tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52385483961959814172024-03-05T02:59:49.309-08:00Crossing PathsCorey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-48980537011984558422011-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:002011-10-07T07:00:07.442-07:00Appreciate the rain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSAdNxu9iY-9S3du99CCOMT6I27wLWN449DQvhC523ZGYWXli_XrhA2kwyR_lPCEUWXE-VCX77brWUXP3D7lmRi9Kk1RPjgL8GU7jjgywZDOaKKairIHwlTjYB0DOmG0Lpk8GyPbAq60/s1600/rainy+day.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSAdNxu9iY-9S3du99CCOMT6I27wLWN449DQvhC523ZGYWXli_XrhA2kwyR_lPCEUWXE-VCX77brWUXP3D7lmRi9Kk1RPjgL8GU7jjgywZDOaKKairIHwlTjYB0DOmG0Lpk8GyPbAq60/s320/rainy+day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660503066582313714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As I was driving home in the rain yesterday afternoon, I found myself eager to sit down and begin writing. There was a certain inspiration I felt as I considered the scene of sitting down at the computer, facing the window and watching the rain fall.<br /><br />When we think of rain, we think of a variety of things. For some, it's the clean air. The smell of the outdoors after a rainfall is refreshing. In California, it means the hillsides which turn brown in the summer will soon be returning to a lush green. For others, the rain means inconvenience. The roads can be hazardous.<br /><br />All these things are true.<br /><br />In our language, we attribute positive and negative qualities to people using weather terms. We say positive people are a "ray of sunshine", while negative people "have a cloud over their head". When we try to find something positive in a negative situation, we say "every cloud has a silver lining".<br /><br />As I felt inspired to come home and begin to write as the rain fell, it dawned on me that we need the rain of life in so many ways. I remember as a child, rainy days kept us indoors. No playing outside. A day or two...no problem. A week or more, and you felt like a prisoner. But when we were confined to staying in, we had some special times. Sitting by the fireplace, playing board games. Watching old movies. Eating some great hot meals. Listening to music. <span style="font-style: italic;">Talking.</span> It brought togetherness, rather than the typical routine of everyone off in different directions.<br /><br />Life hands us a lot of rainy days. And no, I'm not talking about the weather anymore. Things happen which alter our routines. It can be the loss of a job or business. A broken relationship. Health problems. Emergency repairs on your car or home. Nobody enjoys these things. But it is in times like these that our lives must slow down. It's in times like these when we must find togetherness with our families and true friends. It's in times like these that we must spend time talking to, and more importantly, <span style="font-style: italic;">listening</span> to God.<br /><br />The rain brings balance to the earth, and our lives. While the sunshine is wonderful, too much of it can lead to a drought. If everything went smoothly and easily in life, it would be easy for us to not appreciate our blessings. We would end up in a spiritual drought. Don't you appreciate good health right after you've been sick? Isn't it nice to be able to eat solid foods after you've had the flu? To be able to swallow pain-free after suffering through a sore throat? Do you even think about these things when everything is "normal"?<br /><br />The "rain" in life brings an opportunity to appreciate. The relationships we've built in life were made for times like these. Remember, it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. But when the rain came, what he built protected him and carried him through the storm. So right now, if the rain in life isn't coming down on you, it will. So build that "ark". Maintain it. Fill it with the things you'll need to endure the storm.<br /><br />When the sun comes out again, appreciate it. And appreciate the rain that made the sun a welcome sight.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-55131460197710185332011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:002011-10-05T07:00:06.896-07:00Hoarding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbksOvOHbT2qL4Ml4VI1ooXStN-Z27hPIMlCyE50tioowVhZW9N43japw9jJ5Jx8XMO1sK-Ip5h3XuAoapjCSToEnC64MlI_QoiIr-Ik_bAiROoG-8O3vUS7u2fY3r-JWcYf-SEb8FVw/s1600/inside_a_hoarders_640_12.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbksOvOHbT2qL4Ml4VI1ooXStN-Z27hPIMlCyE50tioowVhZW9N43japw9jJ5Jx8XMO1sK-Ip5h3XuAoapjCSToEnC64MlI_QoiIr-Ik_bAiROoG-8O3vUS7u2fY3r-JWcYf-SEb8FVw/s320/inside_a_hoarders_640_12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659823609877130626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Recently, I found myself in the home of a hoarder. You've heard of hoarders. It's easy to watch the TV shows or hear of hoarders and think, "how could somebody let their lives go like that?"<br /><br />I would dare to say that we are all hoarders in one way or another. It's just likely that ours isn't as visible and tangible as these extreme cases you see on TV.<br /><br />It is so easy for us to allow stuff to overwhelm our lives. It is so easy to let our schedules get so filled with activities, with work, with empty relationships, with recreation, that the truly important things in life have no room in our lives anymore.<br /><br />The home I was in at the time was so bad, a specialist had to come in to help turn the place from a literal dump back into a suitable living place. It was a dangerous place. The woman who lived there was elderly. It got so bad, she had one of those emergency call buttons on a necklace in case she fell and got trapped. The organizer came in and had to convince the occupant to make some very tough decisions. What I found both amusing and profound was a small plaque the organizer hung on a wall. It wasn't very large, but the message was bigger than life.<br /><br />"Simplify".<br /><br />How many of us have filled our lives with so much clutter that we are exhausted? How many of us have jammed so much stuff in there that our relationships suffer? Have we become slaves to the clutter to the point that we aren't satisfied with the quantity we have, but we need more and more?<br /><br />There comes a time when we all must face some pretty tough decisions. When the important things in life are being neglected, or simply require more of our attention than we have budgeted to give, we have to cut back on other things which distract us from those priorities.<br /><br />The current economy should be teaching us by now that it's imperative that we learn to cut out the things in life that are not essential. If not cut out completely, at least cut back. We have learned to rely on so many luxuries, that they have become needs. I admit it. I'm very much like that. But when my transmission went out, my budget got turned upside down and inside out. The time has come when some of the things I could afford to spend my time and money on before are now expendable if I'm going to take care of my bigger obligations. (Oh sure, NOW you announce the newest iPhone!)<br /><br />Take some time and inventory your life. If you find yourself with little to no margin in life, it's time to make some decisions. If you're living on the edge where if something significant and unforeseen happened, you wouldn't be able to take care of it...make some changes.<br /><br />Simplify.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-33806359254566170112011-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:002011-09-11T08:00:06.122-07:00Ten years later<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwEDPIKaKyOxXfJHPWxs7AW-cq4UodeWUwiyn_FJeaKNopQWA2YYDGxhjmOMlGql21JnABnAgNsS5Jiw9-8UWV5RwBWdQmGCd_3HdtdDTQeWV16MJL0CFLzC0nP0NWKDvyPcYDq8-hSM/s1600/911-memorial.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwEDPIKaKyOxXfJHPWxs7AW-cq4UodeWUwiyn_FJeaKNopQWA2YYDGxhjmOMlGql21JnABnAgNsS5Jiw9-8UWV5RwBWdQmGCd_3HdtdDTQeWV16MJL0CFLzC0nP0NWKDvyPcYDq8-hSM/s320/911-memorial.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650968232860445554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today, we recognize the ten year anniversary of the day that changed not only our country, but our world. It has been more than six months since I last posted anything on Crossing Paths, but I could think of no better moment to post again.<br /><br />As such, I will actually post two pieces written while the smoke still billowed from what was the twin towers. The first is a journal entry I wrote on that fateful day. It is brief, but captured my thoughts at the time so that I wouldn't forget. It was a letter to God.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Today our nation was attacked by foreign terrorists. They have hijacked planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.<br /><br />Lord, I pray for mercy upon our country and for those who are trapped and injured. Comfort those who need comfort. Be with the families of those who have been injured and killed.<br /><br />These terrorists probably hope to bring our country to its knees.<br /><br />Let that be so.<br /><br /></span>The second piece is a prayer written by Max Lucado on September 14, 2001.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><p>Dear Lord, </p><p>We're still hoping we'll wake up. We're still hoping we'll open a sleepy eye and think, What a horrible dream. </p><p>But we won't, will we, Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and, dear Father, we are sad. </p><p>There is a ballet dancer who will no longer dance and a doctor who will no longer heal. A church has lost her priest, a classroom is minus a teacher. Cora ran a food pantry. Paige was a counselor and Dana, dearest Father, Dana was only three years old. (Who held her in those final moments?) </p><p>We are sad, Father. For as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn't. </p><p>And so we come to you. We don't ask you for help; we beg you for it. We don't request it; we implore it. We know what you can do. We've read the accounts. We've pondered the stories and now we plead, Do it again, Lord. Do it again. </p><p>Remember Joseph? You rescued him from the pit. You can do the same for us. Do it again, Lord. </p><p>Remember the Hebrews in Egypt? You protected their children from the angel of death. We have children, too, Lord. Do it again. </p><p>And Sarah? Remember her prayers? You heard them. Joshua? Remember his fears? You inspired him. The women <span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">at the tomb? You resurrected their hope. The doubts of Thomas? You took them away. Do it again, Lord. Do it again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">You changed Daniel from a captive into a king's counselor. You took Peter the fisherman and made him Peter an apostle. Because of you, David went from leading sheep to leading armies. Do it again, Lord, for we need counselors today, Lord. We need apostles. We need leaders. Do it again, dear Lord. