No need to respond. . .

A Reason, A Season, Or A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

 

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

But how do you know where someone is suppose to be? Is it possible for someone to come for a reason but then last a lifetime? What if you're not ready for that person to go or to not be a part of your life? What if you need that person to be a part of your life?

People come and people go
But your touch cuts me deeper
And still it grows at the center
I will always remember
Years gone by
Seems like you're still here
Every night in my dreams
You remind me with kisses so tender
I will always remember

Never been one to give my heart up so easily
But now you're gone wish I'd given my heart completely
In the touch of a stranger I can feel you
In the eyes of a child I see your face
Your hold on my soul
Keeps me from danger
No matter how hard I try
These memories I can't erase

People come and people go
But your touch cuts me deeper
And still it grows at the center
I will always remember
Years gone by
Seems like you're still here
Every night in my dreams
You remind me with kisses so tender
I will always remember

In the brush of a stranger I can feel you
In the eyes of a child I see your face
Your hold on my soul
Keeps me from danger
No matter how hard I try
These memories I can't replace 

I just thought you should know. . . 

Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

When was the last time you were blamed for something you didn't do? Unless you're a hermit, it probably happens pretty often. Friends, family, church members, your teachers, your parents, your boss at work. Jesus talks here about mercy and love for our enemies, and about applying the Golden Rule. None of us wants to be judged or condemned, so we should not judge or condemn others. All of us want to be forgiven and to receive good gifts, so we must forgive and give to others.

Book of Wisdom

Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.

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Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

 As Christians we are always in danger, therefore we should always be on the watch. We should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone we will be able to keep our ground in an hour of temptation.

Worship

Good Afternoon to all. Today was somewhat of an unusual day for me. Either that or another element of reality really hit me today. It just now felt really weird that I was getting ready for church at 10:10 am this morning. I have always been use to waking up around 5 or 6 to get ready for church and get to praise team practice but I found myself getting ready at 10:10 in the morning. When I got to church everything seemed normal until people started asking why I was not on stage playing the keyboard. That's when it all started to hit me. To make things even more interesting, Pastor Al started a new message series today and today's topic was on worship. He explained that the Levites were the worship leaders back then and wrote many of the worship songs and how it was an honor to lead worship as well as participate in it.

I will get back to that someday. Now is the time to get back in tune with God, which I'm improving on everyday. I must stay focused on Him and His word. Yesterday, the song "Praise You in this storm" was in my head. Today the song in my head is "More Love, More Power"

More love, more power
More of You in my life
More love, more power
More of You in my life.

I will worship You with all of my heart
And I will worship You with all of my mind
And I will worship You with all of my strength
For you are my Lord
You are my Lord.

More faith, more passion
More of You in my life
More faith, more passion
More of You in my life

I will worship You with all of my heart
And I will worship You with all of my mind
And I will worship You with all of my strength
For you are my Lord
You are my Lord.

More love, more power
More of You in my life
More love, more power
More of You in my life.

I will worship You with all of my heart
And I will worship You with all of my mind
And I will worship You with all of my strength
For you are my Lord
You are my Lord.

Praise you in this storm

Today has been a very good day. I was able to go to the beach, spend time with my grandmother and watch a very good fight. I'm still disappointed that Penn lost though. It was cool though because we found a new hole in the wall spot to watch the fights. Anyways, while I was at the beach the song "Praise You in this storm" kept popping into my head and I was wondering why it wouldn't leave. I thought about it and realized that when you praise God all the time it feels as if you are secure in Him and everything is in His control. That song has been a long time favorite of mine and it's meaning is still true today just the same as it was when I got laid off back in 2006. Here are the lyrics for the song and now it's time for my old self to go to bed. . .zzzzzzz

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away


I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Saturday morning hike

Had a wonderful hike up MT Rubidoux. Thank You Lord for blessing us with such a beautiful day!

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day 2

Day 2 of triathlon training complete! 5 mile run and 400m swim! Exhausted!

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:-)

Never stop laughing and never stop smiling

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Need you now

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor
Reachin' for the phone 'cause I can't fight it anymore
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Another shot of whiskey can't stop looking at the door
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
For me it happens all the time

It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
And I don't know how I can do without
I just need you now

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothin' at all

It's a quarter after one I'm all alone and I need you now

And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk and I need you now

And I don't know how I can do without

I just need you now

todays temp

too hot

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Psalm 121

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

 ² My help comes from the LORD,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

 ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
       the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

 ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

 ⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore.

