Disqus - Latest Comments for Matt V

Re: Christian Photographer Fined for Refusing Gay Wedding

Matt V — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:24:15 -0000

I think we've hit a dangerous precedent here, because this ruling effectually says an artist can't limit their subject matter. If a painter only painted cats and refused a commission to paint my dog, I would have no grounds to sue. This photographer states, "we do not photograph same-sex weddings," and explains that she's limited herself to a certain list of subject matter. Where's the basis for a lawsuit?
And what if we turn this around? If a photographer only took photos at homosexual commitment ceremonies, I should have no grounds to sue when he or she declines my traditional marriage. My project simply doesn't fit within his pre-defined subject matter.
I'm hearing, "homosexuals should not be denied a photographer" here and that scares me. Laws like that encroach on the basic rights of all to impose special rights for a few.

Re: Open Letter to Whoever Invented Wallpaper Glue

Matt V — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:58:29 -0000

You're cursing this man too?!? I spent almost 4 hours tearing out the wallpaper in my parents kitchen today, the whole time thinking, "if 3M made wallpaper adhesive, I would not be having this struggle!" GAH.
I tried the funky roto cutter.
I tred the gooey roll on blue stuff.
I tried water and a sponge.
I combined the above 3 methods in every way known to man.
Suffice it to say my house will have NO wallpaper in it. Just paint applied in different techniques. The beauty of paint is that YOU NEVER HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF. I'll be back at it tomorrow... pray for me :D

Re: The Hulk Has A Bad Body Image and I Think He Might Sell Drugs

Matt V — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:07:45 -0000

The title of this cracks me up. There's a lot to say about body image, but I think what it comes down to is that being healthy does not mean looking like the fitness models on the covers of Men's Health. It means eating right and exercising with the perspective of your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and an acceptance of the inherent limitations God has designed you with. Not excusing poor stewardship, but not obsessing over something that will pass away.

Now I just need to apply my own advice, and I'm golden. ;)

Re: The Hulk Has A Bad Body Image and I Think He Might Sell Drugs

Matt V — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:59:25 -0000

After commenting on this last night I took the idea back into prayer and this morning I found what has to be the only verse in the Bible with the phrase, "physical training" in it smack in the middle of my daily reading. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8, "â€¦ rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

I know right now it would so quickly become about vanity rather than good stewardship for me, and I suspect the Lord has more spiritual and emotional "strength training" in the cards before we get to that. But I definitely congratulate you on your success so far and recognize the determination it takes to get in shape; with God's ironic sense of humor I'll may just be onboard with you sooner than I think.

Re: First Ray Now Clay: Clay Aiken Embraces a Gay Identity

Matt V — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:05:01 -0000

My mom has been a huge Clay fan ever since the American Idol days and she always expected that he was secretly struggling to reconcile his faith with his attractions. I know he's suffered from anxiety and panic attacks and I'd venture to guess that it has something to do with being in the public spotlight while he's working through identity questions. It also explains his decision to have a baby via artificial insemination, I think it's just part of wanting to be a dad and feeling like there's no other option for him.

My heart is saddened for him simply because I know how I felt while I was struggling alone. I know what it's like to want a wife and kids but see no possible road to getting there. Regardless of the decisions he makes from here I applaud him for the courage to be honest so publicly. The press has been ruthless to him for not talking publicly about his sexuality, and I'm sure they'll continue to be unkind now that he's being open. I just hope that all this doesn't send him running into the arms of the gay community, but into a loving and equipped church or even an exodus ministry. He's in my prayers.

Re: Economic Bail Out Blues

Matt V — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:12:40 -0000

I haven't been staying updated, does anyone know if the clause for 20% of recovered funds to go to ACORN stayed in the bill? That alone would be reason label it a partisan bill. They're basically a corrupt, liberal special interest group. That Obama used to be a lobbyist for.

Re: Breaking Up is Hard To Do

Matt V — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 02:15:30 -0000

Randy, when you posted a day or two ago and mentioned how much you were paying annually I thought it was a little high. When I have clients who need domain registration or renewal I always use 1and1.com -- they've got the lowest price out there and don't use sleazy advertising like the industry leader.