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Most of all, do again what you did at Calvary. What we saw here on that Tuesday, you saw there on that Friday. Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Mothers weeping. Evil dancing. Just as the ash fell on our children, the darkness fell on your Son. Just as our towers were shattered, the very Tower of Eternity was pierced. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And by dusk, heaven's sweetest song was silent, buried behind a rock. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">But you did not waver, O Lord. You did not waver. After three days in a dark hole, you rolled the rock and rumbled the earth and turned the darkest Friday into the brightest Sunday. Do it again, Lord. Grant us a September Easter. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">We thank you, dear Father, for these hours of unity. Disaster has done what discussion could not. Doctrinal fences have fallen. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And we thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you. And he has no idea what you can do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy upon the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you've used her to heal a hurting world. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Do it again, Lord. Do it again. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Through Christ, Amen. </span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-85222869853775909532011-03-04T16:49:00.000-08:002011-03-07T16:53:51.351-08:00Winning? Really?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whether you want to or not, you're probably painfully aware of the recent goings-on in the life of Charlie Sheen. This post isn't so much specifically about him, but something you've probably noticed as his theme if you have seen, heard or read excerpts of his recent media interviews. Below is a video I found which is a compilation of many of these interviews.</span><br /><br /><center><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pipTwjwrQYQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe><center></center></center><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Over the past year, I have become acquainted with an individual who makes Charlie Sheen look like Justin Bieber. That being said, there are numerous similarities that have caught my attention.<br /><br />Sadly, drugs are the common fuel to their manic behavior. This fixation they have with winning is what has really captured my intrigue. I have seen the individual in my personal life being hell bent on ruining the lives of people they once loved. If he put his energy and time into a focused effort to be successful in his own life, he'd be a world changer. However, his lust for "winning" has only made his own life more complicated. But he still considers himself a "winner" because his behavior has made the lives of others more miserable.<br /><br />I have often compared life to the game of golf. In golf, you don't play defense. You have no control over the performance of your competitors. Your sole nemesis is the course, itself. If you find yourself paying too much attention with what others are doing, you can't possibly concentrate on your own performance against the course, making it impossible to do your very best.<br /><br />Life, like golf, is challenging and complicated. We all have our hands full just navigating our own way through it. People like Sheen and this other individual define "winning" in an unhealthy and destructive way. They see people who don't share their views as enemies. Winning isn't simply living a meaningful life and providing for their families. To them, winning can involve burning their own lives into a smoldering heap...as long as the lives of their perceived enemies are also wrecked.<br /><br />Winning?<br /><br />What I have found in these individuals is they do not have a simple quality that I bet you and I share. You and I find the value and necessity to have something in our lives that is bigger than ourselves. You and I exercise this by helping others, providing for family, serving in church, volunteering and contributing to charitable organizations, etc.<br /><br />These others are narcissistic. They lack the element that values anything other than their own interests.<br /><br />Sadly, I have no answers in turning these people around aside from prayer. You can't talk to them. You can't reason with them. You can't compel them with emotional pleas. They hit rock bottom, but their egos won't allow them to acknowledge the train wreck their lives are. Instead, they aggressively pursue taking others down.<br /><br />I choose to live according to the principles of Philippians 2:3-4.<br /><br /></span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29395">3</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29396">4</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-90771630034386096932011-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:002011-02-07T06:00:10.998-08:00More harm than good<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hey there. Yeah, it's me again. It's been awhile, huh? Well, a lot has been going on, and writing just hasn't really been a priority.<br /><br />Without going into details, because they're not really mine to share with everyone on the internet, suffice it to say that a situation very close to me has been going down over a long period of time. Not only does the drama seem to never let up, it seems to be escalating.<br /><br />Here's what I'd like to share about this. It's something of which I've been guilty, and I'd dare say we all have at one time or another. It comes down to the cliches we all tend to say when people are going thr</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">ough life crises. When someone loses a loved one, we instinctively say, "they're in a better place," or "I know how you feel". When you're going through something difficult, these cliches can be frustrating, though they are well intended.<br /><br />When someone is going through a situation that is very difficult, well-meaning people have a tendency to say something like, "it could be worse". Of course this is true, but nevertheless, what the person is going through is significant <span style="font-style: italic;">to them. </span>The well-intentioned friend is attempting to put things in perspective by inadvertently minimizing the significance the matter holds in the person's life. Most often, this is because the friend does not know the extent of the problems and how deeply they go.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Despite the magnitude of things I'm seeing going down near me, I do consider the tragedies and difficulties in the world around me. From the uprising in Egypt, to the recent violence in <a href="http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2011/02/03/custodian-confesses-to-shooting-placerville-school-principal/">Placerville</a>. The shooting at the school was especially close to home for me because, just over a month ago, I was in that very office where the the principal was gunned down.<br /><br />We should all be aware that somewhere in the world, someone is going </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">through something more difficult than we are. However, that is not comforting. We all have much to be grateful for. We have the air in our lungs. We live in a great country. We are blessed. But life brings challenges which feel like a huge beat down when you're going through it.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The bottom line is, if you know </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHLCAmi7tO_Dk5dIA2KAvqXOocpQaB-l1batBtjT2TjnA65p57PC3sibPDfsF6CNvtoUtm93rpFXSev_LRP64hs0p71cqAEcl-9bezVJ6i45ysvahBtpNtBjmIH23ve3t9XlLjDc9U5U/s1600/00TPqs-136397684.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHLCAmi7tO_Dk5dIA2KAvqXOocpQaB-l1batBtjT2TjnA65p57PC3sibPDfsF6CNvtoUtm93rpFXSev_LRP64hs0p71cqAEcl-9bezVJ6i45ysvahBtpNtBjmIH23ve3t9XlLjDc9U5U/s320/00TPqs-136397684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570309774098173410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">someone who is going through a very </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">difficult time, be careful when offering support so that you don't accidentally reduce the value of the pain they're enduring. It's very real to them. We have the instinctive desire to fix things, so that's why we try to offer comforting words. Or at least what we <span style="font-style: italic;">think</span> should be comforting. But more often than not, we can't fix it. The best thing we can do is simply offer our support. We can invest in them with our friendship, our time and our prayers. It's OK not to have the answers. It's OK to not be able to fix it. You're off the hook.<br /><br />Just be a friend. <a href="http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2011/02/03/custodian-confesses-to-shooting-placerville-school-principal/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-4784445397282832502011-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:002011-01-03T06:00:00.909-08:002011, here we come<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHbOkgtTA0g2tPi-mqdX2MHAASSzHF5jYdK9-EUhud0LLMchrpuclt0C1aMjj7FOB3UwUlAEMdl8w0fppURWd2PTzxA4H28jtAGm13VWt8oYccPMea5b3OB9Cj3oZnsxiD8WRDVVwba4/s1600/IWWH-HAPPY+NEW+YEAR+2011.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHbOkgtTA0g2tPi-mqdX2MHAASSzHF5jYdK9-EUhud0LLMchrpuclt0C1aMjj7FOB3UwUlAEMdl8w0fppURWd2PTzxA4H28jtAGm13VWt8oYccPMea5b3OB9Cj3oZnsxiD8WRDVVwba4/s320/IWWH-HAPPY+NEW+YEAR+2011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557796341301934482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, here we are. 2011. Crazy, huh? Does it feel like 11 years to you when you consider all the hoopla over Y2K?