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
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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