"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." - Anatole France
Was watching "Can't Buy Me Love" this afternoon on television. This is one of those 80's teen flicks that has a place deep in my heart. The story of a nerd that basically pays his way into popularity and how the whole thing blows up in his face because he tries to be something he isn't. He cannot accept who he is and build relationships off of that.
I guess I feel a little like him lately. Trying to fit in where I really shouldn't be. I need to learn to be content with how God made me and not worry about being like or popular. Trust me, even when you get older, that whole "preps", "jocks", "nerds" thing still seems to haunt you. You're not "in" unless you have the right car or clothes or job.
I am going through changes with my weightloss, but I cannot let those changes change who I am in Christ. I cannot let those things deter me from reaching out to others in love. I cannot let the promise of being accepted by my peers control and shape my way of thinking - not speaking out or rebuking when necessary.
Funny, yesterday at the farmer's market I saw my Latin teacher. I hadn't seen her for at least 15 years. Her daughter was with her (a year older than myself). Back in school she was hot to trot and ran with the preppy crowd. Now she is at least 50-75lbs overweight and didn't look like she was married. Not comparing, mind you, just an observation that being seemingly perfect in high school doesn't necessarily mean that life will be always perfect.
My cousin stopped me on the street also, I always thought her life was perfect. But seeing her made me realize that no, she has her own cross to bear - it may not look like mine, but it's still there. Don't compare yourself to others - someone will always have a bigger and better yardstick...
"Time, which changes people, does not alter the image we have retained of them." - Marcel Proust
Matty
481/251/200
Monday, August 28, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
The body temple...
In my daily devotional I am reading through the bible in a year. Working my way through both the old and new testament with a Psalm and Proverb put in for good measure.
I am working through 1st Corinthians and the other day Paul was explaining all about eating food sacrificed to pagan idols. This verse caught my attention:
"Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God." - 1Cor 10:31, NLT
Which made me think, when you over-indulge & become overweight, are you truly honoring God? Of course the food available is there for us to enjoy, but it's there to enjoy in moderation. Now sure there are cases where the weight gain cannot be helped (medication, certain diseases, etc.) but what about those of us who became overweight 'naturally'? What excuses do we often use?
I have taken personal responsibility for my situation, the person to blame for my overweight problem is the person I shave with every morning. I used food to satisfy my emotions & to some extent, my soul. I did not realize and understand that food's comfort was temporary and fleeting until a few years ago. Whatever it is - food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography - these earthly things do not satisfy in the long term which makes us need them constantly to keep that sense of comfort going...
You can change. It takes commitment to change. It takes a decision in your heart to say, "Today I will make changes to my lifestyle that will bring glory to God." You will fall. God knows I have fallen many times, but if you have made that commitment - it won't matter. You will get back up, dust yourself off, and get right back on track. Nothing in this life is easy and being a Christian doesn't make it easy. But it does make it worthwhile and gives you strength to carry on when life does pounce on you.
"Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." - 1Cor 6:19,20
Read that again... Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How's your temple looking today?
Matty
I am working through 1st Corinthians and the other day Paul was explaining all about eating food sacrificed to pagan idols. This verse caught my attention:
"Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God." - 1Cor 10:31, NLT
Which made me think, when you over-indulge & become overweight, are you truly honoring God? Of course the food available is there for us to enjoy, but it's there to enjoy in moderation. Now sure there are cases where the weight gain cannot be helped (medication, certain diseases, etc.) but what about those of us who became overweight 'naturally'? What excuses do we often use?
I have taken personal responsibility for my situation, the person to blame for my overweight problem is the person I shave with every morning. I used food to satisfy my emotions & to some extent, my soul. I did not realize and understand that food's comfort was temporary and fleeting until a few years ago. Whatever it is - food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography - these earthly things do not satisfy in the long term which makes us need them constantly to keep that sense of comfort going...
You can change. It takes commitment to change. It takes a decision in your heart to say, "Today I will make changes to my lifestyle that will bring glory to God." You will fall. God knows I have fallen many times, but if you have made that commitment - it won't matter. You will get back up, dust yourself off, and get right back on track. Nothing in this life is easy and being a Christian doesn't make it easy. But it does make it worthwhile and gives you strength to carry on when life does pounce on you.
"Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." - 1Cor 6:19,20
Read that again... Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How's your temple looking today?
Matty
Monday, August 14, 2006
Unity 2006 Music Festival Roundup
Well, I am back from my experience at Unity 2006. I am tired but glad I did it. It was a new experience that I will treasure.
I met some interesting people and had a good time overall. And I got to express my appreciation to the men and women that wrote/perform the song
that has become the anthem to my lifestyle change - Superchic[k]. The two who were really impressed and happy for me were
Matthew(bass guitar/vocals/synthesizer) & Melisa (rhythm guitar/background vocals).
