Thanksgiving 08

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (psalms 107:1)

* Thanksgiving overflows when I realize God is in control.
*Thanksgiving is possible because Jesus won the victory over Sin.
*Thanksgiving reminds me I am the fragrance of Christ to the world.
*Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate and pray for my friends.
*Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what you already have and grateful for all you receive.
*Thanksgiving helps me respond properly to God.

Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain, the river running by,
The sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one.

He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell
How great is God almighty, Who has made all things well.

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.
--Cecil Alexander (1848)

A bright thing I'm thankful for.
My precious Pat, my life partner, lightens up the heart of my life. She truly makes each
day special with happiness and good fortune. She is lively and cheerful. She is a rich light
that reflects brightly without sparkling or glittering.

A beautiful thing that I'm thankful For.
My three special daughter-in laws,They have brought energy and love into our family,
they are the living examples of a Proverbs 31 wife of noble character, Their smiles will
melt your heart. They have brought confidence to my sons, they work hard, providing
for their family and husband. They open their arms to the poor, extending help to the
needy. They are clothed in beauty with strength and dignity, they look more beautiful
each day, bringing respect to my sons. They speak with wisdom and faithful instruction,
watching over the affairs of their homes. they fear the Lord and are to be praised. I love
you Lindsay, Kristy and Kristen.

A wise person I'm thankful for.
Words can't express the appreciation I have for this wise man, He impacted my life at very
important times of my life, as I began my marriage and family. My cousin Dean Orr, helped
lay a foundation for my 40 years of marriage and five wonderful children. many times by
example, and sharing wisdom while chopping wood for the winter, in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, never by preaching. (thanks Dean)

A wonderful thing that fills me with Joy.
I thought sons were wonderful, but Grandsons have brought unspeakable joy into our lives.
each unique in their God given characteristics. They are close to my heart. I love you
Nathan, James, Caleb and Micah.









A creature that blesses my life.
Nobody knows this, except maybe Pat. Everybody thinks I don't like animals, maybe because
I am so mean to them. but I really like our cat, His name is Chu Chi, and is a left over from
our kids, Elizabeth's cat that stayed when she moved on the bigger and better things.
He is really a lot like me, stubborn, and set in His ways. well whatever. Happy Thanksgiving
Chu-Chi, I hope you liked the turkey I sneaked you when no one was looking.

Fun with the family under the purple mountain majesty

I stood where Katharine Lee Bates was inspired to write America the beautiful, with two wonderful grandsons and Kathryn as we walked and jogged along the old railroad tracks, now made into a walking and jogging trail that goes behind their home in Colorado Springs. What an awesome experience as I looked at that breath taking mountain, just recently dusted with a light snow. The weather was brisk, but refreshing. My thoughts went beyond how beautiful America is
to the awsome power that created this site, our

Lord and Saviour. The verse "In the begining God created the heavens and the earth" suddenly had more meaning. Then I looked at my third child and her wonderful twins and was filled with more wonder of God's gifts to us. As I frolicked with them in this beautiful site, I was reminded of Gods words, in Psalms where he says " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well".
I love you Kathryn, Jake, Nathan and James. Thanks for the visit!
Love, Dad
(click pictures twice to enlarge)

congratulations Joe and Kristy

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOE AND KRISTY ON FINISHING THEIR
 EDUCATION MASTERS!!

Joe’s challenge to MAED 2008 graduates, chosen as class
speaker, presented

in June at the Education graduation banquet.

INTRODUCTION:
Thank you for having me here today. I feel so honored and blessed to be
apart of this ceremony. This junction on my life’s road has been a long
time coming with many challenges and many joys. Since finishing my
undergraduate degree here at Biola in 2003 my wife Kristy and I have
slowly been working through the MAED program and we are both very excited
to now go into our world and use what we have learned to impact those
around us for the glory of God.

REFLECTION:
IN reflecting on my five-year endurance with the Masters of Education
program, one word defines the summation of this time passion. Life has
been very full. Full of blessings, full of trials, full of life lessons,
and full of…everything. The major events that mark the book ends of this
part of my life are the marriage to my wife in December of 2003 and the
birth of my coming son due in mid June. The rollercoaster in between has
brought the growing experience of a new job teaching and coaching, the
trials of battling cancer, and the ever-challenging process of growing
spiritually in the Lord and seeking his will. In the end ithas been the
passions in my life, driven by the power of God, that have spurred me to
push on.

