Tomorrow is thanksgiving. A day that we as a nation set aside to be thankful. Make no mistake. Tomorrow is a religious holiday, and here is why- if you're not thankful to God for what you have, or what has happened in your life, who are you thankful towards?
I am very thankful this year. God has richly blessed our family, and our ministry and I have no complaints.
For some reason, people seem to start to struggle with this time of year. I think that it is natural to take a mental inventory of where you are at, and for some people it can be a bit painful. This can be a time of year with pain and regret.
Pain and regret can be natural emotions when you have been through a challenging time in life. There is truly only one way to be thankful in the midst of trials and circumstance- we must focus on what we have, not on what we do not have. It is a fruitless exercise to take a mental inventory of what you don't have. It is very beneficial to think about what you do have.
If you're reading this blog- you have eyes. That is something to be thankful for. If you can read this- it means you can read, that is something to be thankful for. There. Two things you can be thankful for, that you can read, and that you have eyes, now you're on your way.
Here's an exercise that I want to encourage you to take this year. Take a few moments and sit down and write the most mundane things that you can think of to be thankful for. Take that list, and pray it to God. Tell him that you are thankful for those things. Thank him that he has blessed you with those things.
Thanksgiving isn't about turkey and pie. Its about the realization that there is a Creator that has blessed us and taking the time to be thankful for it.
Be blessed this Thanksgiving.
Matt
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Global Warming is a LIE?
Big news from the Washington Times today. It appears as if some documents have leaked from some big-time climate change think tank/scientific research outfit. Apparently the documents show that these scientists have 'cooked the books' so to speak to make the data appear more in favor of global warming happening. It also may show that these scientists suppressed data that contradicted their hypothesis in regards to global warming. You can read the article by clicking here
This a pretty fresh article, so I'm sure that there is going to be stir in the public realm about it. Or maybe not, it may just fall into relative obscurity and just be the 'soup du jour'.
It raises some questions though-
1. How much trust do we put in scientists that affect our public policy?
2. How do ensure that there is public debate from both sides of the issue?
Most people would probably conclude if you've known me long enough that I lean a little to the right more than the left. I'm no scientist. I don't have "An Inconvenient Truth" on my netflix list. But I am a guy that has a bit of common sense.
I can be in Los Angeles and taste the pollution in the air and think- "this isn't good". I can watch the trailers full of garbage going to the landfill in King County and wonder if some of that stuff could be recycled. I think about the impact of trash in our seas and contaminates being put into our waterways and streams. I'm not an anti-environmental guy.
But I do care about the truth. I care about fear tactics being used as a means to divert my tax dollars to causes that aren't truly causes. I care that people put more faith in a guy in a white lab coat than they do in Almighty God.
I don't know if the world is getting hotter or colder. I don't know if we're going to kill ourselves with our Styrofoam cups. But I do know this- the Bible declares that "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:17). What does that mean?
It means that God created the earth and knows how this thing is running. He's holding the thing together so we shouldn't be too worried about it. Now, does it mean that we should run out and start burning coal in our fireplaces and take out our emissions standards?
No. But we would do better to put a bit more trust in the Word of God and his ability to take care of us and this world that He created.
Yes, there are things that Humans do to affect the earth and its systems. But here's the deal- if this is true, its deplorable that these guys skewed the data and cooked the books to make it seem as if something was true that was not.
Trust God today. Believe that He is taking care of us and His creation. Thank Him for his provision and His creation. Put more trust in Him in all areas of your life.
Be blessed today.
Matt
This a pretty fresh article, so I'm sure that there is going to be stir in the public realm about it. Or maybe not, it may just fall into relative obscurity and just be the 'soup du jour'.
It raises some questions though-
1. How much trust do we put in scientists that affect our public policy?
2. How do ensure that there is public debate from both sides of the issue?
Most people would probably conclude if you've known me long enough that I lean a little to the right more than the left. I'm no scientist. I don't have "An Inconvenient Truth" on my netflix list. But I am a guy that has a bit of common sense.
I can be in Los Angeles and taste the pollution in the air and think- "this isn't good". I can watch the trailers full of garbage going to the landfill in King County and wonder if some of that stuff could be recycled. I think about the impact of trash in our seas and contaminates being put into our waterways and streams. I'm not an anti-environmental guy.
But I do care about the truth. I care about fear tactics being used as a means to divert my tax dollars to causes that aren't truly causes. I care that people put more faith in a guy in a white lab coat than they do in Almighty God.
I don't know if the world is getting hotter or colder. I don't know if we're going to kill ourselves with our Styrofoam cups. But I do know this- the Bible declares that "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Col 1:17). What does that mean?
