A week or two ago Joanne and I were driving to my house for tea, passing all the folks lighting bonfires and re-enforcing what I like to call the “super prod” stereotype. On the way through some of the estates between here and there I had to brake hard to avoid knocking down several 5 - 10 year olds clad in red white and blue clutching larger tins, staggering over the public highway.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there was a time in my childhood when my mum, dad, bro and I took a drive around and watched the bonfires and it was a festive occasion. Now though, it seems this is an excuse to just “get the boys together” play loud dance music and have the local unofficial neighbourhood watch out to display a “show of strength”, shooting their illegal firearms into the air triumphantly. Way to go boys, I know I’m proud. (…he says sarcastically, just in case you don’t get the tone of my rant)
Looking down from any vantage point on the North side of Belfast Lough it looked like we were under attack, smoke rising from the centre of most built up areas in sight.
When things get out of hand the natives decide to take any reason, like not being allowed to march this season down any given road, to trash their streets. I never understood this, why trash your own area in disgust? The only saving grace is that they aren’t hurting folks in other areas. That’s the best I have for an upside, that’s all I got.
This week the IRA have announced a formal end to all violent measures to achieve their political goals. This happens amid feuds and dissention among the unionist groups. The cynic in me immediately reacted internally thinking “yeah right, as if their word means a damn thing”. The very last thought in my head was that maybe this is a chance for a peace of any kind and maybe things could really happen as a result.
I was humbled to read a friends blog, who has been a Christian for less time than me, talking of how this is an excellent opportunity, how we should pray that God will use this situation to his advantage. This should have been my first thought too.
The easiest thing in the world to do is to lay doubt, discouragement and cynicism on this situation, but as Christians shouldn’t we welcome such a move, regardless of what we feel about the people involved.
Growing up I’ve met people who’s lives have been affected terribly by the troubles. Loved ones have been lost, quality of life destroyed, faith shaken.
How must we proceed, how do we continue.
My aim is to glorify God in every way I can in my day to day life, to spread the love he has given me to others that they may see him through me and come to know him too. That, for me, is the meaning of life.
While talking to a bunch of friends in tech around about 1996, the topic cropped up: “how will we (in northern Ireland) ever bring about peace”. I blurted an answer that was misunderstood. I said “you know, if we were all Christians, this would not be an issue”. (I was 16). One guy snapped back at me, “oh yeah, religion solves everything doesn’t it.. that’s what got us all here in the first place.”
He’s right, RELIGION did get us here, mixed with hatred and hurt. I wasn’t suggesting religion. Religion never helped anyone.
What I was suggesting, though not putting across well, was that if everyone knew the love of Christ, and if we treated each other as we have been commanded in the bible, then this would not be an issue.
The misunderstanding lay in confusing religion with a personal relationship with Christ. The two are not the same.
If we were all able to live by the following 2 commandments:
Matthew 22:37-39 (The Message Version)
Jesus said, ""Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: "Love others as well as you love yourself.'
If we loved God with all our energy and then loved others with the enthusiasm that we love ourselves would we not be in a better place? I think so, there should be no room left for hatred, we would genuinely do all we can to help others. Imagine that.
It all comes down to love. Love is what is important.
Lets love each other, that is how we will change things.
“I know its already been sung,
can’t be said enough,
love is all you need,
all you need is love, love, love”
“Love boat captain” – Pearl Jam – Riot Act
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
Hararya?
Fergoodnessake?
I've been busier than a big old hive,
and if I forgot to call let me apologuise,
its not really that i'm neglecting you at all.
Don't go thinking that i just don't care,
haven't had time to change my underwear,
might not see me, but can smell me down the hall.
(updates to follow, if i have neglected you then write to: matt.mcivor@gmail.com)
Current music: Bright eyes "take it easy (love nothing)"
I've been busier than a big old hive,
and if I forgot to call let me apologuise,
its not really that i'm neglecting you at all.
Don't go thinking that i just don't care,
haven't had time to change my underwear,
might not see me, but can smell me down the hall.
(updates to follow, if i have neglected you then write to: matt.mcivor@gmail.com)
Current music: Bright eyes "take it easy (love nothing)"
Thursday, July 14, 2005
What scrubs character am I.....?
