Pointing to Jesus

I got off the phone earlier ago with my Pastor, Dan Vera. I'll be honest I love to tweet, Facebook, and blog encouraging thoughts. To be even more open with you, when I post encouraging stuff, I'm really posting for my own reminder because I'm smack in the middle of a tough round in life.

Lately those tough rounds have been even more frequent and it's been trying on my mind and heart. So today when my Pastor called me I couldn't help but breakdown after the call, matter of fact it's happened that way the last two times we've spoken on the phone. Yes, it's been that tough. I thank God for my Pastor who without a doubt is my spiritual father. I thank God for making me better through example my Pastor has shown me. I thank God that my Pastor has always demonstrated great wisdom, incredible vision, and flat out wholeheartedly believes in people. I honor you Pastor Dan, I honor you as my spiritual father, my coach, my friend and so much more.

I want to be a better Husband, father, leader and follower of Christ because of what I've seen in my Pastor. Thank you for setting the standard, thank you for pushing me, thank you for seeing in me what I struggle to see in myself at times. Thank you, for pointing me to Jesus. Strength & Honor!

One way ticket

For most people Wednesday July 21st, 2010 was a normal day that ended with a normal evening with our normal shows playing on prime time television. For my family and team it was everything but normal July 21st. Tara was on the computer getting ready to click the final submit for our airline tickets. $150 dollars per ticket is a fantastic deal but as the final submit button was clicked a thought ran through my head. Oh, I've had this same thought before, hundreds of times; YOUR CRAZY! Let me tell you the real price of these tickets, they cost everything! Yes I said everything, our comfort, our friends, our families, our jobs, and the list could go on. EVERYTHING!

Wednesday July 21st we picked up our One way tickets to a destination 2000+ miles away. Our lives as we know them have been far from normal. My family is far from normal. The team we have is far from normal. Our prayers are far from normal. We are giving up everything normal to simply do one thing, win people to Jesus.

I'm not sharing this post to praise our sacrifice, I'm sharing this post to challenge and encourage you. Here's my point, even though our daily life is no longer normal, something deep inside tells me this is the way it was always supposed to be. We're supposed to live like everyday could be our last. We're supposed to risk like it totally depends on God. We're supposed to make a difference for Christ by Loving All, Giving All and Telling all. We're supposed to live life for Jesus and no one else, live for God's will and nothing less. Life was meant to be lived like a "one way ticket".

What are we going to do?

The Path Pt. 2

Oops! This was supposed to go out last week, I guess that lets you know how my path has gone lately (unpredictable terrain change). That's OK! It's part of life. Can I give you a side note, the more you don't have to know everything, the more you will trust God with everything. End side Note.

Here's what I really want to say. Have you ever had the question God where are you right now, that question you will have more than once in life. Here's a lesson that I've seen in my life. The harder it is to track God, the harder you'll need to push your trust in Him. Trust that although the path has changed, God does not! Trust that God is still leading you. Trust that God will make a way. Finally, trust that God is doing something in you when everything all around you might not seem like it.

God has created you for the long haul. At the end of the day encourage your soul to find rest in the fact that God is still God no matter what and, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion... Phil 1:6"

The Path Pt. 2

Have you ever known where your headed in life but not know where your at right now? We are at the half way point of 2010 right now and I don't think I've ever lived life like I've lived it in the last 6 months. I've never had a relationship with Jesus like I have today. I haven't dreamed, pursued, had a stronger marriage, been a better father, prayed, worshiped, studied, grown, hungered or engaged life like I have in the last 6 months of my life.

The flip side I've never been more stretched, never experienced more fear, have never felt more alone, never had more insecurity, never worried, never wanted to quit as much as I have in the past 6 months.

Like a famous man once said "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get." They key is sticking to the path even when you get what you didn't want or expect. Too many people get off the path that God has for their lives, for their marriage, for their children, for their purpose the minute they encounter what they do not understand. If you have to understand everything before you can trust God, then you don't have faith. The path will become invisible, impossible, impassable, impenetrable and your ability to trust God no matter what will be the only thing that keeps you on the right path.

Fear will get you to camp, Faith will get you to contend! Contend for the future that God has planned for you, don't stop! More tomorrow...

The Path Pt. 1

Sometimes it's clear, other times it's fuzzy, sometimes everything lines up and other times you have no idea where you are at. Sound familiar, The path of life...We are all on a path. I think we all have dreams and idea's of the ideal path. We have moments when we wished we had paid a little more attention to signs of the past on our path. The path can be exciting, risky, unknown, adventurous, sorrowful and joyful. The truth is, your path has the potential to become a legacy leaving a trail of future opportunity or your path could fade away known only to the feet that walked it, your own. No matter what, you will determine the path you travel on.

Big Decision...I know, so here's some encouragement for your path. The bible is filled with so much hope and direction for your path, from God setting you on the right path, to making your path straight, to choosing the right path and so forth.. One of my favorite passages is the following:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

The next few blog posts will be dedicated to the path, these will be fresh ideas that I'm in the middle of right now. Hopefully your encouraged for the path your on. Oh yeah the picture above, that's my son Isaiah and I walking on a path in Hawaii. God is walking with you too, trust Him, take His hand and he will make your path straight!

Princess Leia

My little girl Leia turns 3 today. I love playing tea, love making faces with Leia, tickling her, rubbing her little feet, chasing her and kissing her. I wont be able to explain in this post how incredibly wonderful and awesome she is. What I can say about my little girl, is that she has changed my life and made me better all around. It's an honor to be the father of Princess Leia.