It means that God created the earth and knows how this thing is running. He's holding the thing together so we shouldn't be too worried about it. Now, does it mean that we should run out and start burning coal in our fireplaces and take out our emissions standards?
No. But we would do better to put a bit more trust in the Word of God and his ability to take care of us and this world that He created.
Yes, there are things that Humans do to affect the earth and its systems. But here's the deal- if this is true, its deplorable that these guys skewed the data and cooked the books to make it seem as if something was true that was not.
Trust God today. Believe that He is taking care of us and His creation. Thank Him for his provision and His creation. Put more trust in Him in all areas of your life.
Be blessed today.
Matt
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sooooo Angry I Could Just SPIT!
There are times in my life that I get exceptionally angry. Very quickly. It usually comes out of no where and rises up when I least expect it. It usually happens when I am frustrated, or inconvenienced or some other benign thing that sets me off.
It doesn't happen that often, but it happens. Just like last night.
Let me share with you a classic example of this- last night I needed to make some copies for something. They were color. I was putting them in a binder. They needed to look nice.
I spent a few hours on this thing, emailed them to the office supply store by my house and asked for them to call me when they were done. When they were done, my daughter and I went there, picked them up, stopped by the store and bought some lunchables, and came home.
When I got to my office, I realised that my cursory glance at my copies were not sufficient enough to notice that my copies were done wrong. I wont go into great detail, but basically, I needed each page separate, and four of the pages had been duplexed, with the opposite side upside down, so they were worthless to me.
I got really angry. Really fast. Things like that frustrate me to no end. Frustrated because the copy girl didn't double check her work. Frustrated because I didn't double check it when I was there. Frustrated because I had to go out again when it was 8pm and I wanted to start watching football. Frustrated because I was burning gas to drive back.
I called them and told them I was coming back to get my copies re-done.
I got in my SUV, and was steaming the whole way there. I ran scenarios in my head and what I was going to say to that girl, and how I was going to swipe my arm across the counter and scream "THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! I WANT THE MANAGER!!!". Literally, I envisioned myself plowing my truck through the front door of the store, copies in hand, screaming about my 4 pages of incorrect copies.
When I came through the front door of the store, I took a deep breath, and walked up to the counter, and the girl who messed up my copies that ruined my entire existence turned around and smiled at me. "Oh, are you the one that called?. I am so sorry this happened"
I looked at her and thought about my frustration and how I was going to respond.
"That's okay" I said. "No one died. Its an honest mistake, we all make them from time to time".
I stood there for about 2 mins while she made my copies, I smiled. Took them and drove home. Less angry. Less frustrated. Less worried that I would have made a complete jerk of myself at the copy center that I frequent.
It is possible to get angry and not explode. Its possible to be frustrated and not take it out on someone else. Its not easy, but it is possible. I think that people don't realize at times that everyone gets angry, its just how you deal with it that is the issue.
The Bible says that anger is inevitable, but when you are angry, not to sin. Let that be an encouragement to you today. If you get angry take a moment to think about where you are, what you are doing and why you are angry and then do what I do when I'm mad.
Absolutely nothing. Just smile, swallow your pride, and thank God that you have another day to live. Taking your anger out on someone else does nothing but hurt them.
Be Blessed
matt
It doesn't happen that often, but it happens. Just like last night.
Let me share with you a classic example of this- last night I needed to make some copies for something. They were color. I was putting them in a binder. They needed to look nice.
I spent a few hours on this thing, emailed them to the office supply store by my house and asked for them to call me when they were done. When they were done, my daughter and I went there, picked them up, stopped by the store and bought some lunchables, and came home.
When I got to my office, I realised that my cursory glance at my copies were not sufficient enough to notice that my copies were done wrong. I wont go into great detail, but basically, I needed each page separate, and four of the pages had been duplexed, with the opposite side upside down, so they were worthless to me.
I got really angry. Really fast. Things like that frustrate me to no end. Frustrated because the copy girl didn't double check her work. Frustrated because I didn't double check it when I was there. Frustrated because I had to go out again when it was 8pm and I wanted to start watching football. Frustrated because I was burning gas to drive back.
I called them and told them I was coming back to get my copies re-done.
I got in my SUV, and was steaming the whole way there. I ran scenarios in my head and what I was going to say to that girl, and how I was going to swipe my arm across the counter and scream "THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! I WANT THE MANAGER!!!". Literally, I envisioned myself plowing my truck through the front door of the store, copies in hand, screaming about my 4 pages of incorrect copies.
