| Starting a new path in life |    |
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
|  Subject: Starting a new path in life  Sat Jun 30, 2007 12:46 pm | |
| | Hey everyone! My names Matt. I'm a 31 year old male from Pennsylvania. I've been a metal fan pretty much since the first time I saw Kiss meets the Phantom of the Park back in 78 or 79(first childhood memory:kiss: Anyway, I was raised going to church and have always known about Jesus but I chose to go down a different path in life. That path led me to a life of misery. I started drinking heavily when I was about 19 or 20 years old and started smoking weed around that time as well. A year or two later I discovered the joys and hell of opiates due to a hip surgery I had. To make a long story short I have a degenerative bone disease and I shattered my hip. The drs put a pin in my hip socket because at the time they thought I was too young for a replacement. Fast forward to December of 99 and I'm back in the hospital undergoing a full right hip replacement. During this time between surgeries I was prescribed oxycontin. I was pretty much oblivious to what it actually was. All I knew was that it made me feel a whole lot better and took away any pain I had, physically, emotionally and spiritually(or so I thought). Well, it's 2007 and since that time I've had 3 more hip surgeries. During that time I saw my life spiral out of control to my abuse of opiates, alcohol and other drugs. I totally strayed from the life that our heavenly father wanted me to live. I found myself in a methadone clinic. I found myself out of my daughters life(she's four now) and eventually found myself in rehab(august 04). I managed to stay clean for awhile but I had to have a tumor removed last year that was near my lung. That surgery led to one of my relapses and just last month I had to have two hip surgeries which led me to my latest relapse. I guess some good came out of it though because I found myself praying that I won't make the decision to go back to a life of addiction and misery. I found myself praying and just recently I ordered a new study bible. Tommorrow I'm going to church and giving my life back to God because I truly believe he has bigger and better plans for me. I just need prayers for strength in this new journey I'm about to begin. I've lived my life my way for far too long. It's time that I live HIS way. |
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emptytomb1
Man in Morph
Age : 40
Joined : 08 Apr 2007
Posts : 7764
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sat Jun 30, 2007 2:47 pm | |
| | Welcome Matt. Your story is, unfortunately, pretty common to many of us on this board. I pray you find the rest and peace Jesus offers. Not easy, but worth it. Thanks for sharing as I'm encouraged when strays come back to the fold. We saved a place for you at our little realm here. |
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GODSWIZARD
Play it LOUD!!
Age : 51
Joined : 06 Jan 2007
Posts : 11093
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:45 pm | |
| Etomb said:
| Quote: | | Welcome Matt. Your story is, unfortunately, pretty common to many of us on this board. I pray you find the rest and peace Jesus offers. Not easy, but worth it. Thanks for sharing as I'm encouraged when strays come back to the fold. We saved a place for you at our little realm here. |
That is a good and accurate statement. All of it. Stick around. GOD may have something or someone here for you. Stick close as you can to HIM. HE can be disappointed in us.......but HE will never, ever give up on us. HE is faithful like that.
I will now extend to you my typical high--energy and exciting welcome to the CMR. 
"Greetings and felicitations"
(What?? What?? It's a message board......there's only so much I can do) 
_________________
"The 'farce' is strong with Obama-Wan." words of Scourge.
One of the twins: I'm the one who likes it all.... |
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emptytomb1
Man in Morph
Age : 40
Joined : 08 Apr 2007
Posts : 7764
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:54 pm | |
| | GW-felicitations sounds kinda girly for a metal board. |
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Follower of Jesus
Age : 34
Joined : 07 Apr 2007
Posts : 2195
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sun Jul 01, 2007 5:51 am | |
| Where in PA do you live, Matt? There are a couple of us here from PA. I live in Lancaster County.
Getting involved in a local church is a great thing to do. Not only are you fed the Bible each week (if you pick the right church), but you also get a chance to lose yourself in service to others.
Also, prayer is essential. Almost nothing is more important than spending lots of time in prayer. Its hard work to pray, but if you can do the work of prayer, God will change you. |
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:12 pm | |
| | Follower of Jesus wrote: | Where in PA do you live, Matt? There are a couple of us here from PA. I live in Lancaster County.
Getting involved in a local church is a great thing to do. Not only are you fed the Bible each week (if you pick the right church), but you also get a chance to lose yourself in service to others.
