Preparing for harvest
August 20th, 2007
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Mark and I have been busy on the farm getting things ready for harvest. Also, I am going to open a gym in the Granite City area; but I will have more info on that later. I ran across this and thought it was a good story. THE SEED He called all the young Executives in his company together. He said, “It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. “The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued, “I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the Seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.” One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and Six months went by–still nothing in Jim’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn’t say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful–in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him! When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. “My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,” said the CEO. “Today One of you will be appointed the next CEO!” All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified he thought, “The CEO knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!” When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story. The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, “Behold your next Chief Executive! His name is Jim!” Jim couldn’t believe it. Jim couldn’t Even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO the others said? Then the CEO said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be your new Chief Executive!” If you plant HONESTY, you will reap TRUST If you plant GOODNESS, you will reap FRIENDS If you plant HUMILITY, you will reap GREATNESS If you plant PERSEVERANCE, you will reap CONTENTMENT If you plant CONSIDERATION, you will reap PERSPECTIVE If you plant HARD WORK, you will reap SUCCESS If you plant FORGIVENESS, you will reap RECONCILIATION If you plant FAITH IN CHRIST, you will reap a HARVEST So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later. -Matt |
August 20th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
wow your getting your own gym that is awesome, good luck. Also thanks for posting the story, I enjoyed the message.
August 20th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Very good Story this week . I enjoyed it very much . Thank you.
August 20th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Wow! that story hit home. My wife and kids were just setting around that table talking about just this. Keep up the good work and god bless.
August 20th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Great story. I enjoyed it very much. Anybody have a clue or the reasoning behind the gym being based in Granite City?
August 21st, 2007 at 7:35 am
Very nice story, I might have to use that for my sunday school boys. 4th-5th grade boys could understand that story with a few minor changes. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
August 21st, 2007 at 10:15 am
matt good luck in december, from a fellow eastern and lincoln alum. pete j
August 21st, 2007 at 11:18 am
Great story and comments, Matt. It’s always good to remember the cause-and-effect between seed-time and harvest.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Hi Matt,
That story is exactly what I needed today. I’ve been feeling so far away from my faith lately and all of the other activities in my life are controlling me, MA Training, Work, Social etc. I sometimes feel my Christian values do not fit in to what success and society demands today. Thank you for the very impactful reminder that nothing is possible unless through Him.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I wish I could have applied that to my life when I was younger, I can’t do that but I can apply it know and show my kid. That was nice. Thank U .
August 21st, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I loved this story.. Sorry that I missed you at the class reunion, I was so looking forward to seeing you.. I miss ya…
August 21st, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Leave it to the farmer to show us inspiration through a seed. Hopefully, your Granite City seed will grow and be prosperous for you. Good luck and God Bless!
August 21st, 2007 at 9:22 pm
It was a good story but I still can’t help but ask, how is your training going? Are you going to help Rich and Tim prepare for their fights? What’s the best way to find out where you’ll be for future autograph signings? Why do we have to wait until December to see you fight again? These are just a few of the things I’ve been wondering about lately. Thanks
August 21st, 2007 at 9:27 pm
You should be opening your own church with all these messages you keep posting.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Matt, Great story, really hits home! How is your training going? I hope your gym works out, keep us posted on the progress. I hope to meet you someday, see if you can post where you will be for us crazy fans. I can’t wait to see you fight again, no matter what you are always the champ. God Bless and good luck.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:32 pm
All the best for your Granite City Gym. In terms of the story…I would have pulled a sickie myself. that way I wouldnt have lied by turning up with a potplant….but I’d be too embarissed to tern up with an empty pot
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Matt, the St. Louis City Police Dept. loss a young officer last week. I found this on a blog and would like to share it with you.
Final Inspection
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?”
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who carry badges
can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bill’s just got to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t Ill understand.
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.
—Author Unknown—
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:55 pm
So good to see a young successful Christian sharing his faith like you do Matt. Please keep sharing and thanks for taking a stand.
August 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Matt - The new gym is awesome news. I live in the Granite City area (Collinsville) and am extremely excited about you new gym. Please let us know when you have more details, especially the exact location.
August 24th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
really liked the post. I was wondering where it was going, given the initial parallel to the parable of the talents. i’ve been a fan for awhile, but this is my first comment. I pray all continues to be well for you and yours. - matt (presbyterian pastor in nj - just realized you were presbyterian, too)
August 24th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
That was a great story on morals and doing what is right.I will be sharing that story with my girls,aswell as telling others.I will also pass it on to are Sunday school teacher. My wife and I look forward to seeing your next fight.God bless and take care.
