Thursday, August 27, 2009

I Love Garbage!!!!

Part of the ritual of the Wednesday night, is to put out the trash for Thursday morning. The way it works in our neighborhood, is that trash goes out every week, and every other week is either yard waste or recyclables (is that even a word- maybe it should read- things to be recycled).

On the weeks that the recycle bins go out, we've usually amassed quite a bit of stuff to go out. Its usually strewn about the garage, and piling up on the side of our house. We take multiple trips to get all of the bins and cardboard boxes out to our curb to be disposed of.

Something occurred to me last night as we were setting up our receptacles, bins and boxes. I really like trash day. There is something really satisfying about getting rid of stuff that you don't need. It completely awesome that our family can put out heaps of junk on Wednesday night and Thursday morning its magically disappeared.

The nature of trash is that once you put it out there, there truly is no getting it back. Sure, you purists would exclaim that you could go to the landfill and dig through the trash of the 1 plus million people, but you and I both know its not feasible. When you throw something away, and it goes on that truck, its gone for eternity. For ever.

Trash is stuff you don't need. Stuff you don't use. The things in your life that are extra that are holding you back. Things that begin to stink if you left them in your house. Broken items that have no use any longer. Packaging that shouldn't have been used in the first place. Its junk. Trash. Refuse. Garbage. And getting rid of it is the best thing to do, and its a freeing feeling to be rid of it.

What emotional and spiritual junk are you holding on to that you don't need? Is there a metaphorical curb that you need to set your garbage out on and have Mr. Jesus come by and pick it up? The analogy here is amazing. If you'll give it up to him. Really give it up, he'll take it to a place that you can never get it back. But you have to be willing to give it to him. He can't take what you're not willing to give him.

Put out the trash. Watch it drive away. Be free.

Blessings
matt

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Krispy Kreme Donuts- The Manna From Heaven PICTURE INCLUDED

If you've read my blog, or know me at all, you know I have a deep love for donuts. Big or small, I love them all.

When I was in the Army, I had a friend that was from the east coast who told me about the best donuts in the world, at this place called Krispy Kreme. Of course I hadn't ever heard of it before, but while I was living in Texas, they opened one in Austin.

I still remember the day that Crystal and I drove for an hour to Austin just to go eat a donut there. Man, were they good. When you get a KK when the hot light is on, its simply glorious. Its indescribable actually, the only way you can understand what a fresh glazed KK donut tastes like, you have to get one.

This week, I got a blessing in the mail. My friend, Mark Naron,(who owns FastBack Studios if you need a recording studio)happened upon a wonderfully made Krispy Kreme Donuts sweatshirt, that when he saw it, he immediately thought of me.

I'm not sure if that's good, or bad that he sees donuts and thinks of me, but it sure is nice that he did think of me and took the time to UPS me the sweatshirt. The only thing he wanted was for me to write a blog that had some spiritual significance in regards to donuts. Too easy.

1. God sent 'bread from heaven' to the Israelites while they were roaming in the desert to feed them. When you eat the bread of the donut, thank God that you didn't have to roam in the desert for 40 years.

2. Jesus described himself as the "bread from heaven". Each time you eat a scrumptious donut, remind yourself how wonderful it is that God sent us 'bread from heaven' in Jesus Christ.

3. Jesus told his disciples to take bread and break it in remembrance of him. When you eat a donut, tear it in half before you eat it in remembrance of the Savior.

I could go on, but here's the most important one-

4. Donuts are Holey. Obviously from heaven.

So, thanks for the sweatshirt Mark. I'll be up in Seattle on Friday, and will be sure to stop by the Krispy Kreme and enjoy a donut and think of how great God is, and how nice you are.

Have a blessed day.

matt

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I Got Some New Tires Yesterday

I'm a deal hunter. I think I get it from my mom. She's the ultimate deal hunter. She can find apples for 25 cents a pound when they're selling for a dollar. She's amazing. I think I inherited her 'deal' gene. Which is good, because when you save money, you have more for other stuff.