This was awkward, there was no link so i copied the source from the page....
Which Scrubs Character are you?
Which Scrubs Character are you?
 | A.K.A. "The Dork" Hello? Yoo-hoo! Hi! Say, have you been tested for Attention Deficit Disorder? You've got your head in the clouds, my friend, but it helps make you a more interesting person. Your friends may think you're a bit of a dork, and you may make the wrong decisions on occasion, but you're a sweet, happy person who's on the right track in life. You may want to hire a bodyguard, though...you're the type to attract stalkers. |
Great video player....
Ok, i admit, i have an apple mac powerbook G4. I'm proud of it. It works every time, first time, at everything.
Except, that is, when you want to look at video files with various codecs. Quicktime does not always cut it for AVI and DivX formats. Dang. A snag.
Fear not, i found an excellent player that can play all types of files, and can que them up in play lists: VLC.
Here is a link to the site, it works for both Mac and PC.
No more having to make excuses, my mac now rules at everything, its thinkin' Land Rover baby!
MUHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!
Except, that is, when you want to look at video files with various codecs. Quicktime does not always cut it for AVI and DivX formats. Dang. A snag.
Fear not, i found an excellent player that can play all types of files, and can que them up in play lists: VLC.
Here is a link to the site, it works for both Mac and PC.
No more having to make excuses, my mac now rules at everything, its thinkin' Land Rover baby!
MUHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Damn heat!
Today the office is about 30 degrees C.
The windows and doors are open, the constand threat of wasp attack looms.
Though i'm nervous, i know its worth it to not be boiling my sox off. Actually, hold on, i'm still boiling my sox off!
Anyone for water?......... or margaritas? Where is my brother's excellent drink preparing skills when i need them!?
Among the expressions i've heard today the best is: (while getting out of my car a random passer by said:)
"Here.... big lad, bet you're paar boyled in lur... ( I'll bet you are power boiled in there)"
Hiks. Honestly.
Here are some images of me trying on my mother-in-law-to-be's old sunglasses that they found during a clearout, just for fun:
The windows and doors are open, the constand threat of wasp attack looms.
Though i'm nervous, i know its worth it to not be boiling my sox off. Actually, hold on, i'm still boiling my sox off!
Anyone for water?......... or margaritas? Where is my brother's excellent drink preparing skills when i need them!?
Among the expressions i've heard today the best is: (while getting out of my car a random passer by said:)
"Here.... big lad, bet you're paar boyled in lur... ( I'll bet you are power boiled in there)"
Hiks. Honestly.
Here are some images of me trying on my mother-in-law-to-be's old sunglasses that they found during a clearout, just for fun:
Saturday, July 09, 2005
YAY Meelan!
Meelers passed her driving test yesterday (friday 8th), and had a BBQ to celebrate.
I'm not sure if i was happier about the test or the BBQ.
It was really nice to have some time, not rushing about, eating some chow with my family and young Brian Rainey (as good as family).
Meelan made some beef curry/chilli mix that i was slightly scared of at first, and tried out of politeness, which turned out to be blinking marvellous. Being the glutton that I am, i added this mix to pretty much everything I ate last night!
Dad was doing the honours, a BBQ veteran, and as yet, no reports of food poisoning!
To celebrate, we got meelan a slinky (a spring type thing that walks down steps), cuse she hadn't had one before. Every kid should have one!
Congratulations meelan!
I'm not sure if i was happier about the test or the BBQ.
It was really nice to have some time, not rushing about, eating some chow with my family and young Brian Rainey (as good as family).
Meelan made some beef curry/chilli mix that i was slightly scared of at first, and tried out of politeness, which turned out to be blinking marvellous. Being the glutton that I am, i added this mix to pretty much everything I ate last night!
Dad was doing the honours, a BBQ veteran, and as yet, no reports of food poisoning!
To celebrate, we got meelan a slinky (a spring type thing that walks down steps), cuse she hadn't had one before. Every kid should have one!
Congratulations meelan!
Saturday, July 02, 2005
AOL SUCK!!!!!!
