Hey! I have good news! I just passed both CLEP tests for Western Civ I & II! I have been studying like crazy; in fact, last night I pulled an all-nighter...=( But I guess it payed off. Thank God!

News

Well.... Laura is pregnant! She is doing as well as can be expected is what I have heard from others who have experienced the bliss of carrying another human around inside for 9 months. She feels like she is going to throw up most of the time. I know that if I am around in the event that I will most likely add to it. She is about 6 weeks along and the little life is about the size of a lima bean (I may be wrong on the size, I have been wrong before). I will keep you updated as best as I can, but if you would like to keep up on a daily basis check out the wife's blog at www.laurasiegrist.blogspot.com

Cali or Bust!

Well, we're moving to San Diego!

I'll be starting classes this fall at Westminster Seminary California.
Christa has been offered a job at the seminary, one which she would probably really enjoy. We have not decided yet whether she will take that job or look for something else, but it would be great to have her working in the same place where I will be going to school all day. The move will probably take place the second week of August, but there are still a lot of details to work out. If anyone wants to buy a Toyota truck, let me know! :) Anyway, we appreciate all your prayers very much. It will be difficult to leave NEPA, not because it's NEPA, but because of all the close friends and mentors we have up here. I am very thankful, though, for this blog. It should be very helpful with keeping in touch with all of you.

-Matt

Just a question, is everyone keeping up with what's happening in Israel? I think it's very important, and the media isn't sharing all the information. Here's a site that can tell you more.

Oh, and don't forget to help Sarah Joy out with kids choir ideas.

A happy Camper is a well rested Camper

Hey Everyone,
I can't believe how fast the summer has gone and how busy it has been. This is the first chance I have had to use a computer since I last posted. We are over the halfway point in our summer traveling, and this past week was definitely the hardest. We were sent to Camp Patmos to help with one of their biggest junior weeks ever. There were over 300 kids there. It was a strange transition going from couseling Senior High kids to juniors. It was a frustrating and sometimes discouraging week, because most of the time I feel like I was just a disciplinarian to the kids. I don't think that most of them ever heard the word "no" from their parents before. It definitely was a week of faith. There was no amazing stories or moments of exreme joy, but a constant walk of faith, trusting that God was working for his glory although I could not see it. I look back at a difficult week, and I trust that God was accomplishing his perfect will.

This has been a time of life for me to really live by faith. Even when thing look like they are not going to plan, God is still working on his perfect plan. Pray that I will continue to keep that in mind and remember it is not about me or my exhaustion.

<--our alaska missions' trip this year.

IT IS SOO GOOD TO BE RECONNECTED WITH CHAMBERS. Though far apart, you’ve each come to mind over the months and years, and it’s great to hear your hearts again…

As many of you know (or maybe not many at all) it's been a pretty unbelievable year. My health has been an issue of concern, and I wanted to report to you all that in the end it was not carcinoid cancer, but rather chronic hives. What a difference in diagnosis, eh? Although I can no longer mow the lawn (one of my favorite things), the Lord is most definitely in it—waiting and watching and challenging me to grow in faith and perseverance.

Joe and I are doing well. We have truly fallen in love with our church in Valparaiso, Indiana and are regularly refreshed by the staff, worshipping, and working with the teens. I'm thrilled to report that I’ve been able to use my passion for art in the church, starting a year ago with redesigning our church website (http://www.calvaryweb.net/), publications, and marketing and continuing with several commissioned projects, including a large mural in our church foyer (to be completed in ’07). The Lord is faithful to give us the desires of our hearts!

