John 8:12 - Light of Life

 May 5, 2026 - La Casa de Alvarico - Tuesday 08:06 am 

John 8:12 

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life."

___________________________________________________________

 Light was created on the first day.  God only needed to speak the words, and it was created.  Then he said it was good.  He then separated from darkness, calling the light "day" and the darkness "night".  Genesis 1:3. One thing to notice is that He did not create darkness, He SEPARATED it...meaning, darkness was already at creation.  When Jesus spoke these words in the Gospel of John, He declared that He is the Light of the world.  All we need to do is to obey, and we will be in the light.  Does this mean the light is on all the time? No, God created light - the very aspect of life that is necessary to live life!  So, there will always be darkness...for a time.  When God created, there was no clock to obey—no timeline to meet, no deadline to chase, no moment He was bound to attend.  

Since Jesus is the light of the world, we need only to be in the light...meaning we must obey.  

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

You created light, and you gave light through your son, Jesus Christ.  Help us rest in that fact, help us keep this in mind, help us be intentional as you are intentional, help us remember that JC is the light, and all we need to do is be in the light.  Guide our ways with that light, strengthen us with the light (vitamin D), nourish our bodies with the light, and love us in the light.  

We ask this all in your beautiful name, 

Amen and Amene 

As we walk, we must stay in the Light of Life. 

     

Psalms 46 - Be Still and Know

March 29, 2026 - La Casa de Alvarico - Sunday - 12:12 am  

In light of the Kona Storms that hit the Hawaiian Islands over the last (2) weeks.

Psalms 46 - Be Still

MY BELOVED – THE COMMUNITY AND ALOHA

My beloved,

There are moments when nature feels overwhelming—loud, disruptive, and beyond control.

The storms come in, the land shifts, and for a while everything feels unsettled.

We see the devastation; We see the mess; We see what has been broken; and it’s easy to stay there…

to question, to feel frustrated, to not understand the bigger picture.

But if we stay there, we miss what is happening right in front of us.

Because after the storm, I see the people.

I see the community rise.

I see what it truly means to mālama ʻāina—to care for the land, not because we own it, but because we are connected to it.

Not ownership… but stewardship.

Not obligation… but love.

And I see mahalo in a way that goes deeper than words.

Not just a simple “thank you,” but a grateful heart that recognizes we are not alone in this.

I see it in the small things.

A simple shaka from across the road.

A wave from someone we may never meet again.

A smile that quietly says, we’re going be okay.

A hug that holds just a little longer.

A honi—breath to breath—reminding us that life itself is shared.

I see people pausing for prayer…

some in the name of Jesus,

some in silence,

others simply standing in respect.

And still… there is unity.

I hear Hawaiian chants rising—not for performance, but for grounding.

I see hula—not for show, but as story, as memory, as connection.

I feel the gift of a lei placed gently around the neck—

not just a gesture, but an offering of love, honor, and presence.

No labels.

No titles.

Not just Christianity, not just religion, not even belief systems being spoken out loud.

Just people… loving people.

And in that, I see God.

Not forced.

Not announced.

But present.

Present in the hands that help.

Present in the hearts that soften.

Present in the quiet moments where strangers become family.

He appears through people as themselves.

Not perfect.

Not polished.

Just willing.

And this… this is the true meaning of Aloha.

Not just a greeting.

Not just a word.

But love that comes from the heart and moves outward—

in a shaka,

in a wave,

in a chant,

in a prayer,

in a lei,

in the way we show up for one another.

So maybe the bigger picture isn’t just the storm.

Maybe it’s what rises after.

A community that chooses love.

A people that care for the land and for each other.

A quiet reminder that even in disruption, there is restoration.

And in that restoration…

there is hope.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

As we see the storm, we see the devastation.

We see the mess.

We see the power of nature that has torn through the land.

But in this moment… we pause.

We take a breath.

Ha… the breath of life.

We inhale—slowly—filling our lungs until we can take in no more.

We hold it… just for a few seconds more…

And then we release…

Hasaa…

Again…

Ha…

The ancient breath.

The reminder that You gave us life, and You sustain it still.