<br /><br />At any rate, it is a new year. As Ladyfriend and I were reminiscing over the recently concluded 2010, we summarized it as The Tale of Two Cities year. You know, the best of times and the worst of times. I don't think anyone has ever had a year that was 100% good, or 100% bad. The question isn't about balance, but severity. For me, 2009 was good for many reasons, but very difficult primarily due to the loss of my mom.<br /><br />For many of us, difficult circumstances from 2010 will carry over into 2011. For all of us, we can't know to what degree life will be difficult or wonderful. Rest assured, this year will hold for all of us laughter and tears. There will be joy and pain. There will be victories and defeat. In all these things, we will be better and stronger 365 days from now if we learn from each of these experiences the life lessons packed within them.<br /><br />Attitude is everything. With determination and integrity, with dignity and grace, take on the challenges and opportunities this year will hold for you. I have been around long enough to know from experience that God will not allow anything in my life that He can't see me through. Much of what I have gone through is bigger than me, but not bigger than Him. It's not my promise, but God's that we can do all things through Him and His strength.<br /><br />It's my prayer that you have a wonderful year. I sure intend to. But no matter what lies ahead, I pray that 365 days from now, when we look back and assess the events of 2011, we can each testify to the power of God's love and strength to see us through it all.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-6684550215038127832010-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:002010-12-13T06:00:08.539-08:00Dousing or fanning the flames of bitterness<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Maybe it's the soothing piano Christmas music playing in the background as I write this, or maybe it's just last night's pizza getting the best of me. Either way, I think some of the mysteries of forgiveness are coming clearer to me.<br /><br />I don't write drafts to my blog posts or anything. I don't rehearse what I'm going to say. I'm not even sure I know how to put into words what I'm sensing in my heart. But we'll see what happens together.<br /><br />If you read any or all of my posts from last week, you'll know that this year has been one in which I've received a real education on dealing with the most difficult of people. I haven't learned this by having to deal directly with one or more difficult people, but by simply observing. I won't go over all the details, but if you go back and read some of my more recent posts, you might be able to get a tiny glimpse of how it all works together.<br /><br />I ended Friday's post by admitting that while learning the difference between revenge and justice, I didn't understand where forgiveness fits in. I struggle with what the definition of forgiveness is. In grade school we were taught that we were to "forgive and forget". I've grown to realize that forgetting is not really part of the equation. If we were to forget, we might easily get duped into repeating the steps which put us in a position to get burned in the first place. You know the saying. Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me.<br /><br />When you're dealing with someone who seems to spend hours of their day devising ways to mess up your life, forgiveness is a real challenge. Do we keep absolving them for all their misdeeds?<br /><br />I'm learning that it is not always in our ability to pardon someone. Forgiveness in the active sense, meaning every single day, is the act of not dwelling on the things they've done. Sure, we may have to run around and put out all the fires we come across that they set in our lives. But if we spend our time not only putting out today's fires, but getting all worked up over the fires they set last week, the week before that, last month, and that one time that every time we think about it, we get chest pains, we are harboring resentment.<br /><br />This is where forgiveness comes in.<br /><br />Keep in mind, forgiveness does not mean forgetting. You won't find anywhere in the bible that it says to forgive and forget. We are not called to be suckers. This is especially true when the offending party has not asked for forgiveness or changed their behavior. In this context, we need to be mindful of the wrongdoings, but not let them stockpile in our heart so we become bitter and resentful. It's been said that holding a grudge is like drinking poison hoping the <span style="font-style: italic;">other</span> person will die. The other person is just merrily going through life, while we're spewing our emotions like Mount Vesuvius.<br /><br />It's one thing to keep a record of the things someone else has done to you. It's another to relive the agony of those things over and over again. When this happens, they win, you lose. </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">When you get all twisted up over something they did in the past, they get more bang for their buck. </span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />The reason people delight in doing evil to you is because it ruins your day. Why they're like that, I'll never know. But they are. When you can get to the point that their deeds can't penetrate you, that will completely turn them inside out. More importantly, you rid yourself of the poison.<br /><br />I know, I know...easier said than done. True. But it can be done. Start now. When you find yourself stewing on something from the past, <span style="font-style: italic;">choose to let go of your feelings. </span>Don't forget the wrong, but don't harbor the feelings. When you're putting out the fire they set for you today, put it out. Deal with it. But don't give them the victory by letting it consume <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span>.<br /><br />I pity the person who has nothing more important in their life than to scheme to ruin the lives of others. Maybe you've heard the saying that the best revenge is living well (George Herbert). Not to re-open the revenge thing, but I do agree that by brushing off the soot of those fires, and continuing to live a fulfilling life will do two things. It will give you a sense of purpose beyond "firefighting", and it will minimize the influence of the "arsonist".<br /><br />Live your life free of resentment and bitterness. Put out those fires. Do what you need to do. But don't let the fire consume you!<br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-17305299424156931122010-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:002010-12-10T06:00:01.794-08:00Revenge vs. Justice, another afterthought<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've been thinking more about Tom's email question from yesterday. I've been thinking about what mercy is. My personal definition of mercy is having the power, ability or authority to take harsh action, but choosing not to. When I consider what revenge is, not seeking it is, to me, an act of mercy. I'm not saying that there is anything wonderfully noble in not seeking revenge. But at it's base, it is an act of mercy.<br /><br />By definition, we do not deserve mercy. Mercy is a gift from those who are within their rights to punish us for our misdeeds.<br /><br />There are times when we are to take action against those who have wronged us. Then there are times we show mercy and let it go. In all things, we are to have a forgiving spirit. It will take someone smarter and wiser than I to spell out how and when to do all that. All I know is that in my experience, I've just known in my heart when it's time to fight back, and when it's been time to simply let it go. That same smart person will also have to explain how to have a forgiving spirit when you're in the process of fighting back.<br /><br />I haven't reached that level in my education just yet. If I figure it out, I'll be sure to pass it along.<br /><br />In the meantime, I'm at the revenge vs. justice chapter of the class. It's been a revelation of sorts, and it's been valuable to me. Thank God we're never too old to learn like little children.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-35836621679940708862010-12-09T10:11:00.000-08:002010-12-09T11:21:55.661-08:00Revenge vs. Justice, part 2<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I received a great email question today from my friend Tom. He read <a href="http://twenty9eleven.blogspot.com/2010/12/revenge-vs-justice.html">yesterday's post about revenge and justice</a>. I'd like to share his question with you.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">isn't mercy what we should seek? Justice, evenly applied, would ultimately mean the annihilation of the human race (...for all have fallen short...)."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is a great question, and caused me to think deeper. Tom is correct that if justice were applied literally by God, we would be wiped out. The bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. Therefore, since we all have sinned and fallen short, we are deserving of death. However, God's grace and mercy, provided to us by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, has been extended to us. Ultimately, God has extended to us mercy and grace for the wages of sin. That doesn't mean, however, that all will escape the consequences for sin.<br /><br />I watched a recent interview with former President George W. Bush. When he was questioned about what his feelings were in the wake of 9/11, he responded that he knew the United States needed to respond to this act of war. However, he made it clear that it was not revenge, but justice we were to seek. Revenge would have been wiping Afghanistan off the map. An eye for an eye. Justice meant targeting those who were directly responsible for the acts of war and terrorism against our country. For example, Saddam Hussein was apprehended and put through the legal process in Iraq. The consequences for his actions, according to their system, was death by hanging.