Day of 417 Giving Thanks

I typed “self help books” into the search bar today and there were About 213,000,000 results that showed up.

And, I thought, “How many self-help books have I read? How many motivational seminars have I attended? How many affirmations have I created and recited over the years?”

More than I can count! More than I dare to remember.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  ~2 Corinthians 10:5

My heart has ached for change and peace in the process of changing. Over the years, I have implemented so many changes, started new habits and practiced, drilled and rehearsed what to say, how to do things better, “what to say to myself”. The years passed, and things and habits “changed”, but nothing really “stuck”. I never really made the changes necessary to flourish in life. I didn’t feel any different about who I was, even though I had recited how awesome I was over and over.

My heart desired the reward.

For me personally, it is the knowing that I am worthy, and where that worth comes from that turned things around for me. It is in the knowing that I am loved greatly. It is in knowing that hope in limitless. It is in the knowing that any change through the Father is permanent. It is in the knowing that He desires great things for my life, so much so that He provided a book of promises, plus instructions on how to live my life.

A Life of God-Worship

"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” ~Matthew 6:19-21

Just look at how many books are out there. Most refer to the wealth that can be created through a change – 90 Days to this or that; 3 Easy Steps... I am not knocking wealth, I am questioning motive, and only because I have personal experience in having a motive of wealth, the easy way… There is a theme with a majority of these books, and that is to replace one thing with something else (i.e., replace the habit, replace the food), one obsession or idol for another.

What I have found, is that removal, disposal, destruction of the old and starting new is a much better way. Emptying what is there, to allow God to fill the void... I know that I get impatient because things are not moving along fast enough... it's like fixing that dripping faucet, but in plugging the holes, you run out of fingers; it is quite a mess and not very productive.

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” ~Colossians 3:8-11 

So, have I arrived? No.

Will I arrive? Absolutely - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~Matthew 6:21

Oh how I am grateful for my impending arrival.

Day 416 of Giving Thanks

I am grateful for the dozens of pages that God has said “no” to in this process of growth and sharing. So, let me explain. When God first directed me to write what I am grateful and thankful for, I was quite resistant. I wrote, but, in the beginning, it was a stretch to come up with things to write about. And, I honestly thought, I would do that first thirty day stint and that was it.

 

Well, as you can see, God had a much different picture of what that stint would look like. There was a time, in the process that I began to truly fall-in-love with being grateful. Many things started to change. I started to see my life through positive glasses. My best friend told me there was a difference in my appearance – more relaxed, less anxious.  

 

I wanted to share today how I write for God. I wait until He tells me to write. Many times, when I am on a timeline, I try to short cut and pre-prepare, and every time, I hear “that’s not it, erase and start over….” I used to say, “Really God?” And at times I would argue, “but this is good stuff, insightful and very well written…”

 

And, over and over, I hear “that’s not it, erase and start over….” Hence the dozens of pages that have been written yet never saved or seen by anyone, but God.  I am grateful that He has my best interest at heart, but moreover, I am grateful that my writing has always given me what I needed for that day or that moment. I am encouraged that, not only is God ministering to me, but in giving Him my stories, my obstacles, my pain, my challenges, my victories and my heart’s desires, He uses my words to minister to others.

 

What does that tell me?

I

AM

NOT

ALONE

 

I always have my heavenly Father with me, and He also gives me the gift of fellowship and friendship to share so many parts of my life. 

Day 416 of Giving Thanks

Thank you God for bringing me such a long way, and always being here with me on this journey – this journey, that at times is an up and down roller coaster ride that the enemy works very hard at controlling. And, what I have learned already, is that when I try to control things, I am actually asking God to release His control – and what a mistake that is.