When the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing....you will change!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 Basically, as you all can easily tell, the main idea behind the verse is that God has a plan for us. He has a plan for each and every single one of us. Not only does He have a plan, but all of the plans are beneficial to us, they are meant to help us prosper, grow, and develop some hope for the future. We must also remember that sometimes what God considers a good and positive thing for us, might not seem like such a good and positive thing to us. The problem with this is that we like to be independent and develop our own plans for the future. We like to think that we've got it all planned out, and live under the delusion that we actually know exactly what God's plans for us actually are.

When the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing....you will change!

Black Mamba

Yesterday might have been his birthday, but 8/24/10 marks Kobe Bryant Day - Combining his Lakers & USA jersey numbers.

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A True Friend

A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success

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Never ever give up. HE is God and will always be there. Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

 This is a cool scripture... that we need to have confidence that God will do what he says he will. Sometimes we do what God says and we look around and the people that are doing bad stuff seem a lot more happy and content than we are... or the promised blessings don't come immediately. But, remember... this life is a test, and we have to pass it. We have to do God's will and then not abandon it immediately if something else looks temporarily more fun. Patience is part of the package... just like a child, when his parents teach him to read and write and walk and talk... and he can't do things exactly like a grown-up immediately. Learning takes time, and so do the blessings of God. He is mindful of us always, wanting to reward us for the smallest efforts... but he needs to give us things at the right time, and in the right way... and HE knows the timing best... we don't. So, do good... and trust God. He will give us the desires of our hearts, and bless us beyond imagining... if we can be patient and remember who we are for a little while. :)

Lead and guide me Lord. Psalm 31:3

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." Psalm 31:3

It's not God's desire for our inside to be out of sync with our outside. He desires for us to have our hearts turned toward Him and have our very pulse in beat with what He is doing in us. Where should we start to curb the chaos, release our controlling tendencies and lighten the busyness to fall in step with God? Start by being still. For some, that will go against every fiber of your being, but try it. Perhaps you abide in chaos because it's masking what is really going on with you. Sit quietly and pray for God to help you be keenly aware of Him. Nothing that you are going through is a surprise to God. Next, relax and trust the Lord. Sometimes feeling out of control causes you to hyper-control everything around you. Let go of your fears, doubts and worries and make room for God in your life. Finally, clear your calendar. We overbook and over-schedule out of habit and now busy feels normal. Is your fast pace driven by fear, or does it define your value or identity? If so, re-evaluate where your time and energy are being spent and why. Making a change doesn't come easily, but it can be done. Although seeking out time with God, learning to trust Him, and reorganizing your priorities can feel uncomfortable and difficult at first, I know for sure that it's not nearly as hard as living over committed and out of control.

g in the hospital

still a g even in the hospital

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Real faith produces Christian works. James 2:26

For as the body is dead apart from the spirit, so also faith is dead apart from works. James 2:26

 The Bible says “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” Acts 16:31. The Bible says that whosoever believes in Him (Jesus) has everlasting life. We are saved from our sins and given the gift of eternal life by exercising faith in Jesus. By trusting in Him and what He did for me on the cross as He died for our sins and was raised from the dead 3 days later. The Bible says “not of works lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:9. We are not saved by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ. James wants us to know it is a certain kind of faith that saves. It is a real faith. It is a genuine faith that produces action! It is saving faith — I really believe in Christ and in Him alone. James tells us that even the demons believe in God — but they have not exercised saving faith in Jesus. The life of a tree is in the root. But if it never produces any buds or fruit, it is dead. But it is not the buds or fruit that make the tree alive, it is the root. The buds and the fruit prove or give evidence that it is alive!

Dear Jesus, when I am falling short on faith and finding it difficult to step up and trust in You, please help me stay focused on You and remember that You are God and You will never leave or forsake me. Amen.

Rip Curl!!

My favorite surfing brand next to the conference!!!!!

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sound engineering conference

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Day 1

Day 1 of triathlon training is complete. 5 mile run with a 400m swim.

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Relaxation

And the 3 day weekend has begun!!!!!