A friend of mine yesterday gave me a great nugget of wisdom on raising daughters. I was told every girl needs to know one thing from their Dad, "Daddy am I worth fighting for?"

My daughter is worth fighting for, her purity, safety, honor, future, hopes, dreams, her entire life and all that God has created her to become it's worth fighting for. I will fight for my marriage so she knows how to fight for her's one day. I may not be the best Dad, but I will fight to be the best that she needs in her life. I will fight to be an example of a Christ follower in her life. You are mighty, valuable, precious, beautiful, purposed, unique, and there is only one of you on this entire earth. I take this mission, this mandate, this God given opportunity to fight for my daughter. Yes baby girl, you are worth fighting for and Daddy will be sure to fight for you every step of the way!

Happy Birthday!

Trust is everything

Have you seen the Geico commercial that talks about trust? A man demonstrates his trust by leaning back and putting his complete trust in a small gecko to catch him. Two thing's mentioned by the ad is "trust is everything" and "you gotta feel trust" I agree trust is everything when it comes to God. You gotta trust God with everything and in every situation but to tell you the trust, you won't always feel it.

Matter of fact the barometer of your trust level with God is if you can still trust Him even when you don't feel it. Can you trust God even when you don't feel safe? Can you trust God even when you don't understand? Can you trust God even when you don't see a way? Trust is everything, but you won't always feel it.

People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. Isaiah 26:3-4 The Message

Stick to the dig!

There are weeks when life has such a wrap around me that it's hard for me to wrap around what God is doing or speaking to me. This has been one of those weeks. Usually the earliest part of my week is the easiest, I can see and perceive what God is showing me and speaking to me through the word more than at any other time. Why the earliest part of my week, I might just be wired that way but I'm thinking it has to do more with the fact that my week has yet to become filled and crammed with work, life or problems that needs fixing.

So what did I do this week? I stuck to my spiritual shovel and kept digging. That's what I would tell you "Stick to your dig" Keep digging through the word of God and through prayer until you can understand and perceive what God is doing/saying. Stick to your dig!

A story is told of two brothers who bought land in California during the gold rush era. The brothers had high hopes of making it big! Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and nothing was happening. The brothers begin to lose hope and soon they stopped digging and sold the property. The next person that bought the land began digging in the same exact spot that the two brothers had stopped. The new owner dug 6 inches more and hit the jackpot. Let this story encourage your heart today. STICK TO THE DIG, your closer than you think!

Get Hungry for Wisdom

When I was growing up, occasionally we would have frozen entree's (tv dinner's). I say occasionally because my mom can cook, BIG TIME! Ok, back to the frozen entree's. I used to love eating those Hungry Man entree's, especially the chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, corn and to top it off chocolate pudding. BAM!

Just like a Hungry Man entree can provide a complete meal, Wisdom will provide a complete life!

Here's what Godly Wisdom will do for your life:

1) Shield- There are two teachers in life, experience and the other is wisdom. One will hurt more than the other. Too many folks are living today with failures, decisions and hurt that happened years ago. Wisdom will shield your life, it will fool proof your life, it will protect you. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. Proverbs 2:7

2) Sign- One thing certain in life is at times life will be uncertain. We need signs in our life of escape, direction, guidance and counsel. We don't have all the answers, don't have what it takes to make it successfully through life by our own thinking. Seek His will in all that you do and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6

3) Strength- The wisdom of God will bring strength to your life and strength for life. The wisdom of God sustains our life both physically and spiritually. Then you will have healing to your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:7

4) Success- A full life is a life full of wisdom. Wisdom is the tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18

Get Hungry for Wisdom!

Hope Anew

A phrase stuck out reading Psalm 78 today. "So each generation should set its hope anew on God" Psalm 78:7

It's so easy for one generation to blame the previous..."this didn't happen, this should of happened, this is why we are where we are today?...can you hear the complaints? Have you felt that way? As I read Psalm 78:7 though I felt such incredible grace for today. Each generation has an opportunity to set it's hope anew. Each generation will have a chance to discover, create, and live for God anew; despite what may have taken place in the past or where we stand today. Each generation will have it's opportunity to make it's mark for God. Is there anything more powerful than hope? Hope let's us know that our best days are ahead of us, that opportunities still remain, untapped potential still exist. History making dreams are still out there, history making songs, history making purpose, history making people walk the earth today.

Set your hope anew in the Lord today, there's a grace upon you to live, encounter and see something new today. What hope will you live, what hope will I give, what hope will I leave behind. The next generation is depending on what you set your hope on. Set your hope anew on God...

Two sizes too small

Occasionally when I arrive home and slip off my shoes a pair of little feet will slip right in after. My kids walk around the house slipping and sliding, the real fun begins when they try running in shoes way too big for their little feet.

God's purpose in our lives will usually feel the same way, two sizes too big for you. God size dreams, God size purpose, a God size calling will always make you feel two sizes too small. To grasp even the smallest bit of understanding of what God wants to do through you it's enough to rattle your knees.

So how do you gadge progress? How do you know if your making any headway at all when you feel two sizes two small? Here's what I would tell you.

When you begin to embrace what was previously impossible, you've grown two sizes bigger. If your taking steps today that previously you feared to take at all, you've grown two sizes bigger. If your dreaming bigger today then you did yesterday, you've grown two sizes bigger.

Two sizes too big for you is never too big for God. Today is important, get growing!

Convinced

He stretched and pushed himself beyond what he's ever done before in his short eight year life. Through rocky steep terrain, strong chilly wind, and the occasional slip; Isaiah pushed his body 8 miles to an elevation of 2200 feet and reached the summit of Mission Peak in Fremont Ca.