 

"Now God, don't hold out on me, don't hold back your passion.  Your love and truth are all that keeps me together.  When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt I couldn't see my way clear.  More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out." ~Psalm 40:11-12 (The Message)

 

So, this up and down roller coaster ride, called my life, is now very different because of who is truly in control now. The biggest difference is the one that I realize in my household. There was a time, that I believed that because I was getting close to God, He would just fix my life, fix my marriage... I asked and asked, even begged, “fix my marriage, change his heart”. I just kept hearing, “Shawn, just love him, give of yourself, respect him and follow his lead, as long as not counter to Me”. Yet, over and over, I ignored my God’s pleas, His instruction…

 

I didn’t get it! I kept waiting for Chris to change, for all the pieces of my life to fall perfectly together, just because I loved God; just because I “had God”.  I thought that meant eliminating my life, as it was with Chris, and God would change him to fit into my new existence. I grew into God, I absorbed, I got to know God, and hear Him, and see His work in my life, but it was all peripheral growth, lateral, not deep.

 

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." ~Romans 12:9-11

 

I am learning... That to ask shows strength and courage - to go it alone shows weakness and pride. I am learning... That to ask shows strength and courage - to go it alone shows weakness and pride. I began to ask God to change me, to show me how to be a good wife, and love Chris as a godly woman. I am learning… To trust in His word, seek His counsel often. I know that two in the marriage is amazing, and three is astonishing. God, me and Chris… a marriage to be reckoned with. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12  

 

In, what seemed like a flash, I changed, not willingly, but because God got my attention. It wasn't until I got sick (3 months ago) and had to stop all my outside activity (building a business that I believed was my platform for Christ, cause I could evangelize to my clients)…  in reality, it kept me from my primary ministry, my husband. Avoidance was not the answer, submission to God's plan is.

 

The change has been so drastic – my life is a dream. There is, once again, a love story in my heart, in my mind and in my future.

 

Thank You Lord for my perfect journey.

Day 415 of Giving Thanks

I am grateful for many things in my life; and this morning as I listened to some amazing music, I settled in to my time with God – today was not a day of thunder and lightning messages or even major revelations, yet there is always thunder and lightning in my heart, and revelation after revelation.

Today, I am believing greatly, and acting with my hand firmly in His.

Today, I seek more the kingdom and fellowship with God’s amazing people.

Today, I am grateful that my home is heaven, and I am just visiting this world.

Today, God ushers me through the storms, and settles the shores.

Today, I see God’s people finding their areas of strength.

Today, I experience the unfolding of an amazing love story.

Today, lessons in my life seem to come from nowhere, are from God and everywhere.

Today, in grieving my mistakes, I can celebrate what God does with all of it.

Lord, I am not always honest – especially with myself. Today, I pray that You reveal these areas to dishonesty in my life, in my heart. I pray that I can remove the hindrances that keep me from receiving all that You have for me. Make me like You.

“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.” ~Psalm 139:23-24

Lord, I love to hear You speak – when I can break away from the noise and hustle of my day – or before my day begins. When I can be in Your presence is when the greatest peace floods over me. Father, it is like being washed with the warmth of the sun, because I have been washed with the blood of the Son, my savior, my redeemer, my King.

‎"the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:26

Jesus, You are the love of my life. You are the one, the only Jesus, and you are known by many names: God - John 20:28, Lord - Matthew 22:43-44, Word - John 1:1, 14, Messiah - John 4:25-26, Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:8; 22:13, Savior – Acts 13:23, Philippians 3:20, 2 Peter 1:11 (many more), Redeemer - Mark 10:45, Titus 2:14, Light of the World - John 8:12; 3:19-21, Lamb of God - John 1:29, 36, Ruler of Creation - Revelation 3:14, Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5, Bread of Life - John 6:35, John 14:6, You are my King!

Day 414 of Giving Thanks

“God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.  I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof!  Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God.” ~Psalm 27:6

How could I do anything less than expect the greatest things in life; and know that when "life happens" God is in control. He is trustworthy. I put my trust in Him and watch daily, as my circumstances transform into the most amazing unfolding of a beautiful story.

"The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom Shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

I am grateful that I can watch how the greatest lover of my life reveals His plans daily. And see His gifts for me displayed as the brightest of light. In addition, it is in the darkest moments when His light can be seen most brightly. Thank You Lord for allowing Your light to shine through even the densest of circumstances.

Another day completes, a day of productivity and accomplishment. Chris and I had another wonderful day, I enjoy his wit, his playfulness – I enjoy the time and appreciate the miracle of my life as it is right now.