Live 8, the most monumental media event ever.
I have been sitting in my dressing gown all day, putting off getting ready to go out, i showered during UB40's set. I've been waiting to see Dave Matthews Band live in Phillidelphia all day. I've always wanted to witness a live Dave matthews band gig, its an almost 10 year ambition. This is probably as close as i'm going to get.
(AOL were the only people you could watch the concerts with, i started streaming from them before the start of the show at about 1pm today in anticipation.) AOL's player started to malfunction just before the start of his set and insisted that i watched Snoop dog, as well as whatever else i wanted to see. The Dave matthews section of the concert was played every other frame, and the sound of both concerts mixed. Good job i'm not epileptic.
AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!
DAMN YOU AOL! WHY WAS YOUR FOOTAGE OF THE BLACK EYED PEAS PERFECT? SURELY YOU COULD HAVE USED THE BANDWITH OF THESE TALENTLESS MORONS FOR ANYTHING ELSE!!!!
AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!
I HATED YOU BEFORE, NOW I"M FREAKIN FURIOUS!!!!
I have been sitting in my dressing gown all day, putting off getting ready to go out, i showered during UB40's set. I've been waiting to see Dave Matthews Band live in Phillidelphia all day. I've always wanted to witness a live Dave matthews band gig, its an almost 10 year ambition. This is probably as close as i'm going to get.
(AOL were the only people you could watch the concerts with, i started streaming from them before the start of the show at about 1pm today in anticipation.) AOL's player started to malfunction just before the start of his set and insisted that i watched Snoop dog, as well as whatever else i wanted to see. The Dave matthews section of the concert was played every other frame, and the sound of both concerts mixed. Good job i'm not epileptic.
AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!
DAMN YOU AOL! WHY WAS YOUR FOOTAGE OF THE BLACK EYED PEAS PERFECT? SURELY YOU COULD HAVE USED THE BANDWITH OF THESE TALENTLESS MORONS FOR ANYTHING ELSE!!!!
AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHH!
I HATED YOU BEFORE, NOW I"M FREAKIN FURIOUS!!!!
Live 8
So there i was 20 years ago in a cravan just outside York, in England. We had a small black and white tv and i'm told, (cuse i can't really remember), dad, mum andy and I watched live aid.
I remember a few things about that trip. We went into York Minster, a fantastic old church building, and I remember my neck being sore looking up at all the artwork in the celing. Dad stopped, double parked outside a music shop and bought Dire straits's album "Alchemy"
A few things have changed. I'm now sitting in my living room watching a much larger tv, with cable attached, looking at Travis performing live in hide park. At the same over broadband connection Phillidelphia, i'm now watching an ageingJohn Bon Jovi.
Technology is scary, they say over 85% of the world is watching, billions. The biggest event ever to occur. WOW.
Shame they let miss dynamite perform, that was just a waste of time. Still, anything in aid of a good cause.
Was anyone else slightly freaked out by Bill gates appearing live in the UK? Just me then?
On an up note, the fellowes brothers appear to have arrived in the US, and got through customs! I got a text message from paul asking me to call his parents and tell them he's ok, i did then told him to buy a phone card.
Continue to pray for them!
M
I remember a few things about that trip. We went into York Minster, a fantastic old church building, and I remember my neck being sore looking up at all the artwork in the celing. Dad stopped, double parked outside a music shop and bought Dire straits's album "Alchemy"
A few things have changed. I'm now sitting in my living room watching a much larger tv, with cable attached, looking at Travis performing live in hide park. At the same over broadband connection Phillidelphia, i'm now watching an ageingJohn Bon Jovi.
Technology is scary, they say over 85% of the world is watching, billions. The biggest event ever to occur. WOW.
Shame they let miss dynamite perform, that was just a waste of time. Still, anything in aid of a good cause.
Was anyone else slightly freaked out by Bill gates appearing live in the UK? Just me then?
On an up note, the fellowes brothers appear to have arrived in the US, and got through customs! I got a text message from paul asking me to call his parents and tell them he's ok, i did then told him to buy a phone card.
Continue to pray for them!
M
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