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Sunday, September 30, 2007

:: Child - Adult ::

"Children do what feels good. Adults device a plan and exsecute it." - Dave Ramsey

www.daveramsey.com
- I listen to Dave's radio show every day on my way home from work. Very cool guy. If you want to get serious about your finances, I encourage you to check out his site. The guy is right on the money with Biblical principles on how to manage our finances. Anyway, He said the quote above on one of his last showes and I thought it was really good...

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:: Posting ::

I have not posted that much this week because I have been in the middle of setting up my new exchange server email account. I do most of my posting from my PDA phone and it took me some time to setup the account on the phone and to learn how to synchronize it and use it...

Anyway, if this is Chinese to you, don't worry, I am back and posting from my PDA phone again :)

- God Bless!

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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

:: New Phrase ::

The last couple of months have been the hardest for me, and I've had so many consecutive bad things happen to me (mainly because of my mistakes, other times, things out of my control)...

I just realized that I've adopted a new phrase...

"You've Got To Be Kidding Me!?"

...I almost want to laugh at this point. Anyway, I've got nothing to complain about! I have it very easy compared to most. God has been good to me...

Even still, today has been one of those days where I just want to say, "You've Got To Be Kidding Me!?"

...It's going to be a Loooooooong day.

"All things work for good for those who love Him." - (JJ Paraphrase - The Bible)

God only knows...

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

:: Thoughts Overload! ::

I've had so many thoughts in the last few days! I'm having a hard time keeping up with all that I am learning!...

I can't begin to write them all down...

This blog has been awesome at helping me to process my many thoughts, but still so many of them I just can't write...

God is truly doing a great work in my life. Please pray that I may now follow through with the many things that God is asking me to do. Please keep me in your prayers! I need it...

:: JVS ::

Today is the birthday of a very special person! - 09.26.07

Today is the birthday of one of my best friends...
Today is the birthday of my Sister!

You are so beautiful... You have been one of the greatest blessings in my life... How many times you have encouraged me. Lately, as I have talked with you, I hear such wisdom and discernment in you that amazes me. You are truly become a Godly women... That is to be praised!

I could not tell you enough how much I love you...

We live in world where women such yourself are rare. You are truly a "diamond in the rough" not just in a family of 5 boys, but in this world where women of character and high moral standards are rare. May God bless you and continue to use you for His kingdom through the Godly life you strive to live.

HAPPY Birthday Julie! I Love You!

:: Psalms 51:10 ::

10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me...

12) Restore to me the joy of Your salvation...

"Joy" - I have known my Creator all the days of my life! How blessed I have been! It's so easy to take what I have for granted. But no, I am so grateful for this blessed life God has given me. I rejoice in my Lord Jesus Christ and in the hope I have in Him. God has given me such joy and peace like never before... This joy and peace is not coming from my circumstances, but in the hope of eternal life I have in Christ Jesus.

God is always good! - He gives and He takes, but always, blessed be His name!

Monday, September 24, 2007

:: Inner Man ::

Ephesians 3 -

14) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20) Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21) to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

-- "strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man" = Internal...

...SO THAT Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love... (Caps emphasis added)

"Rooted" - Hhmm...

:: Fruit of The Spirit ::

So, getting back to "The Fruit of The Spirit"...

I've been thinking about what is the first sign or what is the first fruit we see from the Holy Spirit in ones life?...

I believe there are two types of fruit that the Holy spirit yield...

- Internal Fruit and external fruit...

Someone could live the "Christian Life" and not be saved. Anyone can "serve" and live the "Christian" religion and not be saved. I believe that a person can be "showing" external fruit that could be mistaken by fruit of the Holy Spirit because its based on external actions. A person can grow in knowledge of God's Word, even preach the Word, and not be saved, or not be yielding to the Holy Spirit's work in his/her life if saved...

...This can be done, but it can only be done for a while before the true nature comes out in moments where a person puts down the guard. And the results of that persons work might not show to be long term. They could be, because God still might use that work, but that's rare...

If you live with someone, you know that person's real self. It is hard to fake Christianity 24/7. I believe that one of the first signs of fruit from the Holy Spirit is character growth, where there was none before. This growth start internally...

With ones understanding of God's love, mercy and grace through the receiving of the Gift of eternal life (the gospel) and the Holy Spirit itself, with one's pride, one's personal weaknesses, and with one's basic character areas...etc...

