Community

Thanksgiving under a bridge was a success! We feed about 100 plus people, and cloth them as well. It was good seeing people inconvenience themselves and get out of their comfort zone. As I watched people serving people ,or listening, laughing, crying together in unity. I could only smile a tear up a little bit. It was awesome to see the body of Christ come together and serve and love the least of these.

As the night was winding down I felt the spirit moving in me. I gather everyone in a circle homeless people, children, anyone who wanted to join. I gave a brief reminder to everyone and myself. To serve anyone that comes our way. Serve them like Jesus. To remember the power of community and what it can do. That we are all God's children.

This thanksgiving I pray we stay humble and take time to thank the Lord of what he has given us.

Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Thanksgiving Under A Bridge

Thanksgiving is upon us (or at least in the U.S.)! As every gets set to devour turkeys, and walk out with a full stomach, or some major heart burn. My family once again will be doing Thanksgiving a little different. Our family will be short one member my father. He left for Brazil yesterday and will be helping people in the slums. Instead of getting fat and happy on turkey day. But today, I will be downtown having thanksgiving with the homeless under the bridge.

Throughout my life I can only think of maybe 4 or 5 times out of my 21 years. That I had a "real thanksgiving dinner" in terms of the holiday and how it is celebrated. Not that its bad to celebrate, I love thanksgiving. But tonight as we head downtown to feed our brothers and sisters. I will be having a feast. Of serving these people who are less fortunate, who are stuck, lost. Whatever it maybe I will come out humbled, and probably with a few tears. But I will come out thankful. Of how much I've been blessed and I deserve none of it. A lot of us I have been blessed beyond measure. So take time to thank God, your family, and friends. For it could be you with nothing and seeking food anywhere you can find it. I pray we all seek the Lord as our fulfillment.

I will serve them like family
I will serve them like brother and sisters
I serve them like Jesus

Not just them but anyone.

The Comment Messaging Phenomenon

What is it about comments, text messaging, and just messaging in general? Millions of Americans everyday day go on to their myspace or facebook (or any social network gathering) to check what they have received. I am guilty of doing this everyday. But why are we so crazy about comments and texting? People rather have conversations through the comments online or through texting. Whatever happen to a good face to face or phone conversation? Sure texting and commenting are convenient and the hip thing to do at the time. There are legitimate reason as to why people do message etc.

But its sad to see that people get so caught up in it. That at times they base their self -worth, popularity, I will even go further and say identity. On how many comments, messages they receive. My senior year in high school I got introduced to texting. I knew what it was, I had an idea of how to do it. But as I started to text I had a girl in my english class who saw my texting skills were not update. So she showed me the way. This girl could text with a phone in each hand eyes closed (completely insane!). It dawned on me that this was far more than just a means to communicate. It became life to some people. I have friends who can't live without their phone or checking to see if they got comments and from whom.

I check to see if I have comments. Quite frankly it makes me happy when I get comments. I feel loved and encouraged. But I refuse to let it dictate the way I do things. How I approach my day, its to insignificant and useless for it to do that. Before I deleted myspace (which was last week) I looked up at how many comments I had total. Over a 3 year span I received 223 comments. Which in the comment messaging world. Makes me a bona fide loser score!

I forget my phone a lot in my car. So I miss calls from time to time or text. But their are people who will freak out not knowing if they have been contacted. Its amazing, its not like they are the president. Sure they maybe important to a handful of individuals. But why can't they wait? It really makes me mad when people do it in church, during prayer, when someone is talking to them. I think its disrespectful. It tells me hey hold on, this message is more important.

I know I may be the black eye pea of the bunch. But I would be OK if I never texted again. Some people would have to rushed to the hospital. I'm not saying I am better than people who love to text. What I am saying, is there is far more to worry about in life. Then what you got posted on your facebook, or who texted you.

If you don't know what is more important. Start with this starving kids in Africa, homeless people, abused women, your family, church, school, your country's current state, and the list goes on...............................................