A week ago our pastor spoke on “Impractical Living” from Mark 14. An excellent quote was used concerning worship, that I thought you might all enjoy:

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“Worship is idolatry unless it’s a total waste of time in earthly terms, a total immersion in the eternity of God’s infinite splendor for the sole purpose of honoring God.” (Marva Dawn)
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Grace & peace, friends, Ashley Wittmer

From Choir Talk to Prayer Talk

Speaking of choirs, a week ago I had my first day conducting a song in choir rehearsal. I was so discouraged that day! All I could think about during the rehearsal was all the weaknesses Dr. Mason had told me I needed to work on! It also did not help that we were meeting in a different room with lots of ambient noise! But I talked to my dad afterward about how to do better for this past Sunday. So, this last time I had a few new preparations, and we were back in the normal room where I could hear and think better. I was more relaxed this time too.

I will also be starting voice lessons with at least one student next week. I'm nervous. I hope that I have something to contribute! And that I can actually teach. But I am glad that I finally approached the mother about it, after knowing all summer that she was looking for someone to give her son voice lessons. She also said that she knows several other teens that want voice lessons as well. So, with half the summer left, hopefully I can teach something to somebody. Prayers would be appreciated! And advice from Doc too!

I have been working at Chick-Fil-A, my job that I always get to return to. It's great, but I haven't had enough hours. Thankfully, this week I have a lot more, so I hope that will continue.

Here is another matter for prayer. We discovered yesterday that my check card info and perhaps also my whole checking account info has been stolen and someone has been running my account into the negative. There wasn't much there to begin with! So I have been getting to know the people at my bank the last two days. I feel like we're all old friends. (j/k, though one of them is a BBC alumnus! He has fond memories of Buckingham!) Anyway, it's in the process of being worked out, and I know it will all work out. The strange thing is that for the time being until I get a new bank account it's like I have no money. But even in that, God has provided, because I'm not living on my own in an independent state. I still have the "cushion" of parents to fall back on and take care of my needs. Seems like just the thing that God would do when I've been discontent and wishing that I were finally on my own.

Speaking of prayer, you can pray that I would pray. I know that I have neglected this "spiritual duty" as Burroughs would say.

I tend to get long-winded on these updates. I miss everyone! I started out mostly to just talk about choir, but I can see that I've listed several things for prayer. Let's have a time warp: Here we are, in the circle, Emily is copying down prayer requests, Doc says, "Let's pray. Short prayers so that more people can participate." And then Bryce and Matt will proceed to pray for 10 minutes each! :) Love you guys!!! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Goodbye to DaNasty...

It's true...I've said my goodbyes to my loyal dynasty- I no longer will drive onto campus with that nasty old dodge dynasty with half-peeling-off stickers plastered to the back of it...(but Dave will, haha). I bought a new car! The Lord provided me with a really nice used Honda accord. It was really awesome how He worked it out...at the end of the day my parents and I were praising the Lord together because there was no one to thank but Him.
Anyway, I felt it necessary to bring this monumental event to the attention of all those who have enjoyed the company of my flavorful dynasty on campus for the past 4 years. :)

Hey Guys... I haven't posted any updates on life since the engagement...I thought I would write a few sentences just to check in with everyone:)

I'm having a great summer here at Camp Sankanac! Things are going very well here at home...yes, camp is HOME...feels so nice to be here. Lots of people, smiling faces, happy kids, good friends, godly examples, etc...it's a great place to be!
I work at camp from 8am-5:30pm and then from 6-9 I'm a housekeeper. So life has been busy!! But very good. It's great to be back in my own house...which i have all to myself this summer! i'ts GREAT! :)

I've seen Dave once since school...I see him again on Saturday! Wahoo:):) Pray for us...he may have the opportunity to go to Germany to play pro-ball this coming fall... so he would go to Germany and I would stay here to finish up school for the first semester. Then who knows what after that...a fly-by Christmas wedding?!?!?! haha, I have no idea what's going to happen! As of now we're planning for a June 2, 2007, 11am wedding...but who knows what will really happen if he goes to Germany! Pray for us! We're really praying hard and trying to see what God has for us. It's not easy to make decisions sometimes!!

I CAN'T WAIT FOR TLC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss singing with ya, Doc! One more semester!!...so sad! :( Anyway, It will be good to see Eric and Jordan again! I'm looking forward to worshiping with Mr. McGrew as well...should be a great summer. Any news on a piano/keyboard person?

