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2008-11-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

New Pictures Family 1

2008-11-29T13:07:00.001-08:00

Pasos Ministry

2008-09-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Friday September 12th 6pm. As I pull up to the Sandals parking lot i see many faces some new some all to familiar. I get out of my car and greet many of the people that have shown up early to hang out and talk before we load up the trucks. Cristen Smith is the first to catch my eye and, I help her unload her car and give her a big hug. For today is the start of an amazing weekend. More people start showing up, some with a car full of there family. Others with hammers, and food. The parking lot is full now. Smiles, and hugs make there way around. We call our selves the Pasos Family. Not because it is a name but because that is what we truly are, a loving and caring family.
Pizza makes its way to the tail gate of one of the trucks and we all dig in. 5 pizza gone in five minutes. Its almost 7:00pm and the trucks have been loaded up with the sleeping bags, backpacks, tools, toys for the children, dry wall, and food. A prayer for safety, blessings and a hope to make a difference. We all hop into the trucks, 31 people in all. A caravan of family, on a mission to love our extended family on the other side of the border in El Nino, Mexico.
Night creeps into summer sky, orange and blue turn to black. City lights guide the way now. But the constant chatter on the walkie talkie makes the drive go faster. Each truck filled with conversation. 5 questions where wrote, each with a motive to dig deep inside our soul to express who we really are. Sharing about our selves and what we are about, each person now has a better understanding of who they share there time with. Crossing over the border into Mexico is exciting, lights and activity all around you. Left turn right turn over a few speed bumps and 45 minutes later we are at our destination. Dirt roads, pink, yellow and green paint on the sides of homes, and Lo Mejor del Trigo, the church which will be our home for the next 2 days. Excited and full of joy everyone get out of there vehicles and greet out foreign friends. Unpacking our sleeping bags and backpacks we found out beds laid out calling our names. But first we all head up to the second story of the Church rows of chairs, light green walls, leading up to a stage looking like a rock concert plays there regularly, electric guitars, piano and drums. We all move to the front of the room eager to start worship before we fall asleep, Leo unpacks the acoustic guitar, tuning it quickly and starts playing. The room fills with praise, everyone singing out to the Lord, praising the Lord for all his blessings.
Looking around this room looks complete. Nothing like it was, just a little under a year that second story was a slab of concrete. The pastor of the church "Pastor Danny" went up to the front of the room and spoke of how glad he was that we are there. And we all felt the same way. A pray of thanks and we all went to our bunks and fell asleep.
Waking up to a misty, and cool morning, breakfast is ready and waiting, we all moved into the Kitchen at 7am. And by 8am we are up broken up into teams, 3 groups will drywall, 1 group to set up VBS for the kids out on the dirt soccer field, 1 team prayer walking the streets of El Nino, and the other team to go visit a local Hospice. Everyone helps unload the Drywall from the trucks. White dust everywhere as we haul all of it up to the second story of the church. The drywall will be used to complete the second building of this church. That once the building is completed will be able to hold up to 150 visitors at one time. Immediately the hammers start swinging, the work has began for the 3 groups. The other team picks up the Easy-up, toys, and crafts and head to the field. the prayer team hits the streets inviting people to Dinner at 6pm, and telling the kids to run to the field to go and play with the VBS team. And the Hospice team drives off to go serve and fellowship, this will be the 10th anniversary of this hospice, little did they know that much work will be waiting form them there. One hour goes by, hammers and drills still working hard, the prayer team is heading back to switch with jobs with one of the dry wall teams, the VBS team also switching up. Everyone will have seen the city, dry walled and played with the children of El Nino by the end of this day.
The Hospice team arrives at there location, these select individuals will be at this location all day. Preparing for the party at the hospice, the team gets groceries and starts cooking, some cook while others greet and talk with the people eager to celibate. This far different from what they had originally thought it would be like. Many thought death would be waiting for them but Death was not welcome there, only life. Life poured out each person there happy, celebrating, and enjoying each others company. Sitting at tables rejoicing in the glory of God.
Lunch time rolls around at the church and all the groups retire from there work. And head to the feat awaiting them in the kitchen. Fresh tortillas, guacamole, salsa, beans, grilled onions and peppers... Carne Asada tacos. And did that ever hit the spot. Smiles all around, conversation filling the room, we all sit down ready to eat.
Back at the hospice, the party has began. All types of food is there, serving over 100 people there joyful and ready to celebrate. The team hurry around serving all who are there. And then settling down to fellowship with eat with there new friends at the Hospice. and what preparation it was. But that was the end of there endeavors but only the beginning.
All teams at the church get back work. Not much time left, only about 4 hours before one team has to break off and start dinner. the dry wall moves fast across the rooms, covering every wall. Everyone pulling together helping one another. There is no stress here. Smiles and helping hands ready to serve. The day heats up and the prayer walking team hits the streets praying and talking to people they pass. The majority of the towns folk head inside there homes, resting during the heat of the day. But the Kids still out on the field coloring, playing and have a great time. The VBS is going well. The soccer field is getting full. A full fledged soccer game breaks out, running up and down the dirt field passing this way and that. A scream erupts as one team scores, GOALL!!!!!!!!!
The Hospice team now done with lunch heads back for desert, and having a great time with the people there. Some of the team has gone to fix broken pipes at the Hospice. Others starting to clean up from Lunch, and the rest fellowship.
Time moves fast for everyone. The day has been fruitful for all. I have been running around all day helping, and taking pictures of the events there where unfolding this entire day. 4pm comes and dinner is started. A few people from the dry wall team take a break in the shade talking about the day and how different Mexico is from America. Much conversation is passed between the group. As i head back into the dorms, I see that over half the building has been covered in drywall. they are almost out of drywall now and what good timing it had been. 5pm comes and all teams head back to the main part of the church to get ready for dinner. The Hospice team is back and in good form, we all are sitting now talking about the day, smiles and relief comes as we rest and wait for dinner.
Dinner is ready and we all head up stairs for fellowship and the people that have responded to our invitation to come eat with us. We bought food for 150 people and not a single scrap of food was left by the end of the night. Plates where full of food, Spanish and English collided in the room. Silence fell across the room as pastor Danny stepped up so express is thankfulness for all that we do for his community and church. Worship followed with a time of prayer.
9:00pm The church is empty all but the Pasos family sitting in a big circle ready to share about there day. A popcorn praise report starts the session with a closing of prayer. We pack up the trucks soon after the time of fellowship and say our goodbyes. Tiers fill some eyes while others smile with joy for the next time they return in December. We start the trucks pile in and wave our goodbyes "until next time mi amigos". And we are off back to the USA. 2 1/2 hours total and we are back safely in the church parking lot. Each ready to go home and fall asleep from the long, but blessed day. This is the mission we at Pasos live by; Go, Live, Love. And we do just that.
Thank you for reading this story. If you would like to join our loving family please fill out an application on the sandals groups page @ sandalsgroups.com then to the Pasos page. I hope you enjoyed the story, but every time is different, so come. Live and learn with us.
John-