It is not whether you have passion, but rather what is driving that
passion. You see everyone has something that they are passionate about,
but if that passion is pushed by selfish desire that passion will never be
satisfied. The thirst of the sinful self will never be satisfied by the
offerings of the world, but the thirst of a soul longing for God will be
satisfied. As it says in Psalms 107:9, “For He has satisfied the thirsty
soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good” If we yield the
passions of our lives over to the almighty God He will supply the power to
drive those passions to display His glory to the world.

PASSION HAS A LASTING IMPACT:
Though I have been around many people in my life that have lived
passionately there is one person that has stood out among many. That
person is my dad, Matt Orr. Many of you know my dad as coach Orr. Even
the local mechanics at the 76 Station know my dad as coach Orr. This man
has shown me what it means to live a passionate life for the Lord. He has
taught me how to have complete trust in the Lord through trials and he has
taught me how to give praise and thanks in times ofjoy. He has been an
inspiration to many through the years and his Godly passion has had a
lasting impact on many people. Here is one story of that lasting impact.

Back before I was born my dad was the wrestling coach here at Biola
University. George Payton was a wrestler of my dads. George was not the
all-star athlete. In fact he rarely won amatch. But he had a heart of
gold and through the inspiration of my dad’s passion he learned to never
give up. He rarely experienced the taste of victory on the mat, but he
also never was pinned, denying his opponent precious team points. This
often gave his team the few points that they needed to earn a team
victory. Many years later George had gone onto the mission field in
Africa. One stormy night his young daughter had become ill and he had to
get her to a doctor as quick as possible. So he gathered his family into
the jeep and headed for help. He came to a small river that had formed in
the storm and attempted to drive through to get to the doctor. The
current was too strong and it took control of the car and tipped it over.
George had to wade through the raging water and carry his family to
safety. Later he wrote to my dad and told him that as he fought the water
to save his family he couldn’t help remember the lessons he learned
through the passion of my dad, had lasting impact on him for years to come.

Passion,empowered by the strength of God, has a lasting impact on those
you come across.

As we now go into our world as teachers I pray that you may take hold of
your passions and empower them with the strength of the Lord. You will
have a lasting impact on those you encounter. The road will not always
be easy and there will most certainly be days when you feel like you do
not have the ability to carry on. Remember that you are the instrument of
God and He has given you a passion that He longs to use to show His glory
to the world.


"Leadership isn't just about what you accomplish
But how you accomplish it

It's really about HIS NAME and not MY FAME.

It's really about HIS GLORY and not MY STORY."

Heaven

Heaven is a wonderful place, full of Glory and Grace, I want to see my Saviour's face because heaven is a wonderful place!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14: 1-3

Have you read Randy Alcorn's book Heaven? I also was challenged by his book Safely Home!!
Do we spend more time planning our next vacation, than we do preparing for eternity?

I think my house is going to be high on a river's bend (maybe the river of life, which flows from the great throne). I'm going to have a big picture window looking out over the river, and a picnic table and barbecue next to the river's edge, and Dan will cook me his fabulous tri-tip and Jake will provide the deer meat of course Kristy brings the dessert. We will have a big rock on the bend and Sam will fish from there. We will listen to the peaceful sound of the rolling river and in the evening Joe, Elizabeth, Lindsay, and Kathryn will play soothing music. Ben and Kristin will be playing with all the kids at the river's edge. Of course Bonnie and Dean will come by in their kayaks.

Shall we gather at the river???

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God.

Yes, we'll gather at the river
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsyMCkTqDI&feature=related

40th Anniversary Video

What makes a marriage 40 years Strong?

Matt and Pat Celebrating 40 Years

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12
Two are better then one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down his friend can help him up but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm but how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Prov 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Love is a commitment to the satisfaction peace, security. Joy and development of another person. God’s love is not based on emotion as human love often is. It is based on His CHARACTER.

GOD’S LOVE DEFINED I Cor. 13

Patient: For God’s timing and purposes

Kind: To others, healing and uplifting, regardless if they are kind to you.

Not Jealous: A fearful and not protective attitude. Not what is good for me but what is your will, purpose and plan.


humility: Don't feel the necessity to prove yourself


Polite: able to demonstrate Godly Character.

doesn’t seek its own: Love surrenders its rights

Isn’t provoked: Quiet spirit

Take into account: empowers us to forgive

Rejoices with the truth: See’s hurt, hate and evel

Bears all things: no negative remarks about others

Believes all things: Not suspicious and critical

drops all things: for the best of others

Love never fails: response is always love

G-PA visits Montana

Well its been quiet because, the magic password was lost but now is found, so here I am!