Releasing Our Grip

I'm currently reading So, You Want To Be Like Christ? by Charles R. Swindoll. I just got done with the 4th chapter it was about surrendering. The chapter really humbled me. It got me think when I surrender something. When I feel sorry for myself, or when I have to adjust my plans, or I'm treated badly. To think of Jesus how he was treated, what he gave up, what he endured.

Lastly, I want to leave this prayer by Peter Marshall late chaplain of the United States Senate

Forgive us, O God for the doubting suspicion with which we regard the heart of God.

We have faith in checks and banks, in trains and airplanes, in cooks and in strangers who drive us in cabs. Forgive us for out stupidity, that we have faith in people whom we do not know and are so reluctant to have faith in Thee who knowest us altogether.

We are always striving to find a complicated way through life when Thou hast a plan, and we refuse to walk in it. So many of our troubles we bring on ourselves. How silly we are.

Wilt Thou give to us that faith that we can deposit in the bank of Thy love, so that we may receive the dividends and interest that Thou art so willing to give us. We ask it all in the lovely name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

Releasing Our Grip

Costly Message

Last night I got blasted, I was being told things I needed to hear. That a life of Christian isn't easy. That it's suppose to be costing you something. God wants your life not your leftovers. I've heard the message before, but never really respond to it. Just looking around the room. It appeared I wasn't the only getting their world rocked. So as everyone went to the alter to let it go, to do business with God. I sat in the front row being still and talking to my father in heaven.

I got nudge by the spirit to go pray for those drenched in tears, frustrated, and hurting. I extended my hand and prayed with them. What I learned from last night. Is we are going to mess up we are not perfect, our creator is in every way. That a life of Christian can be a grueling process. A life of Christian is called to rise above this dark and lost world. To pick up our armor and be a messenger for the Lord everyday no matter our current state. Sure it seems pretty repetitive, but at least for me. I know I need a simple message like that. To be humbled, to sit back and realize the task at hand. To check my selfishness and pride meters.

To take time and just bask in the greatness of the Lord. I know I'm guilty of getting got up with my life. That I neglect to give God my time. At times I don't give him what will cost me. Whatever that may be it reminding me of what he gave us. For starters life, his only son, so we could have hope. He gave so much and we complain when we have to sacrifice something.


We are here to glorify and further his kingdom.
To realize its going to cost us something.
So I pray if you need to do business with God to do it.
He's waiting, he's all ears full of love.

So remember the bigger the picture.
It will cost us something.
But the cost is well worth the rewards we have in heaven.

A.I.M

Yesterday I had my first "visit" what I mean by "visit" is giving a family my condolences for their loss. So when I entered the funeral home (I think I'm new to this stuff). Well I walked in really curious as to what was going to happen. The family that had the suffered the lost I hadn't seen in years, a decade ,maybe. As we waited in line to give our thoughts, prayers, and tears. I came upon the mother who lost her son in the wreck. Losing a son who was trying to get his life back together. Losing a son who she deeply loved regardless of his faults.

This mother had been and still is a inspiration for me. In middle school I was diagnosed with a learning disability. Not really coming to grips that I couldn't retain the material as fast as everyone. So my parents payed for me to go to a program called A.I.M. Which stood for Achievement Innovation Motivation all three I was sorely lacking. This program was setup to help kids with learning disabilities. So every time we took a test or anything close to that matter I would walk down two flight of stairs and take it in A.I.M. Every time I left the classroom I was so embarrassed that I had to leave. That I couldn't take the test like a "regular person" alienating myself for my lack of.....

But every time I walked my down to A.I.M she would welcome me with open arms. Always putting a smile on her face, always motivating and teaching us. She would put up with all the bullsh*t that I would give her. All times I would try to cheat on my test, or skip class she still loved me. I was fully aware of what I was doing. She knew I knew and she still loved on me like her own child. If I had to pick 5 people who have influenced me over my 21 years she would be in there without question. So as I waited in line to give her my condolences. I was like a little kid shaking I was nervous. My mom embraced her, then she saw me and busted in to tears.

