Comments on: 1 – Welcome to Matthew’s Blog http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com January 24, 1979 - April 11, 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:43:13 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: DeWayne & Lisa Green http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-120 DeWayne & Lisa Green Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:43:13 +0000 #comment-120 Colleen & Nick, We just wanted to let you know that we still keep you in our thoughts, prayers and hearts because of your loss, your dear friendship and your kindness to us over the decades. You will always be very dear to us. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get up to Idyllwild since we saw you last. Fortunately God can be with you all the time ! In life and death we belong to God (Rom. 14) and in God we live forever. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving with those you love and hold close. A Zot for Nick! We love you guys, Colleen & Nick,

We just wanted to let you know that we still keep you in our thoughts, prayers and hearts because of your loss, your dear friendship and your kindness to us over the decades. You will always be very dear to us. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get up to Idyllwild since we saw you last. Fortunately God can be with you all the time ! In life and death we belong to God (Rom. 14) and in God we live forever.

We wish you a happy Thanksgiving with those you love and hold close. A Zot for Nick!

We love you guys,

]]> By: DeWitt Russell http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-30 DeWitt Russell Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:42:37 +0000 #comment-30 Dear Nick, Colleen, and Mike, What a joy for us to attend the Memorial Service for Matt last Saturday. Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to understand the ways of the Lord. But that is why He is God. In the midst of all of this sorrow, somehow through the memorial service, you were able to fortify our faith in our Heavenly Father. Thank you for that. Please know that we will continue to pray for you, that the Lord would comfort your heart, and see you through this most difficult time. Our Pastor often talks of "faithing" in our Heavenly Father. This is difficult to do when we do not understand. But the One that knew us before the foundation of the universe knows what is best. He loves us more than we can ever understand. Matt is at peace, he is singing with the Lord and the heavenly angels. Due to the Lord for choosing each of us, someday we will all be able to join Matt in Heaven. Thank you for the encouragement that you are. May He continue to bless each of you richly, Much love, DeWitt & Linda Russell Dear Nick, Colleen, and Mike,

What a joy for us to attend the Memorial Service for Matt last Saturday. Sometimes, it is very difficult for us to understand the ways of the Lord. But that is why He is God. In the midst of all of this sorrow, somehow through the memorial service, you were able to fortify our faith in our Heavenly Father. Thank you for that. Please know that we will continue to pray for you, that the Lord would comfort your heart, and see you through this most difficult time.

Our Pastor often talks of “faithing” in our Heavenly Father. This is difficult to do when we do not understand. But the One that knew us before the foundation of the universe knows what is best. He loves us more than we can ever understand. Matt is at peace, he is singing with the Lord and the heavenly angels. Due to the Lord for choosing each of us, someday we will all be able to join Matt in Heaven. Thank you for the encouragement that you are. May He continue to bless each of you richly,

Much love,
DeWitt & Linda Russell

]]> By: Becky (Pimentel) Teague http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-29 Becky (Pimentel) Teague Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:49:06 +0000 #comment-29 Dear Sanden Family It has been over ten years since I’ve seen or spoken to Matt – probably the last time I saw him was at our high school graduation – but I heard of his life and what he was doing through my mother who spoke often with Colleen. I was completely shocked to hear of Matt’s passing and have thought of him frequently since I heard the sad news. My entire family was together this weekend and spent some precious time remembering Matt and the fun times we had during soccer games/practices. My deepest condolences to your family… now that I am a parent of a precious baby boy I can’t even fathom the loss and pain you must be experiencing. It is so comforting; however, to hear of your deep and utter devotion to your family and to God. You are in my thoughts and prayers…always. Becky (Pimentel) Teague Dear Sanden Family

It has been over ten years since I’ve seen or spoken to Matt – probably the last time I saw him was at our high school graduation – but I heard of his life and what he was doing through my mother who spoke often with Colleen. I was completely shocked to hear of Matt’s passing and have thought of him frequently since I heard the sad news. My entire family was together this weekend and spent some precious time remembering Matt and the fun times we had during soccer games/practices. My deepest condolences to your family… now that I am a parent of a precious baby boy I can’t even fathom the loss and pain you must be experiencing. It is so comforting; however, to hear of your deep and utter devotion to your family and to God.

You are in my thoughts and prayers…always.