August 25th, 2007 at 12:18 am
What’s the deal with the Granite City gym? I grew up in Edwardsville and moved out to Los Angeles, but I visit home every year. I train out here (muay thai and BJJ) and would love to come home and train. Is there a particular reason for it being in Granite City? I’m not knockin’ Granite City folks or anything, but maybe there’s a better location? Either way, once its up and running expect to see me out there. Best of luck to you, bro! You’re an inspiration and I’m proud you’re from Illinois! Take care and keep us updated!
August 25th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Matt,
I am a huge fan of your professional career, particularly your dominance in the WW division. However, more so I am a fan of way you carry yourself out of the octagon. I appreciate greatly that you openly acknowledge yourself as a man of god. Additionally, I love the way you support your country, the military and it’s leaders. I too share your beliefs there!
I too am a twin of 32 years and my bro is my best friend. Hey, best of luck in your quest for the WW title in December. I feel very confident that you will again be the WW champion and further your legacy as a hall of famer!
God bless.
August 26th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Matt,
Serra’s comments seem to not only be directed at you, but to all of us who were raised up in the country in the Midwest. Don’t just defeat him Matt, train to embarrass him. If you defeat him overwhelmingly, then his short moment in the spotlight is over. Please show up the best Matt Hughes you have ever been!
This is not about vengeance; it’s about showing all of your younger fans that being from the country and the Midwest is “Something to be proud of” – Montgomery Gentry.
We will be watching and rooting for you!
Thanks for all you do. It has and will continue to be a pleasure and an honor to say I am a Matt Hughes fan.
David
August 29th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I know you haven’t announced anything about the new training gym but I am very interested in training there when you get it up and running. Maybe I could get an e-mail with a little more information as it comes in. I know a couple other people who would also be interested, they have had some amateur fights with the RFL.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
this was my first time looking at your page, and i have to say im impressed. ive only recently started watching ufc, and it doesnt seem like there could be much to guys that get paid to beat each other half to death, but that is wrong. the story on your page made me cry my eyes out. im struggling with my faith myself and both “preparing for harvest” and the story about the chairs were very inspirational. reading those stories makes me want to do and be better. thank you so much for that…. im now definitly a matt hughes fan. good luck in everything you do
September 1st, 2007 at 6:13 am
I live in granite city and would love to train. will the gym be open to the public? Proud to have you in the neighborhood Matt. Glad you are making good use of the old Melvin Price Center.
September 1st, 2007 at 6:15 am
I think that is great that you will be opening a gym in Granite City. I live in Mascoutah, but I will drive there to get some training in. I took Martial Arts (Hapkido) along time ago, but left because of the eastern influence, etc. I am really looking for MMA that is based on sound techniques, but also a place that God is glorified. I think you can build such a place.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Matt, im one of the many of friends you have from myspace!!! I just want to say i am so stoked you are a christian ON FIRE for God. If u have any weekly scriptures… cause my teacher Mr. Dietz from Davenport North highschool gets ‘em, could u please out of the kindness of your heart send them to me? my yahoo is JimmyChan777. thanks dude, you are going to have rewards in heaven waiting for u.
- God Bless
- James
September 15th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Thanks for the message I am truly glad that you put our lord and your family before all else. I will be watching you train your fighters this season and know that you and your family are in my prayers.
God bless,
Marisa
September 20th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
matt is the champ
September 22nd, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I was watching the new ultimate fighter show. You said the “terror” is weak. So morally he has kind of that rough city guy hardness. Perhaps is is physically weaker than you as well, but it is the goofy attitude that will hurt him.
I came from Iowa, and I lived in the Davenport area for a while, in the quad cities. I live on the east coast now. There is no comparison to the internal strength, work ethic, of the 2 areas.
Illinois, Iowa, all the same to me. Even if you happen to lose, and I don’t think you will, you will still be the best champ I have seen. Don’t give up training too soon. That inner strength of having a clean inner life will keep you going in a “charis”matic way, if that is what you feel led to do.
I have belt too, but that was a long time ago when I shot a lot of bullets with a uniform on. I can’t go there now, but if I could I would give up the east coast thing and come to your camp and train. It’s just a dream, but I envy you and I wish you best of graces to come, and I too know that the recognition is nothing compared to the inside fight, and you are in shape and you know that you know.
