Life

Here is an excerpt from an email that a co-worker has sent to me:   “ What church do you and your wife go to? I have been thinking alot lately about going to church. I have never really attended church and don't know much about the bible. But I have a desire to know. I feel strange just waltzing into a church and being lost.”   How awesome is the work of the Lord! And that we can take part in it! Woah! Alleluja!

Last night, my wife asked to use my cell phone. I said sure, but then did not know where it was. We looked for about 5 minutes, in places I may have placed it, and without success. Not in my work bag, not in the office, not upstairs in the bedroom, not in the dining room. We decided to call mom, living 10 miles away, and ask her to call the cell phone, with hope that we will hear it ring.   We heard no ringing. After another 5 minutes of searching, I thought to look between the couch cushions... "I found something..." I said to Jessica. I felt the small object, and it was a usb stick with Jessica's homework. Jessica looked and said something in the regard of "I would have had trouble looking for this.", and she placed it in her purse. I thought, and said that maybe this was the reason why the phone was lost... that we may find this usb stick, and also mentioning that we will likely find the phone soon. With instinct, I went to my work bag, in whi

Yesterday, Sunday, Jessica and I go arrive at church a little early, because we had to buy some plywood for the house before church, and had some time left. We were are at the church parking lot at around 9:30, and we waited until 9:45 to go inside. I saw a good friend of mine walking inside a church, and went to the benevolence room, knowing that is likely where I would find him since he works there. While in the benevolence room, the leader of the benevolence ministry asked me to help out there after the service is over, because he had to leave early. I said sure; I've done it before a few months back. The service was interesting; you can download podcasts here http://podcast. churchintheword.com/Church_In_ The_Word/Church_In_the_Word_-_ Podcast/Church_In_the_Word_-_ Podcast.html After the service and prayer, I went to benevolence to help. After yet another 1 hour or so, clean up was taking place in benvolence. The benevolence ministry receives an abundence of varied bre

Jessica and I prayed yesterday morning, for help and guidance in uncluttering our lives. We both felt on our hearts in the evening of the same day, and had peace and excitement about it, that we should cut off internet and cable tv service. By this morning, it's done, and we felt weight come off our hearts. Praise be to God Almighty!

The mighty, most beautiful God is working in wonderful ways in the life of Kenny, my good friend from a youth group. It is exciting to be part of His awesome works!

I snoozed the alarm this morning 3 times, and then turned it off...and went back to sleep. God woke me up at 7:35 am (for an 8 am work shift), and this is perfect timing. God is awesome!

So I was working on something at work, and I uploaded some files to the live company web page to apply the changes made; though the changes worked in the test environment, the live page was failing. No problem, I thought, I will restore the backup of the files that I just copied over. The backups failed also! I was getting nervous...this was the live site for the company. I was about to then bite into an apple sitting on the desk I work at...usually what I do when I get nervous. Instead, the Spirit guided me to turn to God, and praise Him! I did...and another re-upload of the modified files resolved the issue. Pheww :) Praise God! What I learned from this is to go to God in your valleys, AND on your mountains! Go to Him when mourning, go to Him when celebrating! Go to Him instead of turning to the world stuff around us, that helps us forget our problems. Awesome!

I get wrapped up...again and again, in the daily stuff of the world. The busyness... the seems like never ending list of things to do... the stress. It's all not worth it, and yet I come back to this point as I have numerous times in the past.   The good news: I am walking toward the point where this will be history, and I will stand on the Rock without looking to the left or to the right, but directly at Him, not giving in to my lusts. Alleluja!

I believe that much of the sin I do in life is mostly because I turn the focus of any situation to be myself. For example, when I disobey God and I rebel, it is because I want to do things my way. When God asks me to talk to someone about Him, I may think ' What will they think of me?' and disobey. And have you noticed, that if you are in a situation where you have sinned, and have the weight of guilt on your heart, even after you have gone to God and been forgiven, that one way to rid of that guilt is to stop focusing on yourself, and to go serve? It is good to focus not on yourself, but others.