Becky (Pimentel) Teague

]]> By: Jill Dixon http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-27 Jill Dixon Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:57:29 +0000 #comment-27 It is interesting that every memory I have of Matt includes Michael. My family moved to Idyllwild and started attending IBC when I was in 8th grade. Nick and Colleen were my youth leaders and I adored them and their family. I loved babysitting for the boys. They were always so happy and fun to be around. Matt was the one that got into mischief and Michael tagged along. Whether it was playing hide and seek or reading them a story I loved getting to hang out with them. When I was in high school I was asked to teach a Sunday School class. Matthew, Michael, Jessica and Ryan were in my class. I knew I wanted to be a teacher and I loved preparing for these lessons. As I recall, Matt always had his hand raised with the answer and loved to ask me tough questions, like "but WHY did that happen?" He definitely kept me on my toes! The last time I really got to hang out with Matthew and Michael was the day before I got married, 16 years ago. I knew I was marrying the right guy because the Sanden family, especially Matt and Michael, liked and accepted Rich, and the boys even included him in their games of basketball. I am so very grateful that Rich and I could be at Matt's service yesterday. What a beautiful remembrance of an incredible young man. I grieve with Nick, Colleen, and Michael at the loss of Matt. I am also humbled that they have allowed me to enter into their pain as they begin living with this devastating loss. It is interesting that every memory I have of Matt includes Michael. My family moved to Idyllwild and started attending IBC when I was in 8th grade. Nick and Colleen were my youth leaders and I adored them and their family. I loved babysitting for the boys. They were always so happy and fun to be around. Matt was the one that got into mischief and Michael tagged along. Whether it was playing hide and seek or reading them a story I loved getting to hang out with them.
When I was in high school I was asked to teach a Sunday School class. Matthew, Michael, Jessica and Ryan were in my class. I knew I wanted to be a teacher and I loved preparing for these lessons. As I recall, Matt always had his hand raised with the answer and loved to ask me tough questions, like “but WHY did that happen?” He definitely kept me on my toes!
The last time I really got to hang out with Matthew and Michael was the day before I got married, 16 years ago. I knew I was marrying the right guy because the Sanden family, especially Matt and Michael, liked and accepted Rich, and the boys even included him in their games of basketball.
I am so very grateful that Rich and I could be at Matt’s service yesterday. What a beautiful remembrance of an incredible young man. I grieve with Nick, Colleen, and Michael at the loss of Matt. I am also humbled that they have allowed me to enter into their pain as they begin living with this devastating loss.

]]> By: Dawn White http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-26 Dawn White Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:30:52 +0000 #comment-26 Matt was loved and this has always been so evident. And today was no different, as many people came to honor him at his memorial service. From his elementary teachers and childhood friends to church family and of course his amazingly loving family. People from all over...who all have memories of Matt. When I think about the memories I have of Matt I can't help but feel blessed. Blessed to have shared laughter and tears with him and his family. Blessed to have gone on family trips together, summer camp at Hume, prom (and that was funny), and many more. Nick, Colleen and Mikey...you have always and will always be such dear people to me. Your example of Christ in how you live your lives is so evident...and shone clearly even today in the midst of such great loss. You are in my prayers and will remain in my prayers. I love you each so much! Thank you for the memories of Matt and your family. Matt was loved and this has always been so evident. And today was no different, as many people came to honor him at his memorial service. From his elementary teachers and childhood friends to church family and of course his amazingly loving family. People from all over…who all have memories of Matt. When I think about the memories I have of Matt I can’t help but feel blessed. Blessed to have shared laughter and tears with him and his family. Blessed to have gone on family trips together, summer camp at Hume, prom (and that was funny), and many more.

Nick, Colleen and Mikey…you have always and will always be such dear people to me. Your example of Christ in how you live your lives is so evident…and shone clearly even today in the midst of such great loss. You are in my prayers and will remain in my prayers. I love you each so much! Thank you for the memories of Matt and your family.

]]> By: Josh & Emily White http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-25 Josh & Emily White Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:09:31 +0000 #comment-25 In thinking back on all the time that I spent with Matt, Mikey, Nick, & Colleen growing up, the word "adventure" comes to mind. Matt had an adventurous soul and spirit, one that pushed us to the top of San Gorgonio Peak, one that drove us to fish every hour of the day just to see who could cathc the biggest and the most. Matt and I shared a love for God's great outdoors and all the incredible things we could see and do in them. Now Matt is on a new adventure, the greatest of all. But in the mean time, he will be missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you Sanden family. We love you. In thinking back on all the time that I spent with Matt, Mikey, Nick, & Colleen growing up, the word “adventure” comes to mind. Matt had an adventurous soul and spirit, one that pushed us to the top of San Gorgonio Peak, one that drove us to fish every hour of the day just to see who could cathc the biggest and the most.

Matt and I shared a love for God’s great outdoors and all the incredible things we could see and do in them. Now Matt is on a new adventure, the greatest of all. But in the mean time, he will be missed. Our hearts and prayers are with you Sanden family. We love you.

]]> By: invisiblejared http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-24 invisiblejared Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:32:55 +0000 #comment-24 Growing up I always thought Matt and Mikey were the two coolest kids in Idyllwild. I remember tagging along with my older brother Josh when he'd hang out with Matt. I even followed the Sanden boys to Hume Lake thinking "if these two think Hume is cool than it must be." My thoughts and prayers are with the Sanden's. I hope you feel support as I have always felt supported by you. Love and glory to God. Jared Growing up I always thought Matt and Mikey were the two coolest kids in Idyllwild. I remember tagging along with my older brother Josh when he’d hang out with Matt. I even followed the Sanden boys to Hume Lake thinking “if these two think Hume is cool than it must be.”

