2020 Happy New Year!
I have moved my Blog. you can get a hold of me if you want to know the new address. 

I look forward to connecting. 
Joe

Gay Marriage Part One

From the Huffington Post Posted: 07/21/2011 6:42 pm EDT by Chris Michael 

In Arizona, it has been legal for gay/lesbian couples to get married since late last summer.
As a pastor who does believe marriage is between a man and a woman, I don't have a huge problem with this.

The problem I have is that there is small group of people within the gay/lesbian community that are trying to make a point by forcing people who do not agree with the lifestyle or marriage or both to accept it one way or another. 

I say only a few because I know many gay/lesbian people and they are not about making points, though they do want to be heard, which are two separate things.
We have some "Christian" churches that deal with this topic in a very hateful manner. We have seen them on the news and there have been documentaries created about them. These people that call themselves Christian are filled with so much hate that as a pastor I have to think that there is very little room for God in their hearts. They give all other Christians a bad name because they have the bigger mouths and we as Christians tend to stay silent, which helps the media and others, combine us all into one group. Shame on us.

I truly believe that marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman, and that is my right as a Christian and an American to believe.  Now that does not mean I hate gay/lesbians. 

I do not believe they need to be treated differently. They are humans and Americans as well and have rights as well. I truly believe that most in their community feel the same way about most Christians, they know that all Christians do not hate them and agree that Christians have a right to believe what we do as Americans. 

I am only talking about here in the United States of America. Unfortunately, other countries do not have the blessing we know as Freedom. (Sounds like another topic for the future) 

A small portion of Christians believe hate is the way to treat the gay/lesbian population and some gay/lesbians  feel they have to prove a point by forcing Christians, to do things against their beliefs. My focus will be on the few that are trying to prove a point.

I was honored to attend not one but two same-sex marriages in the past year. The first one was not too long after it was made legal in AZ. It was a small quaint ceremony at the home of the couple. They have been together for over 10 years I believe.  The mom of one got up and shared how she had attended a church in Jackson MS, back in the 60's. That day, there were a crowd of gay and lesbian students from a nearby university outside of the church, wanting to attend the service. Some of the people from the church, would not allow them into the building.  They were not being rude or flaunting anything, they wanted to worship God. When the Pastor got up to speak he stated he could not be apart of something where there was so much hate and He and the assistant pastor resigned and walked out of the church. The mother explained this with tears in her eyes, stating that she was excited and full of joy that her daughter could finally marry her partner. 

The other wedding I attended most recently was a big to do.  This couple went all out to express their excitement for being able to get married after many years of being together. The ceremony was in a church, which I have to admit I was a bit uncomfortable at first. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I have to say the reception was amazing. 

These two sets of couples got married because they loved each other and just wanted to have the same rights with their partners as married couples have, such as Hospital rights, death benefits, etc. They are not trying to prove a point to anyone. They just want to be happy and be with the ones they love. I get that, I understand, again I may not agree with the lifestyle but who am I to judge? Who are we to criticize? Who are we to not like the fact that it is now legal for them to do so (did you vote?)?

There are many verses in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, that speak to how the homosexual lifestyle is wrong and there was so much hate. Jesus came into the picture and things changed.  Hate is not an option. Sin is Sin, from lying to adultery, from stealing to murder. Sin, no matter what it is, is still sin. No one is perfect, and those that claim they are, Ah! They are lying! A sin! LOL 

God Bless 

Your comments and discussions are welcomed, you can do so anonymously. 

Coming up! 

Why is it so important to make a point? Who are you trying to hurt? 

If you truly love each other, why start off by suing people?  is that really love? 

Zombie Apocalypse!

It's good to be back! I look forward to a bit more sharing with you all. 

Last year I went to the Zombie Walk in Downtown Phoenix, after attending a wedding. My wife and I had some time and we figured what the heck let's see what this is all about. WOW. there were some intense costumes. People went all out. We was surprised to see it was actually a family event. the kids were dressed up as well. Zombies were all over the in all shape and sizes.  they even had the Zombie hunters, i think that is what they call them. It was incredible. they had a stage with a DJ. Adult beverage areas, and tons of food.  

There is such a hype right now with Zombies, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and whatever else is out there. Popular T.V shows and Movies. 

I wonder why that is?  Any Thoughts? 

Please share. 

If I am able to go this coming year, you bet i will be there! LOL 

God Bless

Coming Soon!

Gay Marriage Part 1 and 2

Seasons of Change..

Happy 20th...Yes Dear.

20 years ago I married my… ok I am not going to say the “F” word, I would rather use a Bible Verse.