Monday?

2008-09-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Wow. So i don't think i slept at all last night.... I don't know what was wrong but man i feel like crud today. I wish i knew what was bugging me last night... I don't have anything that i am worried about or anything that is stressing me out. Maybe its a conversation I had with an elder at my church. When i told him that i was going to Honduras again, he started to think and i could see it on his face. I knew what he was thinking. So i decided to ask him to share his thoughts. So once he gathered his thoughts, he was telling me how sometimes we all confuse emotion and spiritual guidance. And vice verse. And that many times in his life he thought God was calling him to a certain place at a certain time, but that ended up not being the case. I know we all have those moments. And me.... well im what many refer to as a jumper. I will jump without looking and hope for the best. But one of my spiritual gifts is Faith. I know in my heart that no matter what i do, no matter how bad i can mess up my life that God will work it out for the best. The path i take might not be easy. It might not be the right thing to do in some peoples eyes. But i know that anything i do for God with all my heart that he will bless that and use it for God. I meen look at a Bever. He took something that looks so odd and strange and uses it for the best. Those crazy lookin animals serve a great purpose to the eco-system. I dont know maybe i am wrong. Maybe this is all emotion driven. But if thats the case then I can not see the diffrence between my faith and myself, and i am in a lot more truble then i thought. Please share your thoughts and oppinions.