You can "serve" and be Mr. Super Christian with the church, but come home and then be irresponsible, lose your patience with your brother, speak sarcastically, or lack in love, and this will show me that your external actions are not genuine. Don't get me wrong, you could be in that process of growth, if that process is evident, then Amen, the Holy Spirit is doing it's thing. But be stagnant in Your internal personal growth, and you will only go so far before you fall away...

The internal Fruit of the Spirit precedes the external fruit...

Knowledge puffs up the Bible says... Jesus said that some day many will come to Him and say they knew Him, but He will cast then away. Because they truly did not...

...It all starts with John 3:16 :)

Believe in Jesus Christ, in what He did 2000 years ago at the cross for you and me, accept the free gift of eternal life He has given us, and you will be saved. You will receive the seal of His promise, the Holy Spirit, and God's work in your life will begin.

...We must yield to the Holy Spirit, first to it's calling through the gospel, then through its work in our lives... Starting with an internal change that can only come from God in us... The Holy Spirit!

I leave you with this verse and thought...

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. - Psalms 51:17

God is not asking for "works" (external), He is asking for a humble spirit, a broken and contrite heart (internal)...

-- Keep The Faith and God Bless

:: What If ::

I was just thinking about that phrase...

"What if" -- In reference to the past, is a dangerous term to use and dwell on. Even in reference to the future if we're not careful...

What if I had not done that...
What if I had made a different choice...
What if, what if, what if...

Anyway, don't dwell on the "what ifs" of the past, don't contemplate too much on the "what ifs" of the future, and live today, love today, as Jesus Christ has called us to do. Living with eternity in mind, holding fast to our faith, knowing that our trials are not in vain...

:: if ::

"If" - Such a dangerous word!... More on this soon...

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:: Fruit of The Spirit ::

The Fruit of the Spirit in our lives is first internal and then external!... More on this thought coming soon...

Wow, I have gained so much insight this Last weekend!...

Saturday, September 22, 2007

:: Amicalola Falls - Picture Post::

Today The Rock KSU Group went to Amicalola Falls State Park...
Here are some pictures of the day :)


:: Burkus on "out-pilot" ::


:: Having Cafe con Leche with Kyle and Kelsey before leaving ::


:: Hhaa, back on my blades! Just skating before we left ::


:: Group Picture - Such an awesome time! ::

-For more pictures of this day, go check out my picture gallery...

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!!

...I have lost my entire calendar/agenda! Both my PC backup and my PDA! My latest outlook backup is very old! NOT good ;-(

OK... I'm alright... I'll live... Just gotta breath!... I don't know what to do?! My calendar is blank... ALL my reminders...

That's it! I'm switching to an exchange server with backups!... I'm subscribing first thing tomorrow!... Ok, I think I'm supposed to go to sleep now...

:: Tonight ::

Well, just got back from The Rock KSU meeting. It was a good night. I got to have a good conversation with a friend and I got to play a round of Double 9 dominoes (of course we won Brian and I against Mickey and Soto) ;-)

...I just started memorizing scripture again; it has been so refreshing. I've been meditating on Psalms 33. I hope to not drop the habit again. My hunger for God's Word is growing once again!... As a deer pants for water in a desert, so I thirst for the living water which is Gods Word...

Prayer Request: Please pray that I can re-establish my scripture memorization regimen and that God's Word may continue to work in my life.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

:: LIFE ::

I love life, because I love You!
I love You, because You first loved me!

Oh how I long for Heaven!...

-- "We Are Marshall" --

Just saw the movie... Wow...

:: The Name of The LORD ::

These are some verses I have been meditating on...

Proverbs 18:10 -
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.

Psalms 33:18-22 -
18) Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, 19) To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. 20) Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21) For our heart rejoices in Him,

Because we trust in His holy name.

22) Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.

--- I've been thinking about the relationship between man and God... As I was meditating on and committing to memory the passages above, I have realized that man sometimes has a wrong perspective about God. We hope and pray and when things don't turn out the way we expected it or wanted it, we lose hope in Him, or we get angry. Yet, who are we to think that we can demand anything from God. Ok, so maybe you've come before God as humbly as humanly possible and still it does not turn out as you hoped, then what?.... Well, who are we to know the will of God? Can the clay say to he potter what to do? No... I think about Job, and when God questioned him on "where was he when the foundations of the earth were set," etc... Lately I have begun to truly experience the Joy of the Lord as He has put me through the fire and as He has been testing my heart. God desires a "broken and a contrite heart" as it says in Psalms 51:17. When we get to that place of TOTAL submission to the Will of God, only then can we truly begin to find peace and joy and everything else God promises to those who love Him.

