My baby

Health Update

I was in a car accident September 15th at 7:30pm. I was charged with running a red light, I was hit by cross traffic traveling at about 45 to 50mph....end of story for about a week. I decided to see my PCP because I was really unsettled about the fact that my memory of the incident ends about 30 seconds before I reached the intersection and then I have bits and flashes of getting my phone and knowing I needed to call people, to getting on a stretcher, then my memory picks right back up when I was in the ambulance. Doctor did not like the sound of it since there was one eye witness who claimed I did not just proceed through the intersection, this man wrote that I came to a stop and then slowly rolled into the intersection. Was referred to a neurologist. Neurologist stated that he believed I lost consciousness before the accident so tests were suggested. So far I have had a CT, an MRI and an EEG. CT and MRI looked great! EEG had some abnormalities and it looks like a seizure is a possibility. My neurologist asked if I would be willing to see an epileptic specialist before deciding to go on anti-seizure medication. I agreed very willingly. I am not that interested in taking a medication that I might not actually need. So that is where we are. There are only a few epileptic specialists in the valley so I am now on a waiting list that might take a few months. Oh....and I have to see a cardiologist to also make sure my heart is in tip top shape as well.
Prayer is my stronghold. I would like to know why I did something that does not fit anything about me. But I also worry about getting answers of course. I have been told that if it is determined that it was a seizure, my license will be suspended for 90 days while I start medication. That will be a huge upset for the Gibson family to deal with but of course in the long run very manageable.
Prayer is my stronghold. God is my refuge.

Fall....FINALLY

CHEESE :)


Enjoying his cookie at his classes Pie Fest before Thanksgiving


London visiting Ryland at school


Playing on the playground after Pie Fest at school


Playing in mommy and daddy's bed


Such a BIG GIRL

Luke 6:46-49

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

The Lord is taking me deeper as I submit myself to His foundation, not my own understanding. Praise Him!

grace and peace,

matt

Halloween Parade

Ryland Walking in the School Parade:
He was suppose to be Mickey Mouse but there was an accident before the parade so he ended up wearing the soccer outfit he went to school in......oh well


School Festival


Rylands Class all Dressed up


My Pick at the Pumpkin Patch


One Great Photo of my Little Guy

Technology, it's not all bad

I always go back and forth on the use of modern technology in our home. Sometimes I think it's the most amazing thing ever and the next moment I believe it to be the devil incarnate ;-)

For instance, we haven't had television in our house for over a year. It has been so great for our family, but today we used technology in the most incredible way. We video skyped with one of Adrienne's girls she mentors in The Netherlands. Allison, has been traveling and serving in ministry for the last 3 months and will be gone for 4 more months returning to Mesa in December. When Allison gets home, she will have served in the Czech Republic, Uganda, Kenya, Latvia, and a few other places. Today, we spoke face to face. Shared stories about what God has been doing in our lives and prayed together. It was a worshipful and fun time. All because of technology.

Later this weekend, we're going to video skype with one of our dearest friends and his wife in the czech republic. Not bad.

grace and peace,

matt

1st Day of School

Today was Ryland's first day of school. I am amazed that I am already posting pictures but I wanted the family to see how well it all went.

Most Recent Read

reminder. that. the. gospel. is. EVERYTHING!

Brother Joins Circus

Many know....but for the few of you out there that do not....or for those of you who are interested in seeing pictures, my younger brother moved out to San Diego in May to start his new job at Sea World San Diego. The new dolphin show, Blue Horizons, includes platform divers in part of the show. My brother dove competitively in High School for Horizon High School and Calvidistas Del Sol. He recently decided to get back in shape and work on his dive list, I think at first for fun. Well it totally panned out for him. He was asked to audition and was offered the job. So he lives in beautiful San Diego and dives five days a week for a living. No, he does not dive WITH the dolphins. I get asked that all the time. There are dolphin and Pilot whales in the show but they are not in the pool when the divers are.
The show is amazing and is worth a little six hour drive to go see it! And Chris, I am sorry. I am officially posting pictures of you in your "bird costume."







He is one of the divers in the video. He is the first one who does a handstand on the platform before diving in.

The Very Words Of Jesus

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

so grateful that God loves me. so grateful God chose me.

humbled.

My Beautiful Baby Girl

***photo by our friend Candace***

I like me some reading!!!

Below is a picture of my summer reading. If you're thinking how does he have time for that? My answer is, it's 112 degrees outside. The only thing to do in Arizona for me in the summer is read, play music, or swim. Say hello to July and August!

Sounds

I get asked often what I'm listening to. To be honest it usually is always a different answer, but for the last year or so all I have been listening to is the guy in this picture. His name is William Fitzsimmons and to be really honest, I'm just smitten with his sound.

grace and peace,

matt

Mommy Is Out Of Town

My beautiful bride, Adrienne went this week to see her little brother dive in the new show, Blue Horizons at Sea World in San Diego. So, while she was gone for 2 days, the kids and I had a chance to have some fun just the 3 of us. Below are a couple of videos of us this week. Thursday, we went to our favorite place for breakfast, LGO in Phoenix, and then went to Kachina park near by and ran around...I love being a dad, and I love the chance to bless my wife with time away...Husbands, love your wives in this way. Get her some time away. They need to have some freedom to rest and be themselves and your kids need real time to be with their daddies.

