My First Piece of Furniture

I built a shoe rack. Not really a rack if you want to be technical, its more of a shoe dresser or bookshelf. Maybe-shoe cubbies. Either way, I- Matt Krachunis (with some help from the Master carpenter Jesus)have taken a sheet of plywood and a 4X4 and fashioned it into a functional piece of furniture. I have to be honest here. I'm very pleased with myself.

I've never built a piece of furniture before, so it was quite an undertaking. My motivation was from my dog, Ranger. See, He sleeps right next to my bed, and for some reason he finds that the most comfortable place to sleep is in the bottom of my closet on top of all my shoes. So, I thought it best to find a way to get them off the floor. Also, I seem to always be mis-placing my shoes, so to have them centrally located was a bonus.

As always, in "Victory Blog" fashion, here's what I learned in the process.

1. It hurts when you put your finger in front of the nail gun and fire it even if there are no nails in it.

2. You can attempt to do something you've never done before and accomplish it if you take your time and be patient.

3. Projects with a tangible outcome are satisfying.

4. The hardest part of trying something new is getting it started. Making the first cut took the longest.

5. You have to be committed to finishing a project with a timeline, or it wont get done.

6. God blesses our attempts .

7. Its okay if your first try at something isn't perfect. I'm my worst critic. The mess ups I see, others usually don't see.

My favorite lesson of them all is the last one- letting yourself do something that isn't perfect. That's a big one for me. A lot of times I don't try something simply because of the irrational fear of it not being perfect. I figure if it cant be perfect, why try.

But then I realize that there was only one person that walked this earth who was perfect. His name was Jesus, and I am not Him. The pressure that I feel comes from my own shortcomings about perfection, not from the Lord. There are areas of my life that He wants perfection, and I am sure that wood-working is not one of them.

Attempt something new today. Put yourself out there. God has created you with wonderful abilities that you may not know exist within you if you never attempt it. Put yourself out there and do it. You may be surprised what you can do.

Blessings
Matt

How To Encourage More

Encouragement. We all need it, but rarely receive it from people. I'm not sure why that is, probably because most people are more concerned about themselves, more than they are with the feelings of other people.

I made a decision back when I was in High School to become an encouraging person. I remember my youth pastor was talking one night and told us "if you don't have any friends, become an encourager and watch how many friends you'll have". I took it to heart. I try to be encouraging to people as much as possible.

Its pretty easy to encourage people. All you have to do is pay attention to who they are and what they are doing, find something that's special, and praise it. Most people enjoy a compliment or a comment about something that they've done.

Here's the most important part- you have to tell them! People think about a compliment or an encouragement, BUT THEY NEVER SAY IT! If you think something, but do not share it, it is wasted. You must get to the point where you speak it every time you think it.

Here's what will happen in your life when you do this. You are going to find that the people around you feel better about themselves, and you will find that you feel better about yourself also. When you're a person who encourages others, you'll spend your day making other peoples days better, which will bless you in the process.

The Bible says to "encourage each other daily", and I think that's pretty good advice. We need to be always be an encourager.

There is enough discouragement in the world. Be an encourager!

Be encouraged!
matt

The Blessing Of 24 hours

We've all been there- having a no good day. You know what I'm talking about? One of those days when your shoes don't fit right, the hair isn't cooperating? Its usually on days like that when I get annoyed at the simplest of things, like, my wife eating her apple to loudly or something to that effect. Its one of those days that in our house, we categorize as "blah" days.

Its not as if anything is specifically wrong, or that we're mad at someone. There hasn't been a traumatic event, or a stressor that's weighing us down. Its just a day that is just what it is- a day.

I had one of those yesterday. My skin felt too tight, nothing I ate satisfied me. It just wasn't my day. I can't put my finger on why, it just was. I prayed, I went to church, I preached. It went well, I just didn't feel well. I know you know what I'm talking about?

This morning though- different day. The sun is out, Ranger and I went for a brisk walk/jog and I'm feeling great. As I was out this morning I was thinking- How awesome it is that God created the earth in such a way that our days always have an end.