...I don't know where you find yourself in life, but if you turn to God and put Your trust in Him, He will save you. He will give you peace and joy like nothing else can. Now, He does not promise an easy life. We still live in a fallen world, but He does promise to help us through this life and to lead us into the next, eternity in heaven! He will come through with all His promises by His terms NOT ours. We must put ourselves in total submission before Him, and then He gives us life in the fullest!...

"Thank You Lord for what You have been teaching me. Thank You for everything that You have allowed to happen in my life. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You Lord, for the gift of eternal life. Help me to humble myself before You daily. Help me to live a life of worship as a holy and living sacrifice before You..."

:: Generations ::

I've been listening to the old testament during my 1 hour drive to work every day...

I'm currently in the book of Judges:

As I was listening, I noticed a pattern...

God would raise a Judge among the Israelites, He would lead them back to Him... Then, after that generation died the next would turn away from God... Every time!

So I thought to myself... How hard it is to pass once faith to the next generation! Then I thanked God for my parents who have kept the faith and helped me fall in love with God...

I am a THIRD generation Christ follower! How awesome is that to God's glory and testimony of His mercy and grace upon my life!

"Thank You Lord! So Much! For the faith my Abuelo passed on to Dad and Mom, and For the faith they in turn passed down to me... Please, help me to raise a 4th generation of children some day who will fall in love with You and continue to work for Your kingdom..."

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

:: Cool Spirit ::

Proverbs 27:27-28

27) He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 28) Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Tomorrow morning I will be calling the City of Kennesaw public works department to try to resolve the issue of not having my trashed picked up this last month...

Last night I read Proverbs 17 and I will be trying to maintain a "cool spirit" and I pray I may be patient and calm, cool and collected so that I may hold a good testimony.

... I will be recording the call and I will be doing my part to put pressure so as to get results, but I must none-the-less remain calm and be polite to the person on the other side of the phone.

Please pray that I may be able to get this issue resolved...

Here is another verse that has recently challenged me in this area...

Psalms 141:3 - Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

I wrote "Psalms 141:3" on my billing statement so when I call in with my account number I see it and am reminded to "guard my lips."

"Lord, please give me patience to be understanding and kind tomorrow morning. Help to get the problem taken care off without loosing my cool..."

Monday, September 17, 2007

:: Trash! ::

My patience is being tested!...
The City of Kennesaw public works trash department has not been picking up my trash! My account is current and I've made all my payments on time. I pay $22 month and this last month I have not received service! I have called several times now an they say the problem will be looked into but nothing has been done!... It has been SO HARD to keep my cool when I call... I'm tired of being nice...

I need to read the Word and pray that God may give me patience...!!!!

OK... Pray for me. I need more patience. I feel the frustration turning into anger. My flesh is pounding on my door! I just want to make a ruckus and curse out the person in charge... I've used up my time, my cell minutes and I've paid for a service I have not received! I'm all out of niceness, its time to start recording the calls, make threats of legal prosecution, and demand results!

This is the 2nd time this happens, I'm sick of it. If there was another company, I would use them but I don't think there is. I'm sick of the incompetence of companies and the people who don't care to give the customer service they should give!

...!@%$@!!!

I am NOT a HAPPY CAMPER!...

...I will be reading the Bible now... Keep me in your prayers...

Saturday, September 15, 2007

"The Impossible Dream"

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this

That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

-- That man was Jesus Christ! Wow, what an awesome song...

(Yes, its late and I'm still up. I have been updating my web site and lost track of time. I'm off to sleep...)

Friday, September 14, 2007

:: Weekend! ::

Da weekend is here!...

I'm still not used to having my Saturdays 100% free! I look at my outlook and I don't see anything on my schedule... How sweet that is!

What to do, what to do!? :)

"Thank You Lord for another good work week. Please bless my weekend. Lord, give me an opportunity to touch someone's life this weekend. I commit these next two days to You..."

:: In Love ::

Lord, I'm sorry for the limitations I have been setting upon You. I want to tell You that I am willing. I am willing to serve You here in the United States until You call me to another place.

Help me to communicate Your love, Your grace Your truth in a way that touches upon the heart of the matter in each individual's case. Help me to love each individual You bring me into contact with. Make me humble and help me to communicate with that humility Your love. Lord, help me to live what I speak. Help me to preach Your gospel with love and humility that is communicated with my every word, every expression and every action.