To me Montana was just another beautiful state, with a cowboy on its license, cool! But then USAF shipped their top Captain to watch over the most dangerous weapon in the world, as Good Morning America would classify the secret Minuteman weapon!. Of course, some important citizens of the USA got to visit this fortified area (like yours truly), although I almost didn't pass the background check. They were concerned with my shirt that said, "do it orr die". Don't tell Iran or N. Korea, but one missile at TANGO is sitting there waiting for them if Mrs. Clinton becomes our president. Well anyway on to some real important information.

I dropped down in the great city of Great Falls, Montana in April for a quick 4 day visit, so those new twin grandsons could get to know their cool G-PA. Kathryn met me at the airport (you know the building with two airplanes where the lady that sells your ticket runs up stairs and runs you through the safety check, and tells you to go to boarding area A or B, and calls you to board the plane with 10 other people. Pretty efficient use of employees. Those Montana people are good.

Well I finally saw the boys and Jake too! Boy were they excited to see me! James was jumping around, and making all kind of noises, and Nathan, he just gave me that smile that melts all the snow in Montana its so warm, He's already got the ladies swooning over him! Well the next day we got into some serious Montana business. We went dog and squirrel hunting! We found a big black dog out back. We would whistle and here he would come right up to the fence, running over the silver weiner dog to be first to see us. He would stick his big nose through the fence. I warned James to be careful as He might be happy to see us, because he wanted to bite our hand. Now nathan listened real good but James, he was real macho. I wonder who he inherited that trait from? Well weiner dog not to be outdone just scooted under big black and rubbed up against the fence, and we petted him. He groaned with pleasure. Nathan and James' eyes were real big with wonder, or was it the wind that was blowing them open. (You know no Montana person walks straight up, they alway tilt forward, because they walk against 60mph wind 8 hours a day.) Then little white came running up next door and was barking like crazy, running around like a fire was on his tail!! Now Nathan thought that was co000l.! James he thought it was nothing, just normal!! Well all sudden Big Red , down the street started howling. so we, pushed against the wind and barely made it to him. Boy was he excited to see us, jumping with big tail wagging. So we rubbed his head and he whined with glee! Well all that dog hunting and wind made us cold and tired and hungry so we decided not too squirrel hunt.

Returning home, mom (alias Kathryn) had our meal ready!! Now James ate like a horse, but Nathan was a little more reserved. In fact, he just let his mom know he had enough and said, "you finish this for me" and shared it with us. In fact all over us and the kitchen too smiling giggling in the process. Well it was time to sleep so James was off and snoring away but Nathan was hollering like a steam engine. After many minutes he got tired and started to nod off, then James for some reason, (maybe because Nathan popped him in the face) started yelling. Boy, and its so quiet outside in Montana.

Well we had a great time!!! I really loved every minute!! But boy it's hard work in Montana. We love those boys. We'll get to see them soon, about their one year birthday. DON'T forget its GRAND PA!!!

Back From Montana!

Well, I am back from Montana after a wonderful visit with Kathryn, Jake, and "The Boys", as they are called. Montana weather was interesting from the first day on. The plane landed in 50 mph winds which was a bit like an amusement park ride. The pilot did a good job and we arrived safely. While in Montana there were two snow storms. The first one was "blizzardy" with lots of swirling winds and snow drifts. Sunday morning we awakened to a sparkling diamond-like wonderland. Every weed, tree, and piece of grass looked like it had white glitter on it. The sun was shining so it really sparkled. By the time we got out of church, things had started to get slushy.

Nathan and James are really starting to have fun being twins. They sit on the floor and laugh at each other and keep each other very entertained. It is fun to spy on them when they don't know you are looking at them. They have become very social with each other. They are healthy and happy babies and they sleep about 11 hours a night!

While I was in Montana, Kathryn got Matt and I on "Facebook" which has been lots of fun. We have been hearing from many people from our past and are now officially "friends" with many. It is an interesting networking program.

Well, it is good to be back in the land of sunshine, but I did have a wonderful spring break.

