Difficulty, God’s plan, & grace
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For […]
How to deal with feelings of abandonment
This is for those of you who have been feeling alone, neglected, or abandoned.
May the love of Jesus surround you as you walk this journey of life.
What I learned from passing judgment on others (Part 2)
I rehearsed a handful of responses as I walked toward their car. Although I didn’t know them, I was certain that they were going to ask me for money. Lately I had been approached by a number of transients asking for help. Rather than constantly giving money, I made a practice of keeping snacks in my car to give to give to those who were hungry. But honestly, I found this to be tiresome, and was no longer doing it with a joyful heart.
What I learned from passing judgment on others (Part 1)
As I left the building, I saw the transient couple sitting in the beat-up-Yugo that I had seen earlier. Not wanting to engage in conversation, I tried to make a quick break to my car….. but before I got too far, I heard someone call out to me. “Pastor John! Can we talk to you?”
Shadows
Refuse to allow the shadows of life to hold you captive. Use them to remind yourself that God is near. […]
Be you! (No apologies needed)
Got a minute? Thought I'd leave you with some encouragement to go out and be all who God created you to be...
How to create a powerful circle of influence
I found my strength increasing when I surrounded myself with people who inspired me. The strength didn’t come from people doing things for me, but rather from conversation.
Connecting with others
Part of the human experience is the strong desire to connect with someone....
Thoughts on personal strength, weakness, poor-choices, and healing
One thing that I can always count on, when my suegra visits, is homegirl is going to “get-down” in the kitchen. That lady can cook like there is no tomorrow. And I…. let’s just say that I am 100% fine with that. However, the day after, I can literally hear my arteries crying, as they continue to process all the refined grease (manteca) and spices that we, Mexicans, like to indulge in.
What I learned from 3 separate scenarios of marital separation
As much as I might criticize my friend’s husband, the truth of the matter is that I too struggle with arrogance and pride. I too have a propensity to throw fits of cataclysmic proportions when things do not go my way. No matter how much I would like to deny it, I have a tendency to try to control people and situations through manipulative behaviors. Although, I have surrendered this vice to God, it still beacons for my attention.
The challenge with defining “sacrifice”
Have three minutes to spare? I’d like to share this thought with you. Feel free to comment below to join […]
Lessons from a holy communion conundrum
it is every believer’s liturgical nightmare to lose their elements while partaking in this sacred sacrament. Sadly, this is exactly what happened to me, this last Sunday, as my communion wafer slipped out of my hands and rolled across the auditorium
What I learned from saying “yes” to something that I had been avoiding
I have a history of giving into shame. She’s a beast and my natural tendency is to let her have her way without putting up much of a fight. However, in that moment I felt something that I had not felt in a very long time...
Why I don’t want to assimilate
As I walked away, I began to think about experiences that I’ve had since childhood. As a 3rd generation Mexican-American, I could only dream of people embracing my cultural uniqueness....
What I learned from a gentle hand squeeze
As we went for our daily walk, I reached out and grabbed her hand. I felt safe with her, and I had felt this way since we first met. Unbeknown to her, underneath my boisterous personality, was a broken child who feared the world and trusted no one. Yet, her presence seemed to magically remove the fear and worry that filled my mind.
3 things I learned from the smelliest job ever
In big cities, teens have the option to apply for jobs in fast-food, retail, & clerical offices. Although these positions may be a far cry from a desired career, they offer a luxury that teens on the farm don’t have, air-conditioning.