When I came through the front door of the store, I took a deep breath, and walked up to the counter, and the girl who messed up my copies that ruined my entire existence turned around and smiled at me. "Oh, are you the one that called?. I am so sorry this happened"
I looked at her and thought about my frustration and how I was going to respond.
"That's okay" I said. "No one died. Its an honest mistake, we all make them from time to time".
I stood there for about 2 mins while she made my copies, I smiled. Took them and drove home. Less angry. Less frustrated. Less worried that I would have made a complete jerk of myself at the copy center that I frequent.
It is possible to get angry and not explode. Its possible to be frustrated and not take it out on someone else. Its not easy, but it is possible. I think that people don't realize at times that everyone gets angry, its just how you deal with it that is the issue.
The Bible says that anger is inevitable, but when you are angry, not to sin. Let that be an encouragement to you today. If you get angry take a moment to think about where you are, what you are doing and why you are angry and then do what I do when I'm mad.
Absolutely nothing. Just smile, swallow your pride, and thank God that you have another day to live. Taking your anger out on someone else does nothing but hurt them.
Be Blessed
matt
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Spend Your Time With Positive People
I used to work for a Fortune 500 company from about 2004-2007. It was a great job and I had a ton of fun working there. I probably would have stayed a lot longer had I not been called into full-time ministry. While I was there, I met a lot of great people who have become lifelong friends.
One of these guys is named Anthony. He lives in Spokane. While I was working at the old company, he and I would talk on the phone periodically and encourage one another in our job, and talk about our shared challenges. When I would travel to the area to visit family, he and I would go and get some breakfast together.
Now we talk on the phone on average about once a week. I have to tell you, this guy Anthony is one of the most encouraging guys that I know. He bleeds positivity and passion. When you're around this guy you can't help but smile and feel better about yourself. I am so glad that he's my friend.
Yesterday he really had some encouragement over the phone for me. He just called to, as I like to say, "love on me". Am I being self-centered here? No, I'm being honest. I like it when positive people call me and encourage me. It makes me feel valued and prompts me to continue to do great things in my life. It spurs me to good works. I really appreciated the call.
Thanks Anthony.
Here's a part of my life that you may not know- I have a rather large contingent of positive people that stay in constant contact with. From Seaside California to Pennsylvania, From DC to Tupelo Mississippi and all points in between. I have figured out that the more positive people that I have in my life, the happier I am and the more I get accomplished.
Who do you surround yourself with? Who do you have in your life that is positive and encourages you to be a better you? I'm not talking about people who just tell you what you want to hear, but those people who know your best and your worst. The people who love you no matter what and challenge you to be the best you that you can be.
If you don't have at least 5, start looking for them. Call them and encourage them to be all they can be, and watch what happens. Your life will be filled with a richness and vitality that you may have never experienced before. Your life will become a conduit of God's love and encouragement to all those around you and you'll reap the benefits of it.
Be blessed today
Matt
ps. Yes I love all my other positive people too! Today was just about Anthony!!! (especially you Chad- I know you're going to call me and say "what's up with that?")
One of these guys is named Anthony. He lives in Spokane. While I was working at the old company, he and I would talk on the phone periodically and encourage one another in our job, and talk about our shared challenges. When I would travel to the area to visit family, he and I would go and get some breakfast together.
Now we talk on the phone on average about once a week. I have to tell you, this guy Anthony is one of the most encouraging guys that I know. He bleeds positivity and passion. When you're around this guy you can't help but smile and feel better about yourself. I am so glad that he's my friend.
Yesterday he really had some encouragement over the phone for me. He just called to, as I like to say, "love on me". Am I being self-centered here? No, I'm being honest. I like it when positive people call me and encourage me. It makes me feel valued and prompts me to continue to do great things in my life. It spurs me to good works. I really appreciated the call.
Thanks Anthony.
Here's a part of my life that you may not know- I have a rather large contingent of positive people that stay in constant contact with. From Seaside California to Pennsylvania, From DC to Tupelo Mississippi and all points in between. I have figured out that the more positive people that I have in my life, the happier I am and the more I get accomplished.
Who do you surround yourself with? Who do you have in your life that is positive and encourages you to be a better you? I'm not talking about people who just tell you what you want to hear, but those people who know your best and your worst. The people who love you no matter what and challenge you to be the best you that you can be.
If you don't have at least 5, start looking for them. Call them and encourage them to be all they can be, and watch what happens. Your life will be filled with a richness and vitality that you may have never experienced before. Your life will become a conduit of God's love and encouragement to all those around you and you'll reap the benefits of it.
Be blessed today
Matt
ps. Yes I love all my other positive people too! Today was just about Anthony!!! (especially you Chad- I know you're going to call me and say "what's up with that?")
