To Burn Again

2010-10-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

bloggerblogblog. I have been missing & thinking abt how much I miss you. Life is full of distractions; but life is what this is all abt.

FYI

2010-04-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

I started a new blog since I moved away from San Di-ahgo (it's german for... you know already so I wont finish it up ;)

STRONGTHETIES.BLOGSPOT.COM

I guess I get bored with the same blog and name.
Life is full of change.
Rightly so, the change keeps me blogging full of life.

PEACE

Awakening

2009-12-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ." ~2COR1:3-5~

Growth group, the night of AGO Banquet, breakfast the morning after, random talks with random people.

Lately these things and so much more have helped me to see spiritual gifts in other people and in myself. One thing that has truly been confirmed about myself is my ability to simply listen to people. Meeting new people and hearing about their life is a love of mine. But what I love more is to be able to impart encouragement and a spiritual perspective on whatever they may be struggling with. And it's not merely advice that I think of to give them, rather it's something more. My voice but not my words. That's all I can really say.

And what's funny is that of all the things that I listed in the beginning of this post, it is not the things I did or the places I went to or what I had to order that makes each of them memorable- it's the people.

Just talking about life and listening to the other guys in my growth group share each week about what's going on. At banquet- chatting with old friends and later giving a bold pep talk to one about how I truly see them (while outside getting some much need fresh air;) Having a good talk with Joe the next morning over an awesome breakfast... It's all these interactions and encounters with people that I remember the most. Listen and Build 'em up- from the inside.

I won't stop. I can't stop. This what I am. This is all I got.

Nothin but the blood of Jesus.

an aspiring book worm

2009-12-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

My new quarters (if you want to call it that) is in a library/study room. Do you reside in a room like mine?... most likely you don't. It's cool. If anything, being surrounded by books, maps and a nice little desk convicts me that I need to read more. A lot more.

I say that, but usually I am so wiped and exhausted from the long days on mine that I just barely have enough energy to get to bed. I actually just finished Max Lucado's book, Fearless- it was a book that I read in my small group and provided good discussion and all; honestly though, I felt it was kinda cheesy and watered down near the end of the book. Not sure if I will read another book by Lucado anytime soon- and that's all I got to say about that.

In Random News- Tchaikovsky's Marche Slave... too good.

Weird though how you never see any of the great classical composers smiling or looking happy in their self-portraits.

FREAKIN SMILE! haha!

ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8

2009-12-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

The quiet stillness that I find in the early morning and in the late night hours of the day- the birth and death of a day- it's in these times when I can easily sense the peace and presence of God. It's definitely in the stillness that we are better able to hear His voice. The busyness of the day and the polluting noise that fills the air makes it harder and harder to simply keep that peace of being in His presence. To keep the focus on what God wants to do and not only on your To-Do list. Seriously, there has been more and more times where I just wish I could mute the world.

But that's not how it goes.

However, since I finished school (Only God knows if and/or when I will return) I have discovered that I have been in much greater need of times quiet stillness. Its like sitting down for a pep talk with my coach before a game, regrouping at halftime to re-focus, and going through the highs and lows in the post-game wrap up.

*You wouldn't ever guess I'm a football fan, huh?!*

But that's how it has been for me in these post-grad months. Life is simpler, but more complicated. Less busy, but I got work to do. Much has changed, but much has stayed the same. IDK. It's all different though. Life moves on. Seasons change.

God keeps me moving with a near-sighted vision of what is to come. Every season brings something new; yet He keeps me moving. For me, this season is soon coming to a close. This past season of searching, learning, waiting, working, and serving. Make no mistake- many times I wish I was in a different season- like in a season of romance, vision, and wealth.

But that's not how it goes.

Just as Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes, pretty much there's a season for everything. And as mentioned numerous times throughout the bible, it is crucial to wait on the Lord. To wait on Him and to expect nothing other than Him; my lesson that I am continually learning.

Thank God for community.

Highlights

-I respect and appreciate Starbucks- even more so when traveling.

-I am over sushi- yet always a sucker for Mexican;)

-I dig intimacy.

-Dallas lost. Houston lost. But Texas Won!

-AGO Banquet. My 1st as an alum.

~PEACE~

A Lesson Learned

2009-12-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

Expect God.

Expect nothing else.

It's all too much

2009-12-02T23:48:00.000-08:00

As I type this post with tired eyes and listening to Radiohead, I sit in the near empty front room of the house that I have lived in throughout the majority of my college career at SDSU. Dudes are moving out to other apartments and houses due to the impending demolition of this one. So me and my pledge bro remain--- for the time being anyways.

But I yearn for a furnished house, working kitchen, and living in community rather than staying isolated in solitary confinement. Very soon though I sure hope to pack up my belongings and reside in the fraternity house for the remaining time that I have here in San Diego... It will be nice to be back in a house full of bros--- for the time being anyways.

Community- We need it. We were designed for it. So why try to go it alone?

*ponder*ponder*ponder*

It's all too much. It really is.

In a nutshell, I have been a traveling man for the last week and a half.

Start off with driving from San Diego to Modesto then to San Francisco then back to Modesto and San Diego all for the sake of adventure and seeing my family. Having my bigbro, chacho, and Hillary come along made it all interesting indeed. Fun times. Good memories. After the 3 day road trip, I readied my suitcase and caught my flight that would take me to Houston, Texas.

Now my week spent in Houston for Thanksgiving can simply be described as- WOW.

The Clements. Ron, Bonnie, Lizzie, and Ryan.

Ya'll treated me way too good;) But I'm sure you know that already.

I was blessed to be treated like a member of the family and always felt the love in everything that they did for me... it's all too much to truly put into words just how good they were in not only showing me incredible hospitality but just showing me crazy love. Well if any of you ever end up reading this- thank you for everything.

You are all beautiful people, a beautiful family, and I was honored to be part of your household for the time I was with you.

p.s. I miss the dogs;)

Now my traveling and vacationing has taught me much about myself. For the most part I learned that I never have known truly what future holds for me- even when I have planned it all out... Truth indeed.

Thinking about just much of what I have gone through and the experiences that I have lived and just the person that I am today which was all shaped by the path I have walked- it is clear that I am pretty different. haha! Seriously, I know no one else who is doing anything like I am. Idk. It's like there's a typical path that college grads generally take (i.e. looking for a good paying job/career and looking to get settled in with something stable in order to support themselves and prepare for a house or marriage) Yet I reflect on what's to come for me, and I am doing quite the opposite. Honestly, what did I do to get to this point? If you ask me, I did nothing. Jesus! Spiritual guidance from above is what I give credit to.

Having community to keep me spiritually strong. Costa Rica. Full time missions as my job. Being blessed beyond words in so many ways.

Thank You, Jesus.

You are all I've got to hold on to

And you'll never let me go.

Stay Strong.

Trust Christ.

You can't go wrong.

...uuuffff!

I was Ryan's 'high' for Thanksgiving Break.

That's a 1st.

It's all too much.

transition training

2009-10-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Howdy howdy to you.
Hope that all is well and that you are experiencing peace and joy in your days though they may be long and hectic.

I have not posted in a while. Pretty much cuz' I like to think through what my post is going to be about and just what my message is that I am trying to communicate to the few that actually look over and read To Burn Again. But I have realized that I am blessed by this blog and it helps me to keep track of what my life is going through as I strive to follow Christ as much as I can. So simply put, I am wingin' this.
Life as of late has been interesting to say the least. I don't know why it has taken me so long to realize this myself, but I am in this transition period.

No longer a student by occupation; yet still learning. And I have got lots to learn.

Being done-ditty-done with school and a SDSU Alum has brought on changes in the relationships and the community that I once was comfortably part of. It is clear that there are some relationships that God only had purposed to stay in place while I was an AGO Active and student at State. So things are different but I thank God for the brothers who have remained closer than a brother- you know who you are (PRV18:24) and for those new people who have entered my life.

One thing however that I have realized. one thing. one truth.
I can not hope, expect, wait, depend, and trust on anything or anyone else like I can upon God. There have been many times where it seems like no one has time to hang out or meet up or to even seek me out. Many times where I can it seems like I am left all alone. But it is during this time of transition that God's voice and spirit have been speaking to me more and more as I have been seeking Him out. How easily it is to get caught up with putting a greater focus on wanting to be with people to keep us company rather than simply taking time in silence and solitude to meditate on what God has to say to you and you only... There have been many times when I just dont know what to do and I just realize that God wants me to be still. to be quiet. and to worship Him to see and take in His Will for me and feel His great sovereignty over every thing... I have found great peace and wisdom in the words of Mother Theresa- realizing that prayer is truly a lifestyle. Also that just as I have great joy and passion in training my body, I much more need to train and discipline my spiritual life to be a more godly man (1TIM4:7&8).

Geez, I have rambled off. There's more stuff, but I guess I'm still chewing on it and will spit it on a post soon.

Peace.

-less than a month til Thankgiving week in Houston.
-less than 2 months til I fly over to Costa Rica and can start the life of full time missions Work.
-may there be no cover over you other than the blood of Christ.
-pray for the persecuted church- www.persecution.com
-God Bless You.

Chariots of Fire

2009-10-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.

-Eric Liddel, Chariots of Fire

wisdom and truth from a sister I've never met before

2009-10-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

I have been reading, A Simple Path , a compilation of the words and writings of Mother Teresa. If anything, it has pounded my head and heart about the power and need to pray. She writes that

"Prayer feeds the soul-

as blood is to the body, prayer is to the soul-

and it brings you closer to God."

(page 7)

I seriously bought this book and two other books of Mother Teresa for $0.01 off of Amazon. So pretty much I just paid shipping costs ($3 or $4).

But it is the words of Sister Theresina, a fellow nun of Mother Teresa, that definitely spoke to me when I read them in light of me learning to wait on the Lord and to be patient. Sister Theresina is talking about how all their work with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta is for God's Kingdom and how they must continually rely upon His providence and nothing else. (highlighting is emphasis mine)

We are working for the Kingdom, we have devoted our lives to the Kingdom of God, so He definitely has to to be the one who guides us and leads us and provides for us, For instance, we never lose sight of God's providence, so we try not to store the things that we need, and just manage with whatever comes as it comes. I think this way we will continue to receive God's blessings, especially if we don't become extravagant and if we don't get caught up living for the future, instead of right now in the present.

We need to be flexible-

when it is God's time things are easy

and when it is not His time things are difficult.

We must really listen to the invitation that God extends to us

in whichever way it is manifested.