Lord, help to grow in the knowledge of Your word, but let me balance that knowledge with a genuine love for others...

Thursday, September 13, 2007

:: The Heart of The Matter ::

Wowzers!...

The last 2 years of my life have come to there climax!
Everything that God has been teaching me has come to its main focus!

In a 30 minute drive home after listening to Rabi Z It all came out my mouth as DannyG, Kyle, Neil and I where talking about the 2 hours we spent in front of the fire hydrant listening to Michael, Rabi, and Jeff fox worthy share on "Is America Really Christian?"

"It's all about the heart of the matter..."

Oh my God... Literally!...

...My intellect, my emotions, my spirit are exhausted!

I hope to be able to put my thoughts together and beginning to process what God has put in my heart... I'm sure as soon as my head touches my pillow, my brain will go into turbo mode and begin to go into hyper speeds... I'll be pulling out my PDA and write in the tiny key pad as fast as I can all my thoughts that flash in my head...

Prayer Request: Please PRAY FOR ME! You know what the hard thing about God moving in one's heart? It takes courage and work to then react and move accordingly! Christ does not instantly makes us into "super Christians," he challenges and moves in our heart and then we have to react and move and work and become that super christian with the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us... PRAY continually!... Specially for me, I need it! - God Bless!

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Wednesday, September 12, 2007

:: I Give It All To You ::

"...You make me dance, You make me sing!"

"All of my plans, all of my dreams, I lay then down at Your feet..."

Lord, this my prayer:

"Search my heart, search my mind, search my soul Make me clean, make me new make me whole. -- Lord, help me against my flesh and against the forces of this world! When I am weak, be my strength!..."

-- Well, I was able to buy the song. This song speaks so well what's in my heart...

Prayer Request: I finally feel I'm making some progress in all the areas of my life I have had to set in order. I still have a long way, but one step at a time... Keep me in your prayers. -- If there is anything I could pray for you please email me and let me know - jjsiierra@jjsierra.com - I would like to be able to return the favor.

"Hand to hand combat, that's what prayer is... When in doubt, "Just Pray!"

:: 9-11 ::

Yesterday I meant to post some thoughts on 9-11 but forgot...

I just want to express my gratitude for all those men and women who serve in this great nation to protect us. All the men and women in the police, fire department, rescue, etc...

And also all the men and women in the armed service, especially the US Coast Guard.

I have a brother who serves in the USCG and I'm very proud of him.

We are so quick to forget all the sacrifice it has taken to make this nation into what it is today. It's God fearing men like my brother that sacrifice so that we can rest at peace...

"Freedom is not free!" - Lets never forget that!...

"Thank You Lord for all the men and women who have given there lives for my freedom. Protect all those who are now risking there lives every day so that I can continue to enjoy this freedom. Lord, protect my brother Jonan. Bless him and all those who serve this great country."

:: Stay The Course ::

...I'm here in bed, thinking about the many people that I know... Brothers and sisters that get pulled back into the world... How it saddens me to see so much potential for Christ go un-used! How the world draws them in...

Oh, how many fall away!...

We are to run this race as to finish first. We must see it to the end!

Oh, my heart is heavy, but I press on... My heart is in Gods Hands. There is nothing I desire more then to see His kingdom come soon. I just want to live a life that demonstrates His love. I strive to live a life that brings Him glory and that leads others to His saving grace.

There is very little that I desire in this short life, in this short journey. Those desire I place them in God's hands and I press on trusting Him.

...Still, it really saddens me to see half-Hearted "Christianity." Are we to be His disciples or are we to do religion?... Go to church, be nice citizens... Or are we to live radical lives for our Savior? I find it hard to understand how someone could not stay the course? My heart is clenched in my Lord's hands... Sometimes, I feel that God has held harder to my heart then I have willingly given it to Him. Why God has been so merciful to me, I do not know? I only wish I would have been faster to respond to His calling. I have been so prideful! Yet He has never given up on me...

"Oh Lord, may I never give into this world! Strengthen me! Thank You for all that You have done to win my heart. I love You with every breath I have. Help me to daily over come my flesh which hinders me from living for You 100%. Help me to be of encouragement to my fellow believers and may You accomplish great and unimaginable things for Your kingdom through my life. All that I am is Yours, Use me..."