The most memorable moment for me as a Father is when my son became completely convinced the mountain he was climbing was his.

I was reminded of a quote from Mark Batterson's book Primal. "Few things are more thrilling than doing what you didn't think could be done." Hearing my son say "we are not quitting" gave me a glimpse of what God probably feels when He sees us totally convinced of our biggest purpose and most incredible dreams. I was absolutely thrilled seeing my son trust me and believe my words of encouragement every single step of the way to the top.

Can you hear God encouraging you to the top of your biggest dreams? Are you convinced the mountains in your life are yours? "Breaking a sweat for a God-given vision is the key to fulfillment and fruitfulness." Walk, dream, and live completely, wholeheartedly, and undeniably convinced!

Going to the Top

Taking the day off tomorrow but I'm still going to work. See that mountain in the background, my 8 yr old son Isaiah and I are taking the journey to the top (hopefully). Supposed to be an awesome day and I'm sure we are going to have an incredible time. We'll begin our trek at 9am PST, and I'll post updates via twitter along with pictures of our journey. Follow along, shoot us a prayer and we'll see you at the top!

God Bless!

THRIVE

I was reading out of Psalm 69 this morning and it challenged my heart so much that I wanted to share two pieces of scripture.

"...you who seek God, may your hearts live!" Psalm 69:32

When you seek God, your heart will find His heart for your life. When you find the heart of God especially through scripture it's not hard to find strength, relentless love, perfect peace and hope.

"...those who love his name will dwell there." Psalm 69:36

Think about how many names there are for God. Jehovah Jirah: God is our Provider, Jehovah Shalom: The Lord is my peace, Jesus the name above all names! Pick a name, and dwell under it.

Let God's thoughts bring you strength today, allow who God is to bring you hope and assurance. It's God's desire for you to thrive.

Thriving, Green and Growing

I paid a visit to the church I grew up in today, spent about 5 minutes inside the building but left with the most powerful thought. While talking to the receptionist, I noticed how many plants she had in the office. Mary began sharing that one plant was about 7yrs old and another about 10. Both plants were thriving, green and growing. I honestly didn't not know plants lasted that long.

Here's the powerful part of the story. Two of the plants we were talking about were gifts from the former Pastor Dr. Richard K. Tanon. You see, Pastor Tanon went on to be with the Lord as of Feb 7th, 2008, yet in that office that I walked into today, there still remained something growing that he had left behind. I was left with this thought, "Are you living to leave something behind or will your life simply be forgotten?"

I'm not talking about success, I'm talking about significance. Are you living with a sense of destiny about your life? Plants are not the only thing Dr. Tanon has left behind. Templo De La Cruz, is a thriving church 90+ years young now being led by another great man Pastor John Masis. There are many sons and daughters, marriages that are still thriving, ministries that continue till this day because of Dr. Tanon. Pastor Tanon baptized me when I was a kid. My first ministry opportunity came at Templo. I was taught how to preach by Pastor Tanon. I felt a sense of awe and privilege as I left the parking lot earlier.

This Sunday I return to my former church with humbleness and gratitude. I'm returning back to my roots, where it all began, where the dream first burned in my heart. I'm still thriving, still moving forward, and today I'm on the verge of my biggest faith move yet. Thank You God for putting a man in my life like Pastor Tanon, who lives beyond the grave and has paved the way for someone like me. Can't wait to preach on Sunday!

Quick thought on Courage

"Existing is easy, living takes courage"

I don't know who this is going to, maybe it's just me. Maybe your on the verge of stepping into something big, or in the middle of an unknown and crazy storm in life.

"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6 The Message Version

Those who live are able to leave their country because of their trust in God like Abraham. Those who live are able to stand where nobody else will stand and take the giant out like David. Those who live understand that with God on your side your the majority like Gideon. Those who live are able to endure hardship and still move forward even when it seems like all hope is gone like Paul. Those who live know that the cross isn't the end like Jesus.

Don't exist, LIVE!

My #1 Goal

I met last night with our church planting team and shared with them my number #1 goal for this year. As much preparation, praying, stretching and meetings we have had to plant a church, my number one goal is not to plant a church this year. My number one goal is to make sure my life, the life of my family and the lives of my team operate whole. To me wholeness looks exactly like the list above. Get the list right, keep it a standard and God will bless your obedience. Get the list wrong and cracks will develop just about everywhere. Believe me, I've worked with my list out of order before and it's the most unfulfilled and most tiring journey. Just like changed people change people, whole people fill people. You can't give what you don't have and if you keep trying you will lose it all. To prove my point even further check out the following twitter post by Rick Warren just 18 hours ago "In Texas for funeral of a pastor who took his life."

Listen Pastor, Ministry Directory, church planter, Christ did not die on the cross for you to do ministry, He died for you to have relationship, He died so you could live Whole. What's your number #1 goal today?

More to Inspiration Pt. 3

If one word from God can change a persons life, it makes you wonder why so many people live with the same problems, hangups, and mistakes for years, sometimes their entire lives.

Everyday we have the opportunity to be the recipients of a life changing, now word from God. Remember the intended target of a word from God is ultimately transformation. Inspiration+Revelation=Transformation

Two Points that have rocked my world recently like never before:

Invest in Listening: Position yourself to hear from God, specifically through God’s word in Prayer. (Podcast, sermons work) God still speaks through His word! Ask God to search your heart through His word.

Invest in Understanding: Take time to allow what God is showing you to transform you through deeper revelation. Ask God to change your heart through his word.

Don't miss out, or take another day for granted, live inspired, live with revelation, be transformed.