(page 44)

AMEN!

HE WILL REIGN

2009-10-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

This is a track from Sleeping Giant- a hardcore band of Christians that I love and respect.
You just need to give it a listen and just dwell upon the words and the message of it.
This song and its words and its message of God's power never fails to touch and shake me up whenever I give it a listen. I hope and pray that it does the same to you.
Lyrics are below...

SLEEPING GIANT-> HE WILL REIGN
In my mind I know how to sing this
But I need your light, God there's no other way
He says I try, the words all come jumbling out
As I rest in your light, I hear your spirit say, you say
"Come"
I don't know why it was that I hated you so
It was before I really knew youBefore I touched your heart and it became unto me, the very substance of my life
I've stayed at your side, I've seen the things that you do
I'm blessed, I'm broken, I'm honored inside to be called your wife
"Come"
Then my heart cries out
You Will Reign Forevermore... I love You Lord
You are worthy Lord, so worthy Lord You're so deserving Lord, take my life Oh God
We Will Reign Forevermore!
Then You sing out over us Oh Lord You respond and I thank You Lord
You sing
You lift up my head and sing
You call me beloved Lord, so we sing
You are worthy, You alone, we sing out
We exalt You Lord
We Will Reign Forevermore! [ He Will Reign Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

...

2009-09-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

...WE are all evil.

but GOD is good.

Thank You Jesus...

Love. Blessing. Life. Death.

2009-08-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

Pastor's sermon today that left a mark. It was titled "To Be A Blessing". And as he started out speaking and preaching, I honestly was feeling completely out of. Seriously, though I got at least 6 hours of sleep the night before, I felt as if I had stayed up all night banging my head against my desk or something because I had a pounding headache and could not focus for the life of me. Odd.

And as I began to think to myself 'geez this guy is goin long on his sermon' that's when he introduced to us all a story... and I thought he was going to be wrapping it up his message!

The story he shared goes something like this:

There was a certain hairstylist named Jane who was accustomed to having a busy and tight schedule of clients that would come into her salon to get their hair done and styled for important events. Those people that came to have their hair done by Jane, loved her because of the awesome job that she did and also for the special attention and care that she gave each person whose hair she styled or cut... Now one day, Jane receives a phone call from Sarah, a usual client of hers, asking if she could fit her into her schedule of daily appointments for a very important event that she has later in the evening. While on the phone, she flips to her appointment page and sees just how full the day is with people coming in to have her do their hair. But after looking through and making some switches here and there with the appointments that she already had, she was able to pencil her in for later that same day!

So though Jane was busy busy all day working on fixing and styling her clients hair, when Sarah came in, she welcomed her in and as she started to work on Sarah's hair styling Jane asked her all about how her day was going and about random stuff. Though she didn't ask anything too personal or deep, she gave Sarah special attention and a loving touch that is tough to find nowadays. When Jane finished up with her hair, she commented on just how beautiful and dazzling Sarah looked for her evening event!

Sarah left smiling and feeling beautiful inside and out.

Later that day nearing the end of the work day, Jane receives a note from Liz, the salon receptionist.

She open it up and reads it.

Jane, I wanted to thank you for the beautiful job you did on styling my hair earlier today. But I must let you know that you ruined my evening plans. You see what I didn't tell you was that I wanted to get my hair styled today because I wanted to look good for my own funeral. I indeed had important plans this evening- plans to end my life and commit suicide. But your love and your care made me realize that there is hope and meaning to this life. You gave me more than a beautiful hairdo; you helped me gain a second chance a staying alive in this life.

Thank you for the love. Thank you for the hope. Thank you.

-Sarah

After listening to this story and the rest of the pastor's message, it was as if I was slapped in the face, had the wind knocked out of me, and kicked in the pants...

Love. Love is all you need. We can overcome the burdens, pain, and hopelessness of this world with love. And its simple. but not easy. Follow Christ in the love that is poured out in the cross of His sacrifice. God is Love and we must BE God's love to everyone in everything that we do. In the end of the day, its not so much about what we do, but rather who we are.

May we be God's Love to all and be the blessing to others... a blessing that can mean life or death...

more to come.

sooner than later.

PEACE.

Because the flesh is weak!...

2009-08-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

howdy howdy. I don't know how your last month or so has been during this summer so please share and let me know how its all goin. I would love to hear about what you're learning, doing, etc... But anyways, I do hope that your summer time is all good and that you're getting readied for greater things to come.
As for me, my weeks have pretty much been filled up with working two jobs M-F (7-3 at HYP then 4-9/10 at the restaurant), sometimes working Saturdays, waking up at 4am in order to exercise before my full days, spending time with close bros on my time off, aaand sleeping when I can.

Though this may all sound crazy and probably makes you a bit more physically exhausted when you start to really think about it, some words that describe how it all is for me:

overworked, underpaid, overjoyed

Yeah, I am busy. But I love it. I have learned so much every week and every day that I look forward to it all. Whether it be serving people craving some cheap good sushi or hanging out with kids at camp, there is always something to give and to learn. *And btw, spend time with kids and they will teach you more than you even imagined; a lot of times its more than what you try to teach them...

Over the course of these past recent weeks that have constituted to become one of my busiest summers, one major major lesson and truth that has been continually reinforced in my mind and heart is the utter weakness of our flesh and bodies and the supernatural power of God's spiritual strength that He provides us when we seek it and depend on it.

"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." ~MT26:41~

"Be anxious for nothing. But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Phil4:6&7~

Two pieces of scripture that have been with me all this past week.

Truly the flesh is weak and it limits us and it weighs us down. Yet the spirit of God is beyond the limits of the flesh.

The Power of Prayer. It blows my mind to think of how crazy powerful it is and how brings us into the great peace, joy, love of God above.

stop worrying or daydreaming or whatever and be intentional to pray throughout the day and memorize a verse or more- you will see a change in you and in your daily life.

+Pros/Random Good Stuff+

-time with the guys. always random. always good.

-being disciplined in going to the gym throughout the week-Its spiritual. discipline yourself physically and that discipline leaks into other areas of your life.

-regularly going to my new church- First United Methodist Church- and realizing that tradition and structure are good to have...and I'm not a traditional person.

-AGO Epsilon's new house... we used to have a frat tent compared to the huge house we now are blessed to have.

-time with my big bro; I get more brown every time I'm with him.

-the Beatles and Dizzy Miss Lizzy. lol.

-keeping touch with friends- both near and far

-gaining peace from knowing that I don't know it all and that in the end; Only God Knows.

My Prayer Request:

To grab hold of the strength to love and serve those around me everywhere I go. To truly be filled with the Spirit despite the weakness of the flesh.

That's all for now. Hope to update more frequently. PEACE.

"You Put Your Flesh Before Blood"

2009-07-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

No Innocent Victim screams this convicting truth to those who listen to their track "Your Freedom". The scream of conviction has truly been resounding in my head and my heart...

"Sow with a view to righteousness,

Reap in accordance with kindness ;

Break up your fallow ground,

For it is time to seek the LORD

until He comes to rain righteousness on you"

~Hosea 10:12~

Comfort... in no way can you find peace and comfort in the skin you are in when you neglect to seek the Lord to feed your spirit. No way can the flesh and body that we have from God give us the same satisfaction that comes from being filled by the Spirit of God.

Being full of craving and selfish desire can easily drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit. Truly, I have been convicted of the need to become empty. To empty out all I have to glorify the Lord and to be filled with all of His goodness, wisdom, love, peace, and blessing.

Crazy and awesome how the conviction and voice of God is spoken in such mysterious ways. Whether it be while I am at work and hating customers that come in when I am wanting a bit of a break, or simply talking with a dear friend about their experience in ministering and serving the hungry homeless of downtown Houston... the Spirit speaks through anything, anyone to make you realize how He wants to use you... you simply need to open your eyes and see the greater picture that lies before you...

Emptiness I need. Emptiness I desire. Break up this fallow ground of comfort within my flesh and heart and gain the vision, the spirit, the path that God seeks for each of us.

Flesh before Blood? before the Blood of Christ?.... how can we go on settling with that.

Thank you for the phone calls, the texts;), encouragement, the love, the prayers.

You know who you are.

Please don't stop... I won't.

God Bless You All.

RanDoM

2009-07-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

I have an ear for a lot of different music.

But the top band?

Hands down...

the mustaches are the cherry on top...

Different Soil- Same Heart- Same Fire

2009-07-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

What's up? How you doin?...seriously.

Well, it has been a week since I have been back. Though it has been an interesting and long week, the call to serve and work has not been lessened.

10 of this week:

+ I started working at HYP camp; working with the lil'kids... they are fertile ground. I hope to plant something.

+ I returned to work at SushiMan; visit me! I love the people I am around when I work here.

+ By weeks end, I will have worked approximately 66.5 hours... Thank You Lord! I am truly blessed to be working this much in tough economic times such as these.

+ Seeing a small Toyota pick up truck on my way to work with a lawn mower and other gardening tools in the back. Instead of reading Tacoma Pre-runner, the writing on the tail gate was modified to read- 'Taco Runner'... ghetto ghetto.

+ I have been thanking God for all that He has blessed us all with. For me, its my health, being able to laugh and smile about everything in life, the relationships that I have and time spent with those brothers and sisters, and just tuly seeing that regardless of what happens in life- staying faith-full will get me carried through.

+ I passed on being able to go to Scream The Prayer Tour... yeah Sleeping Giant was playing but I wasn't looking forward to pay to be surrounded by high school scene kids with emo hair who think they own the place... my taste is maturing I suppose... Anberlin and Taking Back Sunday have caught my ear.

+ Me doing groceries with my bigbro since coming back from Costa Rica- "okay...well I'll be in the rice and bean aisle"
why change my diet? lol. Its cheap, healthy, and it gets the job done.

+ Methodist churches look nice and traditional service reminds me of catholic mass- but more Jesus.

+ Never thought I would attend another Vespers service once I left Taylor U... but I was wrong.

+ Brown and White go well together...

Here below are the final 10 pics that I will post from my internship trip. Pretty much they highlight the things, people, and places that struck me the most in the last week or so while there...

Somehow I got natural highlights in my hair that got stronger while away...
I blame the sun- but I am being asked if I surf a lot more now...

Working and pounding concrete with a sledge til my hands felt funny.
That was a good day.

The Beach...

Will- no one else could I have imagined to have been able to put up with me so well as their roommate in a space no bigger than a walk-in closet. You taught me the beauty of living and sharing experiences with other people. Life ain't the same without people to share it with. Life and Relationships.