It's been long since a posting. My tendency to stray from "the way of opportunity to practice discipline" is to blame. An occasional prayer of mine to Him is asking Him to brake all things in my life that don't bring Him glory. Today, however, I have received a revelation from the Lord in which I believe the Lord spoke that I ought to just walk away from the things He does not want me to take part in. In this way, I believe discipline will be built up. The Way of the Lord is an awesome way to live.

About 2 weeks ago, I was planning a work project, and trying to determine the route to take in some company website procedures. There were 2 choices, one we will call choice A, the better choice, which I have attempted to tackle many times before, without success. So while I thought that choice B would be the best at this time, being certain that it would work, I believe the Lord placed on my heart to attempt choice A. Today, choice A works, and all praise and glory be to God!

Recently, I have been failing in a recent commitment to discipline myself in study and obedience. I committed to scheduling 4 studies during the week, in early morning. The study included that of Scripture, Spanish, as well as physical exercise . Lastly, I want to be open to change from the routine that would be established, whenever God called! I have been failing. I must continue to die to the flesh, when it lazies into bed in the morning. I need to re-realize everyday, that everything we have is from God, and to use everything for His Glory! As for the rebellion that I often feel, the rebellion by which I do what I want, how can I not walk in it? By surrendering to God as soon as I realize that rebellion! I must run to God! The rebellion results in nothing but works done in vain; that is, works that are useless. I have rebelled this morning, when I went to make a phone call, contrary to God's call to read Scripture. The goal that I had by making that phone call did not come to

I had four re-realizations... 1. I read instruction in the Word, and willingly disobey and sin. 2. I will not quit trying to become a better servant of God. 3. When being tempted, walk away from the surrounding, even fall on knees in submission to the Lord. 4. Take time to be quiet, go to a quiet place, where there may be less distractions.

Last night, many good friends (Jordan, Stephanie, Gabe, Jane, Daniel, Vanessa, Lauren, Amy), Jessica, and I went to Bangkok House in Elgin, to celebrate Jessica's birthday. The fellowship was awesome and the food was delicious. Afterwards, we listened to live music next door, at an Italian restaurant, where the guys and girls sat separately. I don't know what the girls talked about, but we laughed a lot while talking about funny scenes in parody films, making funny gestures and noises, and practicing math when the bill came. Even later, while walking each other to our cars, we also met 3 good friends, who were homeless, at a park in Elgin. We talked to the about God, about their life, and prayed. One of the friends, named Ricky, asked Jordan to read Jeremiah 1. I encourage you to read the awesome chapter for yourself. If I remember well, Ricky also said to let God tell us about Himself, and not to find our own interpratations . It was a Blessed night!

Today at work, I was searching for a solution to a project, regarding calculating of shipping to Canada with Google Checkout, and was browsing in FireFox, with some search results open in a window. I was then about to open up an Internet Explorer window, which had some examples to resolve the issue at hand, though in XML code, which was different than what I use at work, but felt in my hear not to open that window, but to continue searching in FireFox. After continuing to search in FireFox, the next search result I opened included an example to Canada with the code which I use. Weeeeoeoeoeooewoowowowowowowoow owwoowowowo. Obedience to the Lord is woowowowowoowowoeooeooeooewoowo eowoowoeoowowwwowowowo awesome.

Awesome things have been happening lately. Actually, awesome things happen every day! For one, being able to wake in the morning and see the sunrise, hear the birds singing, and feel the wind against the skin is amazing! For two, I watched a WTTW Chicago PBS show titled "Jesus in China". The people there are experiencing God in amazing ways! You can see the show http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/china_705/ For three, much learning, including reducing the number of commitments , like "work outside of work". Will post more soon...