Getting ready to go to Honduras again.

2008-08-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well every day seems like a day that has been lost. I feel like these next 3 months are going to move by really fast. I have been praying a lot lately, because my church challenged me to double check my feelings about going to Honduras. I still feel the same way and i know that i am going to go. I have to trust in the Lord.
So far i have been doing very well. Its only been a week since i have been back but it feels like a life time. Reason i say that is because, so much has happened, and i have had to do so many things not only for this trip but coming back to a new job.
LOL check this out... i get back into work and they gave my job away to the girl i trained and now i have another job that i have no idea how to do, good times. Well that's real estate for you!
But this is another sign to me that God is opening the doors for me to go. I have a job now that i can walk out of at any time and they can get someone new in whenever they please.

Well back to work with my keep praying everyone! i will need it to get all this done in 3 months.

Back to work already!

2008-08-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well im off cloud nine and back to reality. I had a great trip and I plan on going back as soon as possible. Looks like things at the office have not changed much same old people same old attitudes. More over I have made the decision that i will sell everything that I have and go back to Honduras. I feel that God has truly open up a door for me to give me life to missions work. I hope that i can be obedient to the call and get all my stuff sold very soon to pay off all my debt. = )

2 hours

2008-08-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

Well it is 2 hours before i leave on my next missions trip. Weird to think that I am going to another country and i have no idea what to expect of what i have forgotten at home. Its to late now. no turning back now!
"Where am i going?" you ask. To Honduras! I and my team of 21 are going to an orphanage to help out the staff and to show Jesus to the kids.
I will be gone for 10 days.
So Pray for us and check out the Sandals blog for updates. www.thesandalsblog.com

My Cowboys!

2008-08-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well i cant say that this is the best that i have seen them play, but none the less it is good to see my team back on the field. I dont know what this season will hold for my team but i hope that they can do as well as they did last season. But we cant forget about the huge win by new york! What a game. So i am not going to count my chickens before they hatch. Heck the Boys could very well lose every game but thats ok they will always be my team.
GO COWBOYS!

2008-07-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Asian Persuasion

2008-07-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

New Post...

2008-07-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

God is good. I cant say that enough. He always blesses my and takes care of all my needs. I have recently and once again been shown that God will provide for my needs and his. I am now, fully funded for my mission trip to Honduras. God has raised $1700 for me in 1 1/2 months. I have to say that is some fast work. Now i look forward to helping out the rest of my team and try to raise even more money for others to go. I have to hand it to all the people that gave sooo selflessly. Many people that i know for a fact couldn't give, gave, and many who could give, gave more then i have expected.

Very cool! But more then that. I have to say that I am looking forward to that feeling you get then you wake up in the morning and get out of bed put your feet on the ground and know that you are in alignment with Gods will. This is the best feeling i have ever experienced, that is why i hold missions so close to my heart and hope to one day be a full time missionary in another country.
It is said missions trips exist because Worship doesn't.
And where worship doesn't exist i hope that God will bring me there to speak his love

I have a special request from those of you that are reading this. To please pray for soon to be missionaries, Team Honduras, and all the other missionaries around the world. Many times we forget these courageous and lonely brothers and sisters that have given up there wants and needs for Gods needs. So please remember them and us.