And as we breathe, we begin to see differently.

We see You in everything.

In the land.

In the people.

In the community.

In our village.

Right now, we wait for You in this moment.

Waiting for Your presence.

Waiting for Your still, soft voice.

Because in being still, we know that You are God.

You are here.

You have always been here.

As we gather in this quiet moment, we come before You.

We intercede for everyone—

for those who have lost,

for those who are hurting,

for those who are weary.

Lord, we confess.

We confess our faults.

We confess the moments when we do not love Your people well.

The moments when loving is hard… when our hearts feel tired, distant, or closed.

But even there… You meet us.

So we ask for pervasive hope—

a hope that finds us right here.

A hope that reminds us You never left.

And not only that…

but a hope that moves us.

Show us the practical ways to be found in You.

To show up.

To love.

To serve.

Let us be Your hands and feet.

“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

Lord, let our hearts respond—

Send me.

We love You with an everlasting love.

And in all of this…we pray.

Amen… and Amene. 💕

Counting the Cost

March 25, 2026 | 9:32 AM | Starbucks Mililani Shopping Center

Luke 14:28–30

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?”

---

As a bookkeeper, I am all about “1 4 Da Records”—numbers matter. Having accurate and detailed records is vital to any business. They don’t just track performance; they reveal truth.

The record books show a business owner where they stand. They guide decision-making. They bring clarity—and in many ways, they provide peace of mind at the end of the day.

But this principle doesn’t stop at business.

In life, if you don’t count the cost, the consequences can be just as serious. Decisions made without clarity can lead to confusion, misdirection, and even failure. A business can be run into the ground—and so can our time, energy, and calling—when we move without intention.

Taking the time to pause, review, and understand where you are changes everything. It allows you to plan wisely, move strategically, and finish what you started.

---

Prayer

Lord, help me to focus.
Teach me to slow down, review, and manage my time well.

You have placed many things in my heart, and I want to be intentional. Give me the discipline to count the cost and the courage to follow through. Help me to do what is necessary to move forward—so that I may honor You and be a blessing to others.

---

1 4 Da Records

Prepared for Battle

February 21, 2021 ~ 4:56 pm ~ Starbucks Mililani Town Center

Proverbs 21:31 

"The horse is prepared for battle, but Deliverance and Victory is from the Lord."

This verse reminds me of the movie Braveheart and the scene where Mel Gibson is in a field and is on the front line, with all the horses and soldiers lined up waiting for the battle to start.  This was a pivotal moment of the movie, Mel Gibson prepares the soldiers by giving the most inspirational and iconic speech to his men.  As the camera pans out to the men, some brave, some scared, and some who were young that you know as a viewer that they've never been in battle before.  Just like the movie, in biblical times, horses and chariots were essential for warfare. Soldiers would spend time training, strategizing, and preparing for battle. However, no matter how well-prepared they were, the final outcome rested in God’s hands. 

As he spoke out: "Sons of Scotland! I am William Wallace."

Soldier: "William Wallace is seven feet tall!"

"Yes, I've heard. Kills men by the hundreds, and if he were here, he'd consume the English with fireballs from his eyes and bolts of lightning from his arse. I am William Wallace! And I see a whole army of my countrymen here in defiance of tyranny. You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are.

"What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight?"

Soldier: "No! We will run, and we will live."

"Aye, fight and you may die. Run and you'll live… at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that, for one chance—just one chance—to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom."

It's been so long since I've seen the movie but this scene gives me goosebumps because it takes really brave men to fight this way.  I can only imagine how it would be an honour just to fight along side of Mel Gibson's character, William Wallace.  With the Russian / Ukrainian war going on for far to long, we need to pray that God will deliver and give victory, He is Ultimately in control of what's going on. 

Lord, I pray for deliverance and victory over all wars and battles that are going on.  Thank you for your safety and protection, comfort and joy, grace and mercy, and a deep and unconditional love for your people, whatever the side a person is on.  I pray that the Victory is yours, I pray for all of your people who are fighting many battles, in Russia and Ukraine, in all countries and those who are fighting Spiritual Battles. Thank You for reminding me that while I must prepare and work hard, true victory comes from You. Help me to do my best in all things while fully trusting You with the results. Give me peace in knowing that You are in control, and no matter what battles I face, You are my source of victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Victory is from the Lord, we just need to Trust, Obey, and have Faith.  