No matter who you are, or what you're going through, every day ends eventually. It might be a long day, but its always going to stop at 12am, and you'll get a fresh start the next day. How great is it that we get to start over every single day. Yesterday is gone, finished. You don't have to deal with it anymore, you can move on to the next day.

Thank God today that each day you live is only 24 hours. That every day ends. That those days you have that aren't the best are usually confined to that one day. Take the time to reflect on that, knowing that even the best of us have days that aren't the best, but God is still on the throne, blessing us, with another 24 hours.

Be blessed... and have a great day today!
Matt

Condi Rice and the Tonight Show

Condoleeza Rice was on the Tonight Show last night. I'm sure most of you didn't see it, since it was on after midnight. I don't usually stay up that late, but for some reason, I found myself up watching it.

She's an amazing person. I've seen and heard her alot over the last 8 years, but I've never seen her do this kind of interview before. She's real down to earth, somewhat funny, and very direct. I noticed something else about her last night that really impressed me. She knows how to be very diplomatic. I guess that's why she was our chief diplomat for all those years.

So last night Leno is asking her about President Obama, and what her thoughts were about the current administration. Now, it has been my experience that when you ask anyone their thoughts about someone or something that isn't within their sphere of influence, they have no problem unloading exactly what they think.

For some reason, people think it is completely acceptable to talk negatively about someone simply because another person asked them their opinion. Of course this happens more often in the public arena, but it still happens in the private arena also.

Individuals seem to take what ever opportunity to describe exactly what someone is doing wrong, and how they think it should be done. To them, they think that since they were asked their opinion, they have every right to tell them exactly what they think.

Do you know what Condi said to Leno last night when he asked her what she thought of the current administration? She said "they deserve our silence and support". That's it.

Wow.

Good job.

She received an open invite on national TV, and shut Leno down. Good for her. I'm sure Leno probably thought that question would fill some time, but it took all of about 2 seconds to answer that.

Condi father was a Minister. I'm sure he taught her what the bible says "He who holds his tongue is wise".

Hold your tongue today. Someone may ask you something that gives you an opportunity to speak your mind. It doesn't mean you have to take it.

Be blessed.

Matt

I'm Building A Shoe Rack

I am. I have a lot of shoes in my closet and under my bed that don't seem to have an adequate home, so yesterday, I started building a shoe rack. UPDATE- See the Finished Product HERE

I went to Home Depot, and bought some glue and wood, and made up some plans on graph paper on my kitchen table. Its going to be 4 feet high, and have 24 cubbies for shoes.

Here's the kicker- I've never built any sort of furniture before. I have made speaker boxes and that's about it. I have some wood working equipment but I've never used it to make a piece of furniture. I'm almost positive that Crystal is going to reject it being in our bedroom, seeing how its going to be plywood and all, but for some reason I got this idea in my head that I wanted to build a shoe rack.

As I was out in the garage yesterday, cutting and measuring wood, I was thinking- "how can I turn this experience into a blog-post?".

Here's some options-

1. Don't be afraid of trying something new that wont hurt anyone. You can try something new just because you want to, and lean on the Lord in the process.

2. Measure twice. Cut once. Its an old carpenters saying that ensures that you don't waste wood. God can teach you patience in wood working.

3. Sometimes, it might be better to buy something you need instead of trying to make it. In the long run, it saves you time and money.

4. Jesus was a carpenter. I'm like Jesus.

And the list could go on.

Here's the nugget for today- We all do seemingly benign things all day. Usually we just do them with no thought for their significance, but if we would take a moment to think about it, we can learn from what we are doing, truths about ourselves, or God's nature.

Today, think about something you're doing, or accomplishing, and try to think up some sort of 'life application' that you could use from your activity. Here's what I think you'll find- God speaks to us in the midst of our every day lives if we would reflect about it.

Post a comment to the blog about something you learned about yourself today that directs you to a spiritual life application. I think you'll be surprised if you think about it.

blessings
Matt

The Obama Gutter Ball

I'm not sure if you saw the Tonight Show last night, but President Obama was on the show, talking about a budget-congress-whatcha-whatever-thingy. Anyway, in the midst of his remarks about his ability to bowl, he said something to the effect of how his bowling was more like the Special Olympics.