My life is protected.
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” ~Psalm 5:11

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” ~Psalm 18:2

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  ~Psalm 91:1-

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” ~Psalm 91:14

As the wind blows and the rain pounds outside, I know that am protected by the walls and roof of my home. And so much greater than the assurance of my home continuing to stand or the protection of walls and roof, is the assurance through the promises of a mighty and perfect God.

I am grateful that no matter what is going on around me, I have God's protection that is perfect!

Like I said, it has been a full day... I love the time when I can just shut everything down, sit quietly and be in the presence of my King. Being still is such a gift, and although it is a wonderful gift for God, it is even more so, a gift for me. Lord, help me be still, so that I can enjoy Your gifts.

“Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence." ~Revelation 7:15

Father, I thank You for my life. I thank You for being my shelter and my provider. May my life always be pleasing to you and one day I will hear you say, “…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” ~Matthew 25:21


(New International Version used for this study)

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150418958162809

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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Day 413 of Giving Thanks

Today was a wonderful day with my husband. Chris said today that he is happy; and feels like we are on the same page and heading in the right direction. It was only six months ago that I wrote of devastation; a storm in my life that I thought would end much differently than it did.


Day 236 of Giving Thanks: “It has been a week of devastation and the storm keeps coming - and the waves have reached a truth I wanted to bury. I reach deep to see how I feel, and nothing is coming - I pray for clarity. Today is the first day I cannot reach down to find a substantial place of gratitude; one that will fill a void.”


Day 237 of Giving Thanks:  “I cannot put words together to describe the storm I am in the middle of right now, for it is more than I can take, but one that I can endure because I have help. God is always with me, I have the word that I can go to at any time and I have some mighty people of God praying for me and lifting me up. “


I share this because I know that many are out there, in a marriage that is broken, lonely or painful – and everyone wants a great marriage. A great marriage is everything. I believe that no matter where you are, whatever you think, it's not too late to change your marriage. For me, I had to change.


·       I had to be willing to allow God to change me.  
·       I had to be willing to let go of pride.
·       I had to be willing to give up my ideas, to hear God’s ideas.
·       I had to be willing to trust that God’s way is the best way.
·       I had to be willing to stop hearing the voice of the enemy.
·       I had to be willing to admit I could not do it on my own.
·       I had to be willing to believe God’s promises.

"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but withGod all things are possible.” ~Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

Did you know that the enemy hates marriage? Did you know that the enemy will try to convince you of many things, including "it's too late", "you don't understand my situation".... God understands and knows exactly where I am, and He is always right on time. It was when I began to listen, to truly hear and apply what God was speaking into my life that my outlook changed. I know that He is speaking; and at times I must remember to call on Him and ask Him for my heart’s desire.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” ~Jeremiah 33:3 (New International Version)

I am grateful that this love story continues, and is possible because of the love and faithfulness of my heavenly Father. I am grateful that when things looked the darkest, I saw the most light when I sought it. I am grateful that when I was in the middle of the storm, I held my ground; I believe God and I continue to pray for my marriage. I am grateful I believe in a miracle. 

Day 412 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Steve Wickham

In this last year, on many occasions, I have found comfort and great wisdom in Steve’s writing. His passion to serve our mighty God is apparent with every article and through every word. His words are truthful, simple and packed full of nuggets and AHAs. It is my honour to introduce him to you, and grateful that Steve agreed to write for Giving Thanks Daily. What a marvellous way to set out in the new year – to begin with a beautiful word from a wonderful friend.

Committing to Live with Reverent Passion

By: Steve Wickham

At times of inner and external complaint, it pays to consider there are millions who would gladly swap with us.  We’re inclined to forget this.  Re-committing to live afresh with reverent passion is one way to live thankfully for today and all days.    

And we need to be reminded every day.   

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Living at passion and reverently so,

Is a bit like an attempt at baking kneaded dough,

For growing the joy that emits rippled bliss,

Is just like a case of fear gone amiss.

As light engendered burns out the dark,

Life now finds us with a glint and a spark,

Rolls us down heaven’s grand lane,

Far enough away from hellish disdain.