I'm loving the virtual fellowship!!!!!!!! So good to hear from you all...I check the site every day.
I've been praying for each of you as I read your posts. Pray for Dave and I and that we would seek the Lord and His will for our future.

A New Puppy and Ponderings on Independence Day

My parents just got a new puppy yesterday! Our dog Caleb died nearly two weeks ago. We had him ever since I was 10. He was a miniature schnauzer, and that's what this puppy is too. We have not named him yet. I suggested Jack, and my mom thought of Toby. We're not too worried about deciding immediately. He is only 9 weeks old. It might be nice to name him something to match his personality, but from what we know so far he could be called Biter, Nosy, or Baby. Those three things describe him as he is right now, but they're not names we would like him to live up to.

It is fun.

What are your churches like around the 4th of July? The churches I am from have always had traditions of celebrating the 4th on the Sunday closest to the holiday. This past Sunday was no different. I had the job of hanging a big flag at the front, besides the flag that is always displayed on the stage. The choir opened with a big exciting number about America that only mentions God twice in passing. We did the pledge of allegiance. (I awkwardly wasn't sure if those of us in the choir were supposed to face the flag or not). The other congregational songs were patriotic songs. The sermon was titled "Why Does God Bless America?" and I felt as though the text was only ever meant for Israel (the Psalm that says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord". The one point in the outline that I heartily agreed with was that God has blessed us because of our stance toward the nation of Israel. Anyway, I began to wonder whether we had gathered there to worship God or not. But I kept these thoughts to myself. Even a couple of years ago these thoughts would never have entered my head. (Theo IV anyone?)
But I'm starting to realize, what's wrong with keeping sacred things sacred and secular things secular? I can celebrate the 4th as much as I want today. Why should I do it in church? That's not what church is for. Ah, but I feel that if I were to voice any of these thoughts I would be looked at as a complainer and a busy-body, just trying to cause trouble and discourage the work of the church. Cause you see, "lot's of people have been getting saved lately, so therefore we must be doing the right thing."

I just needed to get that off my chest. Happy 4th everyone! It may not be a holy nation, but we can thank God for where we have come from and what He has graciously blessed us with.

what ups, work stuff, and washed-up pop stars

I'm still on here, Matt. I tried to call a few weekends ago; what are you up to? Oh, and Doc, can you invite me onto the Grace Baptist blog?
I never really have much to write about. My summer is going alright. My car isn't doing too well, but I'm hoping it's fixed by the time I go to student teach. I'm doing my first placement at Bible Baptist in Shiremanstown, which is where Jeremy K. did his, and then I'm in Montrose for the second placement. After that, it is beginning to look like I'll be coming home to work. I'm hoping a specific job works out that will allow me to pay off my debt pretty quickly. I don't want to drag this post out, so I'll just say that my easy babysitting jobs are working out well, the college group where we're reading The Dangerous Duty of Delight is going well, and currently I'm on an all-era Michael Jackson kick for some strange reason (just catchy stuff I guess). Hope everyone is having a great summer...

Welcome Jeremy Kemerrerrrrrrrrrr! I just noticed that you joined. It's good to have you! What's going on with you this summer?

Which reminds me once again...seriously, if there is anyone who might think that they could scrape up the time, it would be great if someone could scrounge up the emails of as many Chambers from the last 5 years or so (maybe more...whatever) so we can continue expanding the circle!

By the way, since there are more Chambers from the past and future joining every fortnight or so, it would be great if everyone could update their profiles with as much info as possible, so that we can all get to know those of different Chambers generations.

OK...there are about 6 of us that post...which is ok, but if there are more out there at least reading, please just let us know you are there. It's so much like the circle...there have always been a few that just can't seem to shut up (me) and those who speak very seldomly but are are listened to when they do speak. So, you know, everyone out there, just give at least a little "shout out" now and then...please...

Doc, this was a great idea, by the way!