Open mouth. Insert foot.

I'm sure the President is smart enough that right after he said that comment he must have thought "oh man, how am I going to cover that one".

A lot of news agencies are covering this story this morning. Talking about how his appearance on the Tonight Show degrades the office of the Presidency, that He can't speak without his teleprompter, and his attempts to make his comments right with the people of the Special Olympics. Its the news of the day.

Here's some insight for the rest of the world- Barrack Obama is a human being. Can't you identify with him today? Haven't you ever said something in passing that you wish that you could take back? We all have.. haven't we? Those times when we wish that as soon as the words left our mouth, that we could reel them back in.

Of course He shouldn't have said it, but I like the fact that it shows the humanity of the President. He's a person who makes mistakes and says the wrong thing once in a while.

As a person who does this constantly, I appreciate that I'm not alone in my quest to reel in my tongue.

The Bible talks a lot about the power of the tongue. There is a strong verse in the book of James- it says "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check". What does that mean to me? That we all have a ways to go before we get to perfection, because most people at some point in their life will be at fault in what we say.

Give some grace today to someone who says the wrong thing. Bridle your tongue and think twice before you speak. You can't take it back.

Be blessed today.
matt

God. vs. Satan in Ballard- I told you I came from a rough neighborhood.

Its going to be the fight of the millenniums. God vs. Satan in Ballard Washington on March 26th. ABC's Nightline will be hosting the event at the Mars Hill Church.You can read an article about it HERE

There is a little bit of controversy surrounding this event (surprised?). The show is going to last only 30 mins, but there is going to be panel of guests who are going to debate this subject. I've got to be honest here, I don't think I'll watch it.

Here's my two cents-

1. There is no denying the fact that there is evil in the world. Every where we look there are people dying, bad things happening, and cataclysmic events that effect all of us. God is not evil. God is not in the business of creating pain and evil in the lives of people. Therefore- the source of it must be from somewhere other than God. Bible verse? "Whoever does not love, does not know God because God is Love"-1 John 4:8

2.Jesus talked about Satan. Seeing how Jesus was God in the flesh, and the fact that He would not lie, it means that Satan exists. I know it may sound simple, but I'm a pretty simple guy. I trust what Jesus said.

So whats the point? As much as Satan is literal spirit being that exists, the love of God and the power of the name of Jesus is stronger than any spirit being anywhere. Period.

These shows serve to be more of a detractor and divider than to really get down to resolving the issue at hand. Here's a tip- Don't learn theology from half hour programs on national TV. Read your Bible and see what it plainly says- Satan exists.

Be blessed today.

Matt

I can't lift my arms-Thank you Crossfit

How do you respond when someone is trying to encourage you to do something? Are you the type that welcomes it? Or are you the type of person that digs your heels in and refuses to budge. I think that usually people fall into either one of those camps. Accept, or dig in.

So last Thursday morning my friend calls me to tell me that he wants me to come join a gym with him. Apparently he has caught wind of this 'new' workout that 'everyone' is doing, from the Navy Seals to your local Firefighters, and he's going to do it, and he wants me to do it with him. That day. Thursday. Lets start today.

I am not an overly impulsive person when it comes to things like this. I am usually methodical and planned. I don't jump into new workout programs or make long term commitments on a whim. These are my exact words I said to him- "Chad- there is no way in God's green earth that I am going to the gym today".

So Thursday afternoon I'm in the gym asking myself "how did I let this guy convince me to start this work out regimen?". The answer is quite simple- I allowed him to convince me because somewhere deep down inside me, I knew that it was good for me and I needed to do it. But that wasn't my first response. My first response was resistance to the change.

Do you have people around you that are trying to push you to change or improve? Do you feel sometimes that God is asking you to do something that you don't want to do? Sometimes, peer pressure is good. If its moving you towards something that will benefit you.

There is nothing wrong with giving in to the pressure of someone who is trying to help you. Especially God, because He always has your best interests in mind. Sometimes you have to let yourself be convinced.