I asked each of the members to sign my volunteer shirt and put down their favorite bible verse, and here they are:
Matthew (bass guitar/vocals/synthesizer) : Philipians 4:6-7 - 'Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.'
Brandon (drums) - Genesis 1:1 - 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'
Dave (lead guitar) - 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 - 'He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'
Tricia (lead vocals) - Job 23: 8-10 - 'I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent.'
Melisa (rhythm guitar/background vocals) - Psalm 139:14 - 'Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous and how well I know it.'
I didn't think I could volunteer and contribute, but I got out there and stretched myself. I was glad that I had the opportunity, and I will possibly be open to volunteering again next year (for 1 or 2 days, not all again - my son and wife missed me too much). I will definitely consider taking the whole family, there was a lot to do and the food prices were really family-friendly...
I would never have imagined being a volunteer several years ago, but with my weightloss has come an urge to try new things. this is a good thing and I pray that it continues.
Here are a few photos from my experience:
My signed volunteer shirt
The Newsboys
Superchic[k] ready to rock the house
Thousand Foot Krutch giving out their "Rawkfist"
Hawk Nelson rockin' the joint...
I met some interesting people and had a good time overall. And I got to express my appreciation to the men and women that wrote/perform the song
that has become the anthem to my lifestyle change - Superchic[k]. The two who were really impressed and happy for me were
Matthew(bass guitar/vocals/synthesizer) & Melisa (rhythm guitar/background vocals).
I asked each of the members to sign my volunteer shirt and put down their favorite bible verse, and here they are:
Matthew (bass guitar/vocals/synthesizer) : Philipians 4:6-7 - 'Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.'
Brandon (drums) - Genesis 1:1 - 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'
Dave (lead guitar) - 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 - 'He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'
Tricia (lead vocals) - Job 23: 8-10 - 'I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent.'
Melisa (rhythm guitar/background vocals) - Psalm 139:14 - 'Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous and how well I know it.'
I didn't think I could volunteer and contribute, but I got out there and stretched myself. I was glad that I had the opportunity, and I will possibly be open to volunteering again next year (for 1 or 2 days, not all again - my son and wife missed me too much). I will definitely consider taking the whole family, there was a lot to do and the food prices were really family-friendly...
I would never have imagined being a volunteer several years ago, but with my weightloss has come an urge to try new things. this is a good thing and I pray that it continues.
Here are a few photos from my experience:
My signed volunteer shirt
The Newsboys
Superchic[k] ready to rock the house
Thousand Foot Krutch giving out their "Rawkfist"
Hawk Nelson rockin' the joint...
Monday, August 07, 2006
A Letter...
I finished reading the book, 'Come Thirsty' by Max Lucado today. At the back of the book was a letter that I thought I would post. The letter represents what could be a personal letter to you from God:
'Dear child of mine,
Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.
I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled them under my feet, and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.
Your death is swallowed up in victory. I disarmed the evil rulers and authorities and and broke the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you where I will remove all of your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sadness or crying or pain.
You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. My Spirit helps you in your distress. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won't I give you everything else? March on, dear soul, with courage! Never give up. I will help you. I will uphold you.
Trust in me always. I am the Eternal Rock, your Shepard, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
So don't worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. The angel of the LORD encamps around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you, directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
Wars will break out near and far, but don't panic. I have overcome the world. Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love.I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low spirited and spirit crushed. I put a new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you?
I throw my arms around you, lavish attention on you, and guard you as the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted; they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep my love away.
You sometimes say, "The Lord has deserted me; the Lord has forgotten me." But can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? Even if it were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are valuable to me.
Give me your burdens; I will take care of you. I know how weak you are, that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, because I care about what happens to you.Remember, I am at hand. Come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you, and I can be trusted to keep my promises. Come and drink the waters of life.
Your Maker, your Father,
God "
Brings tears to my eyes when I read that...
'Dear child of mine,
Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.
I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled them under my feet, and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.
Your death is swallowed up in victory. I disarmed the evil rulers and authorities and and broke the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you where I will remove all of your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sadness or crying or pain.
You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. My Spirit helps you in your distress. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won't I give you everything else? March on, dear soul, with courage! Never give up. I will help you. I will uphold you.
Trust in me always. I am the Eternal Rock, your Shepard, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
So don't worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. The angel of the LORD encamps around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you, directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
Wars will break out near and far, but don't panic. I have overcome the world. Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love.I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low spirited and spirit crushed. I put a new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you?
I throw my arms around you, lavish attention on you, and guard you as the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted; they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep my love away.
You sometimes say, "The Lord has deserted me; the Lord has forgotten me." But can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? Even if it were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are valuable to me.
Give me your burdens; I will take care of you. I know how weak you are, that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, because I care about what happens to you.Remember, I am at hand. Come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you, and I can be trusted to keep my promises. Come and drink the waters of life.
Your Maker, your Father,
God "
Brings tears to my eyes when I read that...
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