peds
September 24th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
well this is the first time i ever talked to somone famous. i am so glad to see some one like you in this sport. i wish i could meet you in person. you are the first star i have ever seen that is a good example, and i love what you said about planting faith in christ. i would love to hear back from you this is the first time i have seen you website and i am blown away. anytime i hear you talk it is always good i would love to see you fight st peirre again in my opinion you did not give it your full it was like you wanted to get rid of the challange of the belt. if it is so i dont blame you it has to get tiring being on top all the time. i know you are a better fighter than that. anyway my name is clark and i am from utah im 26 please write back soon
September 26th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Good for Matt Hughes. Good, good, good good! I’ve never seen a muslim or a Jew that was ‘afraid’ of their religion. A Christian should have no fear of theirs. Christians use peace, love, compassion, and living by example for conversion. It’s a tool that is both powerful and benign. It’s the only religion in history that offers true redemption for genuine repentance. With any other religion, once you are ‘dirty’ or ‘unholy’, that’s it. With the hindu religion, it’s so bad that you’re doomed to return to life as a dog or rat, SOME MESSAGE! Radical muslims KILL others to earn a place in heaven. Christians, with their benign and loving ways are often criticized for offering a CHOICE, while other religions are defended even though they use BOMBS. Matt Hughes is unashamed, and he makes me proud to be a Christian as well. Thanks Matt!
October 4th, 2007 at 4:29 am
matt,
I think it is about time someone like you came to the wrestling mecca of Illinois. You know as well as anyone the calliber of grappling that comes from this area. Granite City Sr. High was the first school in history to reach 1000 dual meet victories. Not to mention the countless state champions that come from southern Illinois. With the grit you find in yourself there are many others in this area who will seek your vast knowledge. MMA is here to stay and I think you’ve picked the right place to call your new training home. I will be meeting you shortly as I train right next door at the Olympic tc. Sensei Stanich thinks very highley of you. How can he not!!! Best wishes, Steve
October 25th, 2007 at 7:11 am
Let me first start out by saying that this season has been very interesting. I am a Hughes fan, always have been. The one thing that I get tired of hearing is of their great, huge, enormous sacrifice, refering to the guys that make it to the show. I am an avid UFC fan and have been since the early years of Gracie, Severen, and those guys. I usually get the pay-per-view events and see the outcome of all the training. I just want to say enough about the sacrifice deal already. On the show they are away for six weeks from family and friends. Six weeks. Try this on for size. Training just as hard for years years, being in a Special Forces unit, going to war for your country for 15 months at a clip, coming back for 9 and doing it again for another 15. Missing child births, family B-Days, family deaths, family reunions, etc… I have had a group of about 15 who have watched the Ultimate Fighter for the past few seasons dwindle down to 3. The reason for the downsizing of the group is because they get tired of hearing these guys talk about missing family, friends, children, spouses and so on. Six weeks, and for those on the show who do not complain, I tip my hat off to you. We would really like to see a little less moaning and groaning and a little more focus. Maybe that is why some of these guys get in there and do the red-light-green-light bit, where they are tough and talk all this junk and freez up in the ring. Well in my world if you freeze up you die, simple as that. There are many Army fans that watch and many who do not anymore because of this fact. I will still watch, i hope the guys get a little more mentally tough.
October 27th, 2007 at 1:38 am
i found jim alot like my self i almost always tell the truth alot of pepole see that as a weekness but i have got to feel good in most things i do the last time i hit soom one i was in 7th grade id had to fight in evey new school i moved to and id grone used to that but this scool was diffrent after i had wooped what they said were the toufest kids in school and they ran out of the bathroom some one how wanted to say sonething to me so i folowed them and we ended up in a troghy room and they said that he was the champ i have never trained and was a little scared so i hit him every body took of runnig and two teachers came and draged him off through the blood i was left there standing with my arms up as in the troghys ween i came back to myself i realized i couldnt do that again and felt bad about it sence then i have found my self in some fights and ihave always won with out hurting the other guy but my ex left me for my ex best freind and ifelt whoreable for a couple days so i wrote her a letter there was alot to it but the main point was that i let her know that i would never shed anouther tear for her i had been with her preety much since i was 15 now i feel like i want to hurt somone bad if i could only let that tear fall it might be ok but that wont be for awhile i believe in god and try to do the right thing but i have not been a saint by a long shot i pray for god to take this rage out of me and he hasnt there must be a reason for it and if i dont find it im going to snap on someone i wayed probly 220 when she left me and have done nothing but push ups crunchs and ran i cant eat and dont feel hungy im going to get down to 165 i tied to find a gym in southern il and i found out you were opening a gym down here it was like a dream come true you stand for something good and christine i dought i could afford it though i would do anything to train ineed and want it more than anything i live in eldorado il and would move anywhere to be able to train i just cant have a bunch of bad influace around great story i know i have heard somthing like it before
October 27th, 2007 at 1:51 am
there is no way you read my leter its like two in the morning
October 27th, 2007 at 10:09 am
matt,
plese kick serra ass off that small serra jerk for us
sorry for the spelling y am french!