Happy 8th Birthday Isaiah

Eight years ago today I experienced one of the most trying and joyful experience of my entire life. Although the circumstances were not ideal and stretched my faith, I would not of changed not one second the day my son Isaiah was born. This morning as I reflect back eight years ago I'm reminded of three very important things that came front face in my life, three things that came to life more than ever. These three things I'm writing to you my son, I hope they will remind you of how incredible you are son and how big God is and lastly that your story touches others who read this.

1) God is Faithful- At one point we didn't know if we would even be able to have you, but God blessed us. The day I found out that I was going to be your dad I knew in my heart I would have a boy. I pictured us doing everything together, still do. I know I haven't always been faithful, gotten busy at times, even messed up saying the wrong things but I'm praying and I'm trying and I will never give up trying to be the best Dad you need me to be. When you were born son, I saw the faithfulness of God at work in your life and mine. I saw that God will never leave us no matter what. You know the way Dad sometimes throws you in the air and you know every single time I'll catch you? Yes, God is the very same way, He will always catch you in life, no matter what!

2) God is our Healer- I would not of changed being separated from you for the first nights of your life, I would not change 5 days of you being in the ICU, would not of changed a collapsed lung because in the end God showed Himself true to His word as our healer. "You'll never know God is your healer till you've been in a place that you needed God to heal" You know how you bring your toys to me son and you ask me to fix them when you've played with them a little too rough. Well life can be rough at times and sometimes you'll need some fix'in. God is your healer, He's done it once in the most incredible way and He will do it again and again and again if needed.

3) God is Love- I walked into a love the day you were born unlike I had ever experienced before in my life. It was then that I was introduced to the Love of God at an entirely new level. I quickly realized that as much as I love you Isaiah, that God loves us even more, God loves us even enough to send his son to die for us. God is the perfect example of a Father because of his incredible love. It's God's love that I'm striving for as I raise you my son. You see Zai, God's love covers faults like I cover you when you go to sleep, God's love encourages us to just like I believe you can do anything in the world, God's love also corrects us to make sure that we stay on the right path. I want you to know that everyday I'm asking God to help me to show you love just like He shows us in the bible. I love you son, you don't have to do anything for it, you can't do anything to stop it, I just love you, your stuck no matter what.

Isaiah you see how special you are? God taught us a lot the day you were born and probably showing others who read this today. You are my son of promise, my son that has brought healing into my own life, helped open my eyes at times, you are the son I've always wanted and more. Thank you for being you "no one is more you'er than you.- Happy Birthday to You.

-Love

Dad

More to Inspiration Pt. 2

INSPIRATION+ REVELATION

Imagine getting ready to jump off a diving board into a swimming pool. You stand at the edge, heart is pumping, your feet and legs are getting ready to work together to build the momentum to spring off the board but then you don't. Imagine just standing on the diving board looking at the water, then 5 seconds turns into 15, 20 turns to 30 and the inspiration that you once had to even climb on the diving board in the first place begins to slowly die. Still standing there or backing down the ladder, either way you haven't lived the full experience yet. This is the perfect example of inspiration without revelation, you haven't experienced everything yet.

Can I challenge you to pursue the depth of what God has been stirring in your heart. Don't take the small impromptu highlights about yourself, God and life for granted. Sometimes it's a single words that seemed to grab your attention when reading the bible, other times those ideas and thoughts that seemingly came from nowhere. Sometimes the inspiration starts through a sermon, a book, a conversation or a song. The life lesson that I'm trying to share with you through the diving board illustration is, inspiration doesn't have longevity. Inspiration will jump start your life but only revelation will keep you going through life. If inspiration is the wow, then revelation is the why. Inspiration will excite you but revelation engulfs you just like the water that surrounds you in a pool. Ask God for understanding, ask God for revelation about what He is stirring your heart about. You haven't seen anything yet until you take the dive.

More to Inspiration Pt1.

I’ve come to the difficult realization that many times when I’ve become inspired by God about life, the inpiration to reprioritize, rethink and change remained at inspiration.

Too many times I’ve allowed a sermon, scripture, rebuke, counsel and encouragement to open my eyes yet my heart remains unchanged. The intended target of a word from God is to be transformed not just to be inspired.

More on this thought to come.

Monday Morning Encouragement

A lot is happening in the world right now, natural disasters, economic woes, wars, and the list could go on and on, the bottom line is people are suffering everywhere. To even try to come to grips with everything that the world is facing, to attempt to reason and understand seems just as discouraging. If your feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed or concern. If you feel like your hands are tied or your at the end of your rope. If hope seems just a little further away today then this scripture is for you.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Life Lesson #1 - Everytime I've asked God for help in life, my life changes. I may not have the answers but I have a certainty, problems may not fixed immediately but I have peace and so can you. Ask God for help today!


Pt. 2 of my Encouragement
Life lesson #2 - Help others before yourself and your life changes. Everytime I've given when I was in need, shared encouragement in the middle of needing encouragement, helped others before myself, I've seen immediate results in my own life.

"Most of us let what we cannot do keep us from doing what we can" Mark Batterson. Do what you can today, I challenge you, matter of fact I urge you, people need help right now. Check out this video from my friend Shaun King who has started a project called "A Home in Haiti" Check out this link from Samaritans Purse who was on the ground in Chile the same day they had the 8.8 earthquake. Make a contribution, buy a tent, sow into the kingdom today!

Hey there!

Just wanted to say welcome to my blog visitors from the Philipines, Pakistan, Russia, and Canada. Thank you for visiting my site, I pray that my journey can bless yours.