<br /><br />In yesterday's post, I made the distinction that revenge is when we take action ourselves. In essence, taking justice into our own hands. True justice is in releasing the outcome to an authority beyond ourselves. That's why we have law enforcement. That's why we have courts. In this life, there is a system in place to enforce justice. It doesn't always work out the way we think it should. Whether it's a legal matter, or simply a moral or spiritual issue, God's justice supersedes everything else. It's up to God whether to show mercy, or to allow harsh consequences on us for wrongdoing.<br /><br />For much of this year, I've had a front row seat to witness some of the most flagrant offenses one person could commit against another. It would be easy for the victim of these actions, or someone else on their behalf, to take matters into their own hands to seek revenge. I am getting a real education on the mercy and patience it takes to use the system in place in pursuit of justice. Whether the other party goes to jail, is stripped of some of, or all their earthly wealth, or gets away with it, will all be in the hands of a judge at some point.<br /><br />Summarizing all this, as best I can, I come to this. Revenge is us acting as judge, jury and executioner. This is not our role, and it is inconsistent with God's plan for us. Justice requires that we behave in a manner that is legal and consistent with the standard God has set for us. Justice is defined by an authority greater than ourselves.<br /><br />I am learning that as frustrating and exhausting as it can be waiting for justice, there is a soothing peace we have in being true to God through it all. God is faithful to us when we are faithful to Him. Even if things don't go as we would like, I trust that God's plan will be done as we remain humble, obedient and open to seeing His hand in it all.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-87211053988799187852010-12-08T16:49:00.000-08:002010-12-08T17:50:59.337-08:00Revenge vs. Justice<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I've never had a year quite like 2010. One of the most significant life lessons I've faced this year has been learning the significant difference between revenge and justice.<br /><br />When I see someone treated with such cruelty by another person or entity, I deal with the human urge to see the other party not only make things right, but suffer consequences for their misdeeds. Hey, I'm not greedy about it. I think the punishment should fit the crime. What is so hard for me is when people seem to skate through life avoiding consequences for their destructive behavior.<br /><br />I'm learning that revenge is very different from justice. Revenge is the act of myself focusing too much on what happens to the other person. Revenge is in my hands. Justice is not. Justice requires my focus to be on simply doing the right thing. It's about me letting go of things which are out of my control.<br /><br />There are times in this world when it seems that justice does not prevail. Things just don't go the way we think they ought to go. However, we must find satisfaction in that we did right. We must find fulfillment in maintaining our integrity and not stooping to the level of those who have done us wrong.<br /><br />There will be times when justice is meted out not in this world, but by God. Likewise, God is a giver of rewards when we demonstrate Christlike behavior.<br /><br />I have made some major mistakes in my life. I have had consequences for many of them. However, more often than not, I have received God's mercy in not getting what I deserved. Instead, I received what I didn't deserve.<br /><br />God's grace.<br /><br />I'm still learning to be a giver of grace to those who I feel don't deserve it. In the course of writing this, I revisited the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Verses 2-14 speak most directly to the attitudes we should demonstrate. I don't know if this particular topic is relevant to anyone else, or just myself. But it is something I'm working on. Something tells me that this will be a work in progress for the rest of my life. But I will certainly do my best.<br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-27475007672044895602010-12-01T17:09:00.000-08:002010-12-01T17:49:34.564-08:00Happy Birthday Ladyfriend!<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Today is the birthday of the woman I have affectionately referred to here as 'Ladyfriend'. In the nearly 8 months I have known her, I have learned so much about life. The moment I met her happened to come at the end of one of the worst 24 hour periods in her entire life. Some might question the timing, thinking it couldn't have been worse. But it didn't take us long to see that to the contrary, it couldn't have been any better.<br /><br />Those who know us can clearly see God's fingerprints all over it.<br /><br />If I could summarize what I've learned since I've known her, I would do so with Proverbs 27:17. This has been such a classic case of mutual iron sharpening as I have ever seen. I see so clearly how God has used her to see, first hand, grace under pressure. I can't think of too many people whose lives put them through the daily gauntlet she has faced for years. I'd hate to think of the quivering mess I would be if I had to run the obstacle course, or more accurately, the mine field through which she's had to walk. But I've seen her endure so much with equal parts grace, dignity, integrity and faith.<br /><br />I've seen few people who are so grateful for what might appear to so many people as little things. Perspective is a wonderful thing, but it can also be humbling. The course her life has taken would bring me and a myriad of others to our knees. What you and I consider incomprehensible has, unfortunately and unfairly, become an average day-in-the-life for her. This perspective has opened my eyes to the difficulties so many go through. I pass by people every single day who have such horribly complicated lives. Some by their own doing, and others, by the hands of others. I am learning to stop feeling sorry for myself for things which so drastically pale in comparison.<br /><br />If you've followed Crossing Paths for any length of time, you may have noticed that I'm big into life lessons. I'm big into finding people who inspire me. I'm thankful that God has placed such an inspirational person in my life who teaches me more about embracing life, walking in faith, walking in joy and peace, than just about anyone else I've ever known.<br /><br />Even though it's Ladyfriend's birthday today, I feel I have been given the most precious of gifts.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-44201570477512013462010-11-23T08:19:00.001-08:002010-11-23T10:36:52.165-08:00The relief in not understanding<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This year has been most unusual for me. As we approach Thanksgiving, I typically find myself being introspective and retrospective. In doing each, I discover the beautiful mess this year has been. I have discovered the sheer beauty in not worrying about trying to understand everything, and just letting it happen.<br /><br />In what seemed at the time to be going with the flow in life, some seen and unseen extraordinary things were happening in my life. From a seemingly chance encounter which evolved into a life-altering relationship, to moments of sheer frustration which proved to be God's providential hand of protection.<br /><br />I've always subscribed to the thought that life can only be lived forward, but understood in reverse. The past few years have been loaded with this kind of revelation. Hardly a day goes by without a layer of understanding being added to my life. But the most liberating understanding has come in finding the peace in not needing to understand everything.<br /><br />I pray every single day that God would order my steps. I pray for His guidance, His wisdom, His protection, His provision and His strength as I go through my day. I find myself worrying less. I find myself trusting more.<br /><br />Have you ever found yourself frustrated when you leave a location, get in the car, drive a half mile down the road, only to realize you forgot something? You drive back to the point of origin, muttering insults to yourself, get that item, then return to your car. You're all upset that you just wasted 5 minutes you'll never get back. But en route to your destination, you pass a car accident that very likely may have included you had it not been for the momentary diversion.<br /><br />I have had numerous experiences like that, even in the past several weeks. I can easily connect the dots from the "ahh crap" moment, to the "ahh ha!" moment. I can see God's fingerprints on everything, including the inconveniences in life.<br /><br />I am learning the great relief it is to embrace the seemingly mundane inconveniences and occurrences in life, and see that those very things may serve a greater significance in the big picture that I'm unable to see at the moment.<br /><br />God has been faithful to answer my daily requests. As a planner, a person who sees an invisible itinerary mapping out each day, this new mindset has been a long time in the making.<br /><br /></span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NKJV-16850">9</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> A man’s heart plans his way, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But the LORD directs his steps. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~Proverbs 16:9</span><br /><br /><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14474">23</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> The LORD makes firm the steps </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> of the one who delights in him; </span><br /><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14475">24</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> though he may stumble, he will not fall, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the LORD upholds him with his hand. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~Psalms 37:23-24</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-11020528154831854882010-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-19T09:46:42.319-08:00The inspiring Danny Murphy<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For a reason I can't even begin to understand, a friend from my youth totally popped into my head the other night. In fact, it happened as I was sleeping. This person was a friend of mine through elementary school, into junior high, and finally high school. After that, as is typical, many of us went our separate ways into our new lives.