Blessings
John

Its been a while

2008-07-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while since i last wrote on my blog. I feel rather distant from it now and look forward to getting back into writing about the event and thought in my life. So lets play a little catch up and let me tell you whats been going on. I have been at my new job for about 1 month now and I realize that i had no idea what really happen in the day of a Realtor. Church, well thats another beast, I have been running around like crazy with fund raisers and leadership ministry groups. Personal life... well I don't really know. I really would love to go camping and just relax go fishing and have a long quiet trail hike. sounds like a plan. anyone wana go?

Can you blame her?

2008-07-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

Team Honduras

2008-07-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Fund Raiser for honduras car wash

2008-07-01T21:04:00.001-07:00

Goodbye SAM we will miss you

2008-07-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sad to see one of my friends leave the state to seek life else where. But im sure that the lord will be with him and where ever he goes he will be happy and ill be praying for him!

Poker Night

2008-06-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Friday night

2008-06-26T12:54:00.001-07:00

Without Christ, without hope (Eph. 2:12).

2008-05-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Reading Mark 5: 24-34, I have seen a new way to view sin. In many ways people look to the world to be healed of the sins that put them there to begin with. But why not rest in Jesus and let him wash away our sins? In this chapter, just the belief in Him, a woman was healed. And Jesus was not mad, He didn't turn around and scold the women for touching him but embraced her faith. Told her be healed and go on to live her faith to the fullest. What a testament to Gods awesome power.

But why do we feel He isn't adequate enough for us to be healed/ forgiven? Many people will forget God. We use him as a last resource. Let try putting him first for once.

How Great is our God!

NEW JOB

2008-05-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was going to pray and sleep on this move for about a day before I made my move but my Dad I guess had to spill the beans. So my upper bosses went and pulled me in the office and said there goodbyes and told me to start giving my duties away. Hopefully ill get a week off between jobs. =P But i guess that was God giving me the final push out the door. Thank you Lord you made my life a lot easier. this will be a difficult move for me but i know the Lords in this as far as i know and ill rest in his promise.
Praise Him!

Thought for the day

2008-05-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

The most terrible judgement possible on this earth is for God to leave people to themselves(Rom. 1:24,26,28).

Think about that and Mark Chapter 5:14-20. And how the people asked Jesus to depart from them. We must all remeber, if we have the gospel and we dont use it, it will be taken from us.

Focus!

2008-05-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

Focus John Focus! Should be a good day today! lets pray that it will stay this way.

Deeper

2008-05-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Just recently i was told to think positively. A book called The Secret says "think positive thoughts and the universe will respond accordingly" But is that the truth? Are the starving kids in Africa a example of negative thoughts? What is that book trying to say, we control our destiny? No, i don't think so... But what do we have control over in our lives? I have my own thoughts on what we control; we control our thought, actions and surroundings. With these controlled actions we can pre-determine where and how our lives will go. Its simple if we hang around a drug dealer, we will be one; if we hang around someone rich, you will be rich(or a stalker). But what happens when you become a Christian... when you are living for someone else what choice do you have? I live for my God; and his will is mine. So now where are MY thoughts?... With him... what are MY actions?... of him... what are MY surroundings?... my church family. So who is in control now? Me or God... I have a choice to follow or run away. But if I live for him I have to believe that his plan for me is better then my own and he will bless me.
So the point i am trying to make is, thinking positive will only get you so far in life. Because God needs us to break and fall down at his feet. And if we just ignore all the bad in the world and try to make everything good and positive we will miss the opportunity to minister to otheres when they are down. Because when im going through a tough time, someone saying "think positively" makes me want to hit them in the face. Sorry to say but that doesnt help me. Its a good idea, but I feel that is a easy way out of trying to be real and deeper with another person.
Just my thoughts.

Board!!!

2008-05-13T16:07:00.001-07:00

Ok i am super board! I am sitting here at work i have 5000 thins i can do but i don't want to do any of them!! Then i have a few things after work that i can do but i really don't want to do that because im tired and i wana go home.
But on another note! Don't ever apply for a job over Craig's list. They are all such scams! Isnt there any lagit place to get a job online anymore? I don't think so!
Well i should have my new equipment coming in any day now i am very excited!
What else can i say or do to kill some time? Well lets play a game, anyone who leave a comment with the right answerer will get a special prize!
What movie is this from??