In Memory of Pastor Will Fejeran

February 2, 2016  {Tuesday, 11:32am}

Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid?  The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble?"

There are many things that a person can be afraid of.  People have phobias and fears that are very real to them.  This passage says that the Lord is my light, he shows us the way and brightens our path so we can see clearly.  Jesus died on the cross to save lives through forgiveness of sins, so the Lord becomes our salvation!  If we are faced with danger, the Lord protects us!  With that we can be confident, not afraid of anything, of even death.

This past week, a pastor from the Rock Church in San Ysidro killed himself for unknown reasons.  My heart is heavy since hearing this news and I feel for his family.  Death brings about so much pain and anguish only God can heal it all.  Pastor Miles spoke about this in his sermon on depression and mental illness.  Regardless of how he died, his sins were forgiven so we can be assured that he is free of the pain he felt and rejoicing now in heaven.  All we can do is to pray for God's light to shine through to this family and for healing in their hearts.  Pastor Will was a good man, a true worshipper of God Almighty, but most of all, he loved the Lord.

Heavenly Father, Please be with the Fejeran family in their time of need.  They trust in you, depend on you, and they truly love you.  Thank you for the life that was given in the time that he spent here on earth.  I pray for his soul, his family, and his friends that are deeply saddened by his departure.  Thank you for being the light and the salvation, so that we can be assured of your love to us through the death of your son Jesus.

Through all our fears, You are the light that guides our path.    

He fights for you

February 1, 2016  {Monday, 11:34am}

Exodus 14:13

"But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid.  Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you.  The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.  The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense."

The ruler of Egypt had just let the people of Israel go from the land of Egypt, where they were all slaves.  Moses pleaded with Pharaoh to let his people go but he refused, only to have various plagues and finally the deaths of the first born sons.  As the Israelites escaped and ran from Egypt to worship the Lord, Pharaoh began to regret his decision on letting the slaves from leaving.  So he gathered up all of his best chariots and charioteers to try to get them back.  God lead the Israelites to the edge of the wilderness between the Red Sea.  As they saw Pharaoh's army chasing after them, they began to doubt the will and power of God.

There are many times in my life that I doubt and lose trust of what God is doing in my life.  I feel as if I'm stuck between the edge of the wilderness and the Red Sea with nowhere to go.  It is here where God meets me the most.  As for the Israelites, he sent Moses to raise his staff, and in God's power, the Red Sea is parted in half.  This is where I need to remember most, that God fights for me, there is a Moses somewhere lifting up his staff and the sea will part, I will be walking through the dry land and God will destroy the enemy.

Heavenly Father, I'm sorry for those times that I doubt you and lose my trust in you.  As I am faced with dilemmas and issues that arise in my life, help me to remember that I won't have to lift a finger because you are the one fighting for me.  Thank you for my life and everything in it.  Strengthen my hope and trust in you, help me to depend more on you and not myself.  Teach me your ways and soften my heart and mind to take in what lessons I need to learn and help me with the discipline that it comes with it.

You don't have to do anything, the Lord fights for you.  Trust him.        

Follow the road of truth

January 30, 2016 {Saturday, 11:37am}


Psalms 25:4-5

"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you."

In times of despair and suffering, most times we do not know which end is up.  There are so many issues and emotions that run through a person, it seems as if you are spiraling out of control.  David, the writer of most of the Psalms truly knew how to depend on God, worshiping him in the good and the worst of times.  In this verse, he asks the Lord to show him the right way based on the truth, not his emotions or feelings but the true way to go.

Sometimes as we read the bible and seek God's truth, it still gets confusing.  The good news is that there is hope.  Hope for the future and a plan in our lives.  Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of this hope and future, they are not for disaster but for the good.  Asking for guidance is the best prayer to have, it gives us hope in Him who knows what the plans that he has for us.