<br /><br />Danny Murphy was a very special kid, and an inspiration to me even to this day. Some of my hometown friends may know Danny, so this post may bring back some great memories of a unique individual.<br /><br />Danny was born with severely deformed arms. At some point, he may have explained to me what caused it, but truly, it didn't matter. The fact was, he didn't care, so we didn't. Danny only had 4 fingers on each hand. He had no thumbs. One of his arms was permanently bent at a right angle. Both arms were shorter than normal, and I don't believe there was much dexterity in either. But one arm was a bit more useful than the other. As children are, anyone with the slightest abnormality was raw meat to the bullies and the most ignorant on the playground. Yet, I don't recall anyone ever picking on Danny.<br /><br />You see, Danny had a positive attitude. He was very funny. He was so fun to be around. He was also a marvel to watch. He did everything everyone else did. He didn't let his condition keep him from anything the so-called normal kids did.<br /><br />Danny played little league baseball with us. In the field, he would put his glove on his left hand, which was the stronger and more flexible arm. Once he caught the ball, in one motion, he would take the ball out of the glove with his right hand, pull the glove off his left hand with his right armpit, grab the ball with his left hand, and throw it wherever it needed to go. It took me ten seconds to describe what took him less than a second to do. I know I couldn't do it. It was amazing.<br /><br />Danny played basketball. He made our junior high team, as a matter of fact. When he would take the court, the other team would take a look at him and assumed he would be useless out there. But Danny could shoot! I'm not talking about just little shots within a few feet of the basket. He could shoot from just about anywhere!<br /><br />Danny played football. In fact, he was the place kicker in college at Sonoma State University. During his football career, Danny was selected to be the kicker for the West All Star team at the East West Shrine game at Stanford Stadium. Danny was the first, and to the best of my knowledge, only player ever to participate in the game who, at one time, was a patient of the hospital.<br /><br />I have no idea where Danny is these days. In all likelihood, he doesn't go by Danny anymore. But that's how I knew him when we were kids. I love the fact that growing up with him, we didn't see a kid who was deformed. We didn't see a kid who was disabled. We didn't see a kid who felt sorry for himself. We didn't see a kid others felt sorry for. We saw a kid who was just a kid. His ordinary-ness was what made him extraordinary.<br /><br />I know life had it's challenges for Danny. I have to believe that adult life has presented other challenges for him. But knowing him the way I did, I am certain that he took any and all challenges, and found a way to make it work. Just like he did with the baseball, he handled everything with tremendous grace.<br /><br />Just remembering Danny has brought a smile to my face this week. It's also served to inspire me to see challenges as opportunities. Rather than assume it's hopeless, just find a way to make it work. There was no "can't" in Danny's vocabulary. Even after all these years since I've seen or talked to Danny, he's made me smile, laugh, and grow in determination.<br /><br />Today, I celebrate and share with you the inspiring life of my boyhood friend, Danny Murphy.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-68538538566718183612010-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-18T06:00:11.099-08:00The voice of insecurity<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As I mentioned a couple days ago, there was a significant part of my life when I was hampered by insecurity. Insecurity is such a destructive force. In most cases, it is created brick upon brick by words others heap on us.<br /><br />I grew up already feeling as if I were inferior to my peers. I have a skin disorder known as Vitiligo. You have probably seen it at some point, even if you don't realize it. It's painless. It's not a disease. It simply is where the pigment in skin is dead in some areas. On a person, such as myself, who is naturally darker...it is a very obvious condition when my natural skin tone is juxtaposed by very white patches. It was very promin</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">ent on my hands as I grew up, so I spent a lot of time with my hands in my pockets. I felt everyone was staring at me. It was not uncommon for kids to come to me and ask, "what happened to your hands? Were you burned?"<br /><br />Another brick.<br /><br />After years and years of feeling inferior, the wall I had built had evolved into a prison of my own making. I had little self confidence. Even in areas where I excelled, I couldn't allow myself to accept compliments.<br /><br />So many of us are bound by unpleasant experiences from our past. Many of us were influenced by negative, even downright mean people. Their </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">voices ring in our heads and hearts. Their words echo.<br /><br />I don't know about you, but I have found that those who pound me with negativity are <span style="font-weight: bold;">loaded</span> with their own insecurities. They feel they are creating a greater margin of perceived superiority by knocking me down, rung by rung. In reality, they are exposing their own weakness.<br /><br />I have found personal victory over my insecurities by not living or dying by the perceptions of others. I took an honest and deep look within myself. I asked God to show me His view of me. With that, I gained a perspective I had never seen before. I took to heart what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:18, that the Lord's approval is all I need.<br /><br />Since that time, I have found tremendous fulfillment in my personal </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">relationships. I have allowed myself to be...well, <span style="font-style: italic;">myself. </span>I am who God created me to be. While I'm far from perfect, I am a work in progress. His masterpiece. The same is true for you.<br /><br />We are all products of our environments. If you were, or are part of a negative element, you will find a transformation waiting for you when you cut away from the negative and immerse yourself in God's truth.<br /><br /></span><sup style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28976">4</sup><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" > The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. </span><sup style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28977">5</sup><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;" > We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.</span><br /><br />~<span style="font-style: italic;">2 Corinthians 10:4-5<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's time to put an end to the </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqKb1rgV_5-gZAM6Gyeyn2KTYppdgM-zm5WJ-2YzY43g7JR28C3yi-wdGjzxQlmrSKwlLF8Sst865eryGUfqWMk5L0F7UJrQpYkbzz2unvWGhyphenhyphenDWm_uWCe3NguDbSPa3J_2xyxR5q02o/s1600/spirituality4.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqKb1rgV_5-gZAM6Gyeyn2KTYppdgM-zm5WJ-2YzY43g7JR28C3yi-wdGjzxQlmrSKwlLF8Sst865eryGUfqWMk5L0F7UJrQpYkbzz2unvWGhyphenhyphenDWm_uWCe3NguDbSPa3J_2xyxR5q02o/s400/spirituality4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540620479553717090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">destructive pattern and power of insecurity. Instead of you living in a prison of insecurity and negativity, it's time to put those thoughts, those experiences and those words into captivity, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">you</span> walk in freedom!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-47394998483159737532010-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-17T06:00:05.700-08:00The power of dissatisfaction<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had a conversation recently with a friend of mine. He was telling me of his over all feeling of dissatisfaction. He's enjoying what is happening in his life, but he's lacking the sense of true accomplishment. What he's achieved so far is the fruit of previous accomplishments, but that's not enough to completely satisfy a heart that continues to beat.<br /><br />Some people view dissatisfaction as a bad thing. It's one thing to be obsessed with the idea of more. A person who is dissatisfied with only having five cars is obsessed with materialism. On the other hand, a person who is hungry for purpose and relevance in the world is very positive and powerful.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Hunger, dissatisfaction is the spark we need to get off our rear ends and do </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_zK7B019Rxn6u_Ss_mr7pZYKkcZo9FSZIExcuLl29-G1VeeUY-TFvrq6rRetrOU5qcc_EkgxzJE_IDhQ5DWJX9IeRnwldu5BmMPURLblQK2jUkMsLGAtuOHiltcECrnlQ0EFlt-3W8/s1600/Hungry1995.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_zK7B019Rxn6u_Ss_mr7pZYKkcZo9FSZIExcuLl29-G1VeeUY-TFvrq6rRetrOU5qcc_EkgxzJE_IDhQ5DWJX9IeRnwldu5BmMPURLblQK2jUkMsLGAtuOHiltcECrnlQ0EFlt-3W8/s400/Hungry1995.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540239270633326754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">something. It's not enough to sit back and marvel at the accomplishments of our past. The spark of dissatisfaction ignites the fuel of our passion to make a difference. Many of us have done some very cool things that we're proud of. That hunger, that dissatisfaction is a craving within you to take it to another level. Embrace it! Harness it! Make a difference!<br /><br />God has given you the ability to be satisfied. Just like being full, or satisfied by a good meal, it's only temporary. You will be hungry again. That hunger, that stirring inside you is your instinctive signal of dissatisfaction. When you're hungry for food, you fix a meal or you go out to eat. When you're hungry to make a difference, make it happen!<br /><br />Use the power of dissatisfaction to propel you to a new trajectory of significance in your world.