The traveling 'extranjeros'. Tammy, Carolyn, Sarah, Ben, Will, and a mix between Cheech and Chong...Awesome people I lived with who are full of passion to serve the Lord.

Charlie. You taught me the importance of leading and pastoring groups of people and of how it is possible to convey Christ-like character while still being the genuine person that God made you to be. I respect you and the great vision you have for Strong Missions...
God willing, I will be helping to shape that vision.

The food caught me off guard. This 'burrito de carne' was deep fried, the size of a deck of cards, and 98% black beans and cheese/2% carne...

A typical casado plate- I miss this... its love on a plate that is super cheap (about $3) and plated in about 5 minutes.

God's Creation.

what?! me all up in it...lol

- "But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”" ~Acts4:19&20

- "But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." ~James1:22

-"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." ~Phil3:13&14

*I like NLT more than before.

God Bless You. Thank You for letting me know how this all has impacted you.

PEACE.

Home is wherever God has me.

2009-07-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Beginning this week I was more than bummed and discouraged at the fact that I will be returning back to the States and leaving Costa Rica. It was hard for me to get over the huge calling that the Lord has placed upon my heart and life to enter the missions field for more than a mere few weeks or portion of my summer. As I have mentioned in previous posts I´m sure, but I finally have gained insight as to where I am going in regards to my career choice and choice of lifestyle.

MISSIONS- this is my passion and is what God is calling me to pursue and do.
So realizing that I need to return back to the States and away from the foreign field- was somewhat of an overloaded barbell upon my shoulders to say the least.

However, throughout this week of travel and adventure with Will and the other interns Becca and Rebecca, I have been able to listen.
Though I have reached the point of finally feeling at home here in Costa Rica, the deeper truth is that Home is wherever God has me.

Since my start of college, I have never really had a sense of being at home. Even in my hometown whenever I visit my parents, home is not home in the sense of it being where I belong.
I am always traveling. Everyone is always traveling. Going somewhere different. Traveling spiritually and physically. From highs to lows. From deep growth to superficial distractions that blind us all from the greater panorama of life.

Coming to understand that my home is wherever God has me has given me such as huge and overwhelming sense of PEACE. So going back to San Diego and wherever after that, its the deep peace and truth that is: I am where I am for a purpose.

Whether it be to learn a life lesson, to prepare for something greater to come, to impact those around me in a way to see Spiritually, or to simply be patient.
Its all for a reason and a season that ultimately only God Knows.

So why hate where you´re at? Why worry on the future?(which wont ever really turn out how you expect it to anyways)
Why think that you do not have a special purpose, a special mission Right Now wherever you may be in life?

The world wants to keep you blind and afraid. break away from it. Make a difference beyond this world.

¨A man will not be established by wickedness.
But the root of righteousness will not be moved.¨
-Prv12:3

¨Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.¨
-Ps73:25

I choose to stay true to my name and my maker. I choose faith and peace in the name of Jesus Christ. I choose to see the greater panorama of wherever I am and make my home wherever God has me.

What do you choose?

And...below is what happens when you backpack for too long surrounded by Sugar Cane fields...enjoy.

*more to come*

WEEK 3

2009-06-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

*Picture update in previous post*

Normally I am healthy as a horse. But after a week of leading a team in church construction, guiding them thru different sites around the city THEN bussing it to the Caribbean coast where the water is sketchy to drink, white-faced monkeys are found everywhere, and the suns heat rays are beyond toasty- somehow I transformed from that healthy horse to being sick as a dog.

Lets just say I have been sipping on pedialyte and gatorade for the past day and a half... thank God I am feeling better and just had a normal solid meal- I should be fine but I pray nothing rewinds itself back up from my stomach.

Well, this past week has been very different for me to say the least. It seems the every day and every week is something completely new and unexpected... The WUUMC Houston group was the first church missions group that I have known and worked with since last summer being part of the leadership team here in Costa Rica. This group works hard, plays hard, and eats hard LOL- though they set the standard of a highly spiritual missions group for me- I have been reminded of how different people and groups are.

Last week, Strong Missions had its first fraternity/sorority group come to work and serve!

I definitely felt honored to be assigned to guide and translate for the 18 PKA/KAQ guys and gals coming from Cincinnati. I never thought I would find non-Christians doing missions work- but it happened. Being a greek alum myself- AGO woo woot!- it was not too hard to find some common ground with them and to use that to lead into deeper conversations about faith, religion, and life...Though most of them got atleast buzzed during the time off at the beach and I had to do a bit of babysitting to make sure none died- I had fun and am thankful for the crazy experience that I shared with them.

It still continues to amaze me how I seem to get along and connect with nearly everyone that I come across.

These Pike guys and Theta girls definitely taught me (again) how you can't simply pass judgment on someone without putting forth the time and effort to get to know where their heart is at and where they are coming from... this world neglects getting to know the heart and the deepness of the individual and sticks with the superficial...Sad But True.

Being an intern for Charlie and for Strong Missions has beyond blessed me too much. Though its easy to just get caught up with working, serving, translating, traveling- even to the point of getting sickly ill- this internship experience has blessed me in discovering that international missions work is my passion.

Though I am returning to San Diego next month, I know that I will be yearning to for next opportunity to leave the country again haha- the latest will be next summer for sure (God willing).

No Way am I going to be bound to a single country, state, city, or zip code...not that there is anything wrong with that- but how can you neglect the calling of your passion?

Take this to heart:

Letting someone or something interfere with reaching your hearts passion is a sure path to being miserable.

Never settle for anything less than your Hearts desire and passion.

And may you be boundless in the discovery and pursuit of your God-given passion and calling. It is life changing.

Time is flying by... dang it.

God Bless you all.

Mas fotos de viaje- los 23 de la tercer semana.

2009-06-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Facebook uploader is still blowing it for me. Blogger does it.
So these are all pics from about the last week and a half. The first few are actually from today!
Enjoy...

Men at Work-
me and my new adult group from Florida.

Taking advantage of my break in the company van...
i know its all ghetto but that's me.

Waiting room at a clinic. We were not feeling too good.

You get bored of waiting... and literally sick.

From 330 til midnight... nothing but fun.

My diet for more than a day.

Ben, Sara, and Luis- My travel buddies.

My roommate Will. He goes to Brown University and I am his brown roommate. Perfect match.

The Caribbean coast...pre-sickness.

Zip-lining Captain Morgan style...kinda.

The PIKE bros and the Theta girls...and me pointing.

In the slums of Los Guidos. A work site that changes you.

One of the oldest Catholic churches in Costa Rica- Iglesia Coronado.

This takes me back to my Catholic days.

Areas in San Jose stricken by a recent massive earthquake.
I hope to be working with relief and construction in these areas next year with Strong Missions.

The Strong Missions team. Charlie, Becca, and...

Mi Jefe

At Volcan Poas... hot stuff indeed.

Firewood Dried Bananas...i passed on trying them LOL.

La Segunda Semana

2009-06-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of my missions trip in Costa Rica.
Another week has gone by. And so much has happened.

I have been seeing that the Lord has been guiding my decisions and direction in life...
He is like the ultimate romantic who pulls you his way when you just take a step to follow Him with an open and desiring heart.

Change. Transformation. Passion. Insight.

The Holy Spirit has started all these things in this past week.
Through working hard long days at construction sites, serving with all I got, and having random conversations with people during time away from the noise of the city, I have heard God's voice that whispers where He wants me.
There have not been many times in my life where I was 100% positive that I was exactly where I needed to be and no where else doing something else...
being here in San Jose, I am at peace.
I love what I am doing and have been experiencing the peaceful pura vida that God has blessed me with and that He wants us all to have.

And so I will continue to move forward. I will keep on working and serving.
I see the beautiful light of the abundant life that is built on Faith in Christ and I will chase after it. NO WAY can I go anywhere else when I am being called to take a leap forward beyond my sight. I know my passion is Christ...I don't want anything else but for more of Him in my life. To lead me in the true path for my life...

¨But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ¨

-PHIL3:7&8

*Well...looks like that International Business degree will actually come in handy...LOL.

_Random Stuff_

- the movie, UP, good movie tho it was dubbed in Spanish. But it revolved around a couple wanting to travel to South America- WORD. That earns my vote of approval.

- taking coffee breaks to the panaderia with Ben, Sara, and Becca makes the day much easier to get through...crap, I have become more and more of a coffee drinker here...merr.

- keeping touch with friends in the states is a blessing, even if they just came home from the gym or watching recorded tv shows.

¡Fotos De Viaje!

2009-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Facebook photo uploader- failed.

Luckily Blogger makes it happen.

Well here are some picture of time spent with my favorite missions church group from Houston, Texas. I seriously love and respect all of these guys and girls who have hearts to love and serve the Lord that I dont see enough of.

The couple in the third picture, Ben and Sara, though arent part of the group but they are currently my favorite young married couple that I know.

Traveling with your wife... I hope to experience that someday.

The last 3 pics are random examples of what I have been putting into my stomach while here... so far no speewing illness cuz of food poisoning...thank God.

More to come soon in Week #2.

Much Love and Respect.

La Primera Semana

2009-05-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

One week since I left the 619, the West Coast, the U.S.A.

One week since I have entered this new environment of being in a place away from my place of comfort.

As portrayed in my few photos, the money, the people, the cars, the streets, the language, the food...its all different.

Completely being honest, the only word that I can use to describe my time here so far-

BLESSED

Living with a local pastor and his wife, being an intern for a missionary, speaking fluently with the locals and joking around with them as I do with family relatives, working/laboring to physically build up needy churches to better serve their impoverished communities, reconnecting with old friends who have encouraged and challenged me without words, serving nonstop, and continually being humbled by how God is using me in different and bigger ways... sigh... it all is a truly huge blessing.

There is no other way that I can explain or understand why God is doing what He is doing in my life right now... I dont deserve any of this at all... I have not earned any of this.

Blessing. It is all a blessing.

I am sure that I am coming across as quite scattered perhaps, but much has happened in this first week.

/A Bit About The Pictures Above/

1- Colones. Huge coins that constitute my bus money. No big spending for me thanks very much.

2- Josa. A pastors son in one of the work sites that I have been at all week long as the lead for the missions work team. Humbled by this guys heart of giving when he gave me a Costa Rican soccer jersey when I commented on how nice the one he was wearing. This church is within a very poor and unsafe area of town, yet he insisted on giving me this jersey to show support the soccer team.