Got room for one more, if you wana go to Aspen...

-Where did you get that?

Some kid back in town... traded him straight the van straight up.
I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.

-you know what? Just when i think you couldn't possibly get any dumber... you go and do something like this AND Totally redeem yourself!!!!!

Have fun!!

Whats new??

2008-05-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have been asked "whats new with you?" about 5 times this weekend and every time I said
"Everything, how about you?"
Well I have to be honest. There are a lot of new things happening in my life that I seem to over look but non the less they are new and do make me happy. For starters I am going to invest some money in some new equipment for my camera! YAY! I am going to get a new 50mm, 28 mm and a Flash (just got that from my dad).
But I have to say that I am living a blessed life right now and the only prayer that i have is "God use me!" and he is i just have to open up my eyes and see it.
Love and peace yall!

The Interview!

2008-05-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the interest with my new job interview. I was interviewing for a transaction coordinator for a high volume agent with Prudential Realty. This would be a step down in pay but a step up in a entirely new field of knowledge.
I went to the interview and I immediately liked the Realtor i will hopefully be working for. Very outgoing, and open guy. We talked for about 30 min. And he was very interested in me and spoke a lot about the operation. I think that's a good thing lol. Although I am very un-experienced I believe that he saw my potential, and willingness to learn and be molded. I spoke a lot about my dreams and goals, and the things i would like to take away from this job. We will see where this goes, i will be praying for this job. it would truly be a blessing and will help me achieve my goals.

Thank you Lord for this opportunity. All the glory is to you!
(I think God reads blogs as well and written notes)

But please keep me in prayer everyone. I would love to move on from this job and learn a new skill and build on my passions of being a realtor.

New Job oppertunity.

2008-05-01T12:49:00.001-07:00

Hey yall! Got an interview tomorrow! lets home it works out!!! I really dont know what to expect but hey anything is better then here. I dont think I can stand another season in this office working with people that hate there jobs as much as i do = P. I think it is time for me to move on anyways. I have lingered here way to long lol. I wish i could drop it all and run away but that isnt going to happen lol.

Where is Peter Pan when ya need him? Lets jump out the window and run away to Never Never Land!

Refule

2008-04-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I have been wondering why i have been so guarded and really, not myself. After many days of noting key behaviors I have been seeing. I have come the conclusion that I am running on empty. And if youre anything like me or 10% of the church that volunteers there time and puts there hearts into serving Jesus; you might have or might be experiencing this empty feeling that drives us away from our calling and makes us want to run away. I recently listened to Matt and Neils teaching on Refueling our mind, body and spirit. (this was during the broken in series) And when i went back to listen to them and actual apply what they have been trying to teach us, what a world of difference it has made. By just siting for 10-20 minutes and reading the word and putting down the bible and just sitting there thinking about what i read i feel filled and content. Then i will pray and meditate on God. This might sound crazy... "how can someone get refilled by doing more work and reading about God more?" Well didn't Jesus say that "if we drink his water we will never be thirsty ever again"? Try it, for all those running low on fuel. Refuel, get alone with God and he will refuel you beyond all measure.

Quick trip Down town

2008-04-21T21:17:00.001-07:00

Pictures!~

2008-04-21T10:32:00.001-07:00

I need to take some pictures! Im gunna go out on my lunch and take some pics and post them up = )