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Stay focused on Him. Lamentations 3:22-26

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26

 

1. There is much more than this life. Turn your focus from the things of this world, and place them on eternal things, (Lamentations 3:22).
2. Live one day at a time. Get up each morning and ask for new mercies for this day, (Lamentations 3:23). Do not get into the trap of focusing too far in the future.
3. Put your hope in God, not your circumstances. Your confidence must come from God. You must study and meditate on who God is and His wonderful attributes. Study and memorize His Word, study His promises, (Lamentations 3:24).
4. Be patient . . . wait on His timing, (Lamentations 3:25-26).

There is no one or anything on this earth that has all the power as You do. Please keep me focused only on You. Amen.

Mt. Rubidoux Run

It gets more and more beautiful everytime.

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Please continue to pray for my grandpa

My grandpa was admitted into the ER yesterday and had surgery early this morning to remove fluid in the lungs. He is in a lot of pain and needs your prayers. Thank you.

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Pictures

Celebrity Status

Good Evening Everyone! First of all I had an extremely amazing time and will tell all about it but first I must tell you all about my newly acquired status. During the last couple days I have noticed that my life has some elements that are similar to that of a celebrity. Like a celebrity, everyone pays close attention to your every movement. Everything from who you talk to, what you eat, where you go, when you use the restroom, etc. There are those who are very open about observing you like the press and media and then there are those who hide in the shadows like the paparazzi. So they go on with their lives with nothing else to do but to key in your life and find out everything they can about it. But what happens when there's nothing to report? What happens when the celebrity wants to just lay low and focus on themselves or their families and stay out of the light? Well when a gossiper, excuse me, I mean when the press and paparazzi can't find anything to write about or there's nothing to report to support what they want to display the celebrity as they then turn to what they do very well and lie, gossip and spread rumors that are untruthful. This is the area where I'm most like the celebrity. There are certain people in this world that want things to be either their way or they are trying to acquire something themselves but for some reason I stand in the way. So when I'm laying low, trying to stay to myself, they create and spread rumors to get what they want. I know it's very cliche but it really is true when they say your haters are your biggest fans because they are the ones who pay the closest attention to your every move. And it's fine, I hope they enjoy following my life and all the excitement it involves. If it makes it easier you should just subscribe to my blog since I will be recording all my travels, trips, accomplishments, failures, and everything else that happens to happen to me on here :) just to make it a little bit easier for you. Just to give you a teaser, Seattle is next on the list. Anyway, I always follow up or start each blog with a verse that has meant something to me during the particular time of the writing and today's goes to Matthew 5:44.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

I was a culprit of this terrible sin and I wish I could go back in time and take back all the things that I have said about many individuals. I know it is too late for that but I will continue to praise the Lord and love my enemies. 

(Proverbs 16:27-28) ²⁷ A good-for-nothing man is digging up what is bad, and upon his lips there is, as it were, a scorching fire. ²⁸ A man of intrigues keeps sending forth contention, and a slanderer is separating those familiar with one another. 

(Matthew 7:1-5) 7 "Stop judging that YOU may not be judged; ² for with what judgment YOU are judging, YOU will be judged; and with the measure that YOU are measuring out, they will measure out to YOU. ³ Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother's eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, 'Allow me to extract the straw from your eye'; when, look! a rafter is in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First extract the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to extract the straw from your brother's eye.  

(Proverbs 17:17) ¹⁷ A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress.

I will be complete in You

Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice–my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to You, Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let Your love fall down on me
I know Your love dispels all my fears.

Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith, I will walk on, Lord
Then I’ll see beyond my calvary one day,
And I will be complete in You

I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to You Lord
In Your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let Your love fall down on me
I know Your love dispels all my fears.

Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And I pray I will hold on, Lord
Then I’ll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You

Chicago Bound

I'm a bit nervous but more excited for this week and for what's to come. This Tuesday I will be "on my way to the windy city, the windy city that's mighty pretty", Chicago, IL. I'm excited for this new venture in my life and to see what God has in store for my life. I will keep you updated with posts about all my adventures and pictures of all the cities I travel to.

On another note, even though we lost, the Broncos looked fantastic tonight!! Tebow rushed in for a touchdown in the last seconds of the game and Orton threw 2 touchdowns! I really loved what I saw. It's going to be an exciting season!!! And the US Men's Basketball team also defeated France. Not that that is breaking news or anything. . .it's expected lol.