Passion absorbed that powers us on,

Golden strides never seem gone for long,

Thankfulness churned and nothing felt rotten,

A humble good life never so forgotten.

Wise it is now to steady the gait,

A wondrous and stately closely matched mate,

Now it is with a reverent passion,

Teeth no longer experience past gnashing.

So we come now to a place that’s best,

A time that’s good for succeeding our test,

Willingness’s there and openness too,

Holds us sway for times held true.

Shining inner light bright as a beacon,

Complaints and fussing we’re no longer seeking,

Positive energy we shallowly wade,

Preciousness, precociousness we’ve now put paid.

Reverent passion now nothing else,

Brings us to joy if not nothing but stealth,

Focused, engorged, the life goads within,

We know now, it seems, how life’s to spin.

As we conclude this merry modest jaunt,

Passion and reverence—a holy little haunt,

Basic, intrepid, lost to the muse,

A battered reed we’ll no longer to bruise.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The idea is to live so passionately that positivity drowns out the negative; for the main part anyway.  Notwithstanding low times that bear themselves over our lives, we have the opportunity to grace our days with a more consistent power to live the good life.

More Reverent Passion, Less Fear

The joy enraptured in pure thanks squeezes out fear; they simply cannot co-exist.  The more light beckons upon our lives the less the darkness is able to take hold.  Then we’re found with a quiet, assured confidence that’s weighed accurately to humility, which is based in the fear of the Lord—which is the only power beyond fear itself.

Even though there are days when our passion evaporates, fear never gets the upper hand for long.  And as we look back over these horrendous days we’re thankful that the passion for good living returned so smartly.

With the Right Preparation...

We could complete that sentence with... we can achieve anything.

A reverent passion has compelled us to a place where we have two integrated virtues: preparation has delivered us an unexplained confidence in the surety of the good way, and we’re ready as we can be for testing; which is always coming.  We have power for the day so we can live safely for truth.  And our truth vanquishes fear.

With the right preparation, the mind’s able to sidestep more effectively the temptations to fear and sin that come into all our lives.

Management of this modus operandi is controlled from within.  Some days people see us interact these ways and they want to know how.  Every searcher wants spiritual composure.

The Reverently Passionate Thankful Person Cannot Harm or Be Harmed

“... a bruised reed he [or she] will not break.”

~Isaiah 42:3a (NRSV).

According to this prophesy of Isaiah—which can be seen as pointed at Jesus, the Christian viewpoint—there is a manner of living that neither harms nor is harmed.

Jesus might have been ‘harmed’ on the cross—and as a man almost certainly—but it can be seen by Jesus’ responses to taunts, beatings and universal shame, that he resisted with perfect effect any hurt bound for him.

Jesus was better than that hurt.

The wonderful confidence in this is, underpinning thankfulness—engendered by a commitment to live with reverent passion—can resist all temptations of complaint, submission to fear, and weakness.  This cogent truth only needs to be experienced once and we’re under way.

We can then employ and re-employ this method any time we choose.

© 2010 S. J. Wickham.

 

To learn more about Steve, visit the links below.

My passion is encouraging people to become the best they want to be. I'm a Registered Safety Practitioner (BSc, FSIA, RSP [Australia]) and a qualified, unordained Christian minister (GradDipBib&Min).

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." ~Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it only leads to evil." ~Psalm 37:8 (NIV)

Tribework http://tribework.blogspot.com/

Epitome http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com/

Ex-ceed http://inspiringbetterlife.blogspot.com/

Ezine Articles Page: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham   
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/steve.j.wickham &

http://www.facebook.com/stevewickhamauthor

Day 411 of Giving Thanks

This coming new year will be a year of difference.  Isaiah 61 states “The Year of the LORD's Favor.”  And, as I ready myself to welcome in a new year, I know that last year has been a year of change and trusting God – that I have a purpose and that He completely has a handle on things, through this journey, I will continually receive clarity.