My car is just about to turn 60K. I was desperately needing some new tires. The tread was almost gone, and they weren't a matched set, and the road noise and shimmy was horrible on the freeway.

Here's the thing- how exciting is it to buy tires? You don't have your friends over for a tire warming party and have them gaze at the rubber on your car. Tires are boring. Tires smell good, but they don't get alot of notice when someone is looking at your car.

Tires for my car should have cost me about 500-600 dollars for a set of four. I found a month old set of tires, on factory alloy wheels, on craigslist, for 240 dollars. I swapped out my current wheels, and put on the new ones last night. They look real nice.

We went out last night for a 'cruise' on the new tires. They're great. My car rolls smoother, its quieter, and I saved me a load of cash, which always is nice.

Oh yea, the point of all this- my friend Jay explained to me one time that tires are the most important part of your vehicle. If you don't have good tires, it can cost you your life, because tires make you go, and most importantly stop in the case of an emergency. Sometimes its like that in our own spiritual lives- the things that we need to work on most are not pretty, exciting or fun, but they are important in the long run. If we neglect them, it could cost us our lives.

Take some time today to do a quick 'road check' see if you need new tires, or better yet, see if you need to do a spiritual inventory to check if there is something in your life that needs to be replaced. It may not be fun, or save you some money, but one day it could save your life.

be blessed
matt

Friday, August 21, 2009

LONG Week at Young Life Camp

Its been a long week. I haven't wrote the blog one time. Last Saturday, I left to go to a Young Life Camp in Antelope Oregon. It was IN-SANE, as in, Not sane at all, meaning totally and completely crazy!!! YL does up camp better than Disneyland I think. Its all go-go-go and no sleep-sleep-sleep. When I got home at 10:30 Wednesday Night I slept for over 10 hours.

Young Life's mission is to introduce kids to a relationship with Jesus. They do it through weekly events throughout the school year, and then it culminates in a camping experience that creates a once in a lifetime event that shares the life changing love of God with the kids. The hope is that the kids will respond to that love and their lives would be changed.

I have to tell you something about my personality to make a point here. I usually have an opinion on almost everything. I think that there is a right and wrong way to do something. I plan on ways to be effective. I think of ways to make things better. This part of my personality at times can make it difficult for me to believe that my way is not the best way. I know, its a horrible personality trait, but I'm working on it.

So this week at camp, I've got to be honest, I wasn't completely sold on the approach of how aspects of the camp were being run. In my vocation, I'm used to being asked about how things should go, put in my two cents, or make the ultimate decision.

There was not one thing I could do this week but follow along with the program, and at times it was difficult for me to do so.

But here's what happened. I gave myself into the program. It was hard, but I wanted to be obedient to God, and to the leader that I had agreed to help. It difficult to give up the need to be in control, or to have a voice, or to want things a certain way. And here's a another prideful thought of ol' Pastor Matt- a thought that if something wasn't done in a way that I wanted, it was more than likely doomed to failure.

I was amazed at the impact that the camp experience had on these kids. I watched as with each passing day it chipped away at their middle school facades and exposed the inner parts of their longing souls. In my cabin, 5 young men responded to the love of God for the first time in their lives. It was completely awesome to see.

I think this is why- It was God working in people's lives. Its his show, his plan, his way, his power. I learned that everything does not have to go my way for Him to have His way. I know, easy concept to read, hard concept to grasp. I guess you have to go through an experience like mine this week to be humbled to the place of understanding where you stack rank in the grand scheme of things.

I guess that bumper sticker is true- let go, and let God.

Have a blessed weekend.

Matt

Friday, August 14, 2009

My Take On ObamaCare

Pastors aren't supposed to talk about politics. Or at least that's what people try to make me think. For some reason, people mis-interpret the tax-exempt status law of churches, and go so far as to say that we're not allowed to speak out about what we feel is either moral, just, or even our opinion.

The law is real clear. We're not allowed to endorse any candidate for office, or monetarily support them either. In the history of this law, there has been exactly zero churches that have lost their status because they said something political.

