Picture this- you're a pirate. You've donned your tri-corned skull and bones cap, thrown in a gold earring, and pulled on your boots. You put on yer eye patch, grab your weapon of choice, and set out to pillage and attack an un-suspecting vessel.
Here's something you want to remember if you are starting a career of a pirate- don't choose a naval warship as your target. Usually naval warships are able to thwart the attack of a few rag-tag pirates.
You would think that these pirates from Somalia would have thought about this. You can read the article here.
I was thinking about those pirates this morning and thinking- man, I've made some pretty poor decisions in my own life, but not one like that. I thought, "man, if I were a pirate, I wouldn't attack a navy boat". But then I thought, the problem with the pirates is the same issue that I have- sometimes I don't think things through all the way.
That's the real issue here. For the pirates, and for us. We need to be people that think things through and count the cost. Haven't we all made the mistake of not thinking something through? And then suffering the repercussions of that poor decision?
Here's the great part- I'm pretty sure that you're not a pirate and I'm not a pirate although at times I be talkin' like a one... arrr.... be ye warned says I, or ye be findin' yerself in Davy Jones locker ye landlubber.... arrr. Anyway, back to the great part.
These pirates can serve as an example to us today- think through what you are doing. Take the time to count the cost. God loves you and desires great things for your life, but we can mess those things up if we choose to make poor decisions that can have lasting ramifications.
Don't be a pirate. Think things through.
Be blessed
matt
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Don't Do Me Wrong, Or YOU Will End Up on This Blog
Its kind of fun having this little platform of this blog to air my grievances with society at large. Yesterday is a great example of this.
I needed some new keys. So, what do you do when you need new keys? You go to a locksmith, right? I'm beginning to think that locksmiths are a different type of retailer. Along the same lines as a gun shop or a pawn shop. These guys know that you need them more than they need you. This reality drips from their every word and action as you stand in their shop losing your high frequency hearing as they cut new keys.
Anyway, yesterday I got 4 new keys made, paid for them (20 dollars- yes TWENTY DOLLARS- you would think for that amount they would sweep the floor), and went back to check if they worked. They didn't. They wouldn't even go into the hole.
Most of you know by now, patience is not the virtue that the good Lord has bestowed upon me in abundance, so when this happened, I was a bit perturbed.
When I got back to the shop, the guy who helped me was standing outside with a customer, so I went in and told the other guy what had happened. And here is what they said when they realized that they had made the wrong keys, inconvenienced me, and wasted my time- nothing. Not a "hey our bad" or "I'm so sorry Mr. Customer, our establishment is grounded in a culture of efficiency, and we've done you wrong, therefore we're going to make you these keys for free".
Yea, I know. I'm being petty, but here's the kicker- They didn't have the keys that I really needed, so I have to go back AGAIN to get the keys made. Its all a bit inconvenient.
Here's what I would like to do- yell at those guys and give them a quick lesson in customer service. I'd like to take my 4 keys to the next city over and find a NEW and BETTER locksmith that is going to meet MY needs.
But here is what I am going to do- I'm probably going to write a blog about this experience and talk about how God can grow us in these situations. How he can stretch me as a person and help me grow in patience. How I should have a heart to understand that even locksmiths have a need to be loved. To remind myself that every visit that I make back to that shop is an opportunity to share God's love.
Its only time. Its only keys. Grow up Matt. You're not so special that every last interaction that you have with every merchant needs to be a mountain top experience. This world is full of hurting people, and hurting people hurt people. So love on those guys. They probably get tired of cranky customers and late night service calls when no one thanks them.
Be blessed today. And be nice!
Matt
I needed some new keys. So, what do you do when you need new keys? You go to a locksmith, right? I'm beginning to think that locksmiths are a different type of retailer. Along the same lines as a gun shop or a pawn shop. These guys know that you need them more than they need you. This reality drips from their every word and action as you stand in their shop losing your high frequency hearing as they cut new keys.
Anyway, yesterday I got 4 new keys made, paid for them (20 dollars- yes TWENTY DOLLARS- you would think for that amount they would sweep the floor), and went back to check if they worked. They didn't. They wouldn't even go into the hole.
Most of you know by now, patience is not the virtue that the good Lord has bestowed upon me in abundance, so when this happened, I was a bit perturbed.
When I got back to the shop, the guy who helped me was standing outside with a customer, so I went in and told the other guy what had happened. And here is what they said when they realized that they had made the wrong keys, inconvenienced me, and wasted my time- nothing. Not a "hey our bad" or "I'm so sorry Mr. Customer, our establishment is grounded in a culture of efficiency, and we've done you wrong, therefore we're going to make you these keys for free".
Yea, I know. I'm being petty, but here's the kicker- They didn't have the keys that I really needed, so I have to go back AGAIN to get the keys made. Its all a bit inconvenient.
Here's what I would like to do- yell at those guys and give them a quick lesson in customer service. I'd like to take my 4 keys to the next city over and find a NEW and BETTER locksmith that is going to meet MY needs.