Blessings
matt

ps. I cant lift my arms because they are so sore. So many push ups, pull ups, and body weight squats.... if you're interested in the workout its www.crossfit.com

Don't Mess With Texas

"Don't Mess With Texas". Do you know what that phrase is from? Its from the Texas litter campaign. We learned it when we were living in Texas. I like it. Its strong. Its memorable.

Here in Washington we have a litter campaign slogan also- "Keep Washington Green". Its not nearly as strong as the Texas slogan in my opinion. If you asked anyone in Washington what our litter campaign slogan was, they would probably not know it.

If the condition of highway by our house is any indication, we need a new litter campaign started. The sides and middle of highway 18 are so filled with trash its disgusting. Every time we drive that road we get upset at the vision of all that trash. I'd go out there and pick it up myself, but devoid of a permit and or safety equipment, I'm concerned to go out there and park my car and get on it. So I blog about it instead.

So whats the nugget for today? Well, it snowed up here in Covington this morning (I know- first day of spring is on Friday-go figure) and it looks really pretty. Snow has a way of making everything look nice and fresh and pretty. Including the sides of the highway that are covered with trash. But do you know what? No matter how much snow covers the trash, its still there, and will still be there when the snow melts.

Its an interesting word picture if you think about it in relation to the trash we have in our lives. That if we don't pick it up and clean it out, it just stays there. We can try to cover it up on the outside with something pretty, but if we don't really clean it out, its just going to stay there and rot.

What trash do you need to get out of your life today? What refuse is keeping you from being what you were called to be. Don't pretty it up on the outside, get it out and be done with it. Throw it away in the right place. Give it up to Him.

Bless you
matt

Disneyland Every day

I have a facebook account. Its a social networking utility that gives you the opportunity to connect with people whom you have identified as 'friends'. Its interesting to read what people are doing, and how their day and or life is progressing via the 'updates' option of the site.

This is what I've been noticing of late- people are tired of winter and want spring to be here and are complaining about thier jobs.

If you know me, you know I love Disneyland. I love the food, the rides, the lines, all of it. But do you know what? As much as I talk about Disneyland being awesome, there is someone (probably alot of them) who work there and complain that they have to go to work today. To them, going to Disneyland is just a job, to me, its an escape.

Whats my point? The point is that Disneyland isn't the answer or the problem. The mental frame of reference is. To some people, work is just that- work. It has lost its value and excitement. I'm sure the people that work at Disneyland at some point were excited that they were able to spend everyday in the 'Magic Kingdom', but not have changed their mind from 'excited to work' to 'have to work'.

We all have things that we do that are considered 'work', but that's the way that God set it up. The Bible says, 'if a man will not work, he will not eat'. We need to remind ourselves that as much as we may have bad days at work, or not completely love the current position that we are in, that we have the opportunity everyday to honor God in our work. It doesn't matter whether that work is at home, or in the office. Outside or inside. Disneyland or not.

Remember that today. Even if you worked at Disneyland, if you had the wrong frame of mind, it would just become work to you.

Honor God in your 'work'.

be blessed
matt

Get Your Kids Ready Faster

Our son Gabriel does not move with a sense of urgency. Let me rephrase that, typically on most mornings our son Gabriel does not move fast when he is getting ready for school in the mornings.

Usually we nudge him at about 7:00am to get him out the door a little after 8:00. His morning routine consists of a few things.

1. Get up.
2. Get in shower.
3. Get dressed.
4. Eat breakfast.
5. Brush teeth.
6. Get on shoes.
7. Feed dog.
8. Get stuff together.
9. Get into car.

I would say on most mornings that each of those things requires no less than 3 encouragements to get accomplished. Such as "get your shoes on Gabe" or "Would you PLEASE GET YOUR SHOES ON WE HAVE TO GET GOING OR WE'RE GOING TO BE LATE". Does this happen in your home? We can't be the only ones. Each morning we prod, encourage, remind, and sometimes strongly affirm that he needs to get moving.

Until today.

Apparently his teacher asked him to be to school early to help her set up the class for today. Put out chairs, arrange stuff etc. Do you know what that kid did? Woke up at 6:45 on his own, and got everything done and was ready to go by 7:30. SEVEN THIRTY!