The videos are from my phone, so the quality is rough, but listen closely for Ryland in the bath when he says "mommy is on the boat." One of my all time favorite moments considering I told him mommy would be riding in pappa and grammy's boat in San Diego.

grace and peace,

matt

Truth

I was reading today and came across a beautiful phrase from Thomas a' Kempis, a 14th century catholic monk. He wrote a book called "The Imitation of Christ".

He said this:

"It is great wisdom to keep silent when damaging words are spoken to you. Turn your attention and don't worry about rumor or slander. Don't look for support from the mouths of others. You are who you are regardless of what they say. And you shall know much peace if you neither try to please them or care if you displease them."

This really reminded me of a phrase I always have running around in my head..."Character is way more important than reputation". People, even family sometimes say the most hurtful things and sometimes it's literally not true....but at the end of the day, my family, that is Adrienne and I are living for Jesus Christ, the true Messiah and He knows. He knows the truth and if I'm living for Him and His kingdom, than my significance, character, worth, and the Truth is TOTALLY found in Him.

God, you are so faithful, so true, and I can't believe you loved me enough to save me.

grace and peace,

Matt

Time for Surgery

I am actually quite relieved.

The ups and downs of a child not feeling well and the helplessness feeling that goes a long with it. We were first referred to Az Early Intervention because I brought Ryland to the Dr because he was not sleeping well...always had a runny nose and deep lung cough and somewhat hallucinating because of lack of good sleep. Instead of getting any medical help or advice we were given developmental help and advice. I do appreciate the help because Ryland has come a long way. But the medical stuff was pushed to the side and ignored. It amazes me that we were never advised to take Ryland into a Ear Nose and Throat specialist even though he was diagnosed with a severe speech delay. I finally got Ryland in to see one because London was given a referral and at her appointment I asked if I could make an appointment for my son. When he heard that Ryland had a severe speech delay he wanted to see him asap. After two evals, our ENT Dr. has decided that Ryland has too much pressure in his ears and his adenoids need to be removed and tubes put in his ears. The Dr is not sure if it is causing some of his speech delay but told me today that if Ryland did not have a speech delay he would probably just monitor the pressure to see if it disappeared in a few months. Since there is the delay, he wants to go ahead with surgery as quickly as we can.
Again, I am so relieved. Mothers intuition I guess. My child is now talking and picking up new words every week so why the delay? He has had croup three times this winter. He has had a cough since he was about 18 months and his nose is always runny.
Unfortunately this takes me back to that first Dr appointment where we needed some medical help but were only given developmental advice. It has been a long road but hopefully....hopefully this is the start of the end.

I just pray this eases some of his discomfort and clears things up for him.

Easter

Therapy and Cooking

Today after church I came home and spent time with my bride before she decided to take a nap. While the kids were sleeping, I decided to watch the movie, "Julie & Julia", starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams....It's a cute movie about the famous Julia Child and this women, Julie Powell, living in Queens, N.Y. who decides to cook her way through Julia Child's famous cook book in a year. 524 recipes in 365 days.....

Long story short, I liked it and it got me thinking about how therapeutic cooking has been for me over the years. When the kids and Adrienne woke up, I asked Adrienne if she wanted me to make my dad's famous pizza for dinner (famous in the Gibson family.)

So, I did. I haven't made his pizza recipe in years and for an hour I just thought about my dad. It was great therapy for me and a great time with my family.

Adrienne took some pictures.

Jonsi's Go Record

I'm saying it now, in April...I think this might be the best record of the year. Bright, melodic, interesting, moving, and incredible production...

A Life of Worship

I opened the services this morning with this video. I've become less and less of a video guy during church service over the years, but I loved the point it brought home....

grace and peace,

Matt

New Records, Songwriting, Vulnerability, and Life Lessons

Recently, I have felt a lift in my songwriting block. I've had a writing block for sometime now...

I don't ever talk about this part of my life, because to be honest, it's one of the most vulnerable things to me. Writing your heart down on paper, then recording it. What if I change the way I feel in 10 years? 10 months? 10 minutes? or Why do I even write and feel the need to record in the first place? These are questions and thoughts that constantly go through my mind. God has blessed me to be able to write...It doesn't mean the songs or melodies are any good :-), but the fact that I can write and make melodies is a blessing; That the Creator allows the created to create is humbling to say the least...I'm blessed that some of my songs have cause people to worship, feel encouraged, or to think differently about God.

Over the last 6 to 7 years I've been blessed to write with several different artists...from female to male artists and from Christian to mainstream pop music. But, the more I have written with other artists over the years, the more I have chosen to not focus on my own personal writing. Well, I think that season has changed. Some of you know I recorded my first worship record in 2005. A long story, as short as possible...for that record, "Needed Confession" I was given a large sum of money to make a debut record that most artists would dream of. I took the money with the idea that I was going to pursue traveling full time on the road and have the ability to pay the money back as a label backed artist. During the mixing of the record, I felt the Lord tell me that my role was in the local church...this was a hard one for me, but I listened. I stop talking with labels and friends who had connections in Nashville and just prayed the record would sell as an independent.