But here is what I am going to do- I'm probably going to write a blog about this experience and talk about how God can grow us in these situations. How he can stretch me as a person and help me grow in patience. How I should have a heart to understand that even locksmiths have a need to be loved. To remind myself that every visit that I make back to that shop is an opportunity to share God's love.
Its only time. Its only keys. Grow up Matt. You're not so special that every last interaction that you have with every merchant needs to be a mountain top experience. This world is full of hurting people, and hurting people hurt people. So love on those guys. They probably get tired of cranky customers and late night service calls when no one thanks them.
Be blessed today. And be nice!
Matt
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Why Consistency Matters
I want to draw attention to a phenomenon that I am sure that you have noticed also. People are really inconsistent.
Sometimes they are inconsistent in their attitude- they may be personable one day, and mean the next. They may be happy one day, and sad the next.
Sometimes they are inconsistent in their actions- they eat right when they are trying to lose weight, but eat horribly when they are not. They exercise when they feel like it, not when they should.
Sometimes they are inconsistent when it comes to their spirituality- they only reach out to God when they are in crisis, or when they need something from him.
Inconsistency is not good. There is little benefit in it. Why? Because it is reactionary in nature and does not produce any real lasting results. It may change your circumstance for a moment, but in the long haul, if you do not become consistent, you'll never see the change that you really want to see in your life.
Let's be honest- don't we all have areas of our life that we are trying to improve? Things about us or our circumstance that we want to be different? If that is the case, then consistency in our endeavors is the key.
Here's a verse about spiritual discipline that lends credibility to personal discipline- Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Its hard to be disciplined. That's why most people aren't. But those who give themselves into it, find that they have a more fruitful life than those who choose to not have any discipline in their actions, thoughts, words, or spiritual walk.
Find something today that you can start to be consistent with. It may not be every day of the week, but maybe just 4 times a week. Watch what kind of an impact that it has on your life. I guarantee that it will produce results in that area because you will be giving it the attention that it needs.
And here's the kicker- don't stop once you see results. Continue it forever. Make it a discipline in your life and watch how it will change you completely.
Be blessed, and consistent.
Matt
Sometimes they are inconsistent in their attitude- they may be personable one day, and mean the next. They may be happy one day, and sad the next.
Sometimes they are inconsistent in their actions- they eat right when they are trying to lose weight, but eat horribly when they are not. They exercise when they feel like it, not when they should.
Sometimes they are inconsistent when it comes to their spirituality- they only reach out to God when they are in crisis, or when they need something from him.
Inconsistency is not good. There is little benefit in it. Why? Because it is reactionary in nature and does not produce any real lasting results. It may change your circumstance for a moment, but in the long haul, if you do not become consistent, you'll never see the change that you really want to see in your life.
Let's be honest- don't we all have areas of our life that we are trying to improve? Things about us or our circumstance that we want to be different? If that is the case, then consistency in our endeavors is the key.
Here's a verse about spiritual discipline that lends credibility to personal discipline- Hebrews 12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Its hard to be disciplined. That's why most people aren't. But those who give themselves into it, find that they have a more fruitful life than those who choose to not have any discipline in their actions, thoughts, words, or spiritual walk.
Find something today that you can start to be consistent with. It may not be every day of the week, but maybe just 4 times a week. Watch what kind of an impact that it has on your life. I guarantee that it will produce results in that area because you will be giving it the attention that it needs.
And here's the kicker- don't stop once you see results. Continue it forever. Make it a discipline in your life and watch how it will change you completely.
Be blessed, and consistent.
Matt
Friday, October 2, 2009
Late Blog Better Than No Blog
I woke up at 445 this morning. I knew I was going to have a busy day, but I didn't think it was going to work out like this.
Our worship leader just got married and was leaving for her honeymoon today, and as it would happen, they had their grandparents that were staying with them that were leaving also. They were all on the same flight. So, I figured it would be a great day to break in the SUV, so I got to their house at 515 to drive them there.
It went fine, and I made it to my next time, which was 615 to pick up some kids for a Young Life bible study I do on Friday mornings at 630. I got done with that, and went home to take the kids to school.
Here's where the wrench comes- Crystal was going out of town this weekend with my mom, and was going to drive to Seattle in our little truck and leave and drive back Sunday. But since I wanted to drive my SUV a bit more, I volunteered to drive her up there and then my mom would bring her back Sunday.
I called my friend to stop by and say hello, and 2 hours later I'm pulling out of Starbucks on my way back to Covington. I already was late. I didn't have time, but we decided since I was already behind the 8ball we would go to Dick's Drive-in and get a quick burger before I left Seattle.
I just got home. I only have til 230 and then I got to get the kids from school. I thought 6 hours was a lot more time. How does my wife get so much done during those 6 hours every day? I'm glad she's only going to be gone for the weekend. I'm gonna miss her.