The Beach

You Just can't beat the beach at easter break! This week our family has visited Dan and Elizabeth down at Newport beach at their time share. Most of our time is spent at Crystal Cove, the weather is perfect at this time of the year you can lay out in the sun, or cover your self from the sun, and enjoy the cool breeze. When you desend the path, or stairs to the beach, its like opening up a door and going into another world, with the soothing waves, that seem to totally relax you. couples walking hand in hand enjoying each other, and the beauty around. Just to watch different couples come by is a joy. The beauty of a sailboat, and Joy of a speeding motorboat brings pure excitement. To see families enjoying each other, children building in the sand (some big people too, Ben) chasing the waves in and out. Watching the sea life all around, beautiful sea shells, soaring birds, every once in while, big crashing waves coming in with everybody getting soaked, (and seeming to enjoy it), watching it quietly roll out, to regain its strength for another frightful moment. Joggers coming bye, flowing so smoothly, fresh air coming in out of their lungs. You asend the bluffs to make a necessary pit stop, (I'm over sixty you know) and dodge bikers on the trails , as they zoom by talking loudly, with excitement. The ocean seems so untamed as you walk out on the rocks, and retreat with fear as a unexpected big wave comes in. Poking sea animals, that seem dead with a stick and watch them come to life, or have some one shout "watch out" as you start to poke them. (Sam I'm not sure that guy thought that was funny, as his face turned white, His wife sure did!! I thought she was going to die laughing, as he nearly jumped out of his pants. Then there is the famous shake shack (You can't beat a oreo shake). Thanks, for sharing your vacation with us, Dan and Elizabeth .
You guys "rock"
Posted by Matt (Pats still in Montana!)

Caleb and Grandpa

Caleb and I had our first visit to creek park today, Its about a 2+ mile walk, pretty good for a 60+ and 1 1/2 year old, Its hard to believe but right in middle of the city, we visited the horses , ducks,and chickens, reminded me of the old farm,when we sat by the creek and thru stuff at the ducks, Ha ,Ha. We petted horses and made all kinds of animal sounds. I taught him to be careful , when the dark red horse laid back his ears, and stomped the ground. we had fun when we went thru the Imperial tunnel, we made all kinds of echo's. and said hI! to everyone who walked by. Caleb even tried to talk some fries off some teenage bikers who were having lunch but his "please, please" didn"t work. so He started saying UM, UM, UM ( translated lets eat) so I knew our adventure was over, so home to lunch, and of course nap time, Grandpa led the way! I never got to take naps in the middle of the day before! Oh the joys of being Grandpa, to top His day off Caleb went down to the beach to visit Aunt Elizabeth, and Uncle Dan, what a life! (see their blog)
ps Grandma is in montana!!

free at last

Free at Last!
Those who trust the risen Christ are truly, completely, and eternally free from Condemnation. (Romans 8:1)
How Deep The Father's Love For Us'
Lyrics:
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocKing voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast inJesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Erik Thoennes
Date: march 23, 2008
Grace E V free , La mirada , CA.

http://www.graceevfree.org/Portals/0/media/Sermon_20080324.mp3
posted by matt

Meet the Parents!

Well, we decided to join the kids and start our own blog. It is important to keep in contact with friends and family and this is a great way to do it. We always look at everyone else's sites and enjoy hearing what's happening so we'll see where this leads us.

Matt is, well let's say, just barely over sixty. He has been teaching and coaching at Biola for 38 years and is still going strong. One of his students recently said on "rate your professor" that they should make a reality show out of Matt's weight training class. They said it would make good tv. When he is not teaching weight training or soccer, he can be found teaching bowling at Whittier Hills Bowling. He likes to "piddle" around the house and you can usually find 1 year old Caleb piddling right along side him.

Pat is, well let's not say how old I am. I am a third grade teacher and loves my work and the kids. When not teaching I like to read and work on the computer. Right now I am reading 3 books, Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens (about 800 pages), Peter Pan by JW. Barie, and one other Christian romance novel that puts me to sleep in about 10 minutes, and therefore I can't remember the title or what most of it is about. I am also doing a Bible study on the life of David by Beth Moore.

We go to Grace Evangelical Free Church and are part of a small group in the church which we host at our home. We are grateful for this church for so many reasons, mainly for the truth which is taught there each week and the constant relevance of the Bible to our lives.

We have five children who are all married to wonderful spouses and we have 3 (almost 4) grandsons. We will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary this year. Where DOES the time go?

Well, we'll let you know more about us and the family as time goes on.