3- A typical intersection of criss-crossing traffic and unmarking lanes. The background of the cathedral shows how life is busied about here and the true nature and vision of the church here is all too easily pushed back.

4- The great presence of the heavens that few seem to actually notice and appreciate... My God, you are everywhere.

5- Two things that I need to do always during this exile from the life I know and always forevermore-

***to serve God and to spend time with God***

--- to serve always in a way that I put myself last,

where I seek to bless and help others and kill the desire of being comfortable and pampered,

realizing that I truly dont need anything,

that I truly dont want anything, that my Father is caring for me in all ways and blows my mind away when I open up my heart to His will...

the only thing I truly need, want, and desire... Jesus Christ glorified in me.

I cant lose focus.

I cant lose heart.

This is what I was called to.

This is what I seek to do.

Step by step. Where ever I am led.

There at my side is my Father to lift and love.

Thank You for whatever prayer you mentioned me in.

God Bless You and I hope that you let him change you beyond belief.

Whatever.

As always- No Worries.

PEACE

2009-05-29T23:27:00.005-07:00

Waiting. Arrived to Denver and will be boarding a full red-eye flight to SanJose,CR arriving arnd 530am... i started reading The Pursuit Of Holiness

2009-05-29T23:27:00.003-07:00

written by jerry bridges. indeed a book i need to read. i am thankful for text msg blogging, the ridiculously few people in the airports, farewell text msgs

2009-05-29T23:27:00.001-07:00

from friends, and simply being blessed to get away in order to serve and be literally set apart to listen and survey the path ahead for the next steps to take.

2009-05-29T23:26:00.001-07:00

One thing im sure to take away from all this-a renewed & transformed heart & mind to walk in spirit and take away dead weight of the flesh-THE NEED 4 CHANGE.

Flying Away...Getting Away...Getting Closer

2009-05-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm off to missions in Costa Rica.
5weeks.
I'm going to be serving as a intern for a missionary that I know there.
I hope to update my blog while there at some point and share insights from what I experience, do, and learn.

My only request of you: Please Pray. for safety, strength, health, wisdom, peace, enlightenment.

Thank you for reading and caring. God Bless You...I'll be back...;)

WHAT IS LOVE?!*....

2009-05-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

*As in the song from A Night at the Roxbury.

God is Love. This weekend has shown me how He expresses his vast agape love to me through friends and family.

Me and my backpacker hippie older brother.
Pretty much the person who led me to the path of a true intimate relationship with Christ.

We're different. We're special.

We're the Cuellar Kids.
It's God that keeps us together.

L&L. Sriracha. LOVE.

my seeester.
Always there for me.

The old couple that helped bring me
into this physical life.

I love seeing them make each other laugh.

Always praying for me.

La Familia Cuellar

Proud of the Colombian blood in me.

Brothers (and a sister;) from other mothers
who have blessed me through their friendship and memories shared centered on
what God is teaching us.

Suave Love. Mejor Amigo Para Siempre.
MAPS.

Indeed, they will be in my wedding.

GRADUATED.
Looking Forward.
I can't do this on my own.
Through Friends and Family.
How the Lord's Love is shown.

more to come...

TAKE FIVE

2009-05-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

5-Green Day's song 'knowing your enemy' is an embarrassment compared to the first and original Rage Against The Machine track titled also 'Know Your Enemy'- a Solid piece of Rock music that is all contained within a span of 4:54...way to be original doods.

4- Finally finished my last SDSU International Business-related report...Only one final remains...

3- I love having Reed and Melee as my roommates...tho they are more like an old married couple that constantly bicker, fight, and hit eachother...oh, love.

2- South American food with Richard- best pre- Graduation dinner yet...I feel obligated to take my parents to this hole in the wall.

1- Spread the Blogging Spirit! I'm enlightening people about the goodness of blogging and its deepness. Facebook/Myspace- why stay shallow? go deep and go blog...
Don't have a blog? create it in like 5minutes.
Have a blog? good. Use it, please, and impact people unknown to you.
More in the YOUTUBE below:

GoodNight and GodBless you.

MY WEIRD TOP 10*

2009-05-18T01:02:00.000-07:00

It's has been a long week. Weird. It will stay that way up until Thursday afternoon once I'm done with my Religions of India Final. blah. Weird. Here's some top 10 weird random things that have been on my mind lately. (*respect and credit to the idea of David Letterman)

10. Weird how classic Metallica has gotten me through many a late night/early morning. Currently listening to The Call of Ktulu.

9. I am thankful for 100% Colombian Coffee;) NOT Weird.

8. Not worried about anything. So Wierd Cuz' everything's gonna be alright. I love you Bob Marley. I'd play soccer with him in Jamaica if we were contemporaries. Joshua1.

7. I look forward to lounging and catching up with atleast my brother Cesar while we enjoy some fine exotic hookah. soooon. Wierd to have him back in Cali since his trip down south in mid-2007.

6. Feeling more sensitive as to the tug and pull of the Holy Spirit- especially when I don't want to do it. wierd.

5. Costa Rica. Not a vacation-weird, rather I go to do work and serve. I can't wait. Airfare has been purchased. Gotta pray that I can get some sponsorship from the fraternity missionary account.

4. Realized that the only international business that I will do is that of Humanitarian/Relief Non-profit Orgs. Weird how I'm definitely not gonna be a businessman that in it for 'profit'. Gained clarity and now know that I am called to have an uncomfortable life but that will glorify Cristo.

3. Weird. I've been craving pho noodles and spring rolls for like two weeks now (I refuse to eat out solo). want to join?

2. Blows me away how I tend to get along/relate with all sorts of people. Wierd! A gift that I need use more and more.

1. I can't give up on people. God doesn't give up on me. I guess I'm learning to love...just as we all are. For God is Love.

Weird! That's all for now...

God Bless You and forget not to PRAY.
PRAY til you die!

weird BUT if we are not living to the death for this....then what to?

THAT AZN COOKIE...

2009-05-14T02:07:00.000-07:00

it spoke to me...it spoke truth...do what the cookie says...and no-I'm not drugged.
|
|
|
>>2 research papers and 3 finals- they lie between me and my degree...
- so close...
- failure is not an option.

>>I've been researching so much on Buddhism and Jainism that I think I could play the part.
- karma. karma. and more karma.

>>PRAY
- it can change the world if we all do it and live it.
-this place needs it.
- join in and PRAY HARD.

'when ignorance reigns, life is lost!'
~Z. De la Rocha

~Vaya con Dios~

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

2009-05-12T01:13:00.000-07:00

It was this Coldplay song that simply spoke to me lately especially when choosing it as the song for the graduating senior section of the AGO Banquet video... I have realized that looking forward beyond this semester, the summer, this year- I really have no idea of what or where God will place me...I've realized that it's not my worry or concern to try to figure all that out. Rather, looking at how God has worked in my life in order to bring me to the place I am now, it is clear that we will never quite know the big master plan. I can say or convince myself that I am being called to live as a missionary in South America or that I want to enroll in seminary and seek to be a pastor- but honestly, what the heck do I know? God knows it all and His ways are mysterious.
Thinking that things need to be a certain way, whether its being in a relationship with a certain girl, living in a certain country, or having a certain job title- I have found that it all isn't up to me to figure those things out or to try to make them happen.
Thinking that way has led me down paths of pain, disappointment, anger, frustration.
Know your role before the ALMIGHTY.
I now know that God grants me vision and that I need to seek it out. But in the details, my only expectation is for God to take care of it all. I can't put any expectation before that.

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there. With open arms and open eyes. - Incubus

I thank God for being able to smile when I think about life. When I think about those special people in my life and the memories made. No matter how bad it was or how ridiculously blessed it was, in the end, God put a smile upon my face. He has and I know that He will keep doing so as long as I stay faith-full.

PROS
-typing a lengthy letter in spanish via email to my family updating them about life and God in my life.
-learning to not worry about myself- that I am blessed though I deserve less than nothing.
-realizing the need for more deep prayer.
-knowing that my brother is back home safe and that soon I hope to have the deep talk about 'holy things' (Nacho Libre voice)
-wanting to be down for whatever God wants me to be down for
-knowing that this place is not my home...

P E A C E

Worth More Than A 1000 Words

2009-05-11T04:26:00.000-07:00

1. Color Me Black and DirtyGhettoRed

2- No more shots of bean juice for me...

3. Too Much DGR

4. Mi Hermana

5. DINKO

6. soon to be alumni

*It's late- I'll post a legit entry sooner than later. And...Blogs are the way to go.

FBK?...meh.

NEARING THE END- PEERING INTO THE NEW START

2009-05-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

Soon. Very soon. My little sister, Sandra, will be flying into town. For those in ADX, AGO and/or will be present at AGO banquet (she's my date!), hopefully you will be able to meet her...
Oh, banquet. The last one as an active is one that every guy in the Fraternity dreams and looks forward to; it is quite analogous to the wedding day for girls- but not.
Will I get the suicidal souffle award again for taking shots of bean juice?...I wouldn't be surprised. Anything goes at this point.
I'm usually a man of few words. But I'm sure I will be sharing quite a bit during my speech...just breathe.

However with all seriousness, I have found myself just stopping amidst all the busyness of this semester and point in life- and my head asks (quoting LOTR):

"How did it come to this?"

_With Obedience Comes Understanding_
.this is my peace. this is my life.

How I Unwind

2009-04-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

A hard day's night.
Pandora is set to Explosions in the Sky
And some Tetris to unwind the mind.
Darkness around and stillness to reflect upon.
Opening my heart to hear that voice.
And to see what's to come yet unseen.

This How I unwind.

civil war

2009-04-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Soloist- good film that needs to be watched again since its so deep and spiritual.

If you don't see the Christ figure in the film, then you were probably drugged up while watching it or something...

Seeing Christ in other people... possible when you open up the eyes of your heart.
Are people clearly seeing Christ through me? through you?

Anyways, I just got an e-bill from the school. 1.50 in library fines...
Seriously?
I kinda want to see if I will be prevented to graduate and walk stage if I don't pay it.
Wait and see.

Paul

2009-04-22T01:34:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been learning much from the life of Apostle Paul.

How all his relationships were Christ-centric; realizing how all of my relationships need to be this way (ROMANS1:11&12).

How he impacted and changed the lives of people by allowing Christ to be experienced through his life. Being critical of letting God's Spirit direct my actions and life so to glorify Him better.

