremely mistreated; felt like the government was overreacting by nailing him up there to die. But once he was nailed up there, it was certain. He knew he was dying. None of that mattered anymore. The worldly cares and self interests didn't matter. His perspective was different. "I'm a dead man. I'm crucified." A dead man doesn't care anymore if he's unfulfilled, in debt, mistreated, disappointed. This truth is what sets you and all of us free. We are dead, we need to act like it. God tells us we are crucified with Christ and He now lives in us. So, admitting this is true and acting on the fact that God said so frees us and enables God to make it true in our everyday life. "That me that lived for self is dead, crucified and buried with Christ whene he was crucified and buried. The new me was raised up with Christ when Christ was raised up. I live for God. God lives in me. I can do all things through Christ."

Lord Jesus, help us to make the right choice, turn, repent and be on the right track. Send us Godly company and Godly counsel. Thank you for your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Hello out there! Here's your media update review from my family. I'll cover three media sources of inspiration in this blogpost. I'll introduce them to you and then give you the Amazon Editorial Review. I'll throw the front cover photos in wherever I can as well. Lastly, I'll include the Resolution referenced in the movie "Courageous." Ready?

1) I thought I'd update you on the latest movie series we are enjoying as a family. You remember the Little House on the Prairie t.v. series by Micheal Landon? Well, he had a son named . . . Micheal Landon, Jr. You don't say? Yeah, and this guy has made some outstanding Godly movies. There were some things about the t.v. series I did not agree with, but the movie series seems to be right on track. I call them the "Love" series because there are 6 movies, to my knowledge, in the storyline and they all start with "Love." The first is 1) Love Comes Softly. Then there's 2) Love's Enduring Promise and so they go. I've included a photo of the front cover of the first movie. We found all six of them at our local library. If you are looking for a Godly story, about men and women of faith, setting out to start a new life rich in God, family, working hard, and being together, then this should prove to be inspiring.

The Amazon Review is very brief. It looks like a movie only for women, but this is not so. An excellent example of a truly Godly man, husband, and father exists within this movie and is a must for all serious, Christian men. "A young woman recently widowed on the American frontier agrees to a marriage of convenience for survival and finds love." And she finds God, our God, I'd add.

2) Also, we watched "Courageous" as a family this weekend. Rented it at the local video store here and, wow, what a great movie. (We really do more than just movie watching, by the way.) Another great adventure for the whole family, but focused more on men being Men of God, Husbands, and Fathers. God made us to be the heros for our wives, families, and communities. This movie will help you believe God can do this through you and encourage you to get back on the ball.

Movie summary on Amazon: "Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused, standing up to the worst the streets can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge they’re ill prepared to tackle: fatherhood. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Sherwood Pictures, creators of Fireproof, returns with this heartfelt, action-packed story. Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That takes courage. Starring: Alex Kendrick, Kevin Downes, Ken Bevel, Robert Amaya, Ben Davies Director: Alex Kendrick Producer: Stephen Kendrick"

3) As I seek to be more active in the lives of my children, I'm listening to the audio book "The Dangerous Book for Boys" and I'm also looking for Contenders for the Faith ideas while listening. My sons warned me to watch out for the evolution parts, so sadly, it looks like there's "pooh in the brownies" with that one. By the way, there is a version of this book for girls called "The Daring Book for Girls."

Amazon Review: The bestselling book for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is. In this digital age there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

That's the latest though, on the media we are gleaning as of now.

Here's the Courageous movie resolution for we men:

Courageous Resolution

I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15


Love,
James

Here's something to get you started on thinking for yourself as it concerns the food you may be eating, and the water you may be drinking. It's 20 minutes long and worth the watch, all the way through. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMwXlikoFrM

And here's the thing on much of this, you might think there's nothing to it but if you watch, mainstream article and references are cited. I had a skeptical attitude for a long time on things like this, and I still maintain a healthy sense of wanting to verify what I hear, but I did my own research. I followed up on claims like those mentioned in this video, and I have to say verified the accuracy of most claims like this I've read. All you have to do is look it up yourself, and then dig deeper into it. Goodness, just research Planned Parenthood thoroughly. Research it's founder, research what Darwin had to say about it. The key names involved in Planned Parenthood's beginning. Go far and deep and then expand it into other areas. You won't want to believe it, but it's true. The founder of PP is remembered fondly in our own Smithsonian museum but there's no way Black Americans, for example, would allow it were they really informed as to what she did and stood for. That's just one example of where my honest and indepth research led me. Check out the King James Bible versus the NIV and other translations. Research who all greatly contributed to the NIV's formulation and the forming of other versions, you won't want to believe it, but you'll see it's true and, if you have any sense after that, I submit, you won't allow other versions into your heart and mind. The same thing with this food and water research. Sounds a bit much, outrageous even if you're not familiar. But please, please. Same thing with the assault on the marriage, religion, family, parental rights, and on and on. Follow up, do your own research, go deep into it, and you might not like it, but you'll see what I'm getting at. It will change your view on food. So, "enjoy" a better and informed life.

Hi Family, Friends, etc.

Great to update you very briefly here.

The kids have started up in Gymnastics again for most of them. Jacob is taking a mixed martial arts class instead. Micah was going to take some guitar lessons from an American but local legend here, Billy Goodman. This guy toured around with some of the major rock bands but then became a Christian. He's active musically and evangelically now, and also gives lessons at affordable rates. Check out Billy Goodman here:

http://www.homegrownmusic.de/billy_goodman.40.html#BILLY

So, although you can tell I think Micah would really benefit from Billy Goodman :) he's going with the martial arts now as well. That's great too, though, and I support him in that decision.

Micah has opened his website and continues to offer spray paint artwork custom made for you, if you make a donation to cover his supplies, shipping costs, etc. Comes out to about $20 a pop and well worth it. He's already had several orders and so he's pleased, but looking for more ways to get himself out there. Waiting for the summertime to offer more opportunities. He may up his price a bit, as this amount doesn't quite cover all he spends. But again, if you want to see his amazing work and consider getting him to paint you something awesome, his site is:

http://www.spacepainters.blogspot.com/

Speaking of Micah, he just about broke one of his toes trying to do a martial arts kick recently. And just about the time his toe was "all better," he and I were fooling around doing martial arts in the driveway, and he injured his pinkie. Good grief!

Heather and many of the other local homeschool moms have picked back up with regular weekly co-ops again. We had another great home fellowship meeting last night and we are starting a series by James McDonald. http://www.jamesmacdonald.com/

The keepers and contenders groups are going to have an annual planning meeting this month and then get that going again.

Heather's natural, herbal class materials for certification have not yet arrived but we await them eagerly. I continue reading my second Joel Salatin book and learning otherwise about argriculture as much as I'm able (which isn't much). Of great influence in our family right now are The Duggar Family in matters both practical and relational. http://duggarfamily.com/

Our oldest, Rachel, has had gall stone troubles. She had surgery to remove some of the stones and now it looks like she may have a second surgery to remove it entirely. Their family is set to move to Japan sometime early this year. The great news, though, is that they have started a family blogsite. http://www.meerkatfamily.blogspot.com/

Mary Ann is doing well but has a bit of a fever today. She is saying "Mama, Ninny, Da Dad" lately. Or some very close variation of those, and at the appropriate times you'd imagine a child saying them. She's gotten heavier recently, and of course, always cuter. She smiles a lot and laughes a lot. What a cutie! Heather has gotten so good at reading her body language, etc., that Mary Ann ends up "going potty" in a baby toilet that Mommy holds her over almost every time. It's pretty amazing. A definite head start on the road to being potty trained. Mary only fusses when something is wrong (imagine that) and something is normally not wrong. One funny thing I've noticed, if she needs a diaper change and is fussy about that, she'll calm down and smile if I come and say "change your diapie? Change your diapie?" with a smile? That's often how I know what the problem is without needing to actually check her diaper.

As for us, we spent a big chunk getting the van fixed but still have "miles to go before we sleep" in getting it back to standard. We have temporary tags for now. A friend, however, has loaned/maybe given us his car when he left Germany and so I now have something to drive. This may turn into the only car we have if the rest of the van problems are not taken care of.

I'm sure there's more news but that's about all I have for now. I'm here on MLK day, at work unfortunately, trying to catch up on some large projects.

Back to work for me and hope to hear from you soon.