---- If you find yourself reading this post, my prayer for you is that God may win your heart and that you may serve Him with all of your life. His return is near, are you ready? Are you helping to hasten His return?...

...God Bless You -

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

"Then Sings My Soul!..."

- HOW GREAT THOU ART -

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

--- What a beautiful song...

Then sings my soul...
"My God, how great You are!"Man, they

:: Music - Worship - Life ::

I am rediscovering the joy of music...

No just any music! But music that expresses the wonder of my Lord Jesus Christ...

Music that expresses my heart to my God
Music that thanks Him for all his wonders
Music that praises His awesome attributes
Music that expresses my deep need for Him
Music that expresses a broken heart before my Savior

...As I was driving home today I heard an old hymn on the radio that I used to fall asleep to every night when I was Just a kid (Not long ago I might add ;-D). I used to play a cassette tape of worship songs, the same one every night. I had to go through the tape at least once before falling asleep. What made this music special was not the sweet beat, or the cool style (it did not have any of this), but the beautiful lyrics that expressed praise and worship to Jesus Christ, my God and King. I am beginning to remember how I felt then as I fell asleep with my last thoughts on Him. No worries, no fears, just peace in Him. Such innocence...

Now I am beginning to enjoy singing to God with a fresh and joyful heart!

I listen to secular music and I enjoy a funny or fun song here and there. I try to stay away from good clean romantic song for now. This type of music has its place, but music was REALLY created and invented to express worship to our creator.

Singing to God has to come from deep within my heart. As God has brought me closer to Him through all that He has allows to happen in my life the last year, my love for Him as grown beyond simple words could express. And so now I catch myself singing under my breath at all times. I find myself listening to the lyrics on the radio and being moved by them because they express my heart so well.

I feel that even though my circumstances have not changed much, I do not worry anymore as much as I used to. My heart is light and my joy is great...

My new and fresh enjoyment of music that worships God is a reflection of the work God is doing in me...

"Lord, may I live a life of worship to You!..."

---- My days have been long...

So much to do: So many things I need to do, so many things I would like to do...

...The journey ahead is still hard, but now I know I can handle it. ONE STEP at a time!

"The journey of a million miles begins with one step."

"Lord, help me to redeem my time."

Prayer Request: There are several areas in my life I need to bring to order, please pray that I may do so. My finances is one of them.

I do hope you are praying. Prayer works because my God works. Thanks you who read this blog and pray for me! It is much appreciated. It is helping... I am still here ;-)

Well, it's late. I must hit the sack!

God Bless You...

Monday, September 10, 2007

:: All Of Me ::

Aaron Shust - Anything Worth Saying

:: Give It All Away ::

Search my heart, search my mind, search my soul
Make me clean, make me new make me whole

All of my plans, all of my dreams, I lay them down before Your feet
All of my time, all that was mine, I now submit to Your design
'Cause You are the one who can make my life complete
You are the one who can give light to my feet
You are the one and only one who dared to give it all away for me

You are my strength, You are my God, you are my King
You make me laugh, You make me dance, You make me sing

Everything inside, everything outside, I give it all away
You never change, but You rearrange my heart more everyday

Wowzerz! -- This has become my anthem!

What an awesome song! I'm going to buy it today before the day is over. I will be posting the mp3 song later today.

This song speaks directly from my heart. I could not have expressed it any better! Wow...

Sunday, September 09, 2007

:: Taste ::

Psalm 34 - Flipping through the Psalms this morning, I ran into this passage...

8) O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9) O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.

-- Amen!

:: Da TRW HouseHold ::



Here is a picture of my brothers from our last HouseHold Night.
We were just messing around with the guitars my roomates never use...lol!

I will be posting more pictures soon...

:: Sober ::

I'm so impatient! - I want to know what's around every corner. I want to get to the end now... But God's been working in that area of my life.

I am till catching little moments where feel the way I used to before this last year. Now though, I catch myself and I quickly relax and put my trust in Him. I feel more sober. I feel I was living drunk in my emotions in the past, and this year God has allowed things to happen in my life that have sobered me up good. I see things more clearly now...

It's awesome! To live in peace knowing God's in control....

I was thinking about this last year and everything that has happened to me. The funny thing about our most difficult times in our lives as Christians is that they tend to be the best times in our lives because of growth (if we are humbled enough). That has been the case for me...

This year has been rough for me, but God has made me a better man from it all. I feel so relaxed and at peace. I am sleeping better, I am smiling more :) I am enjoying life so much more...

