• 3 am.

    April 23, 2010 - Comments (8)

    It’s 3 am, and I’ve just returned home from the cabin tonight. I originally intended to blog more frequently during my stay at the cabin, but there’s no internet out there, and I’ve been spending pretty much every waking moment in the cabin. So, I blog when I catch a brief moment away from the cabin and a little wi fi. Anyway, a little update on where I’m at…

    About 10,000 stories received thus far. So, pretty much, you guys have turned me into a READER! And after reading all of these stories, I’ve become a big fan of autobiographies. That’s basically what all of these stories are. Little windows into the autobiographies that are the stories of your lives.

    I’ve written about 30 songs, (and started 130 more…) Starting songs is my strong suit… Finishing? Well, that’s the hard part. :)

    Come to think of it, isn’t that true for a lot of areas in our lives? At least in my life that truth seems to carry over… I’m good at starting full steam ahead, but grow weary on my way to the completion. I start out strong with a commitment to daily quiet times, but slowly stray from the necessary daily time alone with God as daily demands take over. I start out with a new motivation to go out of my way communicating love to my wife, family and the world around me, but easily fall off track with a harsh word, or selfish intention.

    This time at the cabin has been an intensive, daily opportunity for me to practice the craft of follow through. Being strong to the finish. A discipline I hope will spill into the other areas of my life that could use a strong finisher.

    “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Phillipians 3:14)
    -mw

    Matthew West POSTED BY:
    Matthew West

    • 8 comments

    1. 1. ganns commented:

      Fri 23/4/10, 6:29 am

      I believe the body of Christ will be edified by how you will transform these stories of God’s power into something truly amazing, moving, and glorifying to His Name. I can’t wait to hear the finished product. God superbless you in this time of creativity, Mr. West. Blessings from Manila, Philippines.

    2. 2. Joni Brainerd commented:

      Fri 23/4/10, 7:45 am

      Follow-through has always been tough for me as well. Crazy-sad how quickly we ditch our plan in a moment of weakness. Just last week: great conversation about judgementalism and how to avoid it; a mere 4 hours later, sometime set me off and I was off to the races in spouting off about someone I didn’t even know. Ugh.

      I, too, am on a songwriting mission… wow — not #’s like these, but still: having a ball and blogging about the inspiration, process and finished product. Can check it out at http://www.mission1226.wordpress.com

      Matthew — the songs that stick with you in the shower?? They are begging for completion. You’ve got this!!! Sing/play on!!!

    3. 3. Jennifer Eckert commented:

      Fri 23/4/10, 7:50 am

      I have a hard time w/ follow through…it’s a matter of having someone to come along side us at the right point in the process to keep us motivated and focused on the task. That person will help with the task as well when they join in.

    4. 4. Jordie Reason commented:

      Fri 23/4/10, 8:13 am

      That person to walk with us with every answer and right motivation.. is Jesus.

    5. 5. Jeisel Q. commented:

      Fri 23/4/10, 4:58 pm

      God bless :)

    6. 6. Kenneth commented:

      Fri 23/4/10, 9:34 pm

      I am very anxious to see what songs are going to be on the new album and how the inspiration of the fans turns out! I have been following most of the blogs as much as I can, and have found that many of your fans have a similar story, but in a very different way is told. Is there any possibility of you maybe giving us a sample of one of the songs you have written based from inspiration from a fan? God be with you and your family!!

    7. 7. Amber H. commented:

      Wed 28/4/10, 7:08 pm

      Thanks for the post! It is a great reminder that we have a wonderful reward waiting for us! That definitely helps me with following through, something that I struggle with as well… And I’m going to have to remember that scripture… so once again thanks for the post! God bless you and your ministry!

    8. 8. Bonnie Lowe commented:

      Mon 3/5/10, 6:15 am

      I heard your song “Save a Place for Me” for the first time on Sunday morning on my way to church. I lost my husband unexpectedly on April 13, 2010. The words to this song truly express my feelings as I work through these days of adjustment. I know he is in heaven with his Lord and I know that someday I will see him again. Thank you for your song which has helped me in my healing process.

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