My thoughts and prayers are with the Sanden’s. I hope you feel support as I have always felt supported by you.

Love and glory to God.

Jared

]]> By: Diane Guidry http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-23 Diane Guidry Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:12:29 +0000 #comment-23 Dear Nick, Colleen & Mike, At a time like this we seek Gods counsel to tell us what words of comfort can we mere mortals possibly convey that God has put on our hearts. Over & over as I remembered Mathews beautiful smile & how wonderful you all are, he said please tell them I think so too & love them very much. In Mathews life that smile of his reflected the love of God to all who knew him. You all have touched so many peoples lives with your love & care, I count it a privilege to have been one of them. Mathew was Gods gift to so many. He was heaven's custom design. He was born prepacked, God looked at his entire life, determined his assignment & gave him the tools to be who he was meant to be in life. "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work." Jeremiah 1:5 He could do things no one else could do in a fashion no one else could do it. Mathew was, without a doubt, "Fearfully & wonderfully made". Psalm 139:14 With all my love in Christ, Diane (Rice) Guidry Dear Nick, Colleen & Mike,

At a time like this we seek Gods counsel to tell us what words of comfort can we mere mortals possibly convey that God has put on our hearts. Over & over as I remembered Mathews beautiful smile & how wonderful you all are, he said please tell them I think so too & love them very much. In Mathews life that smile of his reflected the love of God to all who knew him. You all have touched so many peoples lives with your love & care, I count it a privilege to have been one of them.

Mathew was Gods gift to so many. He was heaven’s custom design. He was born prepacked, God looked at his entire life, determined his assignment & gave him the tools to be who he was meant to be in life. “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.” Jeremiah 1:5

He could do things no one else could do in a fashion no one else could do it. Mathew was, without a doubt, “Fearfully & wonderfully made”. Psalm 139:14

With all my love in Christ,
Diane (Rice) Guidry

]]> By: Pat Steusloff http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-20 Pat Steusloff Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:04:34 +0000 #comment-20 As a fellow student, Matt was one of the people I most looked forward to seeing everyday at the San Diego Golf Academy. I enjoyed his good nature and friendship. I will miss him. I wish his family God's peace and joyful memories of a very special son and brother. As a fellow student, Matt was one of the people I most looked forward to seeing everyday at the San Diego Golf Academy. I enjoyed his good nature and friendship. I will miss him.

I wish his family God’s peace and joyful memories of a very special son and brother.

]]> By: Robin & Karen Wood http://matthewsanden.wordpress.com/about/#comment-19 Robin & Karen Wood Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:47:23 +0000 #comment-19 Dear Nick and Colleen and Mike, We love you dearly. We try to put ourselves in your place. We try to feel what it would be like to lose a child or a brother. It just doesn't work. Only God knows what you are going through and only God can provide what you need right now and in the days ahead. We know that He already is providing because that is who He is. Without Him it would be hopeless. Because of His great love and grace we are confident that you will come through this, the most difficult of times. How can we ease your pain? Our words fall far short. The emotion of grief and the experience of grieving is not common to any of us. It’s a part of life that we would all like to skip. But without these deep emotions how would we know the depths of God’s love and his provision. Many verses will probably take on new meaning during this time, like Psalm 91. Where else can we go but to the Lord when our heart or mind takes us to a dark place. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” We will continue to do battle with you and for you in prayer. We know the enemy wants to use this time to disrupt, discourage, dishearten and even destroy. Our prayer is that he will not find a foothold anywhere. We are also praying that the Memorial Service on Saturday will be a great testimony to the grace and love of our God and that it will touch any and all hearts that are far from him and bring them close to Him. We celebrate Matt’s home going and grieve with you as you miss him. All our love, Robin & Karen Wood Dear Nick and Colleen and Mike,

We love you dearly. We try to put ourselves in your place. We try to feel what it would be like to lose a child or a brother. It just doesn’t work. Only God knows what you are going through and only God can provide what you need right now and in the days ahead. We know that He already is providing because that is who He is. Without Him it would be hopeless. Because of His great love and grace we are confident that you will come through this, the most difficult of times.

How can we ease your pain? Our words fall far short. The emotion of grief and the experience of grieving is not common to any of us. It’s a part of life that we would all like to skip. But without these deep emotions how would we know the depths of God’s love and his provision. Many verses will probably take on new meaning during this time, like Psalm 91. Where else can we go but to the Lord when our heart or mind takes us to a dark place.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

We will continue to do battle with you and for you in prayer. We know the enemy wants to use this time to disrupt, discourage, dishearten and even destroy. Our prayer is that he will not find a foothold anywhere. We are also praying that the Memorial Service on Saturday will be a great testimony to the grace and love of our God and that it will touch any and all hearts that are far from him and bring them close to Him.

We celebrate Matt’s home going and grieve with you as you miss him.

All our love,
Robin & Karen Wood

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