Also, prayer is essential. Almost nothing is more important than spending lots of time in prayer. Its hard work to pray, but if you can do the work of prayer, God will change you. |
I live an hour north of pittsburgh in New Castle. I do plan on getting involved with the church. They have a band that plays music during the service so maybe I could join in on guitar. I wonder if I'd be able to teach the kids some Tourniquet? Hmmm...we'll see about that one! I have been reading the bible on a nightly basis as well. I'm starting with the book of Matthew(great name:tongue: ). After this last surgery and relapsing on the pain meds I do have to get back to NA. Being laid up kinda prevented me from being around my recovery/support group but now that I'm feeling a bit better I think it's time to head back to NA as well. Pray is definetly becoming a major part of my day. I find myself in prayer quite often during the day. Right now I'm just praying for guidance in doing what HE wants me to do. |
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scourge39
Age : 33
Joined : 06 Apr 2007
Posts : 2280
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:25 pm | |
| | I'm from PA originally. I currently reside in NC. Welcome home, bro! |
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Sun Jul 01, 2007 1:19 pm | |
| | Well, I didn't make it to church today. I can't drive and my mother who goes every sunday without fail wanted to sleep in so I decided to give her a break. I will be there next week hopefully though. I am actually reading my bible every night though and praying constantly. That to me seems like a big part of developing a relationship with GOD. |
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Follower of Jesus
Age : 34
Joined : 07 Apr 2007
Posts : 2195
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 4:34 am | |
| There's a balance between legalism and doing what's right. Going to church is important, but don't get caught up in the number of weeks you go. But make it a priority.
My brother lives in New Castle! |
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Thrasher
The Toxic Waltzer
Age : 35
Joined : 10 Apr 2007
Posts : 744
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:27 am | |
| | Welcome Matt!And I pray that God will help guide you in his path |
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:17 pm | |
| | Follower of Jesus wrote: | There's a balance between legalism and doing what's right. Going to church is important, but don't get caught up in the number of weeks you go. But make it a priority.
My brother lives in New Castle! |
I'm just trying to live my life the right way nowadays. Your brother lives in New Castle? Wow! Small world eh? Thats awesome! |
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_Wes
Joined : 06 Apr 2007
Posts : 1002
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:59 pm | |
| Welcome to the realm Matt - and to your new course in life.
There are many fallen among us - in fact - we all are, so here, you are among brothers (& sisters).
Plus - we like metal. ;)
Let us know how we can best support you bro - I'm already praying for you!
God bless!!
_________________
_Wes
FretlessBassist
SL on CD Baby
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 1:38 pm | |
| | _Wes wrote: | Welcome to the realm Matt - and to your new course in life.
There are many fallen among us - in fact - we all are, so here, you are among brothers (& sisters).
Plus - we like metal. 
Let us know how we can best support you bro - I'm already praying for you!
God bless!! |
Thanks Wes! You guys and gals on here rock! With all that I've been through and put myself through I just think that it is definetly time for a change in my life. I feel that GOD has let me survive the drug abuse for a reason. Honestly, the rate I was going would make Keith Richards probably say "That guy has a drug problem!" Anyway, thanks all for the kind words! |
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BackFromTheDawn
Age : 21
Joined : 18 May 2007
Posts : 2714
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:37 pm | |
| welcome to the realm. God be with you in your walk. i know it is very hard to keep on the straight and narrow...i myself have my own struggles.
stay strong bro.
_________________
"He had discovered Time and Death and God"-Aldous Huxley |
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:06 pm | |
| | BackFromTheDawn wrote: | welcome to the realm. God be with you in your walk. i know it is very hard to keep on the straight and narrow...i myself have my own struggles.
stay strong bro. |
Thanks! I do have to admit that I'm slowly starting to have a peace inside me that I've never known before. Even before I decided to stray from the path I've never known the peace that I'm starting to feel. I"m able today to start trusting GOD. It's hard sometimes because of the life I used to live. That life did end up being hell though. I sometimes miss the early days(or DAZE:twisted: ) but that led to the methadone clinic everyday and eventually(thank GOD) to rehab and a life of slow recovery. My life definetly is better knowing that above all else I do have a place reserved for me when I die following this path. The other path would've just led me down the road to literal HELL. I have had some pretty close calls in my life with my struggle with drugs. Having my daughter out of my life was the absolute lowest though. I thank GOD every night that I have her back in my life like I do now. My mother was taking her to church for awhile and hopefully if I get her on weekends again I'll be able to go along with her. I've been getting her during the weekdays now instead of on the weekends.
_________________
This ain't rock n roll...this is genocide! - David Bowie - Diamond Dogs |
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GODSWIZARD
Play it LOUD!!
Age : 51
Joined : 06 Jan 2007
Posts : 11093
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:29 pm | |
| Hang in there Matt.
It is good to see you sticking around here. (CMR)
Good.....good.....soon.....soon you will be one of us. 
_________________
"The 'farce' is strong with Obama-Wan." words of Scourge.
One of the twins: I'm the one who likes it all.... |
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Mattk1138
Age : 32
Joined : 06 Jun 2007
Posts : 419
| | Subject: Re: Starting a new path in life Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:37 am | |
| | GODSWIZARD wrote: | Hang in there Matt.
It is good to see you sticking around here. (CMR)
Good.....good.....soon.....soon you will be one of us.
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God threw something cool out to me Sunday morning on the way to church. I was telling my mother how proud of my daughter I was for saying her prayers without me telling her to. My mother asked her who taught her how to say those and she said my daddy! It was one of those moments that could make a guy covered with tattoos shed a tear That let me know that this path that I'm on now is one that I'm meant to be on. My daughter loves going to Sunday School. God is sooooo awesome! |
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