Yet Another One

Here's the latest "we don't want you letter".

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your willingness to correspond with us regarding the position of Worship & Youth pastor. We have received information from a number of qualified, committed persons and have sought to consider each one prayerfully.

At this time God has led us in another direction. We trust that God will continue to lead you as you seek to serve Him.

In Christ,

I am beginning to wonder if God wants to me to be in vocational ministry at this time.

Directions

Stay,
slow down
or go?

Sometimes it's hard
to know what
to do.

I am in a Short Film

My friend Daniel Rhoten has written, directed and produced (and edited and filmed and so on....) a short film for the fine folks at the SBC.

I was privileged to get an opportunity to act and shoot some of the footage. Below is a promo for the film. The music is by Paul Haugen.

I play a church planter struggling financially and emotionally... it's ironic type-casting.

Bright Hope for Dark Days CMO Trailer from Daniel Rhoten on Vimeo.

My Son's Birthday Party

Just thought I'd share a few of my favorite shots from my son's birthday party this last weekend.

I can't believe he's growing up so fast!

View a slideshow (with additional photos here)

Where is Matt?

I saw this over at Longbrake's site. I loved it! So much joy!

I don't like to dance (AT ALL!), yet somehow it was hard to sit still.



Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Another One

Dear Applicant

Thank you so much for your interest in the position of worship pastor. We received an overwhelming number of applications and have filled the position.

We pray that you will find what you are looking for and that God will continue to bless you in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Four Years and Growing

Tomorrow my youngest turns four. I love him deeply.

Restaurant Photoshoot - Helen's Chinese Gourmet

Below are a few shots from today's photo shoot for a magazine called, "Asian Restaurant News". I took these at Helen's Gourmet Chinese Food in N. Fresno. Apparently, the magazine is going to feature them on the front cover. That means if my photos are good enough, I will have a photo on the front cover of a national magazine! That would be pretty cool.

Anyway, Helen was an amazingly nice lady! She sent us (Josh helped me) home with a bunch of food that I shot, which was helpful because Sarah hadn't been able to prepare dinner. The food was GOOD! They've been in business for 13 years, so I think the restaurant is doing something right. If you stop in for lunch or dinner, tell Helen that Joe says, "Hi".

Asian Restaurant News

I just got a gig shooting "Helen's Gourmet Chinese Food" for national publication titled, "Asian Restaurant News". Thank you Craigslist. You rock.

In the next few days, I'll go shoot the Interior, Exterior, the Owner(s), and some signature dishes. This should be fun, partly because I've never done a shoot quite like this before. I will get paid, and I will add a national publication to my portfolio.

I'll be sure to post some of the photos.

They Keep Coming

Dear Pastor Joe:

Thanks for writing to us. I am sorry but we
had sent an email letting you know that at this point in time you are
not among the finalists being considered for the position. I apologize
that it has taken this long to get back to you -- the response of
sorting through over two hundred resumes has been a little daunting.

Please know we wish you all the best and will pray for you that the Lord will lead you to just the right place to minister.

In Him,

What Eddie Said

After a huge sigh, Eddie said, "Why does gravity have to keep pulling me down? I want to fly!"

Eddie is 3 years old.

Putting Myself Out There

Yesterday I hung that final two (out of 6) framed art on the walls of local Florist.

Taking my work to the public is a brand new thing for me, so I'm a bit nervous, I'm excited and I'm cautious. I'm nervous to have other people seeing some of my work and talking about it while I'm not around. I'm excited to have other people seeing some of my work and talking about it while I'm not around and I'm cautious - trying to not to get my hopes up too high.

What AM I hoping for? I'm hoping for sales! I'm hoping for a few phone calls for some custom work!

If you are local, I want to invite you to come down to PETAL. Dana (the owner) is really nice. The flowers are high quality. The store is really simple, quaint and has great art on the walls. You will find a map and an address below.

Here are the 6 pieces that I hung.



PETAL (Corner of Willow and Nees) - Click HERE for a map.
1215 N. Willow Ave #140
Clovis, Ca

Now I'm working on hanging some art on the walls of Cinnamonster!