Ssssshhhhhhh…
Be quiet … We’ve got a secret! Remember Extra, Extra? Rumor has it that you may see something in the morning paper on January 1, 2009 … Ready for a great story? Ready for a tale of hope and love and miracles? Ready for a new year full of God’s blessings?
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… You should be!
A Word from Laptop: Life …
One of our good young friends, Laptop, penned some inspiring words yesterday evening. World, we wanted to share them with you:
“I think we all take advantage of at least one thing everyday. Maybe it’s your car that you can take anywhere you want to. Maybe it’s the family your blessed with. Maybe it’s a boyfriend or girlfriend. One thing i believe we all have taken advantage of at least once is life. Life is such a precious gift, given to us by the great Lord God himself.
A very close friend of mine passed away today because of a car accident that probably happened in less than 3 seconds. He wasn’t sick or dying, it just happened. It has made me realize all the things in life I take advantage of myself, and the people i see everyday taking advantage of different things. Don’t take advantage of life. You only get one and it can be gone in less than 5 seconds.
I will never have another friend like David, and i know I’m not the only person that feels this way. He was one of a kind. Sweet, generous, caring, loving, and above all a very Godly person. He was always thinking of others before himself. Take time out of everyday to be with your family. Call an old friend just to talk. Take your dog for a walk at the park. Most of all, thank God for all he gives you, mostly your life. Remember, you only get one. God Bless!!”
Laptop, thanks for the insight … the simple reminder … that life is so precious.
RuggedMan (1988-2008)
Now you know why we call him RuggedMan …
David Ruggles (1998-2008) considered himself to be “awesome, fun and crazy.” (He was a FaceBook guy!) We agree with his self-proclaimed title of “awesome, fun and crazy.” MyBeloved and I taught the YouthGroup at church for one season. RuggedMan loved coming in late, making a grand entrace, always with a coy smile, and would sit down.
He was caring. He was honest. He was torn. He was content. He was silly. He was loving. He was conflicted. He was hard-working. He was only 20. He will be missed dearly …
Rest in Peace …
Ray of Hope
Isn’t crazy when two events/circumstances/stories collide? Well, I’ve got a goocher for you:
(1) Do you remember our never-met-before follower named Compelled? She discovered the website early in this adventure and has been following our story (and praying for us) ever since. Compelled lives in New Mexico. Now, hold that thought.
(2) Do you remember my post about my former boss, Senator Pete V. Domenici (R-NM), and his retirement from the United States Senate? That was November 25, 2008 and I even posted a picture of a younger version of myself ( … as good-looking then as I am today … ). Now, hold that thought.
On November 26, 2008, those two stories collided in an amazing way. Let Compelled tell you in her words:
What an amazing bunch of miracles big and small are coming to my attention through your situation, your witness, Matt’s blog and God’s provision. This morning I woke up to the enclosed headline regarding Sen. Pete Domenici. God is finding ways, I think, to show the world through your miracles and others that He is still here and He is still working in these tough times.
And guess what — when I opened your website to check on you, what did I see — Matt’s posting on Sen. Domenici. God again?
I’m still “compelled in Abq,” still reading your blog daily, still praising God and praying for you each day and when I wake at night.
Thanks for the note, Compelled. Did you notice the headline: NEW RAY OF HOPE FOR PETE. Here’s my favorite part about the article: “A devout Catholic, Domenici didn’t discount the power of prayer in connection with his improved condition. Domenici said he doesn’t know why his condition hasn’t worsened, but said he suspects God has played a role. Everywhere he goes people tell him they are praying for him.“
Goocher!
Another ViolentSilence …
… hit our church family today. RuggedMan was killed in a car accident early this morning. Here’s a guy that always had a pep in his step and a smile on his face. He had his full life in front of him.
What’s happening, God? What are you up to right now? My brain hurts. Kinda like that MindNumb we all had a couple of months ago. Do you remember? … It’s where life has you wrapped so tight that your mind goes numb … numb to the point that you are just surviving … some by instinct … some by faith … some by grace …
I will let you all know more about RuggedMan when I find out more details about the accident. For now, please pray for the Rugged Family … you know we will … and so will Dad and Mom.
Twitter Updates
- Chipwrecked http://t.co/HV4BBzry
- Who said Brothers and Sisters can't get along? Merry Christmas Evening! http://t.co/AXJ389de
- Just a cowboy, his horse, a gun, and some zzzzzzz's! http://t.co/XFsC3efV
- If I told you I swept this from my kitchen floor, you wouldn't believe me. If I told you I had 7 kids, you would! http://t.co/PPLv3052