Gods Will 2

2008-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

So after much council and sharing my heart with my friends. I still am not any closer to defining my path to Gods will in his ministry. But I'm getting closer. What I have been able to see is that my heart cries out for missions work. That is the heart that God has given me and I'm gunna follow that. Now, I have no idea where to start but some words of wisdom that where shared with me where. "God only will tell you the direction of where you must go, that doesn't mean that you wont have to climb a mountain to get there." I think that i have started that path; and climbed my first mountain and i was able to leave the worlds view of success and follow Jesus. Now I must see where my next step will be. I'm thinking school, So I'm excited to see where that goes. Bible school would be an option to explore. So please pray for me in this, and that i could find a job that would allow me to go to school during the day and work odd hours or just night shifts.
Thank you
John

Gods Will

2008-04-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Well many of my articles that i have been posting lately all circles around my continued unhappiness with my job. Today was a big step for me. Just recently i had received a little raise from my employer. Now this was nothing big, actually i had 25% of my paycheck taken away from me a year ago because of the falling economy. But back to my point. After i had received the raise i noticed my employer hanging the minor increase in pay over my head. "what time did you come in today?", "i hope your working this weekend to catch up." Well i just cant Handel that. I cant stand feeling like i get a raise and now I'm a slave to that person. i quickly am seeing where God wants me to be. Well actually he gave me 2 options. I can take the raise and be content with working for, a company i don't enjoy, for people that bring me down, to waste my talents in a Carrier that takes, takes, takes and will never give back. Or put money, power, success, and the corporate ladder behind me and follow him rich or poor; but happy. Why was i so blind? Why didn't i see this sooner? So i gave back the raise, and now I am going to sit back and enjoy my time here at this wonderful cafe and rejoice with the Lord.
I never want to feel like this again so the next path i am going to chose is going to be one that i love. What ever that maybe. So here I go. Lord take me i am yours.
Pray for me everyone, because the first chance i get I'm running after the Lord and not looking back.

Trust?

2008-04-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

O.K i have spent about 5 minutes just trying to put a title to how i feel. And i guess the entire situation comes down to, can i trust myself enough to know when God has opened the door to the next chapter of my life? I guess you can say its really dark outside and my flash light is growing dimmer every moment I am standing still... But then again I have been praying for God to open doors; and hes opened the flippen flood gates with ministry work. The more I pray for direction the more time I see being spent with my church and with others. I cant forget this, because the more i pull away from this job the more I see I am doing more at my church. I love being apart of my church and would live to have the chance to be in a position to work an entire day for others and God. Is the Lord calling me to full time ministry? And if so will I be able to jump trough the door to get there? I know in my heart that I would if I had the chance. So i rest in the fact that I am not dead to opportunities. But i have to be able to discern what is God and what is not. And thats where i don't trust myself. I trust in Gods love for me but i don't trust in my discernment in were his blessings will come from. So what should I do in the mean time? Prayer is the only thing i can think of. And if yall have any advice on the topic feel free to share = )

Pain

2008-04-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Where is the "hurt" in our city? Have you ever really gone looking for hurt people? Why do these feelings seem so vacant in the world? WE as people are so self centered we focus on our situation and nothing else. I am no saint by any means. The reason I bring this up is because, this weekend I encounter a hypodermic Methamphetamine syringe. I guess some homeless person left it there for safe keeping. But when i thought about it, i looked around and noticed everything around me to play the role of the clean self conscious city. But if we look I know we can find that hurt and helplessness. I have to applaud those street evangelists that go out into those dark allies to save a soul for Jesus. I don't think I'm writing this to say we all need to grab our shield and sword and go be street evangelists. But that we should know that the world out side is a place full of hurt and pain. And that we should keep our eyes open to that. Pray for these people in the world that suffer the pain and hurt it brings. I needed that reminder because some times we grow callus to the hurt and pain of the world and that's when the miracles of God seem to fade away and the clarity of God leaves us.