Jeremiah 29:10-13, says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (NIV)

I breathe easy knowing that it “is finished” by the work He did on the cross and the reward of heaven is mine with my simple acceptance of His gift; that gift that I personally accepted eight years ago. And, my life has been moving toward that heavenly dwelling ever since.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." ~Philippians 4:4-5

With all this said, you may look at what I say and wonder many things. “Is her life that perfect? Does she really have that much clarity? How can anyone have so much peace?” And, these are things that I ask myself on many occasions, and yet the peace I feel is not because I have a step by step guide to how my life will turn out, or know where each foot will be placed with each step. It is that all my steps have purpose and my only responsibility is to follow the perfect footsteps of Jesus.  What I have learned and gleaned from the lessons, the challenges, the storms and the obstacles of my life, I know one thing for sure at this juncture of my life, that all I have to do is, ask, seek, knock and it will be given.

So, how can I fail? How can I not know peace? How can I not trust?

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~Matthew 7:7-8

In the past, I viewed “knowing God” as “having religion”, and only saw ‘what I had to do’ or ‘what I would have to give up’… Now, with my eyes wide open and in proper focus I can truly see – what He does every day, while understanding of the magnitude of what He has already done, I live my life doing for Him because He loved me first, and loves me now.

Now, I truly see what I have gained and am learning to see what I gain every day.  My responsibility is to listen – and act upon His instruction.

“And I, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, am being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” ~2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

He is the beginning
He is faithful
He is trustworthy
He is love
He is life
He is perfect
He is everything
He is the end
He is God

Because He is who He is… I am encouraged.  I will live out my life doing His work of encouraging others, all because, He is.

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." ~Hebrews 3:13

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." ~2 Corinthians 13:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." ~1 Thessalonians 5:11

Day 410 of Giving Thanks

This morning the Lord filled me with peace for my life, and a letter and prayer for my friends. I wrote it and watched it appear on the page in our small group.

Then poof, it was gone. I would guess that the few friends who had read it were the eyes that it was for, and I am grateful that as my heart was poured out through words, that the Holy Spirit delivered them perfectly before my almighty God – and the prayer was heard for sure. And I was comforted with the thought, “there it is, God at work letting me know that He is in control.”

"God is faithful and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." ~1 Corinthians 10:13

And, just a few hours later, another friend, reposted the prayer and letter to my friends. And, again, I was comforted with the thought “there it is, God at work letting me know that He is in control.”

I am used to drastic change in my life. God started with changing my heart from away from Him, to being combined with His heart. I used to say "God's not for me... not your God anyway." Wow, has He changed how I speak, think and live. Thank You Father, Thank You Jesus, and oh how I am grateful that the Holy Spirit, God residing in me, is always here now. God is for me, always has been, always will be.

I have been very reflective of my life during this past three months, because so much has changed, and much more is changing. And, though the changes have been completely unforeseen and really un-wanted, from my old perspective, I know that I am, completely dependent and excited about the direction God is pointing me in.

“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” ~Philippians 4:4-5

God is at work, and what a great body to be part of...

Lord, I lift my friends, my brothers and sisters up to You and pray that Your work in all of us will be the light to many. I pray for protection from the enemy; the lies, the doubts, the fears and hindrances that we recognize and do not recognize. I pray that Your mighty hand be upon Your children and that our words, actions and hearts reflect You greatly. Through hardships, uncertainty, illness and the harshness of the world we live in, I praise You and thank You that we have all come together. I thank You for the gift of friendship, fellowship and shared stories. I thank You that together we can encourage and be encouraged perfectly in Your name. I thank You that through our not understanding, Your plan is still at work. I pray Abba that we can be obedient to Your calling, hear Your instruction and heed Your correction. I pray that in this time of celebrating the gift You so lovingly and unconditionally gave, that we can be firm in our stance and wholly in Your will.

Great and mighty Father, we give our days to You; past, present and future and pray that in the coming year, through our work in You, that many will know that it is because of You that we live a life of gratitude and joy, and in our humility you are glorified. And, we come to you mighty God confidently because of the shed blood of Jesus - we pray earnestly. Amen.

This coming new year will be a year of difference.

Day 409 of Giving Thanks - Guest Writer, Tymothy Longoria

Hello all you blessed ladies and gentlemen in Christ. This day, I have been prompted by the Spirit to engage you all in a brief but very poignant part of my story. My testimony, for I am a very thankful man. 