Finally, how God used his past, present, & future all for His glory and greater purpose for our lives when we give it all up to Him and see what He can do through it all. If I am not doing this, then what then is the true purpose of it all?

...yup, its simply chasing after the wind.

strength from fellow warriors

2009-04-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

What provides answers to tough life decisions, gives you peace, heals the broken, and transforms your life? PRAYER... thank you all for praying.

Please Don't stop.

Dark Waters

2009-04-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

We can see so far across the sky
We can see so far from here
Across the water
We can see the tops of the trees
I'm holding my arms out steadily
I'm keeping my first secure

To keep me from sinking
To keep me from falling to sleep
Without even a wonder
In this evening, just fading away

And if the water comes up to our necks
And it's easier just to give in
I will remember what I learned before the flooding came
I will remember who I was before the walls gave way.

To keep me from sinking
To keep me from falling to sleep
Without even a wonder
In this evening, just fading away

-Means

*12/2007- Out at sea in the last days of '07

a reminder of what has never changed and of what has always been

2009-04-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

"Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice,
And be gracious to me and answer me.
When you said, 'Seek My face', my heart said to You,
'Your face, O Lord, I shall seek'
Do not hide Your face from me,
Do not turn Your servant away in anger;
You have been my help;
Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
But the Lord will take me up."
~Psalm 27:7-10 (NASB)~

Though this psalm is familiar, I came across it and was taken aback by simply how deep and profound these few verses are.
The last couple of weeks have been interesting. Put simply, I was in and out of feeling like an emo-kid. At this stage of the game, there's a lot that needs to be done before I make my exodus from college life and a lot of uncertainty with life.
But during these past couple of weeks has been when God's voice has been so much clearer to me than in times past where I'm left guessing. Now more than ever am i hearing the voice calling me to stop, get on my knees, and pray; To go up to a stranger and serve them; to sit and speak with a high school kid sitting alone about life; and to simply shut up and stop worrying.
Getting into ministry again... its like renewed conviction about everything I do or say and what I do not do and do not say.

I've realized that Character is just like your neck- Don't break it.

Every day. Every moment. I am being reminded of just how much God blesses me.
How He has been my help in time past especially when things were much more messed up. And ultimately how He is always with me. When all else (parents, friends, car, money, LIFE) fails, who will remain to take me in? to care for me and guide my steps?...it takes makes me shutter and breathless just knowing that He truly is always there to love and show me the way.
No matter how much I am broken by all else "...the Lord will receive me"

other highlights...my dad got a job with Hitachi doing electronics again- Thanks God;), my sister will be at my final AGO banquet, my brother is in Bogota and will be in SD for my graduation, getting up at the barriacade during Sleeping Giant at Facedown Fest (railing paint rubbed off onto my jeans from the pressure) and saying wassup to Thommy afterwards. show#3...see you again SG!

shortest post ever

2009-04-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

FTBS

Into the dark. Into the light.

2009-03-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Oh how easily we can be tripped up by something so small. Seriously, I can not start to count the many many times that I have been stopped and tripped up by a little pebble or crack on the pavement when cruisin around on my skateboard on campus (kinda my way of pushing my limit with the campus police who have have hand-held citation pads in place of hearts). Such small things can create havoc in the direction that you are called to go. Pretty much it's tactics of the enemy to get you off course when you actually start moving in the direction of your Maker; this is assuming that you are truly moving in the truth and towards righteousness in order to glorify the Lord through it all...
I have noticed that amidst all the blessings, work, and building up that has been placed in my life right now, it's the dark forces opposed to it all that seek to distract and tie down ones' heart to very little things that sprout up; they can be either words, gossip, criticisms, guilt trips, or sacrifices that need to be made because of the change that takes place when seeking righteousness.
Today, I felt guilty because of having to miss certain semester events due to work scheduling and going to service. However it was a wake up call from the Spirit when I stopped focusing upon the the small critical things from others and unforseen circumstances and started seeing the greater work that was all being done and how it was all in order to glorify God to others... too bad encouragement is tough to come by when others don't see the invisible work of God that is taking place and only choose to critically see how you are different than the rest of the pack.

Geez. Idk why I'm being so long winded on these entries but I'm sure it won't be common.
I wanted to share briefly how God works in ALL places, people, things, situations, etc...The Lord will be able to light up the Hearts of the lost in any way; especially when you are allowing Him to fill you and use you as the vessel for something greater than yourself...
Sunday; March 8th, 2009- Standing in line f0r the floor area to see Trivium,Coheed&Cambria,SlipKnot. After seeing how I wasn't able to see friends who has assigned seats in another area, I realized that I'd be going solo throughout this show. It wasn't until I spoke with a guy (having the appearance of a metalhead to the death) also standing alone next to me in line that I realized that this show would be so much more that mere head-banging and moshing to SlipKnot's main tracks.
Somehow a conversation that started out by simply asking 'Have you seen Slipknot live before?' turned out with me offering him to join me in goin to an evening bible study at my church...it was not like I was intentionally trying to make this happen before I uttered words to spark conversation; it was just all natural and informal...So after chatting together through much of the show and enduring the piulse of the pit crowd, we kept in touch and now he is getting to know more about my church and has kept an open mind to the teachings and social interactions that take place through the young adult events...XD!!!
Learning about his past and tough current situation has softened my heart to see the spiritual need that is there...
Seems like God likes placing me where you would least expect someone to find a Christian guy or even learn about Jesus. I definitely did not anticipate to be used this way, but I am all about it...the power of creating relationships (and keeping your integrity in check) smash the impact of any 'perfectly' organized or structured outreach event within a church building.

If you haven't tried- Go out and find those in the dark corners who are simply waiting to hear the message of hope and love- Or stay in your well-treaded zone and try to lure the lost come to you... we all can step out a bit.

We have a perfect example of AGAPE love and who ended up being the perfect sacrifice for all who seek the Supernatural Righteousness that he called us to. Never forget how he sought out those lost, hurting, lonely, and abandoned from the love that we all need.

If you managed to read all of this- you are very special and I respect that. Thanks.

Peace and please pray!

Haters Make Me Famous...

2009-03-14T01:24:00.000-07:00

the title: these words were placed into my head, then my mind, then heart after seeing them printed in large bold letters on a tee that a server from Pokez was wearing- the last time I was there earlier this semester.
It wasn't until later that I discovered these words to be actually wise words of the world...kind of a 'sad but true' type of thing.
Lately, I have realized the true application of these words and of criticism from haters in life. Going through the Bible (pretty much every person that God uses) and through simply experiencing daily life, it is very easy to see haters,critics,judgers that got something to say about you. Everyone is a critic- its true...bottom line is that you can NOT make everyone happy. You can't please everyone in this thing that we call LIFE.
The funny thing is when: you actually start following God, start fearing Him, start obeying what He calls you to do (be it a big vision or a small call to not be around a certain person in a certain situation) and realize that it is impossible to please all people- God will be able work in your life in ridiculous ways that allows Him to be better glorified through your life and into the lives of others.
Personally, this year has been crazy and very much not what I expected it to be at all. *Refer to the past entry: 'Got it alone' for a better picture of the start to '09 for me* The changes that I have gone through this year so far have made other people (sadly most of them are people fellow Christians) think of me as being sketchy, less 'holy', and just not being compassionate or caring about about things and relationships that I more involved in in the past semester and year.
The interesting part is that those people, whoever they are, just talked about whatever issues they may have sensed in me and they didn't even confront me about it to my face...cool i guess. haha! However those people that actually cared and that I hold closer than others, they knew full well what God was doing in me and teaching me in those times.
Yet though I was learning lessons from the Almighty, there were those who just criticize and say me on a 'spiritual low'- when was a person's spirituality able to be actually measured and calculated in such a way? idk but i do know that technology is advancing in crazy ways- but um....yeah. Everyone is a critic. The World is going to hate you when you start seek your calling from above.
Through God's word- it's easy to see that we, as his children and creation- are called to be:
God Fearers rather than People Pleasers...
so what are you going to choose? pleasing people and seeking their advice and/or their opinions and still not being able to please everyone? OR are you going to fear the God Almighty and obey what He wants to do through you and still not be able to please everyone?
When I started to listen to His spirit within me and hold that in higher regard rather than the opinion and advice of one of my friends, that is when God was able to freely work and use me for HIS glory and honor. I now find myself being used and moved by God's spirit in awesome ways and I have been blessed with the love and the prayer of those closest to me.

We (christians or non'believers) are all going to be hated, criticized, persecuted. May it be for the righteousness of God and nothing else. Be Hated for Jesus and nothing else.

Lay off the Haterade. Drink water instead.

*** in my upcoming post- How I was able to make an impact for the Lord by seeing Corey Talyor and his 8 other band members play live at Cox Arena***

Last but definitely not least- I love my beautiful and precious girlfriend...even if she's wierd LOL.

May God Bless You All

3/11

2009-03-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

We all need God; whether you know it or not. We all need love.
We all need forgiveness. Regardless of the how big the BullShit is that you did in the past...the Almighty erases it all and cleanses us with righteous blood of His son.
We are all called to do the same. To love and forgive each other.
We all need God; whether you know it or not. We all need love.
We all need each other. How can we say that we do not deserve the love of someone? It's the light, the love, the LORD that works in open and willing hearts to love and serve others in ways that surpass our normal understanding and logic.
Remaining confined to the limits of this dusty dying world- then indeed is when (quoting the screams of Corey Taylor) People=Shit...
But that is not it. For God's spirit, grace, and righteousness makes us so much more-
We all need God; whether you know it or not. We all need love
Look up unto the heavens
Realize that what fills the cracks
what is bigger than us all
what is beyond our past, fears, and insecurities
It all comes from there high above.

Why set your worth or think you know what you deserve?- God blesses us with what we do not think we deserve. But we are no better than any other- we are all the same... just believe and accept His blessing.

*I need you. I Love you. And I am Blessed by you*

2009-02-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone. Every single person I know in my life is crazy, ridiculous, different, passionate, and frickin weird. And I am probably the most messed up of them all.
However. Know this.
I love you. You may never know how much I care; but I do. You have a special place in my life and heart...

dang...

2009-02-20T14:06:00.000-08:00

If I go to Facedown Fest, it would make it the most live bands in concert I have seen live in a single year. Along with the Slipknot show, it would be around- 21 bands...dang...I hope I can make it...

nightowl status

2009-02-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

A full load of Religious Studies classes, working at least 2ohrs a week, Fraternity business and events, studying, gym time, and time with people that I love and hold close to heart...what's up spring 2009!.
I have to get my room and my head organized. All has been a blast so far this semester and though it is my last semester, I can't go too slack on my responsibilities...
I love how each week and even each day is no longer too routine- but rather random and out of my control...I chose to put control in He who made me...that gives me Peace.