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-89979278218063026122010-11-16T07:49:00.000-08:002010-11-16T14:34:06.842-08:00Victory in God's silence<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Having been around for a few years now, I have learned a very significant lesson. At one time, I figured I was the only one walking among us who had vulnerabilities and challenges. I thought others had their act together and I was the one loaded with all the insecurities.<br /><br />Since then, I've learned that we all have our issues. Each of us are different, and each of us have different experiences and triggers which attack our vulnerabilities. Some of us are better at overcoming our issues, and others of us struggle to survive the battles. Sometimes we're strong and impervious, and other times, we just don't have the strength to battle it.<br /><br />Here's a little exercise for you. Imagine you are the devil. If you were him, and your objective was to mess with you and ruin your day, what would you do? What part of your life would you attack? In warfare, you are always looking to exploit your enemy's weakness. Where are you vulnerable? Self esteem? Drugs? Alcohol? Dead end relationships? Money? Loneliness? Depression? If you were the devil, what would be your number one target?<br /><br />Here's the thing. When we are most vulnerable, the battle isn't lost when we're attacked. The battle is lost when we perpetuate the enemy's strategy. Imagine a boxing match. Picture one guy beating the stuffing out of the other. Now imagine the guy absorbing the punishment beginning to take over for his opponent by punching <span style="font-style: italic;">himself. </span>You see, when we give in to those areas where we are vulnerable, we begin doing the enemy's work for him. When we doubt, when we get down on ourselves, when we do things to our bodies that are harmful to us and/or others...the devil is sitting back in his chair, hands clasped behind his head and feet on his desk, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">we </span>take over for him in blowing up our own lives.<br /><br />As silly as the picture is of the boxer beating himself to a pulp, how much more sense does it make that we do the same things to ourselves when the going gets tough?<br /><br />You already know where you are vulnerable. Do you know where the devil is weakest? The only counter strike you need to the enemy's lies is God's truth. Instead of beating yourself with words of negativity, instead of putting things in your body which are destructive, instead of resorting to bad habits which hurt you, begin to recite God's promises for you.<br /><br />Remind yourself, and your enemy that no weapon formed against you will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that you will reject any accusation the enemy hurls at you.<br /><br />Remind yourself and the devil that greater is the God within you than anyone and anything else who is out to mess you over. (1 John 4:4)<br /><br />Remind yourself and the devil that you are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14. In fact, read ALL of Psalm 139.)<br /><br />Remind yourself and the devil that God has plans for your future. He has good things in store for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)<br /><br />Many of us are going through unspeakably difficult situations right now. Some of us have been through some horrible things in the past, but the ripple effect still touches our lives today. In these times, I can't promise you that it will all be better immediately. In fact, it's likely that you will have to persevere a bit longer. But this is when our maturity is tested and strengthened. In those dark times, we must choose to focus our lives on God's truth rather than the enemy's lies.<br /><br />As I was creating this post, I heard a song for the very first time that I want to share with you. It's no coincidence that I heard it when I did, and I trust that this post and the song will speak to you, or someone you know. The song is by Superchic[k], called Beauty From Pain. It is featured in my playlist in the right column of my blog page. I encourage you to listen intently to the lyrics. There are times we question why things have happened to us the way they did. But even in the darkness, even in the confusion, even in the pain, God can pulverize those things together in order to make something beautiful and precious in your life.<br /><br />Don't give in. Stand strong. Know that God is there. He may seem silent, but His words can be heard in your spirit when you recite His promises to you. He longs to hear your voice speak of His love for you.<br /><br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-75406940373204321012010-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-25T10:25:50.822-07:00Happy 75th Birthday, Mom<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today marks what would have been my mom's 75th birthday. She was a mere 29 years old when she brought me into the world, and she left it 44 years and 23 days later. It has now been 19 months since she left us, but her influence in my life remains with me every single day. This is the mark of an extraordinary person.<br /><br />Through the magic of Facebook, I have heard from many former classmates from my youth who remember my mom. Without exception, the comments I receive are memories of her beauty, both inside and out.<br /><br />The only drawback to being the legacy of a remarkable person is the impossible task of living up to her example. She made life seem easy. Her grace, her humility, her simplicity, her faith. These qualities were what drove her through her life. When I was a young boy, she sacrificed so much to shield me from the complexities of life. When I was an adolescent, she often assumed the role of father, as well as mother, due to my dad's grueling work demands as a police inspector in San Francisco. Mom attended every single sporting event I ever participated in. Believe me, between the ages of 5 and 18, with all the sports I played, I kept her busy. It wasn't just the games, but also the practices.<br /><br />I know there were times when my decisions in life didn't please her. In fact, I know there were times when I broke her heart. But with the qualities she possessed which made her the amazing human being she was, she was a faithful and supportive mother. Through her tears, I know she prayed for me.<br /><br />As a grown man, I know how complicated life really is. As an adult, I learned of the extreme difficulties my mother endured as a young mother of two. Those who knew her know what an extraordinary person she was. But no one can truly comprehend to what degree.<br /><br />I am blessed enough to know.<br /><br />I pray that I would display even a small percentage of the grace, dignity and strength my mom demonstrated each and every day of her life, particularly in her final 10 years.<br /><br />Her's was a life well lived. And each of us who knew her are better for having had her influence in our lives.<br /><br />Mom, you are missed. Your love is alive and in my heart. Thank you for living your life as an example to us all. While life has its challenges, each day is a gift and an opportunity to love and be loved.<br /><br />Happy Birthday.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-80496249890883850572010-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-18T19:00:53.852-07:00At the fork in the road...take it (Part 2)<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">On Friday, <a href="http://twenty9eleven.blogspot.com/2010/10/at-fork-in-roadtake-it-part-1.html">I wrote about the inevitable fork in the road</a> we all must face at times in our lives. But what happens when the decision is made? As Ladyfriend likes to say, <span style="font-style: italic;">"then what?"<br /><br /></span>It's unavoidable. When you've made a commitment to a direction, you will face difficulties. If not immediately, eventually. When I moved to Rocklin, I got laid off of three different jobs in my first six months, and my mom passed away. Many years earlier, when my parents sold all they had to move to Costa Rica to start a ministry, they faced difficulties that would make lesser people crumble. That's the thing. When you make a choice to get serious with God, and you choose the path that requires faith in Him, you will face obstacles and challenges that will cause you to question your decision.<br /><br />Know this up front. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It's going to happen.<br /><br /></span>This doesn't make you a bad person. This doesn't mean you're a bad Christian. It means that <span style="font-style: italic;">you're human</span>. Yeah, I know. Deal with it.<br /><br />But when you face difficulties, stick with it! Indecision and doubt will paralyze you. Proverbs 16:3 tells us to commit it all to the Lord. Dedicate what you're doing to the Lord, and He will bless it. He will see that you succeed. The key is, you have to submit <span style="font-style: italic;">your </span>definition of success to <span style="font-style: italic;">God's</span> definition. God's definition isn't necessarily what ours is. People evaluate success by what they can see. The clothes you wear. The car you drive. The house you live in. God evaluates success by what is not visible to the naked eye. What happens in your heart will eventually manifest itself in visible, tangible ways. Whether your heart is evil, or filled with God's love, your heart will be exposed in time.<br /><br />If you're truly committed to reaching new heights in your faith, you must be willing to plunge to new depths of life experiences. Battles are not won without getting some dirt on your uniform. Taking enemy ground means having to traverse some unpleasant terrain. It's simply the way things are. But in doing so, you will discover your ability to go far beyond your perceived limitations. I thought I knew where my breaking points were. But the only way I could see what I was capable of, was to trust God when I was marching into the teeth of difficulties. I was in too deep. There was no turning back. I was committed. Still, with no regret.<br /><br />I know I'm not painting a rosy picture. I would be doing you a disservice by telling you that navigating the road less traveled would be like cruising the New England countryside in October. As I have said frequently, time moves forward. By virtue of that, we have no choice but to move forward, as well. Time is like a bulldozer at our backs. It is always nudging, pushing, even forcing us to face things in front of us. The only way we can get past obstacles is to go <span style="font-style: italic;">through </span>them. Think of video games. The only way to get to the next level is to successfully complete the one you're on. You can't say, "nah, this one's too tough. I'll just skip it." There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than overcoming obstacles. Face the challenge, and overcome!