God Bless, and Dream BIG!

-Anthony

Now I Know

"Sometimes to be able to even muster enough faith to see what's ahead as possible, you may need to look back."

Now I know why moments of intense pressure and desperation exist because I needed to resolve that God is the only way.

Now I know those moments that I wanted to quit, were actually the moments God was pushing me forward.

Now I know why there were times in my life that I didn't understand because God was actually bringing clarity... clarity about Him.

Now I know why it hurt so much to stretch more, love more, forgive more because you can't help hurting people when your not whole yourself.

Now I know why I've gone through what I've gone through, experienced what I've experienced, had victories and failures, blessings and droughts, pain and joy.

Everything has set me up for this moment, my destiny, dream and purpose in God await! I'm being prepared for what's ahead and so are you! Don't stop, keep moving forward! God loves us just as we are, but too much to let us stay that away. The breath of air you just took is proof that your best days are still ahead of you.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

A thought on Faith

Lately I've been feeling a tremendous overhaul taking place in my faith with God. I feel like God is my mechanic and a trading of parts is taking place from yesteryear's faith to a newer higher performance faith. This new, improved, untapped faith will be needed for what I have yet to do. I'm a work in progress, not yet done, but you better believe I won't stay in the shop, and when it comes time I definitely won't stay in neutral.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. - Mark Batterson (In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day)

5 Tips for the Process

Are you aware of what God is teaching you, growing in you, pruning off of you, building in you, stirring through you, taking away from you, shaping you, working in you? How is God working in your life?

One thing that can be certain, God is always working in us. "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting it and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:5 Amplified Bible

Sometimes it's easy to see the work of God taking place in our lives, and other times it's not so easy. Sometimes it's easy to allow God to work in our lives and other times it's flat out difficult to understand and trust God through the process.

5 Tips for the Process

1. Trust God - Trust God when you can't track Him. God knows what's best for your life, He created you.
2. God will not always work the same way - It may not be your way, may not be easy but if it's God's way it's the best for your life.
3. God's purpose endures - Nothing can stop the work of God, not the loss of a job, home, finances, relationships. Nothing! The only thing that can stop the work of God in your life is You, even then God has a way of realing us back.
4. Listen for God- God is the GPS of life, take time to listen for direction, warning, wisdom, correction. Life is a journey, and it's about who you are becoming through that journey. You cannot navigate the journey of life alone.
5. Understand God- It's not enough to know God, God's plan or God's purpose you need to understanding. Understanding God comes through fellowship with God. Understanding God is like having HD Television, it's widescreen, so you see more, and defined so you trust more.
   
   
   

Dream Test Part 4

**See I HAVE A DREAM...below**

This is for all of you who have something still living inside of you tugging at you every day. It's bigger then you, way bigger than you, but somehow you revisit this incredible desire time after time. Sometimes it's through a movie, a story or a song that triggers this deep emotion lying within you. Then there are the days, the days that everything feels oh so far away.

If sometimes it feels like your dream is far fetched, like it will never happen then this challenge is for you. Do you want to know where the richest place in the world is? It's not the diamond mines, banks or the stock market. The richest place in the world is the cemetery, every single one is filled with dreams that were never lived out, time that was wasted, and opportunities missed. Don't let that be you.

The facts might tell you that your bank account is too small, that your too old or too young. Facts might tell you that your education, skill or talent is not where it should be. Facts might tell you what your trying to accomplish can never be done. Listen to this it's a quote shared to me just a day ago from my friend Dan Caraballo lead Pastor of the Bay Area Dream Center. "Faith will take you, where facts will leave you." Dreams don't show up when faith is not present. The topic this past week on my blog, Dream Start is to get ready for you start your dream today. Too many people are looking for the perfect start to start their dream. I'm telling you, that you already have in you what you need to start your dream right now. Are you ready?; Here's the challenge, I seriously wanna hear your dream. Not only that I want to help you share it with your everyone you know. Here's how send an email to dreamstart10@gmail.com and include your full name, city and a small description of your dream. I will attach your dream to this post. When YOU DREAM has been added send the link from this blog to Facebook twitter or email with the subject line "I shared my dream and you can too!"

Let's see how many people you can inspire by taking a chance and voicing what's in your heart. I'm telling you everything changes the day you share your dream...everything. I'll have one final post next week on Dream Start and it will be a very exciting one.

I HAVE A DREAM...

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Lisa Cruz - Newark, Ca

It had been bothering me a lot the last few days that I could easily see everyone else's potential/gifting possible ministries/callings but yet for myself I could not.. I could not say that I had a vision or dream for my life, but couldn't understand why..

Another usual morning of rushing off to work.. In the car I just had to put on a CD, I put on my christian rap CD and God immediately began speaking to my spirit as the music brought back memories of a lifestyle/mentality I used to have as a teen/young woman...Then God immediately gave me visions of youth.. Bus fulls being driven to church.. youth

from SF, Oakland, Hayward.. at risk youth, with enormous talents/giftings... So I got my vision and I felt like I was going to explode with emotion (already cried and felt overjoyed and filled with excitement) if I didn't immediately tell someone...

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Reuben Maza, Milpitas Ca

I could honestly say that it was music that saved my life. I grew up in church but yet I was in the world doing drugs and doing no good. I dropped out of school and was going no where fast. I had a daughter at 19 and just felt so lost .. It was worship that kept me connected to God and that took me out of what I was going trough. Being a worship leader is a big part of my dream but that's not where it ends. I really feel called to be a counselor to be able to help youth,young adults and single parents. I know if there was someone to talk to me when I was younger to mentor me and teach me how to not to just no God but to have relationship with him things would of went a lot different in my teenaged years. But, I thank God for my past because it helped me build my future. Now I am currently an intern at CWC interning to become a worship pastor. I know its not gonna be an easy road but I'm willing to do what ever it takes to save lives for Jesus Christ because that's exactly what He did for me..