Why? What do I have to be thankful for?

So, so much.

My name is Tymothy Alex Longoria, of Spanish and Greek heritage and I have a quote. Spanish, Mexican and Greek blood make me who I am. The blood of Jesus makes me who I want to be." I have been married to my wonderful wife Jennifer for almost 11 years. My two children Jubal and Araceli are an amazing blessing from the Lord and I am speechless in regards to them. 

When I was 14, my aunt, (my mother's younger sister) began inviting my parents to her church. After a time of pulling and tugging, my mother eventually accepted the invitation, taking my sister with her, and a short time later, my father attended as well. 

Of course we know, they weren't responding to my aunt's invite, but rather Christ's. They in turn invited me for quite some time... all the while refusing, "This is lame. These people are weird" was my attitude. 

They even had a rally outside of my house! Talk about embarrassing!

They would go to church and I would stay home. Then a month before my 15th birthday, my abuelo, my father's father, passed on. I heard my father speak at his wake and saw how he kept his emotions in "check."I started allowing myself to see my father in a new light; my father had a huge bible opened up to a different proverb each day; I started allowing myself to see how happy my little sister was with her new "Christian" friends. I told my stubbornness to move aside for a moment, and one day, I went with them to church.

BUT!

I didn't go in, I stayed in the car! As the usher walked over to me,I said to myself "oh, please." And he said to me, "Hey you wanna go in?" I politely shook my head and he responded by saying, "Later on" Yes, to myself, “later on. Later on I'll go to church. Later on”, was my typical response.

Later on came... and I finally walked in. It was like the churches I had been to as a kid. It got real loud, real quick. "Whatever," I told myself. Men and women were dancing around like they were crazy. I believe some described them as being "brainwashed." But, the more I went, the more they reached out to me, the more I saw they were being brainwashed! 

Their minds HAD been washed, by the blood of Jesus! It wasn't just a feel good, emotional thing! Something, someONE had changed them!

Testimony after testimony I saw; I heard; and I knew. So I walked over to the alter. "Lord, be real in my life!" I shouted from within. 

I prayed that prayer over and over. 

Then, the unthinkable happened. I became one of the weirdos! I became heavily involved. I sang to Jesus. I sang for Him. I found my voice. Literally, I learned to play guitar. I made a life-long family there. I met my future wife there! Eventually, I moved from my parent's home into the church home, for a year. And those same "radical" men, the one I said "Oh, please" to became my brothers. I would wake up EARLY and go outside to sing "coritos" little chorus's, like "Power, power wonder working power in the Blood of the Lamb!" and read the word and studied and prayed and studied and prayed. 

He called my name way before all of this transpired, of course, when I was four, according to my mother. I would walk around the house saying, "Thank you, Jesus." :)

I had bible teachers, preachers. I had music mentors. I was a blessed kid. If any man boast, let it be of the Lord!

...and now, 16 years later I still pray, "Lord, be REAL." 

Paraphrasing what I heard a television pastor say, “Jesus has shown up over and over in my life. He reveals HIS destiny to me! He showed me where I could go. If I continue to walk in Him, it wasn't me who walked in to that church. I mean physically I did the walking, but God in me took over that day. And, I have faltered, since then I allowed my stubbornness to cloud His vision. And, a journey that should have taken eleven days, took 40 years. But…. “

THANKFULLY and sincerely when we call out to Him, saying, "YOU! It was always YOU!" He doesn't tarry! He does not hesitate to give you all of Him. I am now 31 years old, give thanks daily for the overabundance of mentors and counselors I had all those years andgive thanks daily for His perfect will. As my father says, "Once He gives you something, He won't take it away." I accepted my calling as a writer.

“for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” ~Romans 11:29.

And great and wonderful things are happening for me. All thanks to God. And yes, even  through the weirdos refusing to compromise and surrendering their lives to Him.

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” ~Proverbs 11:14

Today I would like you to look back and reflect on who have been yourcounselors? Who brought you to Christ? We pray and bless them.

Be blessed all and make '11 the best year of your lives... so far!