<br /><br />The path of least resistance will not make you stronger in life. If you're serious about being an achiever, an overcomer, then you have to meet your challenges head on. Strap on your armor. Put on your helmet. Grab your sword and shield. Give your best war cry, and watch what God can do in and through you!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-26809383068147440282010-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-15T06:00:08.147-07:00At the fork in the road...take it (Part 1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVmdAJ93prDcYWai9h9-XnED3fW3KLNbKfi7K3Xzs8NtnZdUrk1btn3rI4CIQOuMUm4Wxof7P3c0M_aS9slTio6o0c6HJ2IEt2Nj7CV9RNmMKWjicOKK79YxYrB6-Hyr0PlRnTysgC74/s1600/fork-in-the-road.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVmdAJ93prDcYWai9h9-XnED3fW3KLNbKfi7K3Xzs8NtnZdUrk1btn3rI4CIQOuMUm4Wxof7P3c0M_aS9slTio6o0c6HJ2IEt2Nj7CV9RNmMKWjicOKK79YxYrB6-Hyr0PlRnTysgC74/s400/fork-in-the-road.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528102976519579794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There are times in our lives when we face difficult decisions. Often, there is no clear evidence that one way is good, while the other is bad. It's normal that each path has its share of pros and cons, especially from the limited view and perspective we have at the moment.<br /><br />Just over two years ago, I faced a significant fork in the road in my own life. The decision to stay in San Jose, or to move to a new area. I loved San Jose. I was very involved and firmly planted in my church. I had wonderful friends. I had a good job. As a sports fan, I was anywhere from a few minutes from the arena to see the Sharks, to 45 minutes to the ballpark to see the Giants. But at the same time, there was something within me that was unsettled.<br /><br />I know what you're thinking, but I don't eat sushi.<br /><br />I was presented with a situation that would mean me relocating to Rocklin, about 140 miles from San Jose. The situation wasn't something that was once-in-a-lifetime or anything. It was actually nothing that significant at face value. But I could see that the ripple effect from going down that road would be life-changing. Eventually, I stood at the place where my next step would have to be a commitment to one way or the other.<br /><br />There is someone special in my life who my best friends jokingly, and respectfully refer to as "Ladyfriend". So for the time being, that's how I will refer to her in Crossing Paths. She is facing her own fork in the road. The thing is, her fork has about twelve different options, and all carry potential consequences which make mine look like choosing between the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.<br /><br />When looking at the fork in the road, it's impossible to determine that one is the correct road, and all other options are wrong. It's frustrating. It's frightening. It's overwhelming. In my case, I prayed and prayed. I thought and thought. But when it came down to making a decision, I considered one simple, inescapable factor.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Which path will require more faith?<br /><br /></span>That was it. All other questions made each path seem completely equal. That was the only question in which I could see a clear distinction. I knew that moving to a new city, going to a new church, getting a new job, and all the other starting-over elements were going to require me to reach a new level of faith. A level I had never faced before. I knew neither path would be wrong, but I was certain that taking the road to Rocklin would require of me a level of faith and spiritual maturity that you can only reach in sacrifice. I would have to sacrifice the familiar and comfortable nest I had built over a decade's time, for the great unknown.<br /><br />The path has not been an easy one, but it's one I have never regretted.<br /><br />If you're not currently facing a fork in the road, you will. If it is not clear to you which is the path to take, don't flip a coin or refer to the Magic 8 ball. Ask for wisdom. Consider which path will require the most faith. That doesn't mean do something stupid or that puts you in danger. It means consider the path that will require you to trust in, and rely on God in a way that makes you uncomfortable to think about.<br /><br />If you know someone who is in this situation right now, support them. Advise them. Pray with, and for them. You cannot make the decision for them. Sometimes you may have a better view of the situation than they do. Be the voice of wisdom. Ask the question. <span style="font-style: italic;">What will bring you to a higher level of faith?<br /><br /></span>Once the decision is made, <span style="font-style: italic;">then what?<br /></span><br />I'll tell you Monday.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Corey Matellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15323344682892730382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-74983290155574706032010-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002010-09-29T06:00:09.043-07:00Live out loud, but quietly<h2 id="passage_heading"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></h2><br />
<i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29599">11</sup>Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29600">12</sup>so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.</i><br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this era, of the 24 hour news cycle, paparazzi, Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, iPads, iPhones and so on and so on, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">it is increasingly difficult to live a quiet life, and not know the details of everyone you know. I don't have a problem with social media. I utilize it. However, where is the line drawn?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In business, in ministry, in friendships, it's critical to communicate, network and promote. Today, a 12 year old with a laptop can make themselves famous, or <i>infamous</i>, with a single 30 second YouTube video available to the entire world. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I recently crossed the scripture I used to open this post. I've read it before, numerous times. But this particular time, it hit me in a profound way. So many of us live our lives in complete contradiction to these verses. So many people live their lives on such a loud scale, they become a nuisance. You know what I mean. Like the car with the stereo so loud, you can hear the exterior of the car vibrating. The occupants of the car seem to think that we all need to hear the song to which they are listening. In truth, all we hear is the annoying pounding of the bass in the subwoofer. There are those who literally believe everyone needs to know their every thought and action in a given day. Yet, it doesn't take long before all that the rest of us hear anymore is a pointless <i>boom-boom-boom</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And how many people get swept away by living vicariously through the perceived excitement of someone else's life, rather than living their own? But that's another topic for another day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As with all things, moderation is the key. I use a lot of tools to connect, network and promote. But I have seen the damage that can come by becoming obsessed with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I read these verses again recently, I thought of the people in my life I respect and admire most. Some of them use social media tools. None of them are controlled or dependent on them. Their greatest and most significant accomplishments happen outside of the self-created limelight. They don't need accolades. They don't need applause. They don't even want any of that. They are not busy-bodies, prying into the lives of others. They are not gossips. They are not attention seekers. They are simply good people of strong character, even when no one notices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is something profound in living a simple and quiet life. You can still live a full and exciting life while being quiet. When I think of quiet, I think of how keen my senses are to my surroundings. Like being in nature, away from honking car horns, sirens, construction sites, and the tumult of 21st century living. When you get away from it all, you hear the birds singing. You can hear the gentle lapping of the water at the lake's edge. It's peaceful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Make it your ambition," means it has to be a choice. Determine that you will put less of your effort on broadcasting your life, and instead, live it in a way that pleases, honors and reflects the attributes of the One who breathed life into you. Be a person of strong character. Do good even when no one else will ever see or hear of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The more you promote yourself, the more dependent you become on the accolades of others, and you lose their respect. The more you seek to do good solely for the eyes of God, the more respect you will have for yourself, and the ones who matter will soon follow. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Life is simply a collection of events that happen from the time we're born, to our final breath. Many of the events are conditions of our decisions and actions, and many events pop up in front of us without any warning or provocation. In either case, we have to face them. Do we let them change us, or do we stay the course. