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MATT THIEN: blog

November 5, 2009

Made it to Nashville - October 30, 2009

So, it's day 1 of 11 for project 'record 10 Songs N 10 Days Africa' in 11 days with producer and friend, Andy Hunt. Make sense?

Breakfast was at Pied Piper Eatery and it was delish! 2 eggs over medium, hashbrowns with ketchup, sausage patties, wheat toast with butter and grape jelly and of course coffee with cream and sugar. Yum is right!

We're at Wide Studios (http://www.myspace.com/andyhunt) and today is 'get more organized day'. Melodies are floating around this studio like crazy! Oh and tonight is the HeyPenny show that I want to catch at Exit/In - they're my new favorite band (http://www.HeyPenny.com).

Stay tuned...Matt Thien

Matthew Perryman Jones Cover 'Save You' - October 8, 2009

Can't Stop Hitting Replay - October 8, 2009

Don't have 4 minutes to watch the whole thing? Skip to the 1 min mark...there's a sweet jam there!

Pulls My Heart Strings - October 7, 2009

Matthew Mayfield ALWAYS has a way to stir my emotions...check his latest video out...

Would I be kicked out of NROTC Atlanta for physical fitness? - September 26, 2009

So, I have successfully ran 3 days in a row. Why you ask? Well, honestly it's because of my job...hear me out. I'm an NROTC instructor here in the Atlanta Region (college level) and last Friday, we held some performance review boards (a board held for substandard academic or aptitude performance) for some of our Midshipmen. As these Mids stood in front of me for not passing the Physical Assessment Test for 2 semesters in a row (they need to run 1.5 miles under 12 min and do push ups and sit ups too) I got to thinking. Can I pass this test? Am I kicking someone out of the program for something that I myself can't even do? So, this got me wanting to lead by example again in the physical fitness area. Hence the running again...so would I be kicked out of the college NROTC program for physical fitness? See below...

Thursday I did 2 grueling miles in 16 min 20 sec
Friday I did 3 miles (forgot to time)
Saturday I did 1.5 miles in 12 min 20 sec

Yikes...better get running!!!

Never mind the fact I'm 29 and the Mids are 19! I'm going to get 'em! You just wait.

Follow my progress on http://www.twitter.com/MattThien

10 Songs 10 Days Africa Concert - September 14, 2009

10 Songs 10 Days Africa FUND RAISER Concert SUCCESS!
The Conyers community came together on 9/13/09 to raise over $2K. I was blown away as 150+ people scattered the lawn sitting on blankets and listening so intently to the first ever showcase of the 10 songs! THANK YOU friends!

9/13/09 STAGE9/13/09 crowd9/13/09 crowd2

Want to get involved?
Become a foundation partner and sponsor a song for $500
Sponsor a song and help every $1 get doubled and go straight to Kenya
Need more info? Shoot us an email:
MattThien@gmail.com
Jeff@TheBeechFoundation.org

sponsor a song click

September 11, 2001 - September 11, 2009

We ALL remember, how could we forget? It's impossible to erase such images from our minds. Our minds are powerful weapons and tools to be used for the greater good. God has a way of turning tragedy into blessing and though we don't know why sometimes or how or when...we may see such blessing, we can rest that others feel the same way. Like President Obama preached on the campaign trail over and over again..."We must have HOPE!" The bible tells us to have hope too...Acts 2:26 "Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope."

ground zero cross 9 11
Let's have hope today for a better tomorrow. Hope today that people around the world will remember to have hope for us, pray for us and continue to love us in the oneness that only Christ can bring.

Remember.

This is my new favorite song - September 1, 2009

This video explains the meaning behind the song...get the kleenex out :)

Because I hate my last blog was a month ago - August 12, 2009

How is everyone out there?

Devotion from San Diego - July 8, 2009

What am I doing in San Diego California?

Well, I'm out here to participate in a training evolution for Midshipmen all around the country. For the next month I'll be working as a company officer taking care of the Midshipmen in my company. They will learn the ropes of what it's like to be in the Navy. They are all rising sophomores in college. They will experience what the Naval Service (Navy and Marine Corps) has to offer in each community (Surface, Sub-Surface, Aviation and Marines). They will do a week of each and I will be there to 'watch over' them.

As I start my journey (a newish job) I couldn't help but turn to Proverbs to get some of that good 'ol wisdom. Proverbs 10:4-5 says, "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." Then, I wanted some New Testament application, so I turned to Matthew 5:13-16, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise you Father in heaven."