 “It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.” LOL… (Proverbs 21:19, NLT). Can I get an AMEN! I have another one for later. Yes Dear..

I have known Alissa for close to 28 years. Boy does that make us sound old! We were high school Sweethearts. She loves to tell the story that she saw me in the school hallway and told her friend that I was the one she was going to marry. She had not even met me. She also loves to tell everyone that God created her for me because I am 9 months older than her. She loves to tell people how we met, but tends to forget the specific details. We did break up for about 2 years from 87-89, since we were in separate parts of the country. Also that I prayed to God for her to call me while we were our separate ways, and she did. Ultimately we wound up together. Whether you believe it was fate, coincidence, chance, luck, or the one I believe is true, part of God’s plan an purpose, we have been married for 20 years. 

“A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands” (Proverbs 27:15-16, NLT). LOL Look it up, it is in there. Yes Dear…

I would be lying if I said the last 20 years have been without drama. The first 7 were a roller coaster ride, not one of those fun ones either, more like the ones you come off all beat up or ready to throw up. Now before you get mad at me, Alissa would agree with me. It wasn’t because we did not love each other but there were some differences we had not dealt with or had to deal with when we were dating or engaged. Our Beliefs in God were vastly different. It was not fun. But somehow we made it work (God). It would have been easy to break up. But God reminded me that I did not marry her because of our faith but because of love. 

Ultimately, what was supposed to be the “7 Year itch” was a perfect year. A joyous year; a year of release; a year of seeing God at work. That’s right I am talking about 9/2001, it was a year of tragedy for our country and the world, but this was the year and month of breakthrough for Alissa and I, a year of new beginnings. We had built some huge walls and were so used to keeping things bottle up, we had to learn how to have a real relationship again. Have we perfected it? NOT, but we laugh, we cry, we talk loud, we whisper, we talk (I still need to work on actually listening, though, LOL). Yes Dear…
So what the heck or where am I going with this? Good question. Not sure, just started typing. 

20 years ago… I married the love of my life. We are older, wiser, heavier, and produce a lot more gas, yet you can’t pull us apart. She has supported me through thick and thin. Crazy career changes, school, and becoming a Pastor.
She is a great mom, teacher, friend, prayer warrior, and now Dr. and part time Professor, sister, daughter, aunt, daughter-in-law, cousin, well you get the picture. 
Almost forgot, wonderful wife! Yes Dear.. 

Chiqui (Chiquita, Spanish for shorty) I love you and look forward to the next 20. We have a beautiful daughter and someday, many grandchildren, according to Laura, LOL.  

A couple of months ago I was blessed and honored to marry a good friend of mine and her husband. My first wedding gig. It was awesome. The perfect day for the perfect couple. 
Watching them just Giggle and Gleam was a huge blessing for me. 

As I prepped for their wedding, I began to think of Alissa and I’s wedding day, it was hot and sticky and they pulled a dead body out of the river near the reception hall, after we finished taking pictures. But it was the most AMAZING day of my life tied with the birth of my daughter. We sit and watch the video at least once a year to get a good laugh, and get that goose bump feeling as if we were right there in the moment! 

Happy 20th Alissa. I love you! 

We are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes!

 Over a month ago our Family lost a  woman who made a huge Impact not only in our lives, those in her community, and across the island of Puerto Rico. She was married to my Dad, and she loved me as one of her own. She was a second mother to me. 

She loved her church and the Lord. She loved serving both in church and her community. She loved her family dearly.

James 4:13-15 New International Version (NIV)
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

I love verse 14  that says You do not even know what will happen tomorrow, what’s your life, you are just a MIST that appears for a little while and then vanishes. WOW Then you read Verse 13 and 15.

It reminds me of that old saying don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  We never know when and how we will leave this earth. But God does. Enjoy Life, family, Friends. Because we never know.

I know Irma the woman I spoke of above, is partying with Christ right now! She lived a short but very meaningful life. God gave her a gift and she used it to her fullest potential. Was she perfect , no, did she make mistakes, yes.

She loved the Lord with all her heart and might. She did her best to live as Christ.  Without asking for anything in return or expecting to go to heaven because of all she did. 

She loved and accepted Christ and the rest came from that.
Why do i mention this?