I think the best hosting out there by far is at mediatemple.net/webhosting/gs/ -- it's not inexpensive, but it's high quality and can easily stand up to being dugg. Last year around christmas they released a special grid server package with half the storage and bandwith for about half the price. If they do the same thing this year, I'll probably sign myself up and check it out.

Let me know what you think of your new host, there's a lot of competition out there and if you don't like them I'm more than willing to help you find someone else.

Re: Economic Bail Out Blues

Matt V — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:31:59 -0000

Thanks for the follow up Randy. I think it's embarrassing that the bill that was signed ended up being over 450 pages, when it started at 3.5. Congress and the lobbyists seeking opportunist earmarks during a time like this should be ashamed.

Re: New iPhone

Matt V — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:49:01 -0000

I have the 8GB first gen. You're going to love it and -- WARNING -- absolutely get addicted to it. I know how you are about maintaining your blog/facebook/digital life and now you can do it all from your phone 24/7. It's a blessing and a curse.

BTW, nice haircut!

Re: Letter From A Christian in 2012 - Focus Action Letter

Matt V — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:55:10 -0000

I read the letter in full the day it was released and chewed on it over the weekend. I love and support Focus. I have connections to people who either are or have been employed by them, and I know they've done awesome things in ministry. Even still, I feel like the whole thing was a gross error in judgement that misrepresents the heart of Christ. I'll be writing a facebook note this week and go into more detail at that point.

Re: Pondering “Change” and The Future

Matt V — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 02:58:27 -0000

I've ALWAYS been interested in Strauss and Howe's insight into generational patterns. The book I want to read by them is called, "Millennials Rising." I think their secular perspective on history could shed light into the spiritual revival and awakening I believe God has for my generation. Glad you're enjoying the book!

Re: http://randythomas.org/2008/11/13/h8-against-prop-8/

Matt V — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:41:07 -0000

Since you're talking about it, have you heard what happened at an evangelical church in MI last Sunday???

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view...

Re: H8 Against Prop 8

Matt V — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:41:07 -0000

Since you're talking about it, have you heard what happened at an evangelical church in MI last Sunday???
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view...

Re: No More “Mr. Nice Gay”? Is This What We Want?

Matt V — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:03:44 -0000

I think one of the scary things about the recent change in tone from gay activists is that, from a psychological perspective, there's a lot of oppressed and repressed masculinity in a group of gay men. It makes for a combination of a deeply-rooted anger and an unrecognized strength that has the potential to be extremely destructive. Of corse, I'm not saying that gay-identified individuals should be seen as dangerous -- the majority are very civil and level headed -- I'm speaking more of the mob mentality exhibited in situations like this.

Re: It’s a Blizzard

Matt V — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:47:28 -0000

Sunny with a high of 65 -- in November no less -- and you're complaining?
You Floridans are pansies... that's all I have to say about that.

Tomorrow's high up here is 25 degrees.

Re: iPhone Blogging, Cultural Christianity and Jesus

Matt V — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0000

I can identify with this. I grew up going to church and made a decision for Jesus at a young age but didn't actually meet him until I was 16, and that's when he started to go to work on me.

I think it has a lot to do with Lordship and giving up control. Here's my facebook note on the topic:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?¬e;_id=23625...

Re: It’s a Blizzard

Matt V — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:51:32 -0000

Sorry, I didn't mean to come off that way, I'm just bitter cold up here.

P.S. I'm responding via email on my

IPhone. Just realized I could do that!

Re: Comment Box at TOP of Thread?

Matt V — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:00:00 -0000

I'm a total geek so I read about this kind of stuff in my spare time. :)

If you put your comment box at the top you'll get more comments and users will generally be less frustrated. If you keep it at the bottom the comments on your content will have a better chance of being seen.

If I had a blog I'd put the comment box on top, but I've seen how your site tends to foster discussion so there may be more merit in keeping it at the bottom.

Re: The Hulk Has A Bad Body Image and I Think He Might Sell Drugs

Matt V — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:07:45 -0000

Re: The Hulk Has A Bad Body Image and I Think He Might Sell Drugs

Matt V — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:59:25 -0000