Heavenly Father, guide us in your truth, lead us into the path of righteousness not the ways of disaster.  Help us to keep the faith, hope and especially to remember the love you have for us through it all, the good and bad times.

The road less traveled may be the road God leads us on.

Fear of the Lord

January 16, 2016    {Saturday. 12:16pm}


Proverbs 1:7

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Solomon was a very wise man.  He had a vast majority of wealth, he prospered in all that he did, and he build the Lord's temple.  In the first verses of Proverbs, he gives the reason why the book was written in the first place.  The reason for the book of Proverbs is clearly stated in verse 2, it is for teaching wisdom and discipline, to help with understanding and insights to become wise.

In this scripture, to have a foundation, we must first fear the Lord.  Fearing the Lord does not mean to be scared of Him, but to have a deep reverence and respect for God.  I've prayed for the fear of God in my life, and what that means to me is that fearing the Lord comes with an appreciation of the things and people of God, his will in my life, and relying on his perfect timing.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am sorry for not having the fear of you many times in my life.  Please help me to obey your word, have your desires in my heart, and to have a deep respect for you.  Sometimes I feel that I do not because of my experiences in my health and that creates doubts and questions of your goodness.  I can have faith in your goodness because for you not to be good goes against your character of being God.  And I know that you are a good God.  Thank you for wisdom, knowledge and discipline.  Help me to be more disciplined and to fear you more.

Fearing the Lord begins by me having discipline and desire to know Him!    

Greetings, Favored Woman

November 12, 2013  **Thursday.  NHCC Library. 8:53 am**

Luke 1:28-31

"Gabriel appeared to her (Mary) and said, 'Greetings, favored woman!  The Lord is with you!"  Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.  'Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth o a son, and you will name him Jesus."

It's Christmas time again; the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus!  Christmas has been changed from a day of celebration, to a materialistic holiday.  Many has forgotten the purpose of Christmas and many people is more excited about Black Friday sales more than the real reason for the season.  In this passage,  Mary is approached from Gabriel with good news of Jesus' birth.  She was afraid, confused, and disturbed but did not stop believing the truth of what was about to happen to her and Joseph.

I know this year, I have been thinking more about buying presents than the purpose of the season.  I am guilty of being materialistic as I go shopping at the nearest mall.  I need and want to remember that Jesus is the reason.

Heavenly Father,
I'm sorry that I have been more focused on presents than the birth of your son.  Please forgive me and point out anything that is not of you, and fill me with the goodness of you.  I pray that I will remember your son and all that He sacrificed for us.  You are an amazing God and created the best plan for us all.  I love you.... In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

Greetings, favored woman!  The Lord is with you.

Prayers of God's People

November 11, 2013  **Wednesday. NHCC library. 1:09 pm**

Revelation 8:3-4

"Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar.  And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne.  The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God's holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out."

Revelation is also known as the book of the End Times.  The full revelation of God is revealed, which talks of plagues, destruction, and hope of the future.  In the beginning of chapter 8, the Bible talks about the breaking of the Seventh Seal.  After the seal has been open, there was a time of silence within Heaven.  It is said that the silence are due to the hearing of the Prayers of God's people.  In the Jerusalem temple, the ritual is to be silent as people says their prayers.  It is a Jewish tradition.

From the first time I heard these verses, it helps me to understand one aspect of how God deals with our prayers.  It amazes me because it increases my hope in God and that hope is a spring board to increased faith.  I've always imagined that as God sits on his throne, the aroma of our prayers delights him as our Heavenly Father.  He loves us as his children and cares so deeply about each and every one of us.  These verses encourages me as I pray my prayers and that God really does hear or smell them.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us in that our prayers brings you sweet aromas to you.  I pray that you cleanse me and forgive me for the wrongdoings that happen daily.  I pray that each one of your children will find you and embrace the goodness of your love.  You are wonderful to me and I offer myself up to you that you will shine through my life to be a living sacrifice for your kingdom.  I love and adore you for you are wonderful to me.  In Jesus name,
Amen

The Prayers of your people are a sweet aroma to you.