Hey look! no bible verses or references in this blog entry...
I ain't here to preach, judge, or gossip. This is what it is... a piece of my mind and life.
Love is blind.
God Bless you.

2009-01-19T01:49:00.000-08:00

caring, compassion, love. Why is it these things make life so complicated yet so simple.
Its about heart, not logic...love those who don't love you back.
Why be blind to those who are broken just as much as you are...but just in a different way?
Because in much wisdom there is much grief,
and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain ~eccl1:18

Open up and live...I will not be bound by ignorance...

Into the dark with one light to guide those lost and hurting.

2009-01-05T02:39:00.000-08:00

Go_it_alone?

Alright well so much is on my mind right now. Since my last entry, a semester has concluded, I visited my family for the first time since July 2007, I’ve been reminded of where I come from since before college, I’ve been reminded of just how I can easily take people and relationships for granted, a year has ended, and a new year has emerged.

Here’s the breakdown… (here I go)-

Night of Christmas Eve; I was seriously so thankful to see just how blessed I am to have the family that I can call my own. My dad’s side of the family (moms side is not in the U.S) of about 3 dozen people all gathered at my aunt’s house in Modesto and as we were all chatting and snacking on random food people brought- nothing fancy mostly just chips and dip- when one of my aunt’s randomly proposes a toast. Now I had no idea what it was for but was surprised to see that it was in my honor! She and several other aunts and uncles shared some words of encouragement and appreciation regarding the communication that I have maintained with them all and the change that they have witnessed in me since last time I was with them; studying abroad in South America, a missions trip to Costa Rica, being Chaplain, and much much more all took place in my life since July 2007 that has somehow changed me to who I am now.

After they all spoke, I was able to share some words to all my family simply saying that I really did nothing. That all that I have gone through and experienced is God’s Spirit guiding me and moving me to all these phases and lessons in my life. I said that God’s plans are so much greater and better than mine and that He does great things in broken people…I know that my words impacted several people and I pray that they all understand I am in no way religious; I strive after a life of faith through Christ and do my best to follow God as closely as possible; but it’s not about me; God wants to work in ALL of us; it’s just about having faith and fearing God; doing what he tells you to do or not to do…It truly was an honoring and humbling experience to speak to my family and to actually play the role of Santa once midnight rolled around;)…the surprise birthday cake and more presents on the 25^th was all not expected but it felt good to actually have family be with me for once since I usually do nothing special.

Time in Modesto; After Christmas, I was able to do some shopping with some gift cards. I sparked a lovely new relationship with Levi’s 511 skinny jeans that intensifies with each passing day and was fashion inspired by Corey Taylor in my leather jacket purchase. I also was able to hangout with Val, pretty much the only high school friend that I have kept contact with; now we were both metal heads in the TDHS days and still kinda are, but it was cool to remember all the memories and old friends that we wonder what are doing nowadays. But above all this I valued simply being able to sit and listen to how Val was doing…going beyond my words of encouragement and advice to go back to church and school, I was compelled to give him the book Washed by Blood by Brian ‘Head’ Welch that tells of his journey to coming to a life committed to Jesus Christ. Still being a hardcore KoRn fanatic, I knew that the book would impact Val in a way that my words and advice could…He was so thankful when I gave it to him and last I’ve heard is that he read most of it in one day!...I kinda wish I could see him more often than just a couple of time a year max but I pray and keep in touch via myspace…

Road Triiiip!!!- so my new years plans were thrown out the window when I found out that my bigbro and a dozen other people were driving up to NorCal for the 30^th and 31^st. Seriously, I wouldn’t have joined if they did not stop for breakfast in Modesto…I arrive to the Denny’s to just chill with everyone while they were in town, but I got convinced to join them…and so the random adventure started. The 30^th we were all meeting up in SanFrancisco- sure I was just there for my birthday on the 27^th but it was the people that made the trip. Chatting with Lengua, Chupacabra, Seaweed, Olympia, Puck, and everyone else while cruising around town in traffic or on the crowded streets just made me realize that it doesn’t really matter where you are- the place/location doesn’t matter- it’s the people and the relationships that bind you to them that creates memories and that no one can take away from you.

It’s all about the People- saved or unsaved, Christian or not- People and relationships with them are so crucial in joyfully living this life and sharing what God is doing in us with those who need to know in order to be blessed and encouraged…

After seeing how random and unplanned yet freakin awesome the whole road trip was, I realize that the relationships that I have with my brothers and sisters are all relationships that God has put in place in order for me to bless and be blessed with.

Funny how past drama and broken relationships can pull you away from contact with certain people, yet it is some force greater than our lives that pulls you back together…

I know realize that I am not to push away from those who God places close next to me…like in the passenger seat of my car;) No longer is there awkwardness or avoidance; but rather a restored appreciation for still being able to share life memories with them and for being able to mutually help eachother out…We are a body, we are the church, we need eachother to stay strong, we need to be committed to staying connected to eachother…

Acts9:32-43 - Peter stays connected with the other believers and in v38, the disciples express their need for his presence after Dorca’s death. In v43, he stays with Simon the tanner (tanners were prejudiced against as dirty and unclean in those days) and doesn’t care that he is a tanner- he cared that he was Simon- his fellow brother.

We need people. We need eachother. God blesses us through other people and relationships and works through us to bless them back…Go it alone?

How can you let the past allow you to miss out on God’s present desire to bless you?

Well, much love and respect to you if you’ve read everything on this entry so far. Thank you all for the messages or late night calls on my birthday and for helping it to be extra special.

I appreciate YOU and am blessed by YOU even if you don’t know it.

I’m sure that the remainder of this winter break will be random as it has been- but I love it…keeps me on my toes.

ps- This is definitely the longest entry ever. Next one should be much shorter.

Hope you take something away from the words I type…God Bless You

2008-12-20T02:44:00.000-08:00

Patience. For some reason I am struggling with being patient and at peace. When you find something so great, so awesome, so appealing, and so desirable- it is a great challenge to hold back or to simply wait for the time to pass by for the great that you hope to come.
I am constantly reminded from deep inside that peace and patience are part are gained when you talk things out- open up what's going on in the inside and vent. Naturally we do this to another friend or person of trust or who is simply willing to listen. But as is the fact of life- we are not perfect and can't fill what only God can; We can not comfort, love, strengthen, encourage, enlighten, (and so on)- the way that only God can.
Coming to this realization- one word strikes me right between the eyes and into my mind and soul.

PRAY.

The one true God who always:
sees you,
thinks of you,
hears you,
wants to speak to you,
wants to simply be with you...He is the one that will pull us through all things that we will face.
Why do we take this perfect divine relationship for granted SO EASILY?
Why do we look to the brokenness around us for what only our Maker can give?

Free will- it truly is a burden.

I look forward to what is to come with no regrets of the past;
I hope that I may seek to always be close with The One who seeks always to be closer with me
...It's all about Love.

pressure

2008-12-18T03:01:00.000-08:00

Done. All that is left is to print out my final research paper. Turn it in. Done.
Pray is all I can do now. I am not really worried about much though cuz' I know that I did and and doing what I need to be doing. Let me state that differently- I think I'm doing what I need to be doing; though I know I could do better.
We are not perfect.
All of us we break, fail, mess up, hurt others, break trust, become selfish, etc...
It's interesting how we can not truly protect someone from the reality of things...It's not our role to protect and guard others. No. We can only do so much help each other stay strong, encouraged, focused, faithful, obedient. However, pain, suffering, persecution, and hate are all inevitable in this life. Seriously- there will always be someone or something that hates all that you do and/or hates all that you are. whether you are seeking the eternal and spritual or not...there will always be haters.
In that case, how can you not put your trust and perspective in that which is beyond our natural flesh existence and that is above this dirt place?...but that's another issue.
We are all going to be hated and will suffer regardless of what we put our hearts and minds to.
But as a fellow brother or sister, to truly love is to point someone to where they need to be going towards; to point them towards where the creator of all, God Almighty, is calling them.
You can't hold onto anything that God wants to pull you away from. His path is far more reliable than your own; even if so don't think so. Our way is really just a means to an end that takes us no where.
This scripture resounds in my head and I looked it up-
"There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to DEATH."
~Proverbs14:12 (NIV)

is this path or way that you're on leading to death? to utter dead end?

Christ's words:
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to LIFE, and only a few find it."
~Matthew7:13-14 (NIV)

Death will come to us all. What path or gate will you choose?
Seek and stay on the narrow road and gain life that surpasses the death comes to all.

...I don't know why I am still up and awake. I learned something from this too.
I wait and pray and hope that this is all in control by God and not by my own desires.
PrayLoveLive- its tough. I want to be closer but I can't control distance. Soon I hope to make it all clear and communicated. I am interested- but I have to wait. Keep it clear since we can't be near...Here we go.

special peeps

2008-12-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

This past week is tough to describe adequately for what it truly was...It was full of being with friends and meeting new people who treated me like family- like as if I was a distant cousin or something but without the awkwardness of it.
Banquet of Fall2008- definitely one that will stand out amongst the ones in the past; and it wasn't the location, the food, the video, the gifts (though I loved the shot glasses regardless of what some people may have commented), or even the after party stuff that made this banquet so special. What made it all special and memorable was the time I shared with the people that I was with. Seriously, being with guys that are more than brothers to me and with friends that I was able to share the experience was what it was all about.
Then going up to the IE for the weekend and get love and hospitality from people that I met at the Rock Church was awesome. I'm being reminded that this life is all about touching the lives and hearts of other people.

*my big bro and his family, Christina and the Juarez/Adame family, all the people at the Rock youth ministry, and everyone else that I cross paths with this weekend- God Bless you all.

I am excited for what is in the works. God is mysterious indeed; but He provides all that you need. Why worry? why fear?...FAITH!
Without Him, our creator, maker, father, King of Kings, and above Everything- we are all empty and can do nothing. I seek to be full of Him. Empty of all else.

Thank YOU for all that you do, for caring, and for loving without any expectations...that's God shining through you.

"Overcome the world with Love"~SG

SMYRNA

2008-12-10T00:07:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is but I feel like this week has been long. Chops put me in check when he told me that it was only Tuesday after I was saying how I was glad that the week was almost done- lol.
It was an interesting day actually. I saw two movies today in two of my classes now that I think about it. Both of which I recommend everyone, plus their mother, to go and see them!