The significance? The nugget? I didn't get one thing done today that I wanted too. But my friend that I had coffee with for 2 hours in Seattle really needed to talk.
We had some great fellowship. And to me, it shouldn't matter that I didn't get done what I wanted to today. God had a plan. He needed me to be there for that conversation. It blessed both of us.
Have a great weekend. Talk to you Tuesday
matt
Our worship leader just got married and was leaving for her honeymoon today, and as it would happen, they had their grandparents that were staying with them that were leaving also. They were all on the same flight. So, I figured it would be a great day to break in the SUV, so I got to their house at 515 to drive them there.
It went fine, and I made it to my next time, which was 615 to pick up some kids for a Young Life bible study I do on Friday mornings at 630. I got done with that, and went home to take the kids to school.
Here's where the wrench comes- Crystal was going out of town this weekend with my mom, and was going to drive to Seattle in our little truck and leave and drive back Sunday. But since I wanted to drive my SUV a bit more, I volunteered to drive her up there and then my mom would bring her back Sunday.
I called my friend to stop by and say hello, and 2 hours later I'm pulling out of Starbucks on my way back to Covington. I already was late. I didn't have time, but we decided since I was already behind the 8ball we would go to Dick's Drive-in and get a quick burger before I left Seattle.
I just got home. I only have til 230 and then I got to get the kids from school. I thought 6 hours was a lot more time. How does my wife get so much done during those 6 hours every day? I'm glad she's only going to be gone for the weekend. I'm gonna miss her.
The significance? The nugget? I didn't get one thing done today that I wanted too. But my friend that I had coffee with for 2 hours in Seattle really needed to talk.
We had some great fellowship. And to me, it shouldn't matter that I didn't get done what I wanted to today. God had a plan. He needed me to be there for that conversation. It blessed both of us.
Have a great weekend. Talk to you Tuesday
matt
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wake Up People! Only 90 Days Left!!!!!!!
Yep. That's right. Today is the first day of October in the year two thousand and nine. Only 90 days left in the 2009. Did you read that? NINETY DAYS LEFT IN THIS YEAR! I know. Its scary when you think about it.
I'm 34 years old. And I remember when I was younger that people would always tell me that time moves alot faster when you get older, and I didn't believe them. but its true, at times it seems like my life is in fast forward.
If you're anything like most Americans, you probably set some sort of goals for 2009. Fitness goals, financial goals, spiritual goals. Some sort of plan, or resolution for the new year. How are you doing on those? Are you making progress? Have you got to where you want to be? Because here's the news- you've only got 90 days to get it done.
Take for example weight loss. You could feasibly lose 20lbs in the next 90 days. It would be hard, but you could do it if you really wanted to. I'd like to lose 20lbs in the next 90 days, but it isn't going to happen, cause we're getting high into eating season, and history has shown me that this isn't the season for weight loss for the Krachunis guy.
Reflecting on the first 3/4 of the year, I have to admit I haven't done everything that I wanted to do this year. I've done marginal at best. I could have done better.
So here's what I propose- start to think now about what you want to start working on in 2010. Come up with a plan now to how you're going to get it done. Don't wait until you're reading my new years day blog that is talking about 2010 a space odyssey. You can have a 90 day jump on the new year and actually accomplish some goals next year.
Remember to not leave God out of the equation. He wants to bless you and your attempts to improve. He wants you to grow spiritually, be healthy, and be a good steward of your finances. Spend a moment today and think about what it is that you want to see changed. Come up with a plan, and do it.
You've got 90 days.
Be blessed today.
Matt
I'm 34 years old. And I remember when I was younger that people would always tell me that time moves alot faster when you get older, and I didn't believe them. but its true, at times it seems like my life is in fast forward.
If you're anything like most Americans, you probably set some sort of goals for 2009. Fitness goals, financial goals, spiritual goals. Some sort of plan, or resolution for the new year. How are you doing on those? Are you making progress? Have you got to where you want to be? Because here's the news- you've only got 90 days to get it done.
Take for example weight loss. You could feasibly lose 20lbs in the next 90 days. It would be hard, but you could do it if you really wanted to. I'd like to lose 20lbs in the next 90 days, but it isn't going to happen, cause we're getting high into eating season, and history has shown me that this isn't the season for weight loss for the Krachunis guy.
Reflecting on the first 3/4 of the year, I have to admit I haven't done everything that I wanted to do this year. I've done marginal at best. I could have done better.
So here's what I propose- start to think now about what you want to start working on in 2010. Come up with a plan now to how you're going to get it done. Don't wait until you're reading my new years day blog that is talking about 2010 a space odyssey. You can have a 90 day jump on the new year and actually accomplish some goals next year.
Remember to not leave God out of the equation. He wants to bless you and your attempts to improve. He wants you to grow spiritually, be healthy, and be a good steward of your finances. Spend a moment today and think about what it is that you want to see changed. Come up with a plan, and do it.
You've got 90 days.
Be blessed today.
Matt
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