I'm not going to lie, I've been lazy before and it didn't get me anywhere. Whether it's motivation or lack of, we've got to be leading the way when it comes to initiative and volunteerism. It's a must ya'll that we (as followers of Christ) are leaders in this aspect of life.

The Matthew verse was great to read this morning as I embark on something new. My prayer is that God will send His spirit before me every place I go and every conversation I have. It's easy to think WE are great and can smooze people on our own...but God's spirit has a way of settling hard hearts and making conversations go more smooth. Haven't tried that yet? I dare you.

Lord, help us to trust in You today. Go before us and prepare our path. Our conversations, our conflicts. Give us words to say and thoughts to think. Thank you for giving us a choice whether or not to follow Your ways. You are an amazing Dad to love me like You do despite how I treat You sometimes. Let grace be my pulse today...I love you!

Matt Thien

San Diego Time - July 7, 2009

I've made it to San Diego. According to urban legend this place is THE BOMB! OK, so maybe it's from all of my other Navy buddies (not urban legend...but we'll see). None the less, the 12 or so hours I've spent here have been lovely.

I was welcomed with a New Castle (my favorite) and a couple of hot dogs (WITH Heinz ketchup if you care). It's great to be back in a Navy town! At sunset, colors went down, and EVERYONE (all 20 of us) stopped what we were doing, faced the flag (well, the sound of the music. We couldn't actually 'see' the flag) and paid tribute to Old Glory. I find myself thinking/praying about those that are in harms way and away from their family. It's kind of like another 8:38 moment for me. When colors is played, I take the time to be thankful and ask God to watch over those fighting for our country. It's crazy, because, I'm also praying for my friends. I've only been in the Navy for 7 years, but we've met a TON of people!

I met up with Rich (a fellow LT from Morehouse) and he gave me the low down. Lesson 1 - it's nice to 'know' people. I can't imagine showing up to sometime like this (I'll explain in bits and pieces exactly what I'm doing out here, when I actually figure out what I'm doing out here :) I also met a guy that Rich and I went to OCS with. Fineran. He is a fun dude and all of us can't believe 7 years ago we were getting yelled at by Gunnery Sergeant Hanson our Marine Corps Drill Instructor (he was mean).

I know I haven't posted any pics, videos or stories from my 10 Songs 10 Days Africa trip yet and that's because I'm still letting things marinade. You'll start to get bits and pieces from me and honestly, even if I sat and typed for a week straight I don't think I could 1) remember it all and 2) even do my trip justice. I can say that God gave me 11 songs and if I am allowed to say this (of course I am...) THEY ARE REALLY GOOD TUNES! If you have been around me, you have noticed that I am so excited to see this project come together. I keep telling people, "I don't have the time or the money to make this happen, so God is going to have to do something." I love being at that place of helplessness, knowing that in all of my strength, I can't make this happen. It's a cool place to be and I'm super pumped to 'see' God move in this!

Well, hopefully we'll get this wireless internet thing worked out so I can actually talk to you guys and gals. Until then I bid you adieux from sunny California (where happy cows live) and what I will be calling home for the next month.

Peace, love and hair grease (I don't know what that means either),

Matt Thien

Twitter Feed - May 12, 2009


Nothing - May 9, 2009

Hey, so I just wanted to say hi...it's been a bit on the official Matt Thien blog. If you're a facebooker, please look me up over there as I am well connected and update my status often! Also twitter is a great way to keep up with me. So, I have all of my 'other' links on my homepage here so let's get connected!

Be Blessed and good!

MT
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Another Break - April 29, 2009

Christie and the kids are out of town again...so I will pick up the LOVE DARE upon her return. I'm not sure this is how you're supposed to do this thing, but it's the way I'm doing it!

Day 25 - April 23, 2009

Love forgives
2 Cor 2:10

The Dare
- Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to 'forgive us our sins' each day, we must ask Him to help us 'forgive those who wrong us' each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."

How'd I do?
- Many people would classify me as a softy, the kind of guy where nothing bothers me. And to all of them, I would say..."you're so right!" I haven't yet been faced with a situation that has made me so bitter that I would not be able to forgive. I can't imagine though losing a loved one in tragedy. How hard it must be to muster up all the love you have in your heart to move on from something like that.

Christie, you could wrong me a million and a half ways from now until the day I die and I would still forgive you. I'm vested in you and will love you forever no matter what. I mean it! I'm in it for the long haul.

