Blessings through Facebook

Over the past several days, I've seen the power of facebook on how it can be a blessing. Oft times facebook gets a bad reputation. Many use it, but at the same time denounce it as an "evil" in their lives. Some take 'breaks' from it, 'de-friend' individuals over posts, and some have even deactivated their account due their annoyance of others. Yes, there are many times I get frustrated on some of the things people post on Facebook.

There are others that "hate" it. Some are even afraid of Facebook. To me... I see it as a tool. Just like email, letters, and phone calls, it is the modern way of sharing the news of you life and what's going on. It is what it is: Social Networking.

Growing up, we used to send out news once a year to friends and relatives through our Christmas newsletter. This let them know what was going on. Other times, we'd write letters or pay long-distance to make phone calls. Then along came email. We were more connected. We could then find out what's going on much quicker and sooner. We were then sending daily jokes, forwards, and chain-mails. Scanners and digital cameras made the scene and we were sharing those.

By the time I reached college, blogs and MySpace hit. What a better way to share what's going on with our friends and connect with them. Cell phones started getting more common, and after 9/11, they were able to take pictures! I used to send out a weekly email to those on a list to keep them informed of our lives, but then moved to a family blog. Instead of filling up everyone's inbox, you can now check it out whenever you want.

Facebook has been our way of sharing news and recent pictures of our family. I've also been able to use it as my outlet for my strange humor. Sometimes I'll make posts of my own thoughts that have offended others... but it wasn't intentional. 

Anyway... why do I like Facebook? It keeps me updated with friends and family. Those I care about. Just recently, it's been used as an awesome prayer request news outlet for friends! There are several that have posted on Facebook on their needs of prayer. What a blessing it has been to be able to reach out and add their requests when talking with God. Not only that, we've been able to see how He's worked in the situation!

Then, I've heard from friends how others' posts have helped them throughout the day. Sometimes I wonder if more people focus on the negativity of Facebook, and we hardly hear the positive. Now there's a thought...

I just think that I too can make a difference from time to time in what I share and post. Can you?

~Matt

"National Limerick Day"

On this day (May 12) in 1812, English artist, illustrator, author and poet Edward Lear was born. Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry prose and limericks. So in his honor, today is celebrated as "National Limerick Day".

A limerick is a very short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick there are five lines. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth line and the third and fourth line rhyme together.

I decided to share a few limericks on-air during my show at KWFC Radio.Yes, I couldn't resist. So I'm also sharing them here!

- - - - -

Vinyl records are still around

They carry some amazing sound

If you are able, 

get yourself a turntable

The music you hear will astound.

- - - - -

My neighbor came over to say

(Although not in a neighborly way)

That he'd knock me around

If I didn't curb the sound

Of the gospel music I play.

I told him, "Get out of my place

You're an utter uncultured disgrace;

You're a simpleton loon.

Don't you know a good tune?"

Then he walloped me square in the face.

- - - - -

Have a great day!

~Matt

Bug Tags

When I bought my VW Beetle, I noticed that there wasn't a spot on the front of the vehicle for a license plate. That worried me. In the state of Missouri, it is required to have one on both the front and back.

I looked to see what I could do. There were several options, most of them would cause me to drill into the bumper to place a frame. If I got it wrong, repair would be $500 or more. Yikes!

I then did what any normal computer geek would do, I took my research to the internet. Someone had posted a great idea... Zip-ties.

Sure enough, they work very well on the plastic grill underneath the front bumper! And it works very well. I'm satisfied.

~Matt

Positive Attitude on Social Media

If you follow me on facebook or twitter, you may notice that I try my best to have humor in my posts. Why? I get tired of reading the negativity on my feeds, so I figure several of you do as well. As a response, I try and put something out there that may get a grin from a friend or follower.

I'm I a nut? Yes, my mind actually works this way. I have a unique sense of humor. And that's what makes Lydia so special. She's the only woman on this world that is able to live with me!!! I often throw in light-hearted comments in serious discussions, which often times drives her crazy. My poor kids have to deal with my puns and sarcastic humor as well.

I've occasionally posted some serious thoughts and gotten some good responses. But those are posts that I've actually put a great deal of time and thought before making. I don't just rush and put some random rant up. I guess I try and think of my posts as a reflection of me, and something that people hold me up to.

Unfortunately, many like to use social media to whine, rant, and play 'vaugebook'. Those who disagree with that assumption are more than likely the ones partaking in the drama. Just take a look at your feed. There are so many who just want to blast others or cause drama. And boy, it can get addictive. Plus, it's easy to get drawn in to comment.

Sure, I'm often tempted to join into the foray, but I'm reminded that it will mostly do more harm than good. That's what this blog is for... I can post my thoughts in a more complete form. I hope. :)

I often wish I could see more positive status posts instead of those that try and bring others down. There is no sense going on there and pointing to others "hey, you're attacking others with your negativity"... otherwise, I'd be doing the same thing. It's best just to post as myself.




So if you want some fun posts to read, follow me!

~Matt

When It Rains... It Pours.

Sadly it seems that when things get into a damper, it then cascades, leaving us soaked.

Okay, let me explain. When something bad happens, there seems to be more things that follow. This weekend has been a pain with our washing machine situation. If you follow my facebook or family blog that details what goes on in our life, you'll understand the story. (of course, all that has happened this week, won't be published until next week)

I don't fully understand why, and have to just go along for the ride. Some say we're to learn from these experiences that happen in life. Well, to me, some of them don't really have anything to teach. But boy, do they give a great story.

One thing is for sure.... my life isn't boring! Perhaps I need to write it all down and publish it in a book. :)

~Matt

Good Friday, the Resurrection, and Lewis

One of my favorite authors is CS Lewis. I enjoy the insights of his writings and thoughts on Scripture and Christianity.

Known by many for the Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis had a way of communicating thought without rebuke toward the reader. He made statements that got you to thinking without you feeling attacked. Humbling and effective. 

Since today is Good Friday, I found a blog post about Lewis comments on the Resurrection of Christ that I figured I'd share. Well worth reading! http://essentialcslewis.mymiddleearth.com/2014/04/18/lewis-on-the-incarnation-and-resurrection/

~Matt

Easter Is Coming!

One of the best parts about working for a Southern Gospel radio station is that our music shares the Gospel all year long. So when Easter gets close, we pull out the classic songs with the theme of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior. Some are solemn in tone, some with praise, and then you have the ones filled with excitement! They all speak to the heart!

As the holiday is approaching, I love pulling out the commentaries about the crucifixion and resurrection. So many things happened in scripture that I seem to learn something new each year. There are always those little facts that get overlooked, that if you grab just one, you have an entire month's Bible study in front of you!

One of the facts that had slipped by me was that the tomb was empty before sunrise on Sunday. How many times have you heard it mentioned that he rose at the rising the sun? Scripture says it was before the dawn (John 20:1). There is so much you can get from this idea. However, I found it best summed up in this song from 1998, the Dixie Melody Boys: "Before Sunrise The Son Rose".

Easter is coming!

~Matt