34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " Mark 13:34-37 NIV

John 2 By Matt Weybright

2008-04-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Picture from Matt Weybright

2008-04-14T08:27:00.001-07:00

Feelings

2008-04-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

-Why do i feel like I'm missing something? Why is it, when I look at my life i see such great mile stones but non of them seem to measure up to my expectations? Why do i feel like everyday at this desk is a waste of my life? I see my soul and its ready to burst out of my chest. My hands tired of seeing this black key board. How they wish to hold a hammer, swing a gold club, clap and rejoice with the Lord. My mind is dull, tired of the same thing day after day. Plowing the fields of corporate America all day and returning home to rest for another days hard work. Where can i go? What can i do today?
- Lets stop asking questions. Lets change my way of thinking. Right here, Right now, I am making a stand for myself. I have a banner on this blog with wild flowers in an open field. Full of adventure and possibilities. That is John, that is my soul. I do not have because i do not ask. Well Lord, i ask you now, over a blog of all things. Lord i want to be free of this desk, Lord use me, Lord i surrender my hand, mind, body and soul. Use them Lord. Take me away from this, close the doors on this chapter of my life. I ask you to start a new page with me. All things are in your time lord; but i know that only through you is anything possible so I rest in that.

31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[a] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2008-04-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

-Ok. I love what i do. But is it what i want to do with the rest of my life? I am through with Ticor Title. My real dilemma is where do i go next? I need help. I need prayer!
Here is the dilemma! I want to go back to school. But how? Night school is an option... but after a 11 hour work day, church and other activities, night school seems a little out of reach.
-But on the other hand going to school in the day requires me to work at night... and along with that i have to give up my church activities.
What to do? What to do?
God has to give me some direction on this one.

Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

Don't u wish we could just skip all this and go straight to Jesus?

Sandals Service April 6th

2008-04-07T15:20:00.001-07:00

I Love Sandals.

2008-04-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

2008-04-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

I love My Jesus

2008-04-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12 NIV

Blessed, that's what we are. Blessed to have a book that was written my the hand and heart of God. Blessed to have a savior that died for our sins. Blessed to be able to preach his word. And Blessed to have the forgiveness that is never ending.

-Yes, you might say i am in good spirits today... But more then that i am happy to have Jesus and the love that he gives us all. Thank you Jesus for blessing me with a church family that loves me as much as I love them in return. Thank you for the blessings you have put in my path. Thank you Jesus.

2008-04-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

God are you with me?

2008-04-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Every day is a new struggle for most of us. I guess I am really wondering what God has for me. How can i be obedient in the midst of chaos?
-This verse seems to sum it up very well.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

-So how can we be obedient to the call of the Lord? We rest in the promise. We rest in the eternal glory. Knowing that, if we move with the Lord we wont be denied the blessings.

OK, i see this point but how do you know if the path your on is the Lords will?

-Try this one.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

-We don't need to know what will happen next, but to rest in the heart of GOD. Not our own. When i start to talk with "I this", "I that" i can see where my vision is sqewed. And its usually the things i don't want to do with God that i need to do the most. So I think we all need to stop wondering where we are going but to enjoy the ride there. And rest in the eternal glory.

SMILE IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD! =P

TO FUNNY!!

2008-04-01T11:03:00.001-07:00

Contentment?

2008-04-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

So what does it mean to really be content? The dictionary describes it as "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation". But what does the bible say about such things?
Philip 4:11-13
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

This letter that Paul writes speaks volumes on the differences of the "world" and of the "faith". I for starters am not content when I am hungry. I am not content when the walls of my life come crashing down around me. I think we can all say that our hearts still cling to the "worlds" view of contentment. So how can we as Christan's become like Paul?

One word says it all Faith. Faith in he who gives and takes away. That's a big statement. Faith in God, Faith in Jesus is not an easy. But i don't see anything in the bible that has ever been easy.

So where does that put "us" as christian believers... We feel blessed and content when we are not being challenged, persecuted or hungry. But isn't that what Paul is challenging us with? To be content even in the worst possible situation imaginable. You can always tell when a christian is moving in there next step into faith when God lets go of there hand and lets them walk on there own for the first time. We all stumble and fall down, but it is what we do when we fall that makes or breaks our faith.