It brings two things to my mind:

1. We all have another gear we can draw on when there is something we want that is important to us. We may think that we are powerless to change (I can't get ready any faster, I can't find my shoes, there isn't enough time), but the reality is that when we want something bad enough, we are willing to change and improve.

2. When someone else is depending on us, it should motivate us to work harder.

You may not have something you want right now, or have anyone depending on you, but know this- deep down inside of you God has made you as a person who can get things done.

Draw from that strength. Look for it. Get it done.

blessings,
matt

Markets Improved! Thanks to the blog!

Did you notice the Dow had a rally yesterday? Best day the market has had all year. I'm not surprised after the fantastic blog I wrote yesterday about hope and optimism. I'm sure that there is a direct correlation between the success of the Dow and my blog. This blog is changing the world. Little by little.

Obviously I'm joking here. I don't control Wall Street with this blog. I don't actually control anything with the blog. I just write it. But it raises an interesting point. Have you ever noticed that people (politicians more so) love to take credit when things are going well, and rarely like to take credit when things are not?

Inevitably someone somewhere is going to try to take credit for what happened in the financial markets yesterday. Its no different than what happens at your work, or at home. People have a need to want to feel as though they contributed to a success. It makes them feel successful.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be associated with something successful. We all want that. But you have to take the good with the bad. Intelligent people know that you have to be willing to take responsibility for things that go wrong, if you want to get some credit for the things that go right.

Or, better yet, really intelligent people realize that alot of things that happen in life just happen. They cant be assigned to any sort of direct human action. Sometimes they just are. Or at least the action that caused the reaction cannot be understood or fathomed by our finite minds at the moment.

The point? Don't go crazy in your life trying to figure everything out. Sometimes you can't figure it all out. It just is what it is. God knows. You don't. That's okay. Give yourself the right to not know everything about everything.

blessings
matt

What Happened To Hope?

I am utterly amazed. It has only taken about six months for the word 'hope' to be eradicated from the American Landscape. I'm not talking the hope and change of President Obama here, I'm talking about the notion of American optimism that has been so clear and distinct as long as I can remember. A thought that always looks to a better day. A voice that declares that things will be better and improve.

It's gone. Its dead.

I read the news every day. Over the last few days I've read articles about the Dow losing 21% of its value in the last 7 weeks, a Christian leader who declares God's wrath is coming to America, so we must stockpile food. This morning I read an article about the impending collapse of American evangelicalism.

Where has all the hope gone? Where are the leaders standing up and encouraging the masses to a better day with a better life. Where are the songs of hope that should be ringing through the streets?

I am not buying what they are selling. I still have hope. I still believe. I know that we are a great nation that refuses to be put down by the gospel of doom and gloom. Today, I choose hope. Today I declare that my life will be full of joy and optimism because I know that I serve a God of hope. He invented it. He created it. He has it for us.

I'm standing with the former King of the Nation of Israel who said:

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness,of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure"

I can't explain it. I can't understand it. I just know that everything is going to be okay. It may not turn around today. It may not turn around this week. But I will trust and hope in God despite what the world may say.

Don't believe the hype. Don't give in.

HOPE.

-matt

Playing Out In The Front Yard

Gabe got his new skateboard. He's loving it. He's not grinding yet, but he is staying on it and not falling off as much, so he's improving.

This is what is great, Gabe is not a real 'outside' kid, he's more of an inside kid who likes to play video games and such, but his Tony Hawk video game on the XBOX 360 inspired him to get a board and start skatin'!

We live in a cul-de-sac, and we always are outside when our kids are playing. I'm not sure why, but that's what we do. When I was a kid it wasn't that way, but maybe times a bit different. So, this Saturday, was the first time that the kids were playing in the front of the house by themselves.

Mind you, I was on my laptop in the living room keeping a close eye on them, but they were outside skating and scooting about.

It made me think as I was sitting in the window, "I wonder if that's how God treats us". That he is always protecting us, but as we mature he allows us to venture out into different places when we're ready.

Sometimes we want to go and do things that we want to do, but it may not be our time. We may want it, and believe that we'll be okay and safe, but God knows better. He knows what we can handle and what we cant. He allows us to go along little by little because its easier if we don't rush into something that we're not ready for yet.