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
When I Grow Up I Want to be a NINJA!
I don't take martial arts. I never have. Sure, I've yelled out a "hiyaaa" and kicked in the air before, but I've had no formal training. Unless you count watching Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee movies. If that is formal training, I would obviously be considered a black belt.
Martial arts are really popular. Lots of people are involved with them for the fitness benefits or self defense training. I know a few people who do it, and it looks like my son may start doing it soon.
In my understanding, the culmination of training that anyone can attain to be is to be a Ninja. Sure, I may not know much about the arts, but as far as I can figure out, if you're a Ninja, you're a real bad mamma jamma. Smoke screens, throwing stars, all of it. You're a force to be reckoned with.
Here's the deal though- much like the Sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster, I think the Ninja lives in relative obscurity because no one has ever seen one. That is part of thier mystique and intrigue though. You fear that which you cannot see.
Interesting story from Seattle. Apparently there are Ninjas among us. You can read the story here. A Ninja was impaled on a fence he was trying to get over while involved in some sort of Ninja like mission.
I don't think this guy was an actual Ninja. Call me crazy, but I think he was probably some guy who had a little too much of grandpas cough medicine and was trying to be a Ninja, not actually in the act of performing Ninja duties.
On some level, I bet that guy wishes he was a Ninja. Halloween is over, he's not roaming around in split toed shoes and samurai sword on his back unless he actually wants to be Ninja. People who don't want to be Ninjas sit at home and watch Kung Fu movies and talk about Ninjas, they don't go out and dress up like them.
Here's the nugget- haven't we all at some time wished that we were someone different or that we possessed some special skill that no one else had? Haven't you ever day-dreamed as you were in your car and thought "what would it be like to be a_____". Of course, we all have. The difference is that most of us never go past the thought phase. We just let it sit in our minds. We don't act on it or do anything about it.
I'm a bit impressed by this guy. Why? Because he actually was willing to put himself out there to try to become what he wanted to become. He didn't sit around and talk about being a Ninja. He went out and tried to be a Ninja. It may have involved some alcohol and some poor decisions, but you have to applaud the guy for his efforts how ever misdirected or odd.
Who do you want to be? What part of your life are you holding back because of fear of failure or the ridicule of your peers?
Be willing to step out of your personal comfort zone today and make steps and improvements to become that which you believe God is calling you to become. It may not be a Ninja, but maybe it is someone that you know is inside of you, that just hasn't came out yet.
Blessings
matt
Martial arts are really popular. Lots of people are involved with them for the fitness benefits or self defense training. I know a few people who do it, and it looks like my son may start doing it soon.
In my understanding, the culmination of training that anyone can attain to be is to be a Ninja. Sure, I may not know much about the arts, but as far as I can figure out, if you're a Ninja, you're a real bad mamma jamma. Smoke screens, throwing stars, all of it. You're a force to be reckoned with.
Here's the deal though- much like the Sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster, I think the Ninja lives in relative obscurity because no one has ever seen one. That is part of thier mystique and intrigue though. You fear that which you cannot see.
Interesting story from Seattle. Apparently there are Ninjas among us. You can read the story here. A Ninja was impaled on a fence he was trying to get over while involved in some sort of Ninja like mission.
I don't think this guy was an actual Ninja. Call me crazy, but I think he was probably some guy who had a little too much of grandpas cough medicine and was trying to be a Ninja, not actually in the act of performing Ninja duties.
On some level, I bet that guy wishes he was a Ninja. Halloween is over, he's not roaming around in split toed shoes and samurai sword on his back unless he actually wants to be Ninja. People who don't want to be Ninjas sit at home and watch Kung Fu movies and talk about Ninjas, they don't go out and dress up like them.
Here's the nugget- haven't we all at some time wished that we were someone different or that we possessed some special skill that no one else had? Haven't you ever day-dreamed as you were in your car and thought "what would it be like to be a_____". Of course, we all have. The difference is that most of us never go past the thought phase. We just let it sit in our minds. We don't act on it or do anything about it.
I'm a bit impressed by this guy. Why? Because he actually was willing to put himself out there to try to become what he wanted to become. He didn't sit around and talk about being a Ninja. He went out and tried to be a Ninja. It may have involved some alcohol and some poor decisions, but you have to applaud the guy for his efforts how ever misdirected or odd.
Who do you want to be? What part of your life are you holding back because of fear of failure or the ridicule of your peers?
Be willing to step out of your personal comfort zone today and make steps and improvements to become that which you believe God is calling you to become. It may not be a Ninja, but maybe it is someone that you know is inside of you, that just hasn't came out yet.
Blessings
matt
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