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Shannon Araujo, Santa Clara Ca

Ok, so honestly, it's a little scary for me to post this. It's been hiding in my heart for so long. For a while I tried to ignore it and hoped it would just disappear, but it didn't. Then it seemed as if it was stolen from me, but it wasn't. It turns out that God was just molding and shaping me into a person that could better understand what my dream would take. Am I there yet? Nope. Do I know exactly what steps I need to get there yet? Nope. But my trust is that God will lead me to exactly where He wants me to be, and doesn't let me dream in vain. He dreams with me. My dream, is to bring God's unfailing love to the orphans of South America. (and all over the world) I want to start a home for homeless, parent less children where they can know LOVE, ACCEPTANCE and HOPE. I want them to have a warm safe place to sleep, healthy food to eat, regular check-ups and people to love them as their own. I want them to know the Love of God, and the saving grace of Jesus. I want them to be able to dream the dreams that God has given them freely. Will some be adopted by warm and loving families? I pray they all will!! I want to be able to pour out the love I was so graciously given by my wonderful parents, my awesome hubby and son, and (of course!) by the creator of the universe who loves me exactly for who I am. My heart breaks for these young ones that have no hope, and don't know love....and while I alone cannot accomplish the task of bringing love and hope to thousands, I invite God to use me to bring it to those I can, in hopes of producing others that in turn will do the same. Love God, Love People, Change the world....

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Leebo Pomele Tiffin, Ohio Ever since I knew what football was, I dreamed of one day making it a means to provide for my family and I. After graduating high school in 2004, I walked away from the game I knew and loved since I was four years old to go to Masters Commission (Bible College/Discipleship Program). Six years from walking away from my dream, I stand in the midst of my destiny. Entering my senior year in college and my last year to play college football. I hope to one day be able to establish programs to aid low income families and equip them about the power of getting educated. As well as reaching out to single parent families who are in need. And lastly, being able to mentor teens and help them reach their dreams. Football is a great start to making these dreams a reality!

Dream Start Pt.3

The reason why you need to say something about your dream...

I've carried a dream in my heart for 11 years now, it's weathered plenty of storms, at some points seemed to die and has gone through a lot of testing. As I look back through time, the day my dream actually took off from the starting line was the day I was willing to make my dream known, not just to one person but to many. Something happens in the heart of an individual that can share something they are destined to fail in without God. YES my dream is that big, and without God I'm done, and so are you, but those are the dreams that God wants us to have.

If you can attempt your dream without God it did not come from Him, blame it on the pizza, the cookies or an inspiring late night movie. The dreams that God has for our lives always outlive us long after we are gone.

Everything you've gone through, everything you are today, your passions, your experiences, your heart breaks, your victories, everything, has led you to the moment you are at right now. The day I made my dream known, to plant a church in Hawaii, something activated in my life. I've experienced so much in the last few years from job promotions, incredible responsibilities, leadership opportunities, leadership challenges, new grace, a deeper understanding of God, my faith has been stretched, and so much more. God was growing my character to fit the dream. I feel like I've lived life more in the last few years than I've ever lived before and it all started when I acknowledged God's plan, God's call and God's dream in my heart and I made that known. Yes I was scared to share my dream, taken my brunt of criticism, heard the question "are you sure?" Even been asked "is that God or is that just you?"

Life changes when you acknowledge and speak out what God has placed in your heart to do; your dream takes on legs and an incredible journey will unfold. I'm convinced that the life I've experienced in the last few years and the chapter that is getting ready to unfold would not have taken place at all if I had not said something. Do you see now why speaking your dream out loud is so important? Isn't that they way the world was created "...And God said, let there be..." What do you want God to create out of your life? Are you willing to share it? I'm going to give you the opportunity in my final post to take some incredible faith steps, again I'll setup the platform, I've been doing so all week, you just need to show up. Get ready!

Dream Start Pt. 2

Late 2006, something begins to stir in my heart, like a new chapter was about to unfold. I couldn't quite pinpoint what I was to do but I knew I was going to need to do something. I enter into the new year with these litteral words "this is my year"

Every year at our church, we open with a week of prayer. One night my Pastor Dan Vera, called me out and pointed to me, he echoed the same powerful 4 words that I was already feeling in my heart. "This is your year" Something was about to take place and I knew it, I could feel it, I was convinced that in 2007 I would take some major faith steps.

So what did I do? I waited, and I searched and I looked for the answer that God was actually dangling in front of me like a carrot. The light had turned green and the next move was mine. You see the bible say's that "before you ever lived a day on this earth, all of your days were written beforehand" What that scripture tells me is this, Life is about showing up...it's about showing up to your purpose, showing up to your potential, showing up to the you that God has designed you to become. It was time for me to show up, I was beginning to feel an urgency a deep soul craving.

Frustration began to set in, but I knew in my heart what I needed to do. I needed to take a crazy step and do something that I was afraid of doing. I needed to acknowledge a feeling that I had in my heart for a very long time. It was time for me to make my dream known. Not just to one person, it was time for my dream to go public. Sharing a dream is scary, especially when it's super sized. I was afraid of what people would think? I was afraid of failing? I was afraid of being wrong. Till this day my knee's buckle when I think of what I'm getting ready to do.