Some people run back to there old ways and start over again. Some sit there on there back yelling for God. But what good has there ever done anyone? And a few will dig deep, get up and fall again and again and again.

This is what Paul was trying to help us understand, this is his secret. Contentment is puting all your love, heart and soul into "I can do everything through him who gives me strength". So next time youre down remember; dont be content in your surroundings but be content in the promise!

Fried Snake?

2008-03-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ever hear about people seeing a snake and jumping 5 feet in the air? Well thats what Megan did last night as Clint pulled out a 4 foot long Diamond Back Rattlesnake our of a plastic bag. I have to say, that thing kinda cought me off guard as well. But it wasn't a problem for him. He just threw it in the sink and started cutting that snake up for one heck of a meal. Megan never returned to join us until the butchering had been completed. It was a mighty good meal, we breaded the snake, put some rosemary on it and fried it. It was a great Friday night. And a great ending to a long week.

Ducks vs Kings

2008-03-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Great game. Nuf said.

But i have to give it up to Skip. He bought these tickets 4 months ago and was able to get us the best seats in the house. ROCK ON! The best part of the entire night had to be when Vera spilled beer all over the people in front of us lmao! This chick turned around so fast i thought she was gunna shoot us in the head. She looked at me first, thinking oh ya must have been a guy, that would jump up and fling his beer around wildly. But no, it was Vera and she played it off like a pro she just said.... well she said nothing.... lol and just kept on watching the game. Gotta love it.

Ready for the Big Game!

2008-03-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ducks vs. Kings, tonight. Skip, Vera, Pete, and I. Oh did i forget $10 Beer as well? Ya Cant forget about that lol. Should be a blast, i brought my duck call, lets hope i don't piss the wrong person off. Man, i love it when Skip is in town. He just make life that much more interesting.

Birthday Boy~

2008-03-25T08:29:00.001-07:00

Well today is my birthday. 22 years old and still kicking. As time goes on i cant believe where i have gone and the things that i have seen. I don't know where i would be without Jesus.

Lord, you have my heart and i will search for yours. Let me be to you a sacrifice. And i praise you Lord, and i will sing about you love and grace.

Some days i think that my life is standing still and i cant stand it. But last night i sat with my buddy Skip and let my life stand still. And it felt good. I think we all just need to take a moment and think about what life looks like standing still. Listen, try to understand the moment, dig deep and just rest. Let your worries and cares drift away for even an hour. Think with a mindset of a child. Where the entire world is contained in a 2 block radius.

Live, Learn, Love

2008-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Oh dang! everyone watch out for the elderly, they are taking notes!

Easter Weekend

2008-03-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well i made it! One weekend and way to much to do! But I have to say that this weekend has shown me many things. First off I think i need to to take more time to be with friends and family. I need to find a balance. I don't know exactly what God is leading me to do but i see a pattern . I guess that is better then nothing at all. But on a good note i did get to go out and shoot some pics with Matt Weybright. I have tons of pics but in RAW format! BUMMER! That means i have wait untill i can get a picture converter! But i spent a great deal of Time at the coffee cart this weekend it was rather fun but i dont want to do that again any time soon but i cant wait untill christmas! Well that was my weekend a ton of fun with family and friends! YAY!

Disneyland on a Thursday?

2008-03-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

So what better place could a person be on a Thursday night after a long day of work but Disneyland. This was a first for me but i wouldn't mind making it a regular thing. Last night i went to Disneyland with Becka and Diana, they are the 2 best people you could ever ask to go to Disneyland. The only bad part about the entire night was the lines!! People! People People! But you have to love it; that's half to fun... running around Disneyland fighting the crowds. I got checked across my chest by a lady that thought i was trying to cut in front of her to get on the toad ride lmao. But i understand, that's is an awesome ride. Well to say the least i had a great time. I am a little tired today but ill get over it. TTFN- TA TA FOR NOW!

My First Blog

2008-03-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, so i decided to try and fit in with the crowd and get a blog. We will see if anyone is interested in the life of John.