Anyway, good night to all.

Faith. You have to get out of the boat in order to Walk on Water.

Today was an amazing day in which I spent a lot of time in God's Word. Both Oasis and Harvest were outstanding tonight. Faith. That is the topic that I will be writing about tonight. In order to Walk on Water you have to first get out of the boat.

Matthew 14:26-32 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

We all know what Peter should have done, right? Keep his eyes on the Lord, NOT the waves!!! That’s easy for us to say. But how many of us have ever stepped out of the boat? I didn’t notice any of the other disciples playing follow the leader with Peter.

It was a clear day that morning when the disciples decided to go out into the water without Jesus. That's a lot like our own lives now. When everything seems clear and fine we forget that we need Jesus and we need to focus on him that we go out into the water without him. When we do that though storms will come and waves will knock at your boat. It's at that moment when we realize we need the Lord and should have never went on without him. We need to step out of the boat and do what others will not do. We need to live as others wouldn't and live and focus solely on Jesus. It may require sacrifice or losing of loved and treasured ones but all in all when we go out into the water without Jesus that's when our boats will get overturned.

There are many times in my life when I feel like things are against me.  I do not feel like I am moving forward; in fact, I’m fighting just to stand my ground.  I feel distant from God, knowing He hasn’t forsaken me, but feeling that He is not as near as I’d like.  In those times, it is an encouragement to remember Peter… He was willing to step out alone in faith to be closer to Jesus.  He was willing to leave the limited protection of the boat to step out further into the storm, since that is where the Lord was standing.  And, what is more, he stepped out alone, leaving the rest of the apostles in the boat.

I’m also reminded to seek God in prayer.  Just as Peter asked Jesus to call him before he stepped out, so I am reminded to ask for God’s guidance before I step out.  Walking by faith is not walking aimlessly, hoping God will catch up, but rather waiting for His voice and following His lead.

Father, please remind me to call to you when the storms of life rage around me.  Remind me that I can step out in faith to where you lead me.  Give me a heart that longs to be close to you, even if I must step out alone.  And help me to remember to keep my eyes on you rather than the storm around me.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART. Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Who do you trust? Now that's a good question. Trust seems to be in short supply these days. Can we truly trust anything or anybody? Who can we be sure is telling us the truth? How can we be certain that life will get better and not worse? When the situation of life gets difficult and the unknown becomes overwhelming our need to have something or someone to depend upon - to trust - becomes even more pronounced. How we long to be able to depend on someone or something to provide certainty and stability in our lives. In the midst of the troubles and uncertainties of life, we can be certain of one thing - God is trustworthy. Our Father in heaven desires and invites our trust in Him, calling us to trust His wisdom and purpose for our lives. He calls us in Jesus Christ to Himself that we might have a sure and certain hope, that in the face of every challenge and trial we face in life, that in Jesus we know our sins are forgiven, that we are always held in the palm of God's hand, and that we will be with Him forever in heaven. His Word and Spirit are always there to guide us, guard us, and keep us in Him.

Footprints in the sand

God blesses those who continue to bless other people

Everyday, I sincerely believe more and more that God gives you daily lessons to learn and when you pass them, he rewards you in ways you could never fully imagine. Nowadays, I keep the quote: “God blesses those who continue to bless other people” as close to my heart as possible. I repeat it over and over as many times as I remember to so that it becomes an automatic thought, as natural as it is to breathe air.

Because of this, each step I take, every situation I’m in these days continues to be a richer fuller one because I realize this is an opportunity and a moment where I can give countless blessings to others, learn something new myself and ultimately become closer to God. And, I realize that each time I bless another person, two people are blessed in the process, that person and me.

 Paul tells us: "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Over time that promise has become abbreviated to "God will never give you more than you can handle." Like many others, I've derived comfort from these words, though I know God does not "give" me loss, pain and grief. 

"Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods" ( 1 Chron. 16:23-25).

As we praise God, we will discover incredible benefits for our lives. That's because human beings were created by God to praise Him ( Isa. 43:7, Matt. 21:16). Due to man's original sin, however, this relationship was disrupted. Praising God helps restore us to that right relationship, for God actually dwells in the praises of His people ( Psalm 22:3). As we draw near to the Father in praise, He draws near to us ( James 4:8). 