This is the first part of my challenge. Some of you know what I'm talking about when I talk about frustration. You've felt the tug to take some steps but feel stuck in the quicksands of "what if" and "I can't." Many people stop right at this point when it comes to dreaming. People discount themselves out of doing anything great for God because they don't feel great. We're afraid of failure, so why try? We're afraid of what others think, so why say anything? I'm too small, don't have what it takes, lack the talent, the skill or the ability so why even dream?

This is where I believe most dreams die, sadly before they even take off. If your right there, right now, don't let it die. Just dream, think what God thinks about you, embrace God's word about you as it say's in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I think towards you say's the Lord, plans of a HOPE and a future"

Listen to this, I believe that this is speaking to you at this very moment. The very thought that God would give you a picture of something great is proof that He trust you to do something great. Do you understand that "YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made" Check this out, experts have discovered that if you were to take a single cell from the human body, and from that single cell extract the DNA; the DNA strand would extend 6 Feet long. And if you were to take that DNA strand that extends 6 feet long, you would find the coded message of you, 3 Billion characters long. How complex is this? If you were to to take that 6 foot DNA strand, that came from a single cell and began to read 1 single character every second night and day, it would take 96 years to complete.

"You are fearfully and wonderfully made." I'm going to go out on a limb with this, you won't find it in the text books and I'm not a scientist, but if you take that scripture and the facts presented it's not a hard thing to believe that God's purpose in your life can actually be embedded in you.

When you live your life the way it was designed, it's the greatest form of worship unto God that could ever take place out of your life.

Maybe your at the point I was several years ago, something needs to happen. It's time for you to show up to your greatness. Your tired of the frustrated feeling that there's more to your life but your not living it yet. Maybe it's time to make known that knee bending, heart pumping, passionate dream that's in you. You may be wondering why? It's important, very important, let's just say it's a darn right critical step that cannot be taken lightly. I'll share "the why's for taking these steps and making your dream public" in my next post and what I believe happens when you speak your dream. I'm going to give you a chance this week to do something, I'll set the platform for you, you just need to show up. More on that thought later. Oh yeah, one last thing THIS IS YOUR YEAR.

Dream Start Pt. 1

10 Years ago I shared a dream with my Pastor Dan Vera, it was personal, crazy and scary all at the same time. The question that was asked was "what is it that would make you feel like Christmas everyday if you could do it" I began to share a vision about planting a church in Hawaii. My Pastor did not laugh, he didn't say are you crazy, he just said "ok". Several years went by, there had not been much talk about planting a church. I went to church, I joined internship, was involved somewhat but ministry was not really in my immediate heart.

As time went on we had a Masters Commission Student living with us named Santos Samayoa "Santz". I honestly did not want to let anyone in our house I was scared that they would see my flaws but we took a risk, and I'm glad we did. I honestly would like to believe we impacted Santz life that year, but it was the complete opposite that young man blessed me, he ignited the dreamer again and stirred my heart. It was one of those stories where you try to bless someone but in the end you end up being blessed.

I felt like Rocky getting back in the ring again. The dreamer was out of shape, I had been out of the ring for a while but I was hungrier then ever to do something great for God. We had a wedding coming up and it was in Oahu. Immediately a deep burden began to set in all over again. While on a sunset cruise in Waikiki my wife noticed something different about me and asked "what's wrong" I mentioned to her "for some reason I feel like this is where we are supposed to be." It was weird, I never wanted to go to Oahu. Anyway we came back didn't say much then came year two with Santz...

The second time around housing a studen was different.Santz didn't come by himself that next year, we had two additional and remarkable young men living with us. Two boys were cousins and they were Samoan. Leebo and Ulla Pomele. Again we set out to be a blessing but that year our lives were dramatically changed. Something happened in our home that amazing year. Till this day Ulla, Leebo and Santz still call each other brothers. Till this day we remember those times. I love the Samoan people, their hearts, their culture, their anointing for music, all of it. Something was happening in my heart, it was getting bigger...

Later on that year we went back to Oahu for a conference. I'll never forget the moment, we were leaving from Oakland Airport to Hawaii and the security guard looks at my ticket and says "oh going home sir" I'll looked back at my wife and just laughed. What an amazing time in Hawaii, got to visit some family and things began to solidify in our hearts. We knew where we were going to be, didn't know when, didn't even know what were going to do but we just knew Hawaii was the place we were going.

Stay with me I know this is long but I need to share it. We came back I acknowledged to my Pastor that we felt we were going to head out to Hawaii one day but I did not acknowledge my dream. I had yet to acknowledge what we were to do. Honestly I was scared, did not feel qualified and truthfully felt that I would fail.

YEAR 3 Masters Commission
Two new students were in our homes this year, it was Jon and Samson, we instantly saw the potential in these guys. I remember Samson coming over our house, he was going through a lot of stuff and was wandering and searching for himself. I remember thinking come into my home, and we'll make a champion. I remember seeing Jon with his large Samoan hair and thinking I want that kid too. We'll they stayed in our home and for 10 months we had our late night cereal talks, character building and lots and lots of guitar and worship. Why do I mention this, because this is Christian Worship Center of Hawaii in the making. There was a reason why we had all of these young men in our lives. There was a reason why I was introduced into the Samoan culture. There was a reason why Santos was in the middle of all of this too. Now that I look back at my story I could see God orchestrating HIS story and a big one at that.

There's always something bigger then what you see right now. I know this is getting long, and so I'm going to close it for now, believe me there's more. I'm going to warn you though, prepared to be challenged and to be pushed over the edge. I'm sharing these very close events to my heart because I want to set some folks to flight this very week. I believe there's a reason why I must do this now, so get ready and stay tuned tomorrow.