A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more , but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the str

Recently, I have tried to not get wrapped up in "wanting to get more done". I noted that when in that mode , I keep so busy that though my heart cries out to spend quiet time in conversation with The Lord, I am striving to get things done, thinking that once they are done, I'll be able to rest. On the contrary, I know that there will always be things to do, and once the things I'm doing now are done, other things will need to be acomplished. And now, we must remember to take time to rest, regardless of a situation, as the Lord has commanded ( Exodus 35:2 ). In similarity, today I wanted to look at some cell phone plans, thinking that having a cell phone plan with more minutes, as opposed to my current pre-paid phone, would make things easier. I felt The Lord telling me that this is not for me, and I did not listen. I realised after a few minutes of disobeying Him, that truly, it would only make me more busy . Oh, how wonderful it is to be still, and in Peace! What Joy

This evening, for about 7 minutes, Jessica was frantically looking for some labels, and could not find them. After those 7 minutes, I went to an adjacent room, and asked God, that if He wills that she finds what she looks for, that He helps her to find it. Ten seconds later, I heard "Oh, here it is!" from the other room! It's so awesome and amazing, that God reaches out to us in ANY situation. Alleluja Lord!

WOW!!! Tonight, my cousin, aunt, and dad came to church to partake of Joan Hunters healing ministry, and it was exciting!!! Just one of the many healings I remeber clearly is a woman walking up with laryngitis, that is, she sounded as if she lost her voice...for two years now, she said later. God healer her there, a few seconds later, and she spoke with new vocal cords!!!!!!! Alleluja!!!!!!! That was exciting and ...wow! All my family members were healed of various ailments, and my cousin felt the Holy Spirit inside her!!!!!!!!!! She is excited!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! Amazing. One point Joan Hunter made was that each of us can go out, and pray for people specifically, in Jesus' Name, for anything someone may need! Thank you Jesus! As an example, if you see someone at a store with a brace around their wrist, ask if you may pray for them, right there in that place. Ask what the situation is, hold the wrists (you don't have to hold the wrists, however, for God to heal them), and if it'

Amazing experiences lately! Wow! On an evening at church, pastor Hoban was receiving words of knowledge for people, speaking this to them, and praying over them. While standing in front of the church, with many others, pastor Hoban confirmed what I have been feeling inside, that is, I desire to share the Good News about Jesus Christ with people. He also prayed, asking God to give me boldness to share! I believe God has been revealing this to me recently, and calling me to sharing the Good News, and to pray with and over people. It is AMAZING to see God working through me, that I may take part in HIS works, and confirming His calling!!! Praise be to the Mighty One God!

After work yesterday, I spent some time outdoors, landscaping and cleaning. Afterwards, I wanted to relax, and so I thought about reading the Bible and spending time in prayer, and I also thought about watching "Survivor Man". I decided to read the Bible later, and so, I grabbed some snacks, and grabbed the remote. For an hour, I watched the show, which was quite interesting, teaching about tips and techniques on survival in the arctic circle. But once the show ended, I changed the channel and watched a politics show on PBS for another one half hour, from which I did not take anything; that is, I feel I learned nothing useful. I turned off the tv set at the end of that show. At bed time, when I took time to at last, pray and reflect, I realized I have made a mistake. The FIRST I ought to have done to relax was to be still, reflect and pray. Doing this, I know, would have set me straight. It's also very relaxing! Until next time, peace :)

My wife and I had a misunderstanding today, and we went to separate rooms. I spent some time talking with the Lord, and He put it on my heart to go to where Jessica was, and to touch her and hug her. When I did that, we began to talk about the situation. Later in the night, Jessica said that she needed the touch and hug when it happened. It's amazing to see God working in us, and when we obey Him, it is a joy! It strengthens faith and trust. In His love.

God is amazing! He speaks to us, often by a whisper, and when we obey Him, we see His works unfolding; it's awesome, amazing, and great joy to experience!!! Yesterday night, our friends prayed over Jessica for a healing of an infection, and she was healed! Experiencing God's Love and Mercy is an awesome blessing! I love you!