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz3DbOXGx6i6S48t4mhJjjfKrzmgh-3vodZ2cN5BVP5QJfXm9BgoCspATH_ooj-LBJ68q6neRsE1CzhN0tmO_SWYqh4tqaN8tX-NJb2dep_nme7MIjnN7Qw5JqI_sbJlR9-ZEXW4xeDGu/s1600/thermometer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz3DbOXGx6i6S48t4mhJjjfKrzmgh-3vodZ2cN5BVP5QJfXm9BgoCspATH_ooj-LBJ68q6neRsE1CzhN0tmO_SWYqh4tqaN8tX-NJb2dep_nme7MIjnN7Qw5JqI_sbJlR9-ZEXW4xeDGu/s200/thermometer.gif" width="115" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The difference between a thermometer and a thermostat is that one reports to you the temperature, while the other <i>controls </i>the temperature. I know so many people who had difficulties growing up. Many of them are thermometers, living their lives as victims. Their actions and ongoing drama are perpetual reminders of the conditions that surrounded them when they were younger. This is also true for those who had good upbringings, but their adult lives have woven a pattern of underachievement. As thermometers, they let their conditions dictate their lives.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq9RVpCvzNoP-rvMRyGhVCLCKMb3x-IHBioTmW9I2SKaRYMQqQbHjw8V1rCm26w9XpMVp4p-MFk1bMG3K6B65u0qAnpRkLtwcAiF8qHKQLQ9H5hgIl9Ueq_G9VvXyhW5aSUrmDXJyRS-y/s1600/thermostat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzq9RVpCvzNoP-rvMRyGhVCLCKMb3x-IHBioTmW9I2SKaRYMQqQbHjw8V1rCm26w9XpMVp4p-MFk1bMG3K6B65u0qAnpRkLtwcAiF8qHKQLQ9H5hgIl9Ueq_G9VvXyhW5aSUrmDXJyRS-y/s200/thermostat2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yet, others are thermostats. They live their lives choosing not to be a victim. They live their lives looking to make a difference. They see obstacles as opportunities. They don't wish their lives to be difficult, but rather than wallow in pity or self destruction, they strap on their armor and get after it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are 99 days left in 2010. In the days, months and years that have led to this moment in your life, have you been a thermometer or a thermostat? If you're feeling challenged to stop being reactive, and become proactive, you have to make a choice. Don't let one more day go by being a slave to your circumstances. Don't let 2010 go out with a whimper. God didn't create you to be a slave to your past. He didn't create you to be a victim. He created you to be an <i>overcomer!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Even the strongest in mind and spirit get worn down. But as Isaiah 40:28-31 says, your strength will be renewed when you place your trust, your reliance, and your hope in God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but I needed this reminder. I have stretches where I am on fire and empowered. But I also have stretches when I find myself in a funk. These periods are sneaky. You don't realize you're there until you've been there for awhile and you take time to stop and assess things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today is a new day. Strap it on and get after it! Don't allow yourself to be controlled by circumstances. Choose to see this as an opportunity to overcome and get over the things which would either hold you back, or stand between you and your goals!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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<br />
<center><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yR61uTGTFoM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yR61uTGTFoM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What do you think? An honest mistake? A deliberate omission? What does this say to you about today's climate between government and Christianity?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-77965236638538356352010-09-11T11:11:00.000-07:002010-09-11T11:26:07.580-07:00The REAL Ground Zero<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On this, the ninth anniversary of the most horrible event any of us have ever witnessed, I find myself conflicted. On one hand, I'm compelled to saturate my consciousness with the images of that day. I <i>need</i> to remember. I must not allow myself to become complacent about how I feel about my country. I must remember so that I can reflect on where I've come from, and how our country has changed since that day. I must process these thoughts and feelings in order to keep my life and my priorities in their proper perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the other hand, I'm disgusted with how divided we have become as a country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">September 11th is a day of memorial. It should be a day of reflection. It should be a day to count our blessings. It should be a day in which we are reminded that the freedom we have to disagree with one another, and even our government. Yet, it is so hated by some that they would attack innocent people within our borders in hopes of decimating our way of life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Little by little, the corrosion of evil that pierced America that day has been eating away at our foundation ever since. Instead of September 11th being a day of unity, of reflection, of humility, of sadness, of pride, it has become a day self-serving, attention craving fools use to further an agenda. September 11th has become a pile of feces on the ground into which they rub the noses of those they hate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ground Zero will always be synonymous with the footprint in which the World Trade Center towers once stood. However, that is the tangible, geographical place. The <i>real</i> ground zero is intangible. Nine years later, our focus has shifted from the nearly 3,000 lives lost, to ideology. Faith. Religion. Today, we have a knucklehead in Florida who stirred up controversy and rattled national security by threatening to burn copies of the Koran. We have the ongoing debate over the mosque, or "Islamic Cultural Center" being erected on property so close to where the towers stood, it was damaged by flaming plane parts from the attack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This morning, I read the account of a local man I met who approached two Muslim women yesterday. As a Christian man, he found it appropriate to tell them that the kook in Florida did not represent the beliefs we uphold as believers. We do not hate. We don't share their beliefs, but we love them. It is not our desire or mission to antagonize them or attack that which they hold as sacred. One woman responded with a simple and gracious "thank you". The other lashed out at him and said that the explosion and devastation in San Bruno was God's punishment for the threat of the Koran burning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ground Zero.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As time moves forward and I'm pounded over the head by those who claim we're intolerant, I choose to stand for what I believe. I choose to practice what I believe. You don't have to believe as I do, but you cannot, and <b>will not</b> deprive me of doing so. Nor will I seek to deprive you. I am an American. I am a Christian. Like it or not, America is rooted in Christianity. It is no surprise that both are under attack. Those who would like to destroy us do not hate us. They hate what we believe. They hate what we stand for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <i><b>real</b></i> Ground Zero. May we never forget. May we have the courage to defend it. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5238548396195981417.post-33635184346977767782010-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-20T06:00:04.879-07:00Who do they say that I am?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21Z_SuixqahczZ9wEgbeKydrkxm0i9kbAhOUDz7WMqRil5T0eFaYkkbAnyiQERZLxQ6oOrSoZdwhyphenhyphenHjccByNLrbpoZIaI78zILDzYn7uJW9RP_Y4203d5vcvQornvQ-6boKjANZ_pCmJ3/s1600/Obama+religion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21Z_SuixqahczZ9wEgbeKydrkxm0i9kbAhOUDz7WMqRil5T0eFaYkkbAnyiQERZLxQ6oOrSoZdwhyphenhyphenHjccByNLrbpoZIaI78zILDzYn7uJW9RP_Y4203d5vcvQornvQ-6boKjANZ_pCmJ3/s320/Obama+religion.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you may have seen/read/heard, there is a new poll out which indicates that 1 in 5 Americans believe our President is Muslim. While critics may dismiss the 18% who believe that as wingnuts who have an agenda, a more frightening number of Americans claim to have no idea what religion Mr. Obama is. The bottom line is, 63% of the people questioned don't see evidence of what he proclaims to be his faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Despite the low hanging fruit that this topic is, politically, I would like to shine the light on the rest of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The question of the President's religion, and the subsequent confusion over the answer, is due to his comments and actions which can be interpreted as more sensitive and tolerant of Islam than Christianity. Mr. Obama has publicly identified himself as a Christian. However, he chooses to practice his beliefs privately, and avoids the topic with a matador's flare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You see, what we do and say will either confirm what we claim, cast a shadow of doubt, or even cause others to flat out think we're lying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Obviously, none of us live our lives under a microscope as does the President of the United States. None of us have reporters in our face asking us what we think of the potential mosque near Ground Zero, with the entire world scrutinizing every syllable of our response. That being said, we all operate in a smaller world where people are watching. If someone were to sit down at your computer and access your browsing and search history, would it confirm or cast a shadow of doubt on who you claim to be? When you're at a restaurant and your food comes to you cold or wrong, would your reaction confirm who you say you are, or would your server return to the kitchen with a very different opinion? When you're in a big hurry to get somewhere, would the other drivers on the road roll their eyes as you whip in front of them, exposing your fish decal on your rear window?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If a poll were to be taken of the people you have had contact with in the past month, and they were told you claim to be Christian, would they believe you or not? Would they believe you are tolerant and loving toward people who don't share your beliefs? Would they be convinced you live what you believe? Would you be a credit to your faith? Do you choose to practice your beliefs in private, and keep God locked up in a room so no one will see Him in you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Your world is watching. Who do they say that you are?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://digg.com/">
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