Original You

I'm not sure how it is in your neck of the woods but in the Bay Area right now the fad in terms of hats are these hats with flaps that cover the ears. A lot of kids and young adults are sporting these "duck hunting" hats, at least that's what I call them. Anyway, as I drove home from work yesterday I passed by a bus stop only to notice that half the kids waiting for the bus were duck hunters, yes they all had the same type a hat. I drove down the block a bit further and what did I see, yes more duck hunters.

It's not that I don't like the latest fad or hate duck hunting (truthfully never been duck hunting) but what struck me is what I felt God saying to me through the story above. God has created you to be an original, not a copy cat, not a cookie cut human, an original.

The only part of duplicate in you is the image of God. God is so incredible and so vast that even being created in his image He's created you to be an original.

There's an original purpose, original potential, and original dream with your name on it and nobody and I mean nobody can live it like you can. Live Original!

23 years delayed

I got into a conversation the other day with a man who has worked with the same company for 23 years. At first I thought about loyalty, faithfulness and dedication both on the employee and the employer. Then the conversation became shocking because I asked another question. "Is there something else that you would rather do?" The man looked at me a bit puzzled and said "what do you mean?" As if I knew something that was about to take place with his job, which I didn't. I enlightened the question a little bit by asking the following:

Is there something else that you would much rather do, something that your passionate about, do you have a dream? Immediately I got the attention of the man and I could see through years of desire, passion and struggle. The answer is yes. The man began to share his dream but it quickly turned to "Do you know how hard that it would be?" "It's way to difficult."

Instantly the coach in me began to take over and I said "yeah but you only live life once." "Wouldn't you much rather like to live trying at something you love and have passion for then settling for something you just show up to?"

My point is this, if your alive today and your not living what you love don't settle for where your at. I don't care if your 23 or 63 years old don't delay another day what you were created to do. You only have one life to live, so live it well and live it with purpose. This conversation although it probably got than man a little disturbed that he delayed his dream for 23 years and counting, I hope it encouraged him to live life on a limb and to truly live what is in his heart.

I recently watch the movie Avatar and in it is a powerful quote by the lead actor. The quote say's something like this. "Sometimes life boils down to one crazy and insane moment" You see if your willing to step through the threshold and cross into that one crazy and insane moment than you'll never delay another day of your God given potential ever again. On the other hand if you let fear grip you, if you allow what if to stop you and if you allow how to be a mountain in your life, then you will delay day after day and just might find yourself 23 years later still looking for the perfect opportunity to finally try.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Life is bigger than your cubicle

A pen holder, PC, monitor, telephone, your favorite quote strategically displayed, and some pics of the family...does that sound familiar? If it does, it's probably where you spend 8+ hours a day in an 8x8 space called your cubicle. This may not be everyone's space, but we all have a space that we work from. We all have a space where energy is exerted, tremendous effort is made, and time is spent. Then, as it happens almost every day during the week and especially on Friday's check out time is here, but I'll be back. I'll be back either tomorrow or next Monday, then I'll began the routine all over again. Ahhh cubicle life isn't it awesome!

No, I'm not trying to make your life feel dull but check it out. Our lives count for something so much bigger than what we can see right now. Maybe just maybe I hit a nerve and even got some items right about your workspace but what does your Heartspace look like? How about your thought space? How about a vision for your life? Here's a simple analogy from the Dr. Seuss', as big as your heart is for God's purpose, is as big as the life you'll live. Even the Grinch ended up making an impact on his community. What if I told you God wants to do something incredible with your life to make a difference in your job, community, church and in the world, have you ever thought about this? Are you living this way? Do you love what you are doing and are you doing what you love?

Today as I look at the world and some things I'm feeling in my heart I want to encourage you with some simple and challenging words, "Life is bigger than your cubicle." In fact, life is about working from a purpose more than a paycheck and the greatest discovery you can ever make in life is finding what you have been placed on earth to do and actually living it out. Take that purpose to work every day like you do your favorite coffee mug and you'll have more than a job, you'll have purpose. Pray that God grows your heart two sizes bigger so that it can be filled with His heart and His purpose and His plan for your life. There are people all around you that need you to be the person that God has called you to be that's why your lives have crossed paths. I'll leave you with three words that I've seen on twitter and facebook in response to the terrible tragedy in Haiti. Make an Impact. I challenge you, I dare you, I urge you make with every fiber of my being as I type this. Make an IMPACT!

Disaster Relief for Haiti

Change Is Tough!

Today was our first Sunday of the year and the first Sunday at our lead church in San Jose. I thought I was going to be extremely excited but honestly it was a day of mixed emotions. I guess you can say my heart was in two places at one time. I wondered throughout the day how the campus we just concluded leading was doing. Honestly it felt like the first day away from your child when they enter kindergarten. As I pondered here and there I received a txt message while in service that read "Your Bro. is tearing it up." It was from my buddy Santz. As I read the txt my heart knew we were doing what we were supposed to do.

Change is not easy, sometimes it's painful and even after it's taken place at times you will wonder "am I doing the right thing" Why does God take us though change? You'll never reach your purpose without changing chapters. Each chapter is a new season, a new opportunity, a new adventure and it's part of the journey of life. Every year at this time I'm reminded of some powerful words that were once said to me. "If you keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same results"

Take comfort in the fact that when God navigates you through change, God is navigating you into a new chapter. As the page turns into this new year, new decade, and new season, realize you are a chapter closer towards your destiny. Embrace change and know that He who never changes is with you forever.