1st- Motorcycle Diaries;
a good movie about Che Guevarra's travels before becoming the revolutionary that made him a legend. I saw it before going to South America, and seeing it again after being there for six months- big difference. Seriously, I felt like a such a softy when I started tearing up when they showed the poor, sick, and oppressed people of countries like Peru and Bolivia...it hit the heart cuz that's what I say and lived with first hand while there...if anything it helped me understand the things that break and touch my heart.

2nd- There Will Be Blood;
now this movie seriously got me convicted and made me spiritually uneasy. Good movie- yes. However it made me realize that how weak the church can be when it is not Faithful or committed to the Truth...after seeing that movie, I literally had to go on a prayer walk and vent off all the spiritual attacks that were in this film.
Watch the movie and I hope you'll be convicted to not be a weak lukewarm 'christian' that bends from the truth in the face of persecution.

REVELATION2:8-11; take to heart the message to the church of Smyrna...

'Be Faithful unto DEATH'- burn this into the hearts of every believer who seeks you as savior. Let it ring continually in our ears and minds.

'Be Faithful unto Death'

God Bless you

surfacing

2008-12-05T23:02:00.000-08:00

A change in course. In my head, I had my bags already packed and in hand thinking that I knew exactly where I was going, thinking I already knew what I was going to be doing, thinking that I already knew who I was to serve.
But the poop hit the fan and took me off guard. I was knocked senseless off of my high horse of control and certainty.

HUMBLED.

But sooner than later, I gained understanding. I know see that I being taken to greater things. I'm being pushed off my usual treading ground and am being called to seek out a new area to do work

...I see the light; the audible command to speak, to teach, to build up.
I'm being taken places that I haven't been before. I'll be on the frontline with those who know not the truth. I'll be speaking to those in need of the Fire that burns deep and blazes the path to a life that is not of this world...FTW.

Do it up son.

*Redline energy drink-> bottle o'crack

Fire

2008-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

May I take time each and every day that I live to stop
To stop and be still
To lift up my eyes, my sight
To the place from where hope and love rain down from
And may my heart and soul proclaim to my
Maker, Creator, and Almighty King:
'Give me the Fire.
Give me the Fire...TO BURN AGAIN'
Let the fire come down and burn within every heart that beats
And within every spirit needing what is true amongst the flood of lies
Rise up
Open your Eyes
Open your HEART
BURN for the glory of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords

DGR

2008-12-02T03:32:00.000-08:00

SuaVe248E
-DINK253E
--DARKO256E
--FIFA276E

What you see above is my family line. It has been established- to keep a family line tight and close and to strengthen the pride and bonds and brothers:
We are proclaiming ourselves and future descendants as the
Dirty Ghetto Reds of the Matador family.

DGR- its what we are.

FTW FTW FTW

2008-11-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

Getting away is the best when you are stressed and weary. Like a breath of fresh air, getting away and intimate with the one who created you is overpowering, overwhelming, weakening, yet so peaceful...
Time away from the 619 was much needed and awesome. Being in Riverside has made me realize that I really don't have a place to call 'home'. This doesn't mean that I don't have a place to live. I do live in a house with other bros and usually crash at other friends places when traveling. But 'home' is no longer a place that I can go to now.
My home is not here and never will be. I had a home; but til I leave this life on earth I will never be 'home'- that place of rest and comfort where I can simply stay and know that I belong there and nowhere else
Nothing here will satisfy like being home with my maker, your maker, our maker- God Almighty.

There is that need also. That need to remain faithful as He is faithful. Why is it so tough to be full of faith? faith-full to Him that gives all and is all?

Why do we put our flesh before blood?? Why do we fall so quickly?!

We need a covenant. A covenant to stay true, to stay pure, to stay in the light.
In the words of Thommy Green from SG:
Your Heart is Mine. COVENANT. Your Heart is My Heart. NEVER FORGET.

never forget.
never forget.

Holy Spirit- Convict us. Guide us. CHANGE us.

Blood before flesh. Christ before me. Christ the King...
May I stay true to my name. May I follow Him Always.
Stay True- you who are called Christian- Stay True

Dirty Vegas

2008-11-24T01:11:00.000-08:00

Dirty Vegas is right- days really do go by.

We are all being worked on; we all are growing, changing, learning, seeking, loving, gaining, losing.
Though all this is happening- I somehow have found some peace. I get anxious though. But it's because of my wants not being met, my desires and expectations and plans being frustrated and thown out of wack.

Yet through all that has and is happening- LOVE has the final word; it just does.

I have no idea of what's going to happen beyond this moment in which I am in now.
We are supernaturally provided with all that we need and more.

Gotta have faith.
God is gracious.
I don't deserve none of this; I wasn't even seeking it!
yet- God is gracious and has provided His blessing on preparing me for something greater to come.
Gotta have faith.

DELIGHT?

2008-11-13T01:06:00.000-08:00

Turkish delight.

that's a picture/photograph/image/jpeg of it.
Take a good look.
It changes after you go deep into it.

Turkish delight?
OR
Turkish counterfeit crack that's different colors??!!!

...
Sketchy stuff, my friends
Sketchy stuff

Always pushing forward- TO THE DEATH!

2008-11-11T23:56:00.000-08:00

I read Phil3:12-16 and what struck me was 13 and 14...

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"

For most of my walk with Christ I have been a person who seeks to live with no regrets- so far so good- it's all about perspective really (read previous entry for some insight).
But it's not that we are to disregard our past, our roots, where we've come from- that would mean forgetting all the blessings that God Almighty has bestowed upon you in times past. Rather it's seeking God's call in the here and now and beyond; while also using hindsight to gain wisdom and understanding as you push forward.

Now, I'm not trying to preach to you but just sharing how the Word has guided me to see that what I have been seeking and pursuing in the past- which were not the right places but rather lessons learned- has been in front of me during this whole time...and it's now, in His time, for me to see that it has been in front of me this whole time- except now it's glowing brightly like a neon sign.

No need to complicate it, no need to look elsewhere...cuz' it's right there!
***What you've been stretching and straining to seek in high and low places is actually within easy reach...hmm.

Let's do this then...I've got nothing to lose but much to learn...

Thank God for HINDSIGHT

SIMPLY_SAID...

2008-11-11T01:27:00.000-08:00

If you could see what I can, then you would understand
If you could see what I can, please open your eyes

Open your eyes, open your heart, open your eyes, open your

How could you see what I can, how could you understand
How could you see what I can, please open your eyes

Open your eyes, open your heart, open your eyes, open your

He loves you, He loves you, He loves you, He loves you

~Open by No Innocent Victim~

something to ponder and apply

2008-10-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Live so as to Die
So that you may
Truly LIVE

Am I doing this?

LOOKINGFORWARD- SG at 777Church (11/2), The Great Commission at the MAAC(11/8)

it's hardcore with Heart- HEARTCORE

I'll try to do give more attention to the dinkdankdo...anyways- PEACE Ya'll

All I have...All I need.

2008-06-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

These are more than words...

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."
~PSALM9:9-10~

“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘ You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'"
~Isaiah41:8-10~

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of
wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling,
what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"
~Ephesians1:17-19~

Prayer- we all need to do more of it.
I'm praying especially for- Mauricio, Ricardo, Cesar, Mike, and Luis.
Though not listed, you know that I'm praying for YOU too.

PROS-
-being challenged in more ways than one at HYP
-the Spirit speaking through me at ghetto Pho fo dinner
-solitude

If anything, I want to be brave.
If anything, I want to be changed.

Look back and...

2008-06-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

NO REGRETS

Good, Bad, Happy, Sad
it's all the same
it's all for a reason

NO REGRETS

GORSHIP

2008-06-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

It's late and I have an earlier breakfast date with my bigbro but I know that if I don't do this entry now then I will put if off later when I will forget stuff that happened tonight.
So what happened tonight? Scream the Prayer 2008- a hardcore concert tour me and my lil'bro both went to. So I've been to several hardcore shows before this one- but this one was different.
The music was hardcore and there was plenty of moshing- that was the same- but it was the message that the bands gave that just stood out like a hot chili pepper inside an apple pie...
Right from the beginning of the 10-band show, I noticed that some bands gathered together to pray before starting their sets or even just talking about Jesus Christ in between their songs. What struck me was seeing an older man in the crowd, next to me in the 3rd row from the barricade, rather than throwing his fist in the air as the bands played- he held up in the air a good-sized crucifix that he wore around his neck.
The bands that definitely stood out to me- War of Ages, Impending Doom, and Sleeping Giant.
Even after all the bands played, some guys from ID and SG came down to the floor- and started praying for people who needed it. I couldn't help but stay along and pray with them and lay hands on the kids who came forward for prayer...May the Truth and the Light of God continue to infest the Hardcore- it needs it bad!
I felt so honored and blessed to being to talk and chat with Tommy (in the white) and Brooke (far left)- the singers of SG and ID. Being prayed for by Tommy was just so moving; he recited scripture and even gave me references that would help me out.
HAHA! I never expected to get the power of prayer at a hardcore concert venue...

God and the Spirit have no boundaries!!- W O R D

*the tour just started- if interested to attending a show- do it! See God work in ways that you've never seen before.

DON'T JUDGE- BUT LOVE.

MORE THAN WORDS

2008-06-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

It is quite astonishing just how much one can experience and learn in the matter of 10 days. Going to Houston, meeting some hardcore people with Texas accents, then laboring for the Lord in Costa Rica.
To be completely honest, God blessed me abundantly while I was away. He made me lead and shepherd people amidst language barriers and just helped me to meet some strong people that taught me and challenged me things that will strengthen my walk with the Almighty. He definitely opened some doors for me but now its just relying on the Spirit to direct my steps.

*Josh (in the hat) and the Interns- Hardcore people with HEART

Being built up in maturity
Yet having to face the immature
Seeking the truth
and trying to stay protected from this world
Having Heart
Yet seeking to be more compassionate

~Proverbs4:23-27~
"With closest custody guard your Heart, for in it are the sources of life.
Put away from you dishonest talk, deceitful speech put far from you.
Let your eyes looking straight ahead, and your glance be directly forward.
Survey the path for your feet, and let all your ways be sure.
Turn neither to right nor to left, keep your foot far from evil."
~Proverbs4:23-27~

The Word of Truth- Take more than words, take LIFE from this.

keep it in your head.