The Hurt in His Eyes

November 2, 2012  **Friday. Starbucks. 9:06am**

Ezekiel 5:8-9

But I will let a few of my people escape destruction, and they will be scattered among the nations of the world.  Then when they are exiled among the nations, they will remember me.  They will recognize how hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols.  Then at last they will hate themselves for all their detestable sins.

Ezekiel was a Hebrew prophet of God during the times of exile.  During the days of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian empire had exiled the people of Israel.  God had a message for the people who turned away from him and Ezekiel was the guy for the job.  In this passage God gives the reason for their destruction, the very reason for his wrath.  "[H]ow hurt I am by their unfaithful hearts and lustful eyes that long for their idols."  At the core, God created people for relationships and from the beginning they have and continue to hurt God by their sins.

It's been a while since I've done my devotions in the morning because I've been going through a rough patch of time.  I stopped doing them daily because I had started to think and doubt that the reading of the bible daily, had become somewhat of a ritual and just something I did just because it's the "Christian thing to do".  In this time, I've gone back to certain bad habits and was in a "funk" and I know now it was because I started starving myself spiritually.  Neglecting the intimacy of any relationship creates a wedge and does damage to it.  Daily devotions are the intimacy in this bond between a person and God.  It's the daily hug or touch that slowly disappears and causes one another to feel like strangers. Danny, a friend of mine said this about daily devotions, "sometimes there are days when I feel good and don't feel the need to do my devotion that day; but I realized that although I feel full, I do them to feed someone else.  You never know when someone needs to hear what God said that day."  He went on to tell me a story about the devotion he did that day when he thought this and the next moment after he was done, a friend had called him and that devotion had been for her.  In application to this verse is very significant for me.  I've been seeking God in purity for myself, and as I failed this past few months, this verse shows me the hurt I've caused God.  Like a husband jealous for his wife, God has that same passion for us.  I am his, and when I stray and fall again and again, his wrath for me is great because of the hurt he has in his eyes.

Lord, I'm sorry I fail.  This is something that I continue to do, like the season of falling leaves; I fall when I walk away from you.  Help me though this and give me the strength to persevere. You are the reason I am here.

The hurt in your eyes are to great for me to bear, forgive me so eventually that hurt will evolve into love in your eyes again.

< 3

The Heritage of the Lord's Servant

September 28, 2012  **Friday. NHCC Library. 9:40am**

Isaiah 54:1-3

"Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor.  For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband," says the Lord.  "Enlarge your house; build an addition.  Spread out your home, and spare no expense!  For you will soon be bursting at the seams.  Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities."

The prophet Isaiah foretold of the issues and visions concerning Judah and Jerusalem.  It was during the times of Uzziah {9th king of Judah}, Jotham {11th king of Judah}, Ahaz {son of Jotham}, and Hezekiah {son of Ahaz and 13th king of Judah}.  These kings ruled the land and served the people who repeatedly persisted in idolatry.  They often heeded to the words of Isaiah and some of the kings became very prosperous but as pride took over their hearts, they fell away from the words of the Lord.  As Isaiah continued to seek after God, chapter 54 continues the saga of the servant's absolute triumph after his cruel death. This is the foretelling of the coming Messiah, Jesus.  In these verses, Isaiah speaks of the redemption opportunity to be fulfilled.  The "desolate woman [will now have] more children than the woman [with a] husband".  This is the redemption theme that the bible tells and tells again.  A chance to be redeemed!  The prophets cry out but the people of Israel turn their backs away from a loving God.

As an application to these verses, I believe that this is what I am called to do.  My heart's desire is to occupy and purchase my father's house and use it for God's glory to be able to transform it into "Jovie's Home for Girls".  A safe haven for those little girls who are broken-hearted, abandoned, and alone. "Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities."  It's my missions heart, where God has placed me into, and this is what I seek after: to give God the glory minus my prideful and selfish heart.

Lord, it is ultimately you, who I seek after.  You who should get the glory.  Humble my heart, scrub my heart, clean out my heart that it is filled with you.  Decrease me that they see you in a version that looks like me.  Open up these doors and remove the cobwebs, cockroaches, and filth that needs to leave for you to reside in my life.  I allow you and give you permission to do what you need to do through and in me for your glory to shine, even though I say it with a scared but open hands.  My feet are ready to go.