So here's my stab- I have no idea what is going on with that reform bill. Its over 1000 pages. I tried to read through some of it, and its horribly written. Perhaps if you're a lawyer or something you could understand what it said, but for me, it was a bunch of lawyer speak.

There is basically 2 sides to this issue as I see it-

1. Change the way health care works in America.
2. Keep the way health care works in America.

And now, in wonderful Victory Blog Fashion, I present to you the third option-Psalm 118:8-

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

I've got to honest with you- I don't care if you have socialized medicine where you can go for free for any procedure you want, or we move to cash-only system of health care. If people continue to put their trust in the government,an employer, a person, or anything besides almighty God himself, they are going to be disappointed.

It sad to see actually. People long for something to trust and believe in, and because the government is so big, and has all those cool buildings and logos, we begin to believe that they can take care of us and ensure our safety.

I'm putting all my hope in God. The one who never wavers. The one who never sleeps or slumbers. He's my plan. My hope. My care. I'm putting my trust in him.

blessings
matt

Thursday, August 13, 2009

It Was 101 Degrees Last Night At Church!

Seriously, last night it was 101 degrees at church. Sure, it was only 101 degrees for me, because that was the fever that I had been running for the past 3 days.

I hate being sick. Its the worst. I've just been laying in bed and doing absolutely nothing but watching TV, and sleeping since Monday night. I didn't even write the blog yesterday.

So as I was laying in bed yesterday, I was not excited about church at all. I wanted to stay in my jammies and continue to watch the Deadliest Catch. Getting dressed and going down to church didn't sound fun at all. I even asked Crystal if we should cancel service.

Then at about 330pm, as I was laying there, sweating through the sheets, I began to think about this guy Paul that was around during Bible times. He did a bunch of great stuff for the early Christian church, and the Lord spoke to me and said- would a fever keep Paul from preaching?

I think that was about all I needed. Mind you, I wasn't about to spend the next 3 hours in front my computer working on a message for the night. I seriously could barely sit up without excruciating pain in my head. 101 degrees is HOT! So, I went to my office, threw some scriptures on an outline and went back to bed before church.

Our Wednesday night services aren't huge, but for some reason, last night it was about 50% bigger than we usually have. There were people there that usually don't come out for mid-week service and a visitor or two.

This is what happened- God gave me the strength and was able to use my horrible notes to deliver a powerful message last night. To God be the Glory!

Here's the best part- I'm sure it was him because I was completely and utterly sapped of energy, enthusiasm and will. After the service, there were some people who came up and said that it was a message that they knew they needed to hear for that night, that was specifically for them.

I'm not grandstanding here. I'm making a point that was real to me yesterday- sometimes when we don't feel at all like doing things for God he can still use us in the midst of it. Its the obedience and availability that He is looking for. Showing up is 85% of the job. He'll take care of the rest.

Next time when you "don't feel like it" do it anyway. Commitment can be a great motivator and empower you for greater works for the Lord!

Be blessed
matt

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Have You Ever Washed Your Car, Then it Rained?

It happens to me all the time. I decide to wash my car, and then, the next day it rains. I can't explain why that is, as much as I can say that it happens to me often.

It rained at my house yesterday. Its been 26 days since we've had rain in the Seattle area, and it came in yesterday. We were sleeping with our window open and it was nice to hear the rain coming down.

Here's the best part- yesterday I spent the bulk of my day cleaning out the gutters on my house. For once, I was able to plan correctly in regards to the rain and was able to get them cleaned out before the rain came. Woo-hoo.

I've got to tell you though. I'm not the guy who loves cleaning gutters. I don't like being on a ladder. It was a stretch for me yesterday to be 20 feet in the air up on that ladder, cleaning the gutters. We have a pretty steep roof line, so I'm unable to get on the roof to clean the gutters, you have to do it with a ladder, and move it around the house.