Flash forward 5 years into the future. Adrienne and I are still unfortunately making monthly payments on that first record. Ouch, I know. It has been an incredible lesson. A painful one. Now that I produce and engineer records, I could probably make the same record for about half of what we spent....the point is though, that God is always teaching us. He is so good. So faithful. I had to learn some very hard lessons about life with my first record that I might not have learned any other way.

With these new songs a few themes have come into focus recently. I'm not sure when, but in the next few months or years (probably years) I will be collecting songs for 2 new records. One record will be my 2nd worship record. Themes about God's faithfulness through pain and songs about the great story of life and redemption He is telling through us.....And the other record will be kind of different for me. This will be a "side project" for a lack of a better word. This record is already shaping as I have written 3 songs this last few weeks. The themes are my dad's death (never written about), a broken but hopeful marriage, loss, and hope. This 2nd record will not be a "worship" record. Obviously, I believe that EVERYTHING I am and do is a reflection of my worship of God, but this will not be a congregational worship record. This will be a record about pain and suffering.

In my last paragraph, I would ask you to pray. My conviction is to not record another record of my own until my debt is paid on the first record, but this is difficult for me. I want to move forward with my new vision for my art, but feel a wall in front of me. Also, pray for the vision of these next few records. Adrienne and I believe our monthly finances have been taken care of through our amazing community where I serve, so we believe that the profit from all records I sell should go to others. My vision is to partner with a couple of non-profits and that EVERY penny would go to support those in need. I would basically represent these organizations and when people would buy my record, they would get info on what their 10 dollars just went to support (food for the hungry, charity water, etc.)...Pray for wisdom on what organizations to partner with. Pray for wisdom on if that means I need to seek becoming a non-profit and all that entails. Ok, I need to be done writing now. Sorry for the long post. It's been a while since I've blogged and it felt good. Thank you.

Thank you to those who actually read all the way down. :-)

grace and peace,

Matt

She just might be a Hippie

Today marks my first day of cloth diapers....YIKES!
I make my own baby food, have a 10 month old that is still nursing and we are now cloth diapering our cute baby bottom. I just might be......

Lately

It has been up and down lately with Ryland....and I have heard that is just how it is with a two-year old. Speech delay or no speech delay. Interestingly enough we have a really bad week last week. I realized that when we had run out of juice and I was just too tired to drag two kids to the store, I instead gave him very watered down Kool-Aid. He calls it "da's juice" since that is what it is...Daddy's juice. After a few days of the Kool-Aid I realized it might be affecting him. He was terribly clingy and unhappy and very whiney. Both of his therapist commented on the change. They said it reminded them of what he was like before he started therapy, which of course just freaked me out, until I realized the diet change. Kool-Aid has white sugar and it has red food dye. My little guy (and girl actually) are so sensitive to what is in their stomach. The Kool-Aid was stopped on Wednesday and when he woke up on Sunday morning....He was my little guy again.
At least 10 times every day I worry that he will never learn to talk. At least 10 times a day I worry that he will never be in a normal classroom. At least 10 times a day I worry that he has a more severe developmental delay then we realize...and then I pray. I pray, I pray, I pray. I love my little guy. I will love him even if he ends up being labeled. I love him.
Tonight he did the most amazing thing. Matt and I were sitting at the kitchen table and Ryland looked at us and pointed at Matt and said "Dada" and pointed and me and said "ma" then went back to Matt then back to me. He did this 4 or 5 times. He was so proud of himself that he was able to point out who was who and be able to verbally tell us that he knew. Of course, I cried through the whole thing. Again, I love him.

Absent

I've been gone for a while...I don't think I've blogged in a few months. Not much new other than God's grace every morning.....below is my attempt at an update or random facts from the last few months.

Update:

-praying for and giving to Haiti

-listening to William Fitzsimmons pretty much non stop (for the last year)

-love Adrienne more today than last time I blogged

-love my kids ALOT

-the church is the only institution God promises to bless

-Jesus and His church are sure things, and that's about it

-reading is my 3rd favorite thing

-I don't day dream about moving to another city any more

-the church has to BE the mission of God

-when not listening to William Fitzsimmons, I'm listening to other sad folk music

-I love pizza ALOT (not as much as my kids, but ALOT)

-I'm wiser today at 30 than I was at 29 and pretty sure this pattern will continue

-God freaking loves me and He freaking loves you, so talk to Him

-beer is proof God loves us. :)

-I like music

-I have fallen in love all over again with reading the scriptures.

-I miss my brother

-I miss my sister

-I miss my mom

-I miss my dad (Sept 13th, 1999)

-even though I don't day dream about moving anymore, I still think about New York ALOT

-I've learned that character is way more important than reputation

-even my closest friends and I have a hard time getting together on a regular basis, which is sad

-I want to be a good dad. somedays I am, and somedays I'm not

well, that's it for now. I know those thoughts were random, but it was good for me to get them out.

grace and peace,

matt

Some Christmas Pictures :-)