If this the the heritage of your servant, Lord, send me.

< 3

Words of the Wise

September 4, 2012  **Tuesday. Starbucks. 10:08am**

Proverbs 22:17-19

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.  For it is good to keep these saying in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today -- yes, you -- so you will trust the Lord.

Solomon was a very wise man.  The fact that he asked for wisdom over anything else was very wise.  The book of Proverbs has a bunch of wise words.  This book is for the wise, many useful advice that we should follow, some are common sense but others are very convicting.  God was about loving him and loving others.  Proverbs is a book filled with words of advice on how to do these very things, especially how to love others, to be kind, and treat others with respect.  Pastor Wayne talks about how many of the people in the bible are "Divine Mentors".  These people were written about to teach us ways of life, to teach us about how they lived, and what to do and what not to do.  This weekend at Camp Agape, Gabe did a spoken word and I love how said that the people of the bible were homeless men and women who teaches us the ways of the world.  His spoken word was very powerful--straight from the heart.

As I go to school and learn from my professors, I want to not only listen to the words but to APPLY these to my heart and life.  Pastor Mike Ward says that this is the most important thing of learning about God.  To Apply the facts and use it towards giving God glory.  To make him famous and let his light shine through us.

Lord, help me to hear your words, listen to the wise, and apply them to my heart and life.  I pray that this prayer is not in vain but that I will truly be transformed into the person that you want me to be but at the same time, be the same person -- one who is passionate about your people, one who seeks your ways, the one who will not neglect or be rude to those who I can be irritated at.  Teach me to "scrub my heart" daily, teach me to pray, and teach me to love.

The words of the wise is priceless.  It's the cost of listening to those wise words that I will value.

< 3 >

See Forever

August 31, 2012  **Friday. Starbucks-Mililani. 10:18pm**

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For our present troubles are small and won't last very long.  Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Many people tend to look at their current troubles or issues as long term.  Some may not have hope that it will ever pass, so they become doubtful and lose faith.  Paul and his co-workers of the faith contiunued and pressed on in their journey to proclaim the faith for the very reason that others will not doubt or lose faith.  They knew that God's glory to shine through is the most important, the most vital for the life of those around him.  When people become grateful and appreciate what God has done for them, it is at that moment that God really appears.  This is what I call the "awe factor".

The "awe factor" is something I personally pray for.  It's that moment when I'm in doubt of things and the times I may lose faith; this moment of "awe-ness" that I long for.  I was just talking to a classmate as I had a chance to give him a ride to the dorms about this very thing.  Times when we go through struggles and rough patches of our lives that we become hesitant, doubtful, and sad.  He told me that it comes with a mature character to know that things are going to be okay, to not run away.

Lord, let your glory always and constantly shine so brightly.  Remind me that our present problems will not last long but to endure in what we are going through.  It is in the preserverance that will produce the character that you want in us and for us.  Thank you for your unfailing love.  I love you.

Some times I can't see past my problems but with you, Oh Lord, you show me how to see forever.

< 3 >

The Rescue

August 29, 2012  **Wednesday. Starbucks. 8:06am**

A long time ago, my teacher had told us a story about a river that flowed through a town.  

One day, the few of the people were found dead down river.  The police and other authorities immediately arrived at the scene. Soon thereafter, there were many other deaths. No one was able to figure out why this was happening.  The deaths were multiplying daily. They built a morgue and filled it with various personnel and opened up a large lot to bury the dead down river.  No one ever thought to travel upriver until a life guard happened to be hiking near the woods in that area.  This life saver noticed something strange and questioned why it was so.  It was then their efforts was redirected up stream to find the reason for their deaths instead of just burying the dead.  This simple observation saved many lives. 

See, I strive to become a World Changer when I grow up.  I want to be a part of the life saving rescue efforts.  By finding out the initial causes and creating ways of prevention; I can help change and make an impact in the world by learning how to save lives.  