God does not expect us to be perfect but to live as Christ did. Churches, people, etc, give Believes a bad name because they attach all these rules on how to be a believer. Because of this non-believers call us hypocrites because they think once we  are “Christian” we have to be perfect.  And that is so far from the truth. We have to be Christ-like, we have to strive to follow His Lead, but nowhere does it say we have to be perfect. The Bible clearly says once Adam and Eve enjoyed that apple, we had no shot of ever being perfect. Christ was the only human to be perfect and we will never come close.  If churches are meant for Perfect people. They would ALL be Empty. The Church is for NON perfect people.  having a relationship with Christ is not Rocket science, but people try to make it that way.Accept  Christ and let Him take care of the rest.  You do not have to stop what you are doing before you do it, you do not have to be perfect in order to do it,  Just do it!
Enjoy life because we do not know when it it going to end.  Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, appreciate what you have and what God has provided us.  Make a difference!  Make an impact! but most important, invite Jesus into your life to let Him come along side you for the ride of your Life! 

PRAYER 

Lord I lift up anyone reading this that is not have a relationship with you or feel they are not sure what that looks like. I lift them up and ask for strength and courage and that their eyes be open to how easy it really is. that they understand that they don't have to be perfect and that they never will be. as we head into celebrating your sacrifice for us, i thank you for all you do in our lives. I also lift up my siblings and extended family as they process the loss of such a wonderful woman, Irma thank you for making an impact in my life. In Jesus name  AMEN AMEN AMEN!!! 

No MAS Pantalones- Quiet Time with GOD!

Most of us have seen the insurance commercial regarding the 2 insurance agents and  lier lier pants on fire... it cracks me. What does this have to do with the price of fuel in China?  Nada..

God puts people in our lives for a reason and we may never know fully why. As  new pastor i recently started to wonder why?  Our spouses,  co-worker, a  Neighbors, Friends, Enemies, etc  knowing that i may not ever figure it out i just gave up wondering...LOL...as many of the kids from church have started to say, "GOD's GOT THIS"...and not that i am doubting any of of the people in my life, but it is interesting how lives begin to intertwine and you get to see God at work. sometimes slower than quicker.... NO MAS PANTALONES!!!!  

This Sunday i was teaching the kids at church about praying for our enemies. It was so neat, yet heavy on my heart to hear the kids share who or what bothers them. we talked about how it is easier to want to get back at these type of people or wish them harm.. it is a quick feel good, but not what Jesus wants us to do. I told them that Jesus wants us to pray blessings on our enemies or people that bug us. The kids went wild saying no way, thats too hard, that's crazy! They of course are being honest and real. It is amazing how as adults we forget to be real.  We prayed for our enemies and i also felt that they should know if they are the ones being the bully or mean kid  that we could pray for that as well.  I could see some kids really thinking about. A bit draining but well worth it.. God is good! 

The rest of my  day was spending time with family at birthday/shower for my sister. 

Go home to get ready for a quick trip to Dallas. Winding down for  evening and BAAM! DRAMA...

My daughter was acting a bit out of sorts and i had to get to the bottom of it.  The things running through my head , were things a father of a daughter could process in such a short period of time.  Of course it goes to the really out of this world type of things..

Anyway, i determined what was going on, not a huge deal as i was making up in my little old head, but it was for my baby. after things calmed down,  I was able to talk to her. i was doing all the talking and she listened silently.  I was able to share with her that, she has heard  me talking to the kids at church that we are always going to make mistakes and we either learn from them or continue to make them. I was able to share that a mistake or bad choice, is meant to learn from and use it to become a better person. We can not dwell on the past and need to focus on the future.. if we keep bringing up our mistakes we can never move forward and grow... as i was talking to her and sharing how much she has to be thankful for and to look forward to, the tears ran down my face uncontrollably, as i am now, similar to the women on those spanish soap operas that can cry on the spot!!! LOL I know i  know, i am a SAP..   

Ok back on track.  I told her she is responsible for  choices and decisions, and that NOONE can take who she is, away  from her, only she can.  She did not say a word, except for "don't put anything on the sofa i just cleaned it".  But, i feel she heard me, without saying anything else. 

This morning on my way to the airport i processed the evening event and again the tears poured out as if i was trying to gather water for the up coming drought.  

I got to thinking that God  wants to have those types of conversations with us.Quiet time!  

The problem is as teens and adults we don't sit still and give Him a chance to speak to us.  he has so much  He wants to tell us but we are so busy, with this and that and stressing about this and that, and asking God for help and yet nothing seems to change.   If we take the time to just be still and Listen.. WOW, the things that He would tell us with a soft caring tone. Some of it Would be awesome ,and some of it Would be that tough love kind of talk that fathers have to have with their girls and the boys that want to date them...LOL 

As i sit here typing this on the plane telling people i have allergies, i realize this is one of th  ose moments as a father that i will never forget. My baby is growing up. She is a  teenager, they say these are the tough years.  

I am so proud of her, and that we are able to one of those "weird moments" ... God wants to have these weird moments with Him.. Let Him Speak, Listen, Listen some more. He is so proud of us and loves us unconditionally why would we not want to listen?  