Bitter Sweet

2008-06-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

I'm Back; safe and sound. More to come when energy rises...but as for Bob, whom I found on the Caribbean coast, he says '"doobie doobie doooooo...."

Photographic Evidence...AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

2008-06-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

1- My final moments with the locks and throwing it up for the homies. 2. Work in progress
3. The Cholo Stage
4. CLEAN
5. Emo...

so now you the truth...

A New Start

2008-06-01T02:47:00.000-07:00

Memory Verse:

-Eccl 5:4&5-

"When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it;

for He takes no delight in fools.

Pay what you vow!

It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay."

-Eccl5:4&5-

Today marks the end of an era, the end of a vow- but the beginning of so much more.

Numbers 6 is what led me to take this act of consecration for the Lord. You can argue all you want about not needing to follow OT law or whatever but who can judge or criticize my unique personal relationship with Lord and what the Spirit compells me to do?...

What have I learned from vowing to not putting a razor to the hair on my head and face and avoiding strong drink for close to a year? That we are all consecrated unto God. We are all set apart for His use and Glory. It is so easy to disregard and overlook this!

For me- I was called to take a vow in order to help me learn this.

God definitely blessed me and used me during that time of physical consecration; and He continues to do so. So despite all the opposition to cutting the locks that have adorned my head for so long AND being straight up convicted by Eccl5:4-5, I am obeying the Spirit in breaking and completing the vow as I go abroad to do missions work in Costa Rica.

I wanted to post some pics of my freshly shaved face and dome-but I am having some technical dificulties in uploading them...so stay tuned for they'll be posted when I return.

PLEASE PRAY!!!

Before signing off. Here's some Truth from Proverbs.

Proverbs28:5-

"Evil men understand nothing of justice.

But those who seek the Lord understand all"

PEACE and God Bless

LOVE SONG

2008-05-31T02:42:00.000-07:00

Some words from Blood for Blood-

Tonight this one's for us.

Hey brother!
I see what they done to you.
Hey brother!
Can you see what they done to me to?
No where to turn and we got nothing to lose,
But you can count on me if I can count on you. It's true!

GRATEFUL

2008-05-24T02:11:00.000-07:00

~1Thess1:2-3~
"We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our Good and Father"
~1Thess1:2-3~

God is awesome. He blesses us sooo much that I always need to just check myself when I start taking things for granted- no matter how big or small- I can not expect anything as a broken sinner; yet God showers down his love, care, and blessing. May I ALWAYS be grateful and cherish it all. Lately I have felt the great blessing of the relationships that God has put in my life; like when someone spends most of their day with you as you get your car fixed and just keeps you company when they can easily be doing something else, or when someone who reaches out to you and wants to be around you to simply talk about life and share what is on their heart, or when someone just simply calls you to see what you are doing...
I understand that my relationship with God, my Father and daddy in Heaven, is first and foremost; but I can not disregard the relationships with the people that are part of my life.

Thank You
Thank You
THANK YOU ALL! You are all beautiful people and hardcore blessings in my life.

PROS (just 10)-
-GOD
-mami and papi
-not having to wake up early
-Boba
-ghetto Mexican food
-playgrounds
-being the namesake with Doug Funnie's neighbor
-80's in '08!
-relationships
-YOU and the things you do that show you care

psh!!...Trust in a pinche fish? meyn, trust in da LORD!

2008-05-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

Summer...It has arrived. I still don't believe it; just seems like it came with no warning at all...like that uncle or cousin that randomly shows up to family get-togethers unexpectedly.
How's it been so far? Good, fun, and random. There was the outing to try ghetto Milk Tea Boba(all about it!)==>,
then seeing God work at a YMCA playground by running away from a vicious 4-year old kid, having the apartment all to myself, my clutch pedal going completely kaput, a random two hour Sea World visit to see shamu with Chacho, Marie Calendars with Pebble Beach and free iced tea refills, ghetto and weird dinners (i.e. cold fried chicken with watermelon, cold pasta, rooster sauce, and Rice Dream rice drink) with some people each night that are near and dear to me, AND finding escape via cruising on my skateboard.

PEACE!

Homey D. Clown (^_,^)

2008-05-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

Ight so as I have just been browsing through slide after slide of about 22 lecture powerpoints for my last final. I started thinking to myself- 'dude...this sucks, homie'- which just led me reminiscing of my fond memories of back in my childhood as a kid growing up in a ghetto neighborhood and watching old re-runs of 'In Living Color' on FX- it was like the Mad TV of the late 80's and Early 90's. (that's right, I have hardcore memory!) Thanks to youtube, I can re-live the old memories of Damon Wayans as...Homey D. Clown.

Oh I love it! Notice the Plaid shorts that were in style way back then? and how today no one wears them-oh wait...never mind....
Seriously this skit gives some insight into just how ghetto and dumb me and my older brother were (i.e. stuffing tube socks and jacking each other the homey way and yelling 'Homie don't play dat!' which interestingly just always ended up with us wrestling until one of us said MERCY!)

Anywayz...I don't know how I am able to be so nocturnal but I ain't complaining really.
Time is valuable.
I always remind myself- Relationships are the only real thing that you can take with you when you die AND that one way Love is spelled: T-I-M-E.
Why didn't I ever enter the Spelling Bee competition?...boggles my mind.

FYI- I'm glad I'm not a pledge right now......I feel I must emphasize again from my prev. entry: Impending Doom
...the breaking down shall begin soon.

~God Bless You all.

ps- did you know anything about 'In Living Color' or even know about Homey D. Clown in the past? I'm curious.

¡¡[>]!!...ayii...

2008-05-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

For Your Information*: a thickly loaded PB&J+ Grilled Cheese sandwich+ Glass of 2%milk+ all in one sitting=...Bloating Piercing PAIN!!!

Eh, I'm okay.

Anyways...come June 2nd, this Brown Colombian is jet setting to the beautiful land of Costa Rica.
ALL expenses PAID. I was chosen to lead a high school group of kids in a work project that will be helping to build up a church that is forming in a poor community. According to the Director of the program, we will be working on the labor project for 5 days and the last 2 days are dedicated to: chillin' at the beach...word up, son...It'll be good to be back to 'Brown America' (way sooner than expected)PROS (just the Top 8):
- the Power of Prayer
- Friday night dinner with Chinese people ;)
- tea time chats
- a brother's wedding and practicing my Spanish skills with a Mexican brother in Christ who
initially didn't know he was my Mexican brother in Christ
- David Chan
- yerba mate
- first Colombia, then Chile, and now Costa Rica- The 3C
- AND the pledges awaiting the Impending Doom of BIG I

God Bless you all. Pray for China, for Burma, and for each other.

*attempt at your own risk...

HAVE HEART!

2008-05-09T01:26:00.000-07:00

This week has felt long for some reason. Maybe it's due to my extreme late nights (up til 5am twice so far) and early classes and not really resting enough in the time in between; or maybe it's because a lot has been on my mind lately...discerning between what I want and desire vs. what I should and need to do- the tiredness that has been keeping me in this haze of laziness has been the Tapatio topping off this phat burrito load that is my week...that is a phat load indeed.
Well, today I just didn't focus on the work that I need to do and spent some good alone time with a bro and realized that we are both in very similar situations right now. It's cool though 'cuz sometimes I need someone to just be confirming what the Spirit is already telling me.
It's funny how you just randomly run into people that you don't expect to run into at random places; how you talk about your relationship with a certain someone with a bro, then you just randomly end up seeing them somewhere random and unexpectedly...just got me thinking...
Well, right now I feel that I have been blessed with something that's awesome but at the same time I must 'handle with care'...
PROS-
-being unexpectedly cool and on good terms with a sister and laughing about where we are now-
-the long talk and walk to my car
-having a bro that can relate
-the newly burned copy of Minor Threat that's in my car's cd changer
-revisiting Pokez soon...hopefully

ps- I wonder if I'm going to see Means on Monday night??...hmm?

131

2008-05-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

¹"O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.

²But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.

³O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore."

~Psalm131~

...WORD...anyways, I'm itching for a Pho trip or Pokez...who's interested?

what does a genius drink?...

2008-05-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Here is photographic proof that the world's greatest genius drank...Yerba Mate. I like to speculate that my man Albert was ghetto brown in the inside though white on the outside. What make me so proud is that he drank it the only way it should be drunk- in a gourd with a filter straw...dang- I feel honored that I'm somewhat connected to Einstein's legacy by simply being a fellow Mate drinker...just proves that we're all connected in more than one way.

May he be RIP.

PROS-
-being nocturnal
-doing work
-letting you know that I love you and am praying for you

I'm done...chao!

Too Legit to quit

2008-05-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I have energy right now. I've gone through much in just the past two days or so...I'm now officially grasping the reigns of Chaplain for the Fraternity. It's only been like two days and I've been talking and meeting with people who have been giving me a bit of a taste of what's to come next semester. Emo, Brooks, Venish, Shox, Ashley, BigBro, Cesar and others... Love, Wisdom, and Encouragement.
2Tim2:15...there's no way I can do this on my own.

"Be the change that you want to see"
-David 'Shox' Shokair

PROS-
-AGO banquet and the hair
-ADX banquet and talking about life with the homies
-gaining peace about future uncertainty
-getting Pho'd up with Emo
-learning to be firm and bold in the Truth
-Venetian commenting about marriage: "Children are the worst STD"

~waiting 'til Kingdom come and my His will be done~

wake up...it's the first of the month

2008-05-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

Today- Thursday May 1st, 2008- is regarded as the National Day of PRAYER (www.ndptf.org) For those of you who have been acting the deaf mutes with the Almighty...well, here's another reason to cry out your heart to the Lord...I've got plenty of prayer needs for others that don't even include my own personal petitions.

NDP- celebrate it everyday.

PROS-
-walking and talking with my Father
-finding my passport and the hope of service abroad in Costa Rica
-getting confirmation of being a summer camp counselor at HorizonYouthProgram!
-striving to be conquered by nothing other than the Spirit
-sharing wisdom
-vision for next semester

God Bless YOU.

the deepness

2008-04-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting fact about me; you know that I'm bored and not focused during class lecture when I whip out my bible and/or Christian book that I'm currently reading.
I must confess- it happened today.
My professor for one of my Public Health classes said that the scheduled guest speaker went M.I.A so he just started talking about the wonderful world of being a dentist...but I ended up reading about Paul's message to the church in Corinth.
Interesting how I needed to study abroad to figure out that I'm not passionate about the corporate