My journey through NHCC will be a part of what will enable me to become the world changer, life saver, redirector of traffic, and just shine the light in the darkness that I strive to be.  This is impossible but with God, He makes things happen! 

< 3 > 

God's Friendship

August 28, 2012  **Tuesday. Starbucks. 8:22am**

Job 29:2-4

"I long for the years gone by when God took care of me, when he lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.  When I was in my prime, God's friendship was felt in my home."

When people go through rough patches in their lives, it is natural that they speak of times past.  They all dwell on the "good ole days" and "way back when".  These days are the highlight of many people's lives. Some view it as good memories and move on in a healthy way; others see it as good times but have not moved on, causing them to constantly look back with regret.  Job's circumstances were very dire and seemed hopeless.  He had friends who surrounded him, who spoke life and encouragement to him, and a times, did the "smack in the face" with words.  It trips me out that after Job's series of unfortunate events that Job and his friends could not utter words to console him for seven days!

I know that when I hit bumps on the road or even when I'm hanging out with a bunch of friends, they constantly talk about the past.  In light of their conversations, they often laugh or wonder why things happened the way they did.  When I look a my past, at this moment, I see and remember mostly those tough and trying moments of my life where I struggled with issues and bad choices.  During this time, I don't recall being God's friend.  I had no concept of what that was--sure, I knew what a friend was, but to really have a heart knowledge-to really live out how a good friend is, I never understood it, so in turn, I was a bad friend.  God is always have been and will always be our friend.  Sometimes we hang out with him as our best friend. We wear BFF T-shirts and necklaces to prove that we are best friends. How many of those times in our lives do we treat God as that guy in the background--the one in our outer circle, the guy we put our back to, the guy that we sometimes are embarrassed to be around, the guy who is there but we are hanging out with "cooler" friends?  I know I do, sometimes very often.

Lord, I wanna be your friend.  I wanna hang out with you as you stand next to me.  Not on the outskirts, behind the circle of friends, the one who is ignored.  I wanna hang out with you; like in Psalms 51:12b says, "...make me willing to obey you".  Help my heart to want to have you next to me, that I know who you really are-your character, your unfailing love, and your faithfulness.  Teach me to be cool like you, to hear your intimate voice, to really know you.

I love Facebook but I wish I could visually see God's friendship via his wall and see our postings and messages by this type of social media. Seeing it this way would be cool and all but truly, I want and deeply desire the intimacy of God's friendship felt at my home, my heart, as my dear close friend not just to add to my friend list.

< 3 >

Breath

August 25, 2012  **Saturday. Starbucks. 8:01am**

Secret Revealed

August 24, 2012  **Friday. Starbucks. 6:56am**

1 Corinthians 15:51

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret.  We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!

In this passage, Paul speaks to the Corinthian church about the first Adam and the last Adam, which is Christ; about death and baptism. In verse 46 says, "what comes first is the natural body, then the spiritual body comes later."  He goes on to say in verse 50, "What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.  These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever."  Throughout history people will always be concerned with death.  This passage assures the followers of Christ that we all die but there is a promise in living for the Holy God.

To me, death is just a necessary evil we all face.  We all will die one day.  I've heard it said that there are only two guarantees in life: death and taxes.  Sure, we can avoid taxes--until it finds us, but death is one thing we cannot avoid.  No matter how hard we hide.  Knowing this truth that Paul reveals is so wonderful that it enables me to keep doing what I'm doing for Christ.  I am a bond-servant and knowing that i will one day be transformed into a heavenly creature, one only God can create, is beyond imaginable!

Lord, You alone are amazing.  You are the very thing I cling to daily.  Every morning I listen to Rebecca St. James's song, "Breath", and I can not help but to use that song as my everyday theme.  You are the one I am so desperate for.  You are the air that I breath.  You are the only one I strive to live for.  Today, as I start my first day of my 2nd year, the year we "Develop" I pray that you will not only go before me, but walk along side of me.  Remind me that you direct my steps, my path, my ways.  Let them be your ways.  Remind me not to hang out with those creepers at the Pity Party, or the complainers of the Complaint Corner.  Show me those who love you, who serve you, who have the overwhelming joy to just be with you.  I love you so much.  Remind me of this day, the day that I start my development process in my journey with you at NHCC.  Thank you for being God.