Lord, You have made me and You love me. Forgive me for failing to give You the praise which You deserve. I confess my need of You in all things. I desire to walk in joy and praise. Release me now into a deeper understanding of who You are, so that I may truly praise You. I ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Must hit rock-bottom before we come to our senses. Luke 15:11-32

The Parable of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke is familiar to most of us. It's the story of a rebellious son who rejects his father's upbringing. Prideful and strong, the son heads-off to a far-away land, leads a wild life of adventure, and squanders everything of value (literally and symbolically). Not until he's confronted with failure and despair, does he return home, repentant and willing to do anything to win back his father's favor. To his surprise, and the surprise of others, he's welcomed, without question, into his father's loving and forgiving arms. No amount of time, no amount of money, and no amount of rebellion could get in the way of the father's patience and unconditional love for his son. "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24). Of course, the awesome message of this parable is that God is patient and gracious with all of His children. He is willing to welcome each of us home into His loving and forgiving arms.

This young man was on his way to his father; but he would not have reached him unless his father had come the major part of the way. When you give God and inch, He will give you an mile. If you come a little way to Him, when you are "yet a great way off" He will run to meet you. I do not know that the prodigal son saw his father, but his father saw him. The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance. Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared to the eye of God's love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees Him. I do not suppose that the prodigal traveled very fast. He was resolve to come, yet he was half afraid. But we read that his father ran. Slow are the steps of repentance, but swift are the feet of forgiveness. God can run where we scarcely limp, and if we are limping towards Him, He will run towards us.

One other important part of the parable which I believe speaks the most is the part with the pigs. Pigs were unclean animals. Jews were not even allowed to touch pigs. When the son took a job feeding pigs, even longing for their food to fill his belly, it reveals that he had fallen as low as he could possibly go. This son represents a person living in rebellion to God. Sometimes we have to hit rock-bottom before we come to our senses and recognize our sin.

Obedience: It protects us

As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. -John 12:47-48

 While obedience may not be a popular concept in modern culture, Jesus reminds us that it is essential that we obey his teaching. God longs to save us through Jesus. He is not looking to trip us up on some fine point of Jesus' teaching that we missed. But, our hearts need to be willing to do all that Jesus says because obedience is a blessing -- it protects us from some things that we should never have to face and leads us to blessings that are found only when we do things God's way. Jesus' words are important! We should listen to them as if eternity depends on what we do with them -- because it does!

Suffering, Trials, and Tests

The Bible teaches that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). It is reassuring to know that when God allows suffering, which He could prevent, He is accomplishing something good. Some of the good things God can accomplish through our suffering are as follows: building endurance and perseverance into our lives (James 1:3, Rom. 5:3), helping us grow in Christian maturity (James 1:4), proving our godly character (Rom. 5:4), developing Christ-likeness (Rom. 8:28-29), helping us grow in personal holiness (Heb.12:10), and giving us the assurance that we are His children (Heb. 12:7-8). We may not see the good that God is accomplishing. But we can be confident that His eternal purposes are being fulfilled through our trials. Sometimes the dark threads are as needful as the threads of gold and silver in the pattern God has planned. But someday, he will unroll the tapestry of our lives and we will see the beautiful work God has accomplished, partly through suffering. It is important to keep an eternal perspective when going through suffering. Paul wrote, "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

God recognizes that sometimes greater glory will come to His name by permitting evil rather than disallowing it altogether. It is hard to understand from a human and earthly perspective why God will sometimes allow human suffering for the purpose of bringing greater glory to Himself. But if the purpose of our lives is to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31), then we will accept suffering gladly to more adequately exhibit the greatness of our God. 

25 Keys To What Suffering, Tests, and the Storms of Life Can Do For a Believer

 

LEAD US TO GOD'S WORD,AND REPENTANCE & FAITH IN JESUS—KEEPING US FROM INDIFFERENCE

REMIND US OF WHO IS IN CONTROL OF THE WORLD, AND EACH OF OUR DESTINIES

TEST OUR FAITH & SHOW US WE MUST KEEP OUR EYES OFF OUR STORMS & ON TO JESUS

PRUNE & PURIFY, CORRECT & DISCIPLINE US— PRUNING US FOR MORE FRUIT - PURIFYING MOTIVES

SLOW US DOWN ENOUGH TO ALLOW US TO ASK IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

GOD CAN SHOW US HIS GRACE & STRENGTH THROUGH OUR WEAKNESSES - SO HE WILL GET GLORY!