... Life is hard, but life is worth it when you live for an eternal cause, when you live for Jesus Christ, when you live for others...

The Joy of my salvation is my strength - Thanks Mom, your awesome! Every time I think about that phrase I think about you and your beautiful face as you tell me... "JJ, remember, the joy of our salvation is our strength. "Just thinking about how blessed I have been by you, it makes me feel more joyful. I am very thankful to God for giving me the best mother I could have ever asked for...

Man, I am truly blessed with such an awesome family! "Thank you Lord, thank You so much!..."

Saturday, September 08, 2007

:: Que Bella ::



Wowzers! Que Bella! - One of my beautiful nieces

:: P&P ::

Just finished reading Passion & Purity by Elisabeth Elliot... Wow. If you are single, you need to read this book!

Wow...

"Lord, help me to keep my heart where it belongs..."

Wow...

Friday, September 07, 2007

:: Hear My Worship ::

Hear My Worship - Jaime Jamgochian

[This is my prayer today]

Here, as I worship You
I long to be more honest
Long to be more free

I, long to be more real
Long to be transparent
As you see my true intentions

Beyond this bended Knee
Beyond the words I speak
Beyond the songs I sing
Hear My Worship
All that my heart can bring
This is my offering
Jesus my Holy King
Hear my worship
Hear my worship

I long to have more faith
I long to be more faithful
Here before Your throne

I wait to see Your face
Awaiting in your presence
Waiting just for you to hear me

----- What a beautiful song...

Thursday, September 06, 2007

:: My Soul Rejoices ::

God is good! - Well, another good day over. Tomorrow I start again bright and early...

My Soul Rejoices...

"I love You lord,
And I lift my voice
To worship You,
Oh my soul rejoice
Take joy my king
In what You hear

Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ears."

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

:: Life Is Beautiful ::

I was talking with a good friend of mine, and we were discussing "life." I said that life is good, and so we started a discussion on the topic. I don't know upon what we concluded, but I would have to say that life is good because life is beautiful...

I look at my two nieces, Kristie and Katie... So beautiful!

I think of my Abuela who spent two days cooking none stop for me just so I could bring back a weeks worth of home cooked food to eat. Such love, that is beautiful!

I spend two days with my parents, talking about all my problems. How much they do for me! They sacrifice so much for their children, for me. Such unconditional love! That is beautiful!

I look at creation around me. I look at people, God's jewel of creation. Yes a fallen and broken creation, but still His most precious creation. I think of God's love for His fallen creation. That's beautiful!

...I think of God's love for me! I think of all He has done in me and through me. I experience His unconditional love!...

And I conclude, LIFE IS GOOD! LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! LIFE IS PRECIOUS!

:: Give Me ::

Lord...

Give me more guts
Give me more courage
Give me more confidence
Give me more strength

Make me more brave!...

Not in it of myself, but in You and through You!

"There is strong, and then there is God strong." - Phil. 4:13

Monday, September 03, 2007

:: JOY ::

The JOY of the Lord is my strength!

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Saturday, September 01, 2007

:: New Day ::

Sunrise -

Ah, with the rising of the sun comes a new day.

New potential...
New opportunities... to screw-up... I mean...
To live for the Lord Jesus Christ ;-)

Well, I slept for about 1 hour... NO, not while driving! I have enough sense to pull over when I'm tired... But apparently not enough sense to know better then to write on my tiny key pad on my cell phone and drive Burkus with my left knee at the same time!

:)

I'm late, I'm late to a very important date... With my favorite ladies! :oD

:: Driver - Trained Professional ::

...In case you were wondering... Yes, I am driving and typing at the same time.

Kids, don't try this at home. I am a trained professional ;-D

:: Driver's Log - Crazy ::

Its pitch black and I'm the only crazy one out on the Turnpike at 4:30am!

Going to stop at the next rest area to sleep for 15 minutes...

:: Driving Motivation ::

This trip has been hard. There has been so much trafic!... There are only 3 reasons I go through the grueling 12 hour drive!...

My Abuela
Katie Belle
And Kristie Belle

I really was not looking forward to doing this drive by myself, but then I think about Katie and Kristy! I want them to know their uncle as they grow up. Some day I will be living in another country and it will be much harder to see them.

Also, my Grandma does not have to long, so I want to take every opportunity to spend time with here...

...I have such a beautiful family!

- Just 6 more hours to go...

Ok, maybe I should start paying attention to my driving ;-)