The Secret is Revealed.  Those who love and follow Christ will be forevermore transformed.

< 3 >

Pity Party

August 23, 2012  **Thursday. Starbucks-Village Park. 9:47pm**

Job 10:1-2

I am disgusted with my life.  Let me complain freely.  My bitter soul must complain.  I will say to God, "Don't simply condemn me--tell me the charge you are bringing against me.

According to Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary: 10:1-7 Job, being weary of his life, resolves to complain, but he will not charge God with unrighteousness. Here is a prayer that he might be delivered from the sting of his afflictions, which is sin. When God afflicts us, he contends with us; when he contends with us, there is always a reason; and it is desirable to know the reason, that we may repent of and forsake the sin for which God has a controversy with us. But when, like Job, we speak in the bitterness of our souls, we increase guilt and vexation. Let us harbour no hard thoughts of God; we shall hereafter see there was no cause for them. Job is sure that God does not discover things, nor judge of them, as men do; therefore he thinks it strange that God continues him under affliction, as if he must take time to inquire into his sin.

This is hard core, man.  "If anguish on earth renders the grave a desirable refuge, what will be their condition who are condemned to the blackness of darkness for ever?" Whoa, so those times when I wanted to end my own life and craved death, my condition would have a greater sense of despair?  That's super deep and crazy to even fathom.

Lord God, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SAVING ME!!! Saving me from myself, saving me from this unfathomable depth of despair, saving me from eternal damnation, saving me from the weeping and gnashing of teeth.  WHOA, I am an utter failure without you; BUT YOU GOD, loved me so much that you saved me those times when I was on the brink of death; those darkened nights as I heavily contemplated the benefits of death and the ease of becoming you, one who decides to take death into her own hands. These benefits--leaving my loved ones, no more heartaches or heavy burdens to bare, or the benefit of releasing my unknown dreams into the grave--or so I thought as benefits, were really just a pile of poopy lies. You knew, at those times that these were not benefits of death but the very things that will lift my spirits higher; the very things that will cause me to excel in this life, the very things that, out of the overflow of my heart for you, will cause me to become the very world changer that I now strive to become. All I can say is: Thank you.

Most days the Pity Party hangs out across town. Some days they cruz on by the neighborhood.  I know they're there, they exist only to wait for an invitation. Not Today, guys I get to hang out with the cool kids--Those who love and serve God.  Keep your Pity Party on your side of town....

< 3 >  

Complain, Complain, Complain

August 22, 2012  **Wednesday. Starbucks. 10:00am**

Job 6:5-6

Don't I have a right to complain?  don't wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food? Don't people complain about unsalted food?  Does anyone want the tasteless white of an egg?

Wild donkeys and oxen do not cry out or make a fuss if they have enough to eat.  They will, though, if they are in areas where the food supply is sparse.  Job had a lot to complain about.  His children were killed, fields and animals were destroyed, and he had boils all over his body.  These are complaints that are worthy of complaining about.

I was reminded of a scene in a movie, Ever After with Drew Barrymore where her step sister throws a tantrum when she finds out Drew's character is the one the Prince is in love with.  There are so many times where I am in her shoes.  Where I just need a few minutes to complain, throw a mini temper tantrum, be selfish, or cry.  I've complained about so many things that may have not gone my way, where I have not received something I truly wanted or desired; simply complained.  We have a right to complain--it's where our heart is, our heart's condition after the fact that matters.  I hope that after "wearing and spoiling my baby girl chonies" I can get over it and move on with my adult life wearing clean big girl panties.

Lord, help me to remember to keep my big girl chonies on; that you are ultimately in control.  If things do not go my way, remind me that my plans/ways/wants are not really what you have for me.  Teach me to have patience, understanding, and love during my spoiled little girl times.  I only want what you want, and not to complain for things that I want.

Complain, complain, complain and throw your tantrum all you want, but it really isn't gonna get you anywhere, you'll just have dried tears and snot all over your face, rumpled clothes and a swift kick in the butt from Daddy.

< 3 >