I wanted to cry, but I was so overwhelmed. She grabbed me and gave me the biggest hug I have ever received. Word had gotten out about me being active in the ministry and going on mission trips. She said I hear your working for the Lord. I smiled and said you been doing it for years. Through this tragedy she seemed at peace, at ease if you will. Their was a glow about her. I thanked her for putting up with me. She said you never were a pain. I shook my head on the verge of tears. Humbled by her never ending example of giving and encouraging. My regret is I never thank her enough for what she has done for me. She stood in the gaps for me in one of my darkest times. She smiled when I thought I had no reason to smile. She gave me hug when I was down. She always reminded me I was a child of God no matter my grades. Or how bad I was in a particular subject (math).

So as I kissed her on her forehead having her tears come down my shirt. Hugging her with all my might. I said thank you, and thank you will never be enough. I smiled and walked off. I used to be embarrassed with my learning disability till this day I still have it. Math is my Achilles heel, I have been told I suck at reading, writing, I put to many commas they say. That I am not capable of getting a degree. That I'm pretty much hopless. So I'm fighting a lot of odds, not to mention doubts. Next semester I will be repeating the same math class for the fourth time. I was told by my history teacher I would be lucky to pass the class this semester. I'm hours behind the hours that I'm suppose to have.

But one thing I learned in A.I.M was to aim high.
To aim for the impossible.

To aim to please and glorify God

Sure I may suck at school, but I'm loved by a father who knows me inside and out
and I aim everyday to follow him and show the world to aim for him

Thank you Jan may God Bless you, in a unique and mighty way for years to come!

Love your student always
Jose

Everything Glorious

Ipod shuffle comes into full affect. The past couple of weeks have been tuff. Everytime I play my ipod on my way to class especially math. I get David Crowders Everything Glorious. I have heard this song a thousand times. But I keep on running into the song. The song has risen my spirit towards contentment and I might add a huge smile. Seeing all the good among the ugliness. I know ugliness will come my way. But I know God makes everything glorious. For his kingdom and his glory alone. I strive to glorify him thorough all that life throws at me. From my daily struggles to academic struggles whatever it may be. God is glorious, no matter the suckness. God trumps anything that the world, satan can throw our way. Cause I AM YOURS!!!!!!!

Reflecting On History

In my room I have a poster of Martin Luther King Jr (MLK). On it is the I have a dream speech. I read it time to time to get inspired. I have always been a huge admirer of MLK.

Last night as I saw Barack Obama become the first black president- elect. I realize I was watching history in the making. One that will be talked about for years to come. The tears that Oprah and Jesse Jackson displayed. The impact was undeniable and touching.

To see the emotions let out by black people across the nation. Even in Kenya, Africa I saw a video of them jumping and shouting for Obama. It's not so much about Obama. Has it is about what has been overcome. I am not black, I am Hispanic. With two parents who are foreign to the United States. Obama's victory really resonated with me. I'm considered a minority in this country. I too have been discriminated for my color, background etc.

It was inspiring to see how much not only the blacks have overcome. But how far we've gone as a nation. I smile for the black people this is huge for them! For all those years of suffering. They have truly overcome. It's huge for everyone, but minorities in particular. As I reflect from last night I see a glimmer of hope not just in Obama. But in We The People of the United States. The road will be a long and hard. But who thought it be easy?

All I can see is MLK smiling saying "I Have A Dream, We Shall Overcome"

One For The Books

As we inch closer to finding out who is going to be our new president. This election has huge implications for the future. Regardless of who gets into office. They will have a lot of work ahead of them. With the economy, two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and not to mention gaining the trust of the American people.

This election is also very historic. With Barack Obama having the prospect of being the first black president. Or Sarah Palin being the first woman vice president in office. Don't forget all the money that was spent to during the campaign. Whether you voted or you say you don't care. Everyone will be glued to the T.V. To see the results.

This election is so huge. That generations from now kids will be reading about it in their history books. This election will effect us no matter the outcome. No matter class, race, or age all are effected

So if America votes for McCain Palin, or Obama Biden. I hope as nation we can put our differences aside. In a time in which huge needs are very evident. That we as a nation can start the turnaround of the current situations were in.

Let the humbling begin.