As I was standing up on that ladder, grabbing gunk from the gutters, I was thinking of the spiritual implications of this domestic task. Here's what I came up with- we all have junk in our lives that sits around, either literally, or figuratively. Much like gutters, its usually in a place that isn't visible or easily accessible. And, much like gutters, if we don't clean out that junk, when the rain comes, it will clog us up, cause damage and create more problems.

If we can be proactive in removing some of that gunk, we'll have a better chance of weathering the storms when they do come.

Get the gunk out

matt

Friday, August 7, 2009

A Good Way to Get Out of Things

When I was a kid, in my neighborhood, we would play outside constantly. Yes, without supervision. Back when I was a kid, we actually were outside of our house without supervision for hours on end, and lived.

As it was, we would have our toys, bikes and other things and would be playing with them and inevitably, some kid would always want to borrow it, or play with it, or take it home.

What we always said when we were kids when we didn't want to share what we had was, "I would, but my Mom won't let me". It was a real safe statement that put the decision to not share on my mom, instead of on me. It made her the bad guy, and didn't put me in position of having to stand up for what I believed or what I wanted. It put it on my mom.

Its interesting. A lot of people still use this tactic today- not owning up to their own ideas or wants, but putting it on someone else.

It usually comes in different forms depending on where you live, work or interact with.

1. The teacher says no
2. The research suggests
3. My spouse said
4. The Boss doesn't want
5. This book I read said

All of those put a person in a position to not own what they think or believe.

Here's a thought- when you want to do something, or want to make a point, don't pepper it with any influence from which the thought came. Simply stand on your own two feet and make the declaration. Don't apologize, don't hide behind someone else. Don't be afraid to state your wants and needs without adding in some other influence that has nothing to do with what you truly want.

Example- in a church setting, people often say "God is leading me to..." when making a decision that will affect other people. In a lot of instances, it is my contention that people are doing what they want to do, and adding the "God" card to justify what they want to do anyway. It has nothing to do with a leading or a prompting, but everything to do with what they want anyway. Understand- I'm not saying that God doesn't lead or prompt. I am saying that there are times when people do what they want and add the God part after.

I guess they feel if they add in the God part it will ensure they are less likely to be challenged, or viewed in a negative light.

The ability to be truthful, while understanding that some people may not agree with what you are doing is an art form that is not easily learned. What you will find, is that when you begin to respond to people without a 'reason' or an 'excuse' you'll find that they respect you more, and you'll respect yourself more. Because you're owning what you say and do.

Everything doesn't have to always have a reason. You can, as the Bible says, let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

Be Blessed

matt

Thursday, August 6, 2009

I Admit- I Got It Wrong

I am a pastor. At times it entails alot of different duties. At times I am called upon during times of emotional distress for prayer and support. I may be summoned to provide for the spiritual care of those who are struggling spiritually. I preach. I counsel. I lead. I pray. I lead music. And at times, I have the glorious opportunity to help people move.

Its not the best part of being a pastor, but I guess its something that you do when people know you're available during the day. Actually, its not that bad, well, usually not that bad. Typically you get a meal of pizza, or some donuts or something. If I get real lucky, I'll score some sort of tool or unused electronic that the person moving doesn't want anymore. Best of all, we get time to fellowship and hang out, that to me, is really what pastoring is all about.

Yesterday I was called to help a family from the church load up their moving van for their move. We got to the house at about 10am, and the truck was already there.

Let me back up for a minute. I have issues with people who have lack of planning for their move. I have had experiences in the past where the move/pack was not planned well, that were quite interesting.

So anyway, knowing that, when I showed up and surveyed what we had to move, and the size of the truck, I was concerned. Quite concerned in fact. So concerned that I pulled my wife aside and whispered in her ear "I want to go on record saying that all of this stuff will not fit in this one truck".

I was wrong. Rich, the guy I was helping to move was able to cram every last bit of stuff in his house into the Uhaul with one trip. There was actually room left over. This guy was amazing. I don't think there was more than a one inch gap anywhere in the whole truck. He was quick, efficient and the most amazing packer I have ever seen.

