How Great Thou Art

My heart burns for Jesus.

This is so powerful!

How Great Thou Art

A Simple Thank You

Dear God, today I woke up.

I am healthy.

I am happy.

I am loved.

Thank You.

Learning My Son

This week, Logan and I had a WONDERFUL time in Portland! We drove down and talked and talked… and TALKED. It was so nice to "learn my son," all over again. The best parts were the "having my own queen size bed and jumping on it, eating junk food until I was about to explode, shopping at the Nike store, seeing Kobe in real life, and spending time with dad" (<--- all his words; not mine). :)

HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking time to be with your son, if you haven't taken the time lately. You will not regret it!

Engage God

Is it sacrilegious to write in your bible?

(Sacrilegious:  Grossly irreverent (disrespectful) toward what is or is held to be sacred.)

Growing up, I was raised with the notion that the answer was YES.

I now know that this is not true.

If ANYthing, I find it more disrespectful to allow your bible to collect dust or remain packed up in a box somewhere.

The bible is the word of God and it is intended to be read and understood. Anyone can read the words on the pages but to understand, to comprehend the intent of His message, takes serious focus and concentration (meditation). And, as with any other form of study, I have found that it is best to get fully engaged with God and allow Him to take control.

Therefore, if your heart's true intent is to get to know God, and not deface the bible, not only is it acceptable but rather, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, that you utilize your bible as a study tool in the biggest test of life.

This person, obviously, gets this, too.

(photo credit:  www.pinterest.com)

Resolutions

Resolutions

Yesterday, I called for a family meeting. The topic of discussion was "resolutions."

Not sure where the conversation would go, nor the outcome, what I did know is that God is GOOD.

And, He has blessed us plentiful by our obedience to Him as a family.

This said, I prayed and asked Him to show me the way.

Leaning on my bible, I referred to a verse which I have relied heavily on this past year...

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13

Ironically, this same verse was used in a Christian-based movie entitled Soul Surfer which we watched just a couple of weeks ago. Great movie, by the way!

This year, I want to introduce my family to traditions. As such, resolutions are now added to the bucket.

This year, we will SUPPORT one another in striving to attain our goals.

This year will be a year of strengthening, of bonding, of memory-making for God's glory.

We decided that this year, we would each choose three goals with three areas of focus.

Spiritual

Physical

Personal

The secret in attaining our goals will be to lean on one another and to remind one another that God is the One who gives us strength through the power of his Grace.

We spoke in detail about materialistic, earthly possessions which hinder us in becoming closer to God.

We discussed the meaning of happiness versus joy.

In Philippians, Paul expressed the importance of being content with our blessings; how it is within our nature to want more and never be completely satisfied until we realize that we can never win the rat race.

That in order for us to find true peace within our lives, we must admit to this human ideal and…

let. it. GO.

If you always want more, and if you ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment, you will be a step closer to reaching inner peace.

As the spiritual leader of MY home, I will trust in the Lord and pray daily for His guidance.

2013 will be a year to remember.

Praying.

Are YOU Being Selfish?

Let's Talk

I am going to vote; however, here is what I find VERY disturbing…

I. The exorbitant number of people who do NOT vote because they:

1. Could care less. (<--- how about caring for the future of this nation? for our children?)

2. Feel that things “happen for a reason” (<--- there is such a thing as “free will”… things are not “caused” to happen but happen by our free will and things are “allowed” to happen)

3. Do not believe their vote counts (<--- no vote IS a vote)

4. Think that neither candidate is worth voting for (<--- again… no vote IS a vote)

II. People who DO vote but base their OWN PERSONAL decision(s) on their candidate’s stance on one or more of the debatable issues (e.g., health care reform, economic recovery plan, social security, abortion, etc.).

------------------------

Where do YOU fall?

Have you ever stopped to ponder just how many people are being selfish?

How many people are making a decision based off their own, personal desires or ambitions?

How many people vote for a candidate because off their candidate's own stance on issues that affects, NOT the nation as a whole, but THEM directly (e.g., right to bear arms, abortion, medical coverage, military cutbacks, etc.)?

I implore you to put all selfish ambitions, desires, wants or methodology aside and base your decision on the principles that this country was founded on… biblical, God-fearing, principles for the future generations we will be leaving behind. The only way this will happen will be by creating dialogue with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, family and anyone else who will listen and engage (intelligently) and not shying away from the issues that face us today. One thing I have learned in life, as many of you have, is that if you see a problem, do not be the one to criticize. Take the problem for action by offering recommended solutions and leave it up to the people we place in charge to make the best, possible well-informed decision. That is what truly makes this country great.

Your VOTE is documented.

Your voice IS heard.

Make it count.

(photo credit:  www.americansforprosperity.org)

Like a Fine Wine

Jose and Melissa Garcia

Established August 20th, 1994