CONFORMS US INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST— LEADING US TO EXUDE CHRIST-LIKENESS

PROTECT TRUE BELIEVERS FROM PRIDE—THEY GIVE THEM A NEED TO REACH FOR GOD'S HELP

TRIALS REVEAL YOUR CHARACTER— WHAT IS PRESENTLY INSIDE US: FAITH, FEAR, UNBELIEF

ARE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GOD TO ETERNALLY REWARD YOU

WILL PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT OUR FAITH IN GOD WAS IN DEED GENUINE

MAKES US PARTNERS WITH CHRIST; SHARING HIS SUFFERINGS— WHEN WE STOP SINNING TOO

KEEPS US FROM CHASING OUR FLESHY DESIRES & MAKES US ANXIOUS TO DO GOD'S WILL

HELPS US TO LEARN OBEDIENCE, LIKE CHRIST, FROM THE THINGS WE SUFFER

HELPS US TO EMPATHIZE WITH OTHERS—GOD WANTS US TO SHARE EACH OTHERS BURDENS

BRINGS BELIEVERS TOGETHER FOR PRAYER & TO BUILD UP GOD'S ETERNAL KINGDOM

BE SENT FROM GOD TO KEEP FAR WORSE PROBLEMS & THINGS FROM HAPPENING TO US

USED BY GOD TO DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER TO DO A MIRACLE IN YOUR LIFE, & TEACH YOU FAITH

THEY MOTIVATE US TO LEAVE ONE SITUATION FOR ANOTHER, FULFILLING GOD'S WILL

LEAD US TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL IN A GREATER WAY, AND IN PLACES WE WOULDN'T HAVE GONE

OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO SHINE FOR JESUS IN FRONT OF PEOPLE YOU WOULDN'T HAVE

CAN BE GOD GETTING US INTO POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY (ON THIS EARTH OR FOR ETERNITY)

SATAN TRIES TO CHOKE GOD'S WORD OUT—BE FAITHFUL & YOU'LL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE

BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO BE OVERCOMERS THROUGH JESUS—LEADING TO ETERNAL LIFE

CAN BE THE LORD TEACHING US NOT TO RELY ON OURSELVES, BUT TO RELY 100% ON GOD

She deserves someone better. Someone that has been through the fire already and is ready to take on new adventures. I'm a wreck and destroyed and cannot offer her what others can. I need to go through the fire for her and change inside and out. For all good things comes to those who wait on the Lord. God knows our future and knows are plans. Everything will work out in His plan to bring Him glory.

Never stop laughing and never stop smiling

The world and its desires will pass away

Church was awesome today and the sermon today really touched my heart. The specific verse that really hit me was 1 John 2:15-17. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

What a powerful verse and strong message. Nothing in this world can give us joy like Jesus can. The world can't give us joy and it definitely can't take it away from us. This verse speaks to me because I did suffer from all the cravings of a sinful man. With the help of God the Father and his Son Jesus I will conquer the hold my sinful flesh has over me an live a life that is pleasing to God. I need to be an example to the lost and confused in the world and let my light shine for Christ.

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I keep on falling. . .

I once read that "the worst part about of letting time pass is always the first week". I wish that were true because not much has changed. I find myself "thinking blue" instead of going out and meeting new people, creating new experiences, and sharing old memories with friends. I can't do it because I lock myself up at home because I don't want anything new. I want things to be how they use to be. I don't want change nor do I want to see what change has to offer. This whole week I've tried to make myself extremely busy by moving, staying on top of school, helping out my family, and writing new music. . .but my mind fights against me and reminds of the old times and how the things were.

I made my mistakes and now must live with the pain.

Everything is my fault. I'm a sinner and I sinned. I must live with my mistakes and worship my Maker.

I praise you Lord.

Never stop smiling and never stop laughing

Last minute change

Well I had this very long post all written up about waiting and being patient on the Lord for things like the Santa Ana PD but I've decided to write about something else.

A reverend, and he is ordained ;) once said that: An apology is the best way to have the last word:: no one has ever choked by swallowing their pride.