If your waiting for a promotion or new development in your life, don't be concerned if it hasn't happened yet. God knows where you are, and what you're doing. Be patient he'll let you out in the front yard when you're ready.

Be blessed
matt

And The Winner Is......

MIRACLES! After a very close race with "Obama's Graying Hair", "Miracles" came in first. Actually, it wasn't a contest. Every vote was for miracles, save one or two.

Have you ever experienced a bonafide miracle? Something that happened in your life or someone elses that cannot be explained by nothing else except for the intervention of God? My friend Richard Pomeroy is in Pakistan right now on a mission trip and is experiencing some awesome miracles in the services over there.

Some quick background on Richard. He's a normal guy who has a desk job who used to be in ministry that felt called to go to Nepal and Pakistan on a mission trip. He generated his own support, took vacation, and went to meet with some men he had only spoken to on the Internet. I want to share with you two excerpts from his emails.

I'm not sure how you feel about God being able to heal and perform miracles, but here is a report from the front lines:

"On Monday I preached at the International Church of Pokhara to over four hundred people.... After I preached we had a prayer line again in which I prayed for more than four hundred people. The were only two people I prayed for where I did not see an immediate manifestation of healing...I am praying and counseling the local pastors to never be afraid to pray for anyone for anything. Our God is bigger than any of their afflictions."

"I feel like I am Paul and I am living in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.... We have seen several people afflicted with crippling arthritis instantly healed under the power of prayer. We just had a confirmation from a doctor last night that a boy I had prayed for with tuberculosis was completely free from the disease. We have seen both deafness healed and blindness. I have never seen anywhere the kinds of things happen that we are seeing in these meetings"

Wow. Isn't that amazing? I wonder why we don't see those types of meetings here in the United States? Is it disbelief? Is it a culture of cynicism and distrust? Is it that we put more faith in ourselves than we do in the creator?

God still heals. God still moves. God still changes lives. You may not have experienced something this tangible in your life, but don't be worried or afraid. God can and will move this powerfully in your life if you will let Him.

Bless you! Expect a Miracle!

Pastor Matt

Here We Go Again.....

It Happens ever so often... I sit here on my couch, laptop on my lap, thinking thinking thinking.... WHAT TO WRITE IN THE BLOG? I'm a bit frustrated today. I usually spend a few minutes in prayer, and scour the Internet looking for a fun or interesting story to share, but today, it just seems to be a bit of a block.

Here's some of the ideas I had that I was thinking about making a blog around-

1. Obama is apparently getting gray hair.
2. 10 Workers in the NE win 216m in Lottery.
3. US jobless claims are down.
4. My friend who is doing a mission in Pakistan is seeing miracles happen.
5. Gabe got his new skateboard last night.

So here's the idea for you my faithful blog readers- I'm putting Friday's blog in your hands. Place your vote by commenting on the blog, or for those of you who can't figure it out, send me an email. The one with the top votes will be the topic of the blog for tomorrow.

I apologize that there isn't a fantastic blog waiting for you today. But hey, even Superman took his cape off once and a while.

I love writing the blog. Its fun, and I love the feedback I get from it, but for some reason today, its just blocked. Stuck. Going nowhere. Its happened in the past and we got through it. Last time I wrote about how I didn't have anything to write about, so I didn't want to go that route again.

Make sure to check back tomorrow to see what the story is.

Hope you're having a great Thursday! Only one more day until the weekend!

Be blessed,
Matt

Gabriel, Patience, Hope and A Skateboard

My son is getting a skateboard today. We ordered it online last week. Gabe has a Tony Hawk video game for the XBOX 360, and I think he's been inspired by it to start skating. And people say video games keep kids inside!

Its been quite fun to watch Gabe wait for his skateboard to come via UPS. I think he understands the concept somewhat, but it was amusing to hear him ask every day for the last week if his skateboard had arrived yet. It a good lesson in patience for him to have to wait a bit to get something he wants. Sometimes waiting is a good thing.