Sorry it's a sappy blog day ya'll. Want some more 'fun' topics of conversation today? Head over to my Facebook page, we're sharing worst and best memories of riding the big yellow school bus (or short bus for some of you!).

Much Love!
-MT

Day 24 - April 21, 2009

Love vs. Lust
1 John 2:17

The Dare
- End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed - today - and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.

How'd I do?
- As I read today's little passage/excerpt some phrases stuck out. I'll let them 'ring' in your ears for a bit as they have in mine.

- This is the progression, from the eyes to heart to action...and then follows shame and regret.
- Lust is opposition to love.
- Lust represents the beginnings of a lie.
- Lust always breeds more lust.
- Lust is like a warning light on the dashboard of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you.
- Lust is the best this world has to offer, but love offers you the best life in the world.

I love those sentences up there. I hate them in the same manner, but all in all I agree 100% with them. Lust is sneaky and when I least expect it, it grabs hold and doesn't like to let go until it is satisfied. I find myself sometimes welcoming lust when in fact I should be wrestling it off of me like Hulk Hogan in the ring.

I'm faced with lust EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE. It's not going away, and I HAVE to have a contingency plan.

I'm going to let this one marinade...I hope you do too...

Day 23 - April 20, 2009

Love always protects
1 Cor 13:7

The Dare
- Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from you spouse.

How'd I do?
- Well I thought about removing the stash of playboy's from underneath the mattress, but decided against it...just kidding. There's no stash. I will let this one marinade a little before I just start typing away about the 'playboy's' in my life.

Initial Thoughts?
- I'm sure there's got to be SOMETHING that is stealing away some affection towards Christie, but off the top of my head I just don't know.

Stay tuned...

Day 22 - April 16, 2009

Love is faithful
Hosea 2:20

The Dare
- Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."

How'd I do?
- Christie and I have been accused of saying "I love you" too frequent. We ALWAYS kiss each other and exchange I love you's whenever one leaves the house, even if just for a quick trip somewhere. We ALWAYS kiss goodnight no matter how late, early or the state of our relationship.

One of my 'bones' with other couples is that they don't kiss each other goodbye or say I love you enough. The power of a kiss and hearing the words I love you are incredible. I'd like to think the reason Christie's and I's marriage is so strong is b/c of these things we do!

Love you baby!

Day 21 - April 15, 2009

Love is satisfied in God
Isaiah 58:11

The Dare
- Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of proverbs each day (there are thirty-one---a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matt, Mark, Luke and Juan). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.

How'd I do?
- I should always read more, pray more and ponder spiritual things more. Could today be the start of that 'more' for me?

Day 20 - April 14, 2009

Love is Jesus Christ
Romans 5:6

The Dare
- Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. But you have shown your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and you have proven your power to save me from death by your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by your grace.

How'd I do?
- I'll wait until the day is over, but I had a pretty cool thought this morning...if you're a twitter friend or facebook homey then you've caught wind of what I'm talking about.

Day 19 - April 13, 2009

Love is impossible
1 John 4:7

The Dare
- Look back over the dares from previous days. Wre there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.

I'm going to heaven when I die ya'll. Bottom line, I'm a saved, renewed and forgiven man. My eternity has been settle for a while! How about yours? I know I'm weak on my own and that God makes me stronger than I should be. Think about this long and hard...

The Waiting is OVER - April 11, 2009

Let the Love Dare Blog start back up. Christie flies in today and the LOVE DARE will kick back up on Easter Sunday!

If you haven't caught up on Days 1 - 17, catch up now!

-Matt

Procrastination - April 8, 2009

Nah, I'll write about it later.

My Bday! - April 7, 2009

So it's my birthday and I must admit a very relaxing and somber one so far. Let's see. Spent the night at Autstin Lee's place in Buckhead last night after hanging at Taco Mac watching UNC kick some booty.

I'm taking the day off to have some 'me' time if there ever is such a thing (which I'm convinced there is!) I'm enjoying myself immensely at the moment. Not a care in the world...well OK, so I have some irons in the fire, but who doesn't.

Please pray for me ya'll. I was disobedient to God's voice and am now sorting through the consequences of that. He is faithful and just to those that love Him and wait on Him. I hate being separated from His love...but just as make up _ _ _ is wonderful, so is repentance and reconciliation with God.

Love ya'll so much!
-MT
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