When you practice forgiveness it will not back fire on you. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces in the world along with apologizing (admitting your wrong). When you are faced with the chance to forgive take it and do it with a smile. Because these are tests that God gives you to teach you forgiveness, patience and love. Forgiving someone, I believe, is one the of strongest ways to show someone you truly love them with all your heart. Of course, things don't always work out the way we want them too but never ever see it as backfiring on you. I've learned from church that when you pray for something God will always answer you. The problem is no one knows how to take no. If you're praying for something (ex. Santa Ana PD, relationships, money, better job) sometimes God will answer with a "no" and not give you what you ask for. Just remember that everything is in God's timing, maybe you need to wait for that perfect something because you are not ready to handle it properly right now. There are obviously millions of reasons why God doesn't always give us the desires of our hearts but the one thing that we need to remember is that He loves us and only wants the best for us and sometimes the best thing for us is a "no" because it just might be temporary. 

With all of this said, I'm going to make a quick right and talk a little about Karma. Some people call it Karma, I call it "do unto others as you would want done unto you". This is real people and yes it will get you. It's the same as what I posted yesterday about your sin finding you out. When you sin and hurt someone else, especially one that loved and cared about you with their whole heart, Karma or that phrase will come knocking at your door and will hit you where you thought you could never get hit or be affected. And Karma doesn't care who she tears into, it doesn't even matter if you play the keyboard on stage for your church every Sunday. . . .

Now for a quick left turn. . .To be on a praise and worship team is a blessing. It's a blessing to be part of the team that ushers people into the throne room of God through worship. God yearns for us to worship him and being on the worship team preps people to enter into that room with God. Of course anyone can do it on their own but it does help to have the worship team. To be a part of this elite team of God it requires a person to have flawless character, a heart after God, and most importantly someone who is not a hypocrite but someone who practices what they preach and stand for. I've thought long and hard about my decisions and I know that the church and God stands behind them. I am only human and I'm definitely not perfect but I don't have a heart after God. The Lord is exactly what I need right now. The Lord knew that and did what he had to do to get my attention. The Lord gives and takes away. When something is higher than God in your life, He will take it away because He should always be #1 in our lives.

Everything is my fault. I'm a sinner and I sinned. I must live with my mistakes and worship my Maker.

I praise you Lord.

Never stop smiling and never stop laughing

Your sin will find you out. Ephesians 5:11-14

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

-Ephesians 5:11-14

 This is a verse that I have experienced full force. No one gets away with any sin no matter how large or how small. Your sin will always find you out. It might be found out right away or could take months to be exposed by the light, but in the end it is always illuminated. I've learned countless times this year the importance of honesty and being true. Those are two qualities that cannot be compromised. You must always tell the truth even if it is a painful one because lying to someone to protect them is still lying and it is wrong. Later you will realize, "what am I protecting them from?" It hurts more to find out someone lied. Give them the truth, be there for them if it hurts.

He gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

-Job 1:21

He gives and takes away. I thought about this verse today as I contemplated that perhaps God was "taking away" something precious in my life. God is good. He doesn't take things from us to hurt us. I believe He allows sacred and precious things to be ripped from our lives at times. If there was something in our lives that was taking a higher place than God, He would remove it from our lives. God said He is a jealous God. (read the book of Exodous) He will not share His glory with anyone or anything. And I believe that if we keep putting something above Him in our life, He will remove it at least for awhile.

 You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Blessed be Your name

Today is Jackie's Bday

Today is Jackie's Bday!!!

I love her so much!!!

She has always been so supportive and she is always there when I need her. I couldn't have asked for more.

Like the sun that rises everyday, our Lord is so faithful

You are so faithful Lord

Like the sun that rises everyday,
You are so faithful. Lord, You are faithful.
Like the rain that You send,
And every breath that I breathe,
You are so faithful, Lord


Like the rose that comes alive every spring,
You are so faithful. Lord, You are faithful.
Like the life that You give,
to every beat of my heart,
You are so faithful, Lord.



I see the cross and the price You had to pay,
I see the blood that washed my sins away.


In the midst of the storm
through the wind and the waves,
You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful,
When the stars refuse to shine and time is no more,
You'll still be faithful,
You'll still be faithful, Lord.