Gabe has really high hopes for his ability to learn to skate. He keeps telling me that he wants to 'grind' his skateboard as soon as he gets it. For those of you that may not know, a grind is a very complex skate trick. Its when you ride your skate board, jump in onto a curb or rail, and slide it. Its quite difficult. I've got to tell you. I'm positive he wont do it in the first week. I just can't see it happening. Its too difficult.

But do you know what Gabe keeps saying- that he's going to grind that board in the first week. That he's going to Ollie and Kickflip and all these other tricks.

Do you know what I like about that though? He's being hopeful. He's believing in himself. He's seeing himself doing things before they happen and believing he'll be able to do them. Its great. I love him for it. I like people who have high hopes.

When is the last time you took on something that was new or was challenging, not knowing how you were going to accomplish it or what the outcome would be?

Jesus talked about how unless you change and become like little children, you will never see the kingdom of heaven. I'm sure he wasn't talking about skateboards.

But I think he may have been saying that sometimes children are different than adults in that they don't lose faith or have disbelief like adults even in the face of insurmountable odds. That sometimes we're our worst enemy when it comes to stepping out in faith, or doing something that we've never done.

You don't need to run out and buy a skateboard, but maybe you need to do kick your faith up a notch. Believe that God can do something with you and through you and believe that it will happen.

There is nothing wrong with high hopes and huge faith.

Be Blessed
matt

Why Are Relationships So Hard?

Relationships are tough work. If you're married, ever have been, or have a relationship with another human being, you know what I'm talking about. Getting along with our fellow man, and attempting to have a meaningful relationship with them is difficult.

Its not hard being in a relationship with me though, because I'm perfect. I rarely say or do anything wrong. I give more than I take. I consciously look for ways to meet other peoples needs before my own. That's why most of the problems I have in relationships are with the other person. They are the person who needs to change. Its their fault that our relationship isn't going well. If everyone would just think and act like me, this world would be a better place.

Sound familiar? Obviously I'm joking and trying to make a point, but that's really how people think about their relationships. They think its always the other persons fault, and never their own.

Here's a nugget that will help you in your relationships today- when faced with a problem in your relationships, always look inside before looking outside. Think to yourself, "what role do I have to play in this" and "what could I be doing better".

Of course there are situations in which this will not work that well because the other person may truly be the issue, but for most relationships, its usually a two way street.

God made us relational people, for what reason, I am not sure, but He did. The Bible says to love your neighbor as yourself, and I think that's pretty good advice. Most people have the loving themselves down. They just need to learn to love other people with that same sort of love.

Be willing to change. Be willing to grow. Take some responsibility for your own actions.

Be blessed!
Pastor Matt

I Can Save America 46 Billion Dollars

I'm not sure if you've seen this article HERE about weight loss, but its quite interesting. You can read it if you want to, but let me save you some time. This is what the article says: All diets are equal, the only thing that works to lose weight is to eat less and move around more.

There. The estimated 46 Billion dollars that Americans spent on the diet industry has now been debunked. Apparently all the fads are just that, fads. The most basic premise of weight loss continues to prevail- eat less, move more.

What is hilarious to me about this article is that there are a bunch of common knowledge things that exist in the world today that people don't seem to want to pick up on. Things that can change your life that are very simple. You don't have to go to a seminar, read a book, get a personal coach.

Here are some I came up with-

1. If you want to have money, spend less than you make.
2. If you want friends, be a loving person.
3. If you want to be healthy, quit eating junk.
4. If you want to get promoted, work hard.
5. If you want good kids, discipline them.
6. If you want to get better at something, practice.
7. If you want to learn something, study.
8. If you want to get over something, forget about it.
9. If you want to change your life, then change it.
10. If you want to grow spiritually, pray, read your bible, and go to church.


All very simple statements aren't they? I'm sure someone is going to say I'm being simple, but aren't the simplest things in life sometimes the hardest to grasp?

This is the point- don't over complicate things in your life. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to doing the things we need to do. God created you a very complex person, that can be successful by applying very simple principles.

Read the list. Decide which one applies to you, and do it.

Have a blessed day!
Matt

I want to share with you my friend Heath and what he has been doing. Check it out. HERE