Today was wonder filled, as all days are :) Jessica and I took the train to Chicago, and visited the Institute of Art; a lot of interesting history. It was also amazing to have the opportunity to share love with a hungry man. God's blessings abound, and we are honored to take part in it! Wohoooo! Go in peace and serve the Lord!

Amazing! We came to church today, and Jessica was feeling down. During the sermon, which was about faith, a statement was said by the pastor about not dwelling on the past, nor "what if's". In this statement, God had put on the pastor's heart to say a series of "if we had only..." statements, and one of them was "Do not say, 'if we had only stayed in Texas, things would be different'..." As the pastor said this, Jessica and I looked at each other, as we could relate :) Allow Peace and Love to dwell in you!

On new years eve 2007, my wife Jessica was to fly from Virginia to Illinois. As I remember, many flights were getting cancelled because of weather, and my wife was still able to fly home, thanks be to God. A month later, January 31 2008, Jessica was to fly from Illinois to Virginia, with the flight scheduled at 4:20pm departure. This day, around 500 flights were cancelled because of weather. Her flight was first delayed, and getting home from dropping her off at the airport, I prayed that God would allow her to fly out today, and He put it on my heart that she would. I believed, and was excited! Jessica called the house at 8:20pm, saying she has boarded the plane. Praises be to God Almighty! In all things, let us give God praise and glory! He is worthy! Amazing He is!

A friend of mine, Jeff, shared about an experience. He and his family returned from a vacation in December, and found that a leak on the second floor had damaged the ceiling. His first reaction was being upset; however, during the next few days, he began to fix the damage. Not long after this, Jeff was shoveling snow outside, and a man came up to him, asking for help with money, since he was struggling. The man, named Dwayne, asked if there was any work he may do, and mentioned that he is skilled in drywall repair. In this awesome opportunity, Jeff invited the man to complete the repair of the damage, and in this, the man also shared his struggles, while Jeff shared the awesome truth of God's Love. Amazing!

"Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is', or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20 Wow! A kingdom may be defined as a place ruled by someone. Since God rules the kingdom, the kingdom of God is within us when God reigns in us!

I wrote in a recent post about a decision to share experiences by writing about them, and that God had put this on my heart. A few minutes ago, I read Corinthians 14, and I was reflecting on what Paul wanted to get across. I saw that the "edification of the church" and "fruitful understanding" were repeated statements in the first half of the chapter. Now, looking at this, and at the decision , I see how the sharing of these experiences may edify the church! This is exciting and amazing! Thanks be to the Merciful One. Amen.

We had an awesome experience today! It began with a misunderstanding that Jessica and I had, which then led to Jessica going upstairs, and me staying downstairs. I then prayed, for others and for us, also asking God if I should go upstairs to talk to Jessica; God had put on my heart that I should stay downstairs, and read the Word. After I read the Word for a few minutes (reading the Word is always an awesome experience), I asked again whether I should go talk to Jessica. The answer was the same. Another few minutes passed, and I heard Jessica opening the door upstairs, and then coming down the stairs. I got up to wait for her, and as she came down, we looked at each other, then hugged :) She later told me that God had put on her heart to come downstairs and talk to me. After a few times that she did not want to, she obeyed. This is a story of how our awesome God guides us, and when we obey, we see His awesome works, power, and grace.

Hi, I believe God wants me to write more, to share experiences and lessons I learn. I will. This is a copy of my latest journal entry: Jan 14, 2008 This day, the 13th of Jan, I witnessed a great miracle of God. Jessica and I went to a prayer team at church, Betty and Don, and as Betty was praying in the Spirit, the Lord revealed to Betty to pray over Jessica's body in healing, to prepare for pregnancy, that we will have children in due time, God's Will, and I was encouraged of her revealing God's Word that our spirits / hearts were tender, and to continue in strength, and that I should be in fellowship with men of God. My spirit was rejoicing, hearing these words! Wow!