I love being a father!!!! I can only imagine how He feels for us!!! 

Blessings 

Joe

Am I Bragging?

It definitely has been awhile since I posted anything. I apologize for that, but it has been a crazy 5 plus months. But a good Crazy.

 In February I began volunteering at my Church as the Interim Children's Director, to allow the Church to focus on searching for a new Youth Pastor and not have to also focus on searching for a Children's Director. I also graduated Cum Laude (with honors) from Colorado Christian University with my B.S. in Organizational Management in Christian Leadership (Business Administration, with a focus on Non-Profit). I was accepted into Manager in Training Program at my company and am in my final days of completing it. Finally I was offered and accepted the Children's Ministry Director (soon to be Pastor) position at my church.

Again, it has been crazy!

It was tough for me at first to want to even post any of the above information on my wife’s Facebook. Nevertheless, something said I should, and so I did little by little, and at times was uncomfortable about it and reading all the post in response to them. WHY? I can be a very humble person, and those of you that know me, are probably laughing right now, because you know it is true.

This morning I felt strongly and lead to write this short post, not to Brag, but to let everyone know, that I am not perfect, I am not superman! I have made and will continue to make mistakes in life. Yet God continues to bless me.. I can get Biblical here, but will not just to get to the point.

What I am trying to say, is that many people believe that in order to have a relationship or be blessed by God that we have to be perfect! Well, I am here to tell you DO NOT BELIEVE THAT LIE! My family and I are perfect examples of this, yes we may not always see eye to eye, have financial issues, or forget to trust God in many of our situations, but God is always there even when we may not see or feel Him.

Get over the Lies!

Get over the Doubts!

Get over Yourselves!

Leave it to God and See what happens!

Love you all!

Joe

Awesome Video!

This has been passed around on Facebook recently, over 16 million views on YouTube!

AMEN AMEN AMEN

Our Pastor also showed it in Church this weekend, which is the first time i was able to see it..

So True!

Blessings!

3 Times is a Charm?

So, i was accepted into the Manager in Training program at my company for 2012, after a 3rd time trying. i heard a lot of 3rd Time is a Charm.... 

What does that mean? 

• There is superstition that it is unlucky to take a third light, that is, to be the third person to light a cigarette from the same match or lighter. This superstition is sometimes asserted to have originated among soldiers in the trenches of the First World War when a sniper might see the first light, take aim on the second and fire on the third.
• The phrase "Third time's the charm" refers to the superstition that after two failures in any endeavor, a third attempt is more likely to succeed.

Bible Verse

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"

 Philippians 3:14 (New International Version)

.

Press On(1377) GREEK (dioko from dío = pursue, prosecute, persecute) means to follow or press hard after, literally to pursue as one does a fleeing enemy. It means to chase, harass, vex and pressure and was used for chasing down criminals. Dioko speaks of an intensity of effort leading to a pursue with earnestness and diligence in order to obtain. To go after with the desire of obtaining or in some contexts the desire to harm. It gives us the picture of going on the track of something like the hounds on the hunt and pursuing after the fox and implying a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain the goal.

http://www.preceptaustin.org/philippians_314.htm

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I press toward the mark - As he who was running a race did. The "mark" means properly the object set up at a distance at which one looks or aims, and hence the goal, or post which was set up at the end of a race-course, and which was to be reached in order that the prize might be won. Here it means that which is at the end of the Christian race - in heaven.

For the prize - The prize of the racer was a crown or garland of olive, laurel, pine, or apple; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 9:24. The prize of the Christian is the crown that is incorruptible in heaven.

Of the high calling of God - Which is the end or result of that calling. God has called us to great and noble efforts; to a career of true honor and glory; to the obtainment of a bright and imperishable crown. It is a calling which is "high," or "upward" - (ἄνω anō) - that is, which tends to the skies. The calling of the Christian is from heaven, and to heaven; compare Proverbs 15:24. He has been summoned by God through the gospel of the Lord Jesus to secure the crown. It is placed before and above him in heaven. It may be his, if he will not faint or tire or look backward. It demands his highest efforts, and it is worth all the exertions which a mortal can make even in the longest life.

Bible Verse

1 Corinthians 9:24

 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.(NIV)

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally(The Message)

Okay this was the long answer for the Question...LOL  I have worked hard and have been more focused upon my return to the company. My Leaders have helped refine my leadership skills which has helped me become the Leader i am Today... So, is third time a charm? I'll take it!!! LOL but really it is that pursuit of something, pursuit of the Goal, and of course we cannot forget it's God's timing. 