Here's the nugget- at times, based on past experience or personal issues, we assume that things are going to be a certain way. We come into those situations with pre-conceived ideas that may not prove to be true. Sure, this example has to do with helping someone move, but don't we do that in other situations also?

I'm not sure the reason why we find so much comfort in making up our mind prior to having all the facts, but I think we would do better to give most things a little more time, and realize that we don't have to have it made up in our mind before it happens.

Have a little faith. Give people a chance. Allow God to move.

Be blessed today

matt

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Big Fish That Got Away

When I was a kid, probably about 9 or 10 years old, I went fishing with someone while on vacation from the city. We were out on a lake, and had our lines in the water and were not having much luck. I remember that there came a point when it was beginning to look like we weren't going to catch any fish, so the adult I was with decided to pull up the lines.

I didn't want to pull up the lines. I wanted to catch some fish. I remember him telling me as he was pulling in the lines, "Matt, don't you worry, I promise you you'll catch a fish before you go home".

We didn't go fishing again that day, or any other day, and I never caught a fish that trip. Its been about 25 years, and I still remember that promise, and how it wasn't fulfilled. I have to tell you, it still stings a little bit.

I'm sure you have a story like that also. A time when someone gave you their word, and they didn't follow through with it, as much as I'm sure there has been a time when you haven't followed through with your word either.

There isn't much left in the world when we can't believe what people say. I know I used an example from childhood to illustrate this point, but I have many others that I could share, but they are probably too close to home at this point. I know there have been times when I have been guilty of this myself, but its something that I work on not doing.

What's the nugget? Be a person who follows through with what you say to the best of your ability.

If you can't do something, don't agree to it or talk around it. Give people the courtesy of telling them the truth about what you are willing to do for them. Don't tell people what they want to hear, thinking that it will in someway increase your stature with that person. If you don't follow through, your credibility is lost, and the relationship will be strained.

I like what is says in the Bible in Ecclesiastes 5:5-It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Marinate on that today.

Choose your words wisely. Agree only to what you can do. Don't promise what you know you will never deliver. Don't tell people what you think they want to hear.

Be blessed
Matt

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Saga of The Pink Visor (pics included)

Do you remember the blog from last week? If you didn't you can read it here. Here's the quick version- on our Vacation, Faith lost her favorite pink visor while we were at Disneyland. Gabe had a great commentary for her as we were leaving the park, "Faith, if you love something set it free".

Most of you know the second part of that phrase, and its "And if it comes back to you, its yours". Well, the day after Faith lost the visor, we went to the lost and found at Disneyland and put in a request for Faith's visor.

I have to be honest with you. Disneyland sees about 50,000 visitors a day, so I figured this was an exercise in futility. But, being the father that I am, I wanted to show my daughter that Daddy was willing do whatever it took to get that visor back. The lady at the window had us fill out a form, took our address and said that if the hat comes in before we leave town, they'll call us, but if not, they'll send it to us.

You can probably imagine our surprise this last Friday when we got a padded envelope addressed from Anaheim California. Crystal and I knew exactly what it was. We were so excited for Faith! We went inside, brought her up to the kitchen table, and had her open the envelope. I can't describe how excited she was, but she squealed "My Visor!" and proudly put it on.

There's a few scenarios that play out here.

1. Some worker at Disneyland found the visor and turned it in.

2. Some person who was at Disneyland found it and turned it in.

Either one of those options warms my heart. Apparently there is some good left in this world. I would think that most people wouldn't take the time to turn in a kids visor at an amusement park, but someone did. Furthermore, that Disneyland would send it to us, is an added measure of goodness.

Here's the best part- We had prayed with faith (and Faith) and asked God to bless her with her visor and left it in His hands, and he delivered.

This small little gesture imparts hope in my daughter that God does move on people to answer the prayers of his people. Its exciting to know that no matter how big or small, God is still in the business of blessing people.

Remember that today. It may not be a pink visor for you, but God does still bless.

Be blessed today.
Matt