1. Grace laughs at the law with head thrown completely back and ribs grabbed.
2. Yesterday at work, I got to talking to a guy about books. And we talked poetry a little. And it was the best day at work ever.
3. There have been a number of articles lately about the things people say to pastors. And things you shouldn’t say to pastors. Ways pastors are criticized. One article was about how it hurts Pastors when people leave.
I’ve now been on both sides of this coin. Can I write an article of what pastors should never say or do? It all seems a silencing. What would I love to hear from pastors? Posts asking for feedback with a chest behind that can handle it.
4. I listen to Ryan Adams a lot. And one of the reasons is how absolutely at odds his personality is with his songs. He is a foul-mouthed, pinball playing, comic book reading, silly boy-man. And he writes songs with incredible melodies and lyrics that rival some of the best modern poetry for beauty and insight into the human condition.
5. Last night we spent an evening laughing and eating and drinking with our best friends. We talked of our joys, our hurts, and we laughed at ourselves till we hurt. Each couple brings a dish. We get together every month at least once a month. But we try for more. We have a group text that we live on that’s been going for years. It’s full of inside jokes, prayer requests and plans for time together. It’s used every single day. We care about each other’s kids like our own.
No “small group” could compete.
6. My Ray Charles records are treasures. Found cheap and listened to more than any others.
7. My love for BBQ is without boundary.
8. Fear adds complexity.
9. One of the things that surprised me while working in the bank is how much people eat out. And how much money they spend doing it. And how they complain about not making enough money.
10. Last night while at our friend’s I looked over and watched my wife sit and talk and laugh in all her beauty and thanked God for such a gift. Her laughter is better than gold.
Echoes and Stars 
#5. That WAS our small group. It was wonderful. Then the church split. The group stayed together for a year after that. Then everyone went their separate church ways. There is something to be said for good friends outside of the church. Be very thankful you have that treasure.
As to #7 my boss (who I greatly like working with and for) acknowledged to me that not growing up in the South he hates (that is right hates) bbq. It is more difficult to work with him every day.
Anyone for whom #7 is untrue should be suspected of communism.
Probly true
Hey! I’m from the Great White North (aka Canada) and I LOVE BBQ!
I am blessed to have been with the same small group for 14 years. We all left a church together and now attend different churches. We have added a few new members. We have gone shared much together-weddings, funerals, financial difficulties, kids going astray, etc. We are very different from one another but we are there for one another.
BTW, I may be coming to Birmingham in October during Fall break at Samford to visit with my son. Any chance I could meet you and your wife?
Heck yes there is!
Matt,
Came across Echoes & Stars couple months ago…been enjoying it.
Wondering what kind a record player you have?
Matt,
This is pure gold, as usual.
Matt
Came across Echoes and Stars a couple months ago and have enjoyed it. Noticed you mention your favorite records. What kind of record player do you have?
I bought an inexpensive one on Amazon a few months ago. I figured I should see if enjoy it before buying a nice one. What about you?
Looking for one. I want one that sounds as good as the big stereo console my parents had
I’d like one like that too.
I haven’t been by your blog in awhile, but I wanted to thank you for a music recommendation from the other month. When you recommended Leon Bridges, I checked him out on YouTube and thought he sounded good. I got his album, and found that it was a great album–Bridges said what he wanted to say, did it well, then stopped without adding any fat. Listening to the album some more, I keep liking it more and more, and finding more depth to it. So again, thanks.
You’re very welcome!
3. I’ve been scaling back on the things that I have been interacting with on the Internet recently, and happened to start with articles like those.
I really like #3. As a pastor myself I appreciate the items about things that can hurt pastors (especially senseless, hurtful things) but absolutely believe we pastors need the same input of things we should not say. I see so many problems arising from pastors inability to take feedback (even when it is given harshly) and the insulation of pastors from any form of feedback.