I remember when i was laid off from my full time position at the church, i was so excited, the HR person thought I was nuts,  because i really thought i was going to go out a run or lead a Children’s Program somewhere else, based on prayers and “signs”. I eventually took on a interim Director position as a Church. Whoo Hoo, NOT!! God showed me through the blindness of my excitement, that i was burnt out.  It was a hard lesson because i was sure it was God's Will for me, but what he really wanted was for me to Chill Out.. Rest.. Train or prepare for the next race.. I am still training and leaving it up to GOD as to the track or route that i am to take... 

I Pray that in these tough times that you do not lose sight of that. God has a plan for you! Even though we go through Hell sometimes, we make some good and not so good choices in life, You are still part of His plan! Ask Him what that is, He may not answer right away, or He may be answering you and you are just not wanting to see it.. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10, NIV). Sometime we just need to listen, sit back and see what we are doing, because chance are you are already doing His work.. It may not look like church work, or serving food at a homeless shelter, it may just being you and setting an example of Christ for the people around you. Just listening to someone at work drop their miseries on you, and they see Christ in you and you lift them up just by buying them a cup of coffee…I may be a Customer at work that you just smile or say something nice that makes their day… Making people laugh… Praying for people, making cakes for people, serving in the community, making a difference in someone’s life, your community… yes we need to support our churches, but that is not the only way God uses our gifts and talents! AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!

Facebook Part Duex!

          You just posted something  or sent a private massage to someone specifically and they have not responded as fast as you want, and you tend to get antsy. , wondering why they are not responding right away.. Sound familiar?
If you sit with your phone with you 24/7 or stop what you are doing because your phone beep or computer is alerting you someone responded to back to you or made a comment....  Then you know what i am talking about... LOL

^"When you are tempted, you shouldn't say, "God is tempting me."

 God can't be tempted by evil. And he doesn't tempt anyone.

But your own evil longings tempt you. They lead you on and drag you away.

When they are allowed to grow, they give birth to sin.

When sin has grown up, it gives birth to death "

 (James 1:13-15, NIV). 

"What i have noticed, and we all can speak to this, is that when people are stressed or under pressure or whatever, they start to look for something to get away, or if there is a void they try to fill it. Most people turn to Drinking, smoking, drugs, gambling, etc.. Now we have Facebook. People can connect with people, and do so in a manner without anyone seeing or everyone seeing and knowing their business. It is a quick fix."

Why is this? We can't wait to hear from a certain person or people.  We get impatient waiting to see what people or that specific person has to say to our post or response. 
We sit by our phones or computers just waiting for a response, that Quick hit". 
We are very familiar with it outside of social Media. Just talking to a specific person in person or on the phone or waiting for the phone to ring or email from someone.
It has just become a lot more easier with social Media. 

We have all experienced how the enemy can throw some bait in front of us and tempt us. Whether is it a good friend, old boyfriend or girlfriend, co-workers, etc... does not have to be a sexual thing but, we find ourselves, all of a sudden enjoying someones company more than usual, i am speaking more into the Facebook aspect or online, not in person, though it can be just as harmful.  Though not physically harmful, I have seen where it is mentally harmful or draining.
How people handle themselves is what can get them in trouble.. the temptation is there and they are thriving on it and their filters all of a sudden shut down and they can get sucked into harmful situations..... I would have to say or recommend that if you find yourself in a awkward situation, or you are spending way too much time on there, GET OFF.. don't let Facebook lead you down the path of sin as the Bible Verse stats above..  

Please note that i am not saying everyone that is on Facebook  is stalking someone or secretly has the Hots for someone.. Just like people who like to drink are not all addicts... I challenge you to chop off the amount of time spent on Facebook and see how you do.. Let me know!!!  

Americans Logged 101,000 Years of Facebook Time in Single Month

Natalie Wolchover, Life's Little Mysteries Staff Writer

Date: 14 September 2011 Time: 12:13 PM ET

A report released Sept. 11 by Nielsen, the media research and ratings company, reveals that Americans are spending more time than ever perusing social networks and blogs. Unsurprisingly, the report found that "Americans spend more time on Facebook than any other site."

In May, the most recent month for which data were collected, Americans spent 53.5 billion total minutes on Facebook — or roughly 101,720 years. As there were 140 million unique visitors to the site that month, the average user spent 382 minutes, or 6.4 hours, browsing Facebook in May.

Wow, that is a lot of Time... this has become the new couch potato....I could come up with a nick name for Facebook, but would probably offend someone!! LOL 

I know i am all over the place on this one... you should have seen the original entry...LOL
Facebook is a great tool to connect with people that we don't get to see on a regular basis.. It should not be a replacement for normal means of communication or therapy!!
 

