Matt Pearson

Daunting: A Letter to West Franklin

West Franklin Family, Two very daunting things happened to me recently. First, I had an interaction with a dad who is being incredibly intentional with his family. He takes his job as being the spiritual leader seriously and, in my opinion, is doing a remarkable job. I was encouraged, challenged, and motivated all at the same time. Honestly, it was daunting. Second, we got the news that all Williamson County schools will be remote AT LEAST during the first two weeks. We received our children’s schedules. From what I understand, they will be sitting in front of a computer from...

Wearing Out

Depending on my mood, I can get into just about any kind of music. I definitely have my favorite genre’s and artists, but love (most) all types of music. There are a couple of artists and songs, however, I have been wearing out over the last several months. This new one by NeedToBreathe will blow your mind (and heart) – feast your soul on these lyrics: “Who Am I?” White lights and desperation Hard times and conversation No one should ever love me like you do Sometimes my bad decisions Define my false suspicions No one should ever love me...

Table Talk Questions – July 26th, 2020 – “Will the One Who Contends with the Almighty Correct Him?” Job

Questions for Family/Individual Do you know anyone who talks too much? When someone is talking all the time, what are they NOT doing? Have you heard many opinions about COVID-19? What are some of them? In Job 1 and 2, Job lost everything but his own life (children, houses, business, health, happy marriage, etc.). In Job 3-37, Job and all his friends share their opinions on what God was doing. All of them had wrong opinions. What does that reveal about our constant talking? What does this say about always trying to figure out “Why?”? After a long list of...

Kind: A Letter to West Franklin

West Franklin Family, There is a phrase from Titus 3 that I haven’t been able to shake. A word, really, rather than a phrase. I haven’t been able to shake it because I haven’t really really wanted to. “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared...” (Titus 3:4) Isn’t it absolutely breathtaking that our God is kind? Seriously. Think about this with me. God is kind toward you. His thoughts toward you – right now – are kind. His tone towards you – right now – is kind. He speaks to you – if you will listen,...

Table Talk Questions – June 19th, 2020 Sermon – “What Are You Doing Here, Elijah?”

Questions for Family Discussion: **If you are able, reading the entire story of Elijah is fascinating. You may want to take a couple of days to do so with your family. 1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 1-2 1.What are some things that cause you to be down in the dumps? 2.Have there been times during COVID-19 that have caused you to be depressed (sad, bored, lonely, angry, frustrated)? Why do you think that is? 3.Does God ever make fun of Elijah, or make him feel dumb for being down in the dumps? Why is that so important? 4.What are some...

Remember: A Letter to West Franklin

West Franklin Family, For years after my paternal grandfather died, suddenly – without warning – in a boating accident while fishing, my grandmother kept a picture of her husband of over 50 years beside her bed. I never asked her why, but I imagine because she was scared to death of forgetting. I imagine a terror in her soul that she might go a day or a week or a short season when she didn’t think about him. To be sure, I have never lost a spouse. I haven’t even been married half as many years as the two of...

Table Talk Questions – July 12th, 2020 Sermon – “Do You Have Any Right to be Angry?” (Jonah 4:4, 9)

Questions to Ask With Your Family: What is your favorite part about the story of Jonah? Why was Jonah so angry? What are some things that make you angry? Why do you think they make you angry? Do you believe Jesus knows what He’s doing? Do you believe God’s love is big enough for the whole world? How should we pray today? More In-Depth Questions to Ask with a Group: Name a time you found yourself getting really angry recently. What would you say was the cause of your anger? Did you ever stop to think about it? Twice...

Moving Forward While Going Backward: A Letter to West Franklin

West Franklin Family, Ever feel like you’re going backwards? About the time I feel like we are on the “other side” of COVID-19, I feel we take a step backward. Mandatory masks. Hot spots. School openings delayed. The Big Ten and Pac 12 announced they are only playing football within their conference. I was looking forward to offering childcare on our campus later this month. But not now. That has been delayed indefinitely. Sometimes I feel like we are going backwards. But (and this is a BIG but), that’s not how God works. And it’s not how many of you...

Taking Your Kids’ Kids: Answering Your “Buts”

I know, I know. Many of you are sick of reading how wonderful Cousin’s Camp is. You’re thinking, “Good for you, Pearson’s. Way to go. Yippee.” I get it. I hear it. There are tons of “buts” out there, and a whole bunch of “what abouts.” “But my grandchildren live too far away.” “What about not having a house big enough?” “What about my failing health?” “But my kids’ spouses don’t want their kids spending all that time with us.” “What about me, pastor, I lost my spouse and it’s just me?” “But an entire week? Are you kidding me!?...

Taking Your Kids’ Kids – Part Four

The annual Cousin’s Camp put on by my parents is a win for all involved. It helps renew marriages. It deepens layers of love. It models biblical marriage. But in case you still aren’t convinced that taking your kids’ kids is a big deal, let me suggest a fourth reason. . . Taking Your Kids’ Kids Keeps You Young. There is very little I like more than a good belly laugh. Know what I mean? When something hits you the right way and before you know it you are laughing so hard your cheeks hurt (the ones on your face)...