PRAYER

Lord i pray right now for those having a difficult time right now with it being the holidays.  I ask that you touch their hearts and minds and show them the real reason for the Season...
I pray you bring people into their lives or a church that will make an impact on them.. I lift up those struggling with personal issues that they feel boxed in and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel..  I pray for relationships, finances, families, work, and health for those that are asking and those that are too proud to ask YOU!! I pray for any addictions out there! i pray you STOP them and heal people confined under the enemy!! Break the Chains! Heal the marks! Heal their souls.  Rain down your Glory and Mercy!!!!
In Your Precious name AMEN AMEN AMEN. 

Playing Santa!

One of my favorite Events!!!!

The school is located in a low income neighborhood.

They decorate their Activity Center with a festive theme.  

The Kids come in see Santa, get a hug or Fist bump, and a Candy Cane.

They then go in assembly line fashion and receive their gifts, from toys, books, shoes, and snacks.. 

The majority of the Kids light up when they get to see Santa!

The older ones are their usual skeptical selves, but we manage to get a smile or laugh out of them.. 

Santa tries to personalize each meeting to make it special for each child, it can be a their glasses, or a bow in their hair, to a Spiderman jacket, or their Hair style.  Every now and then I throw a “didn’t I see you at the mall or store last weekend” and get lucky.

The HUGS are my favorite part.

You can tell that some of these kids don’t get enough hugs!!

I have to add that the adults whether they are the school staff or parents, enjoy sitting with or on Santa’s lap as well!!!!



I'm Sexy and i Know it!!

     That has got to be the Stupidest song EVER, but i can guarantee  we are all singing it!! LOL

I am waiting to post the next part of Facebook Addition, but it has gotten out of hand with all the directions i can go with it..  so please stay tuned...

So today is my Birthday!!! I am 30 something....... and Feel Great...  Okay so i am really 40 something but you know how they say it's the new 30...I know Whatever Right!! LOL

Proverbs 4:10-13 (NIV)

¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
   and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom
   and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
   when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
                                                                guard it well, for it is your life.

So i was thinking about this on my way into work at 2:00 AM. God's Word is our manual, similar to a Car manual..He gives us guidance , and what we need to do in order to live a fulfilled life in HIM.. So i was watching a TV evangelist this morning before i change the TV to MTV and saw the Sexy and i know it video, i don't think i knew this particular pastor, but he was screaming how we just have to believe and God will take care of our health and finances etc... and that was it.. this, to me is kind of scary, because Yes GOD can and will do anything.. he is God,, but i can see how this type of teaching can cause more damage to a new believer even a strong believe without proper teaching.... I don't Think God is a Stupid God... Why would He, though he can, heal someone who is purposely not taking care of himself...this is a person let say who knows he is eating unhealthy, an just not purposely taking care of his body and knows it.. he ask for healing but continues to do the same, keeps asking for healing and finally gets to the point he is in death bed, and still no healing, he all of a sudden based on what the pastor was saying is now blaming God for not healing him, because he was naming it and clamming it, it did not happen... Same with Peoples' finances.. If they are not using their money wisely, why would God want to help them, if they are just going to

end up the same as before... Again, i am not saying He can't do it or won't, but why would He..Now I know he provides us with opportunities to be Blesses by Him if we take advantage of them..  If we are bombarded with ways to eat healthy, or budget our money, these can be His ways of blessing us if we take advantage of it.. if we do not, we can easily put the blame on God for not receiving His favor... Please do not think i am against the name it and clam it pastors, but i do feel that there is a lot of responsibility attached to this type of teaching.. 

PRAYER

lord i lift up everyone right now, that is dealing with financial issues, health issues, being away from family for whatever reason; depression you name it, LORD and i asked that you touch their hearts, open their eyes, and listen to YOU.. YOU may have already answered their Prayers and yet they have not noticed it or want to.. Lord i pray for the upcoming holidays as this is a tough time of year for almost everyone.. i pray for peace on decisions that have to be made, for as my friend says, that they focus on the TRUE REASON FOR THE SEASON, and not so much of the commercialism that can easily cause depression.. I pray for those away from their families for work, military, or family issues that you touch everyone effected with your hand of comfort and love and help them make it through the way only You can!!! 

In Your Precious Name! AMEN AMEN AMEN!!! 

P.S. Spell check not working today!!! LOL i tried to clean it up as much as i could!!  

Facebook Social or Addiction? PART ONE

"Don't let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, "God is trying to trip me up." God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one's way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer" (James 1:13-15, The Message).

ad·dict

[n. ad-ikt; v. uh-dikt] Show IPA

noun

1. a person who is addicted to an activity, habit, or substance: a drug addict.

verb (used with object)

2. to cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on an addictive substance, as alcohol or a narcotic.

3. to habituate or abandon (oneself) to something compulsively or obsessively: a writer addicted to the use of high-flown language; children addicted to video games.

(Dictionary.com)

         I did not realize that when I Googled Facebook addiction that i would have access to so many pictures and websites talking about this topic.  I will be sharing from my own experience as far as what I have seen or heard about Facebook or social networks in general. I will confess, i do not have a Facebook account nor do i want one at this time. I do connect, once in a blue moon, through my wife's account to check up on my daughter's account or to communicate with people that i can not get a hold of any other way...LOL 

 

"When the Internet clicked into the public consciousness more than a decade ago, experts debated its usefulness and staying power. Now, few would argue that mobile devices and online technology have become deeply embedded in society. Millions of Americans have become dependent upon the new digital conveniences that provide them with entertainment, information, products, and content. The impact of these technologies on interpersonal relationships - a domain often called social networking - has begun to rewire the way people meet, express themselves, and stay connected..."

Borrowed from:

   (Barna Technology Study: Social Networking, Online Entertainment and Church Podcasts  May 26, 2008. 

The Barna Group of Ventura, California, www.barna.org         

      

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OK, so do i have a beef with Facebook or MySpace or anything similar? not necessarily. When i first got into Myspace, back in the days, i quickly saw how ugly it could get if one wasn't careful.  Things were not blocked or censored as they can be now. Having a popular or common name, i had many people trying to connect with me that i never knew or did not want to know.  Myspace lasted about one month.  It was cool being able to design it the way i wanted and so forth, and i will admit that i was glued to it for a few days.       There is a lot of issues going on right now with Social networks.  One, is that people are getting themselves into trouble and two, people cann't seem to get enough of it.  Recently, in the state i live in, there was a Pastor of a Large church who stepped down, because of a relationship he got himself into, while being married. I know others have either connected with old boyfriends and girlfriends and have gotten themselves into or close to doing something they regret, Why are we doing this to ourselves.          What i have noticed, and we all can speak to this, is that when people are stressed or under pressure or whatever, they start to look for something to get away, or if there is a void they try to fill it. Most people turn to Drinking, smoking, drugs, gambling, etc.. Now we have Facebook.  People can connect with people, and do so in a manner without anyone seeing or everyone seeing and knowing their business.  It is a quick fix.  I have seen post that say i am laying in bed doing absolutely nothing. or sitting here trying to figure out what to do.. or i am bored what should i do... wait for it.....wait for it... BAAM.... 10 people like it and another 20 comment on their post....  and then awwwweeee... i got my hit for the next 2 minutes.  2 minutes later another post, i just went to the bathroom, wow i feel a lot better....or i feel ugly... i look fat... my toes are crooked....Why don't people like me....You get the point.... I guess what i am trying to say is that i see people on the road, work, mall, in the same car or house glued to their facebook, it has become more important then paying bills or doing homework, or talking to their spouse.  People are waiting to see if anyone is paying attention to them. They use it to make themselves feel better or wanted, kind of like Drugs or maybe even sex. Now, it is not everyone, but it is a lot of people, we know who they are. and i do not want anyone to think i am talking trash about Facebook or Myspace, we can be talking about any other addictions....Stay Tuned...........!!!!!!! I want to hear your comments on this, so PLEASE Post. this may lead int some deep stuff!!! You can tell me i am crazy.    "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives"       (1 Peter 2:11-12, The MSG).

Biology and God?

This was part of my Biology Class!

AWESOME!!!

Blessinsg to everyone this week!

I pray this message touches everyone!

Pass it on!!!

Luv You!

Happy Birthday MADRE!

Before i go further, you have to say MADRE as a non-Hispanic in order for it to be funny.... Okay so its not funny!! My mom will laugh! 

What can i say about my mom? Wow, I could be here for days on end. Being my mom should be enough. She gave birth to me on a cold December day in The Bronx, and we were in the hospital for about 2 weeks cause she had to breath and push so much for me that she had an asthma attack. My dad, Cuco, came on leave from the military to see me in the hospital and the other fathers would say "wow, is that your kid?  when was he born? he would say today", after being there a week.  LOL

My mom is a beautiful woman, my sisters take after her.  She showed me how to make coffee and breakfast, at first i thought it was to help me be self sufficient, but every now and then i wonder if it was just so that she and Papi Simo could stay in bed relaxing from their busy week!!! Um?? LOL I may never know! But i can make coffee and a mean breakfast!!!! She is a smart woman, she of course married Cuco, without him i would not be here, and she later married Papi Simo who kept me in check growing up, and who helped give me my 3 sisters.. I know complicated, but awesome for me.  She has always been a hard worker and mother all at the same time. She taught me how to comb my sisters' hair and cook and care for them.  I definitely got a lot from that. I can make a killer braid and pony tail! I know i am a good father because of it. She raised me to be a man not a machista or male-chauvinist. She has always told me to be myself and yet respect others, at least in their face!! LOL She has a mean right and left hook, i deserved it though, I'll leave that story for another posting..... She has a huge heart as well as my two dads, i know where i get it from!! She always listened, when i was younger, without judging, but with a corrective ear. She loves to dance , know where i get that from as well. She is a Grandma now and has passed the same qualities to my sisters and now her grandchildren when she is not yelling at them to calm down and relax!! LOL 

Happy Birthday Mom!

I love you very much and i wish you many more!!

Happy Anniversary Papi and Mom!

Birthday Wishes all Around!

Happy Birthday to my Sister Tara.  She is the middle sister on my mom’s side.

 “ I'm one of the best and probably most confusing people you'll ever meet. I'm class but I'm sass, I'm quiet and I'm loud. I'm out-spoken yet I'm reserved. I'm honest. I'm real!” Ms. Tara.

Let me tell you she is REAL! She is working on getting her Masters. She has a huge heart.  She is not married but has a Dog!  She is taller than me! She loves and enjoys life.  She does not have children, but has 7-8 Nieces and nephews that love her to death! She loves to write. She is passionate about taking care of the Earth we live on.  She is Beautiful both on the inside and outside!  She loves to Travel! Continue to Be YOU and be Real! We love you just the way you are!  May the Lord continue to enrich your life as you touch and enrich our lives and those of many others!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Birthday Number 2

Happy Birthday to my Dad Cuco (nickname)!! Jose Aurelio Gonzalez, Gotay, De Leo.. .”WHATEVER”” LOL

What can I say about my dad?  He has a HUGE HEART, Loves to help others, way before he helps himself.  He loves to fish with the alligators watching and following him on his 6 foot “Yacht”.  He loves Life and no one can take that away from him.  His favorite phrase lately is “Whatever”…  He brings out the Best in people.  Though sometimes doing so, may piss a few people off, not because he does so on purpose, but because he is such a rarity in today’s world that those few don’t understand him.   To them “WHATEVER”.  The man is full of joy even if he is having a bad day, which you would never know he is having one.  My dad has touched many lives and continues to do so every day.  He has always told me to be myself and never change just because.  I see a lot of him and my other dad Simo, in me.  God has blessed me with not just one but two Dads in my life.   Happy Birthday POPS!  May God continue to Bless you as you bless others unconditionally!  You have made a huge impact on my life as a father and husband, and blessing others!  THANK YOU! Feliz día en tu vida, Padrecito que dios te bendiga, que reina la paz en tu Vida y que Cumples Muchas Más!!!

Romans 8:38-39

(The Message (MSG)

"There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

   They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
   We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced

My baby is growing up!

My baby is growing up.

Today my daughter turns 15!. 

I can remember her being born, my mother in law there at our side. 

She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. 

Now she is 15.

For Latin Americans this is a rite of passage -bestowed on girls at their 15th birthday and marks their transition to adult life.  Here In the states it is the sweet 16. 

Are there any countries out there that wait until their girls are 21 maybe 30?

My baby is growing up.

My baby will be driving soon. WOW! It seems like yesterday I was just learning how to drive under the “L” in NY, almost giving my aunt a heart attack!

My baby loves to dance, loves children, loves to sing, and most importantly Loves God! 

God has blessed Alissa and me tremendously with our baby!

She is 15 and soon 21 and then 30 and eventually we will let her date!

Happy Birthday Mamita! I love you very Much!

You are 15 Today! You are not a baby anymore.

But you you will always be my baby!

My baby is growing up!

Daddy

Ecclesiastes 12:1 -3 “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.’ Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.”

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 will make your paths straight.”

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Prayer Lulu

Lord I thank you for the Gift you have given my wife and I. The little bundle of Joy is growing up! I pray protection over her and everyone she comes in contact with! I pray for protection of her heart and mind.  Lord, you be her guide.  We know You have plans for her Lord, and pray she listens and follows those plans!

Prayer Victoria

I lift up Our Cousin Victoria, Lord i also pray protection over her and everyone she comes in contact with! she is an amazing young woman and continue to touch her and fill her up with you lord! May she continue to bless everyone who hears her sing and speak! That she keep her eyes on You. that she continues to hear your Voice as You guide her to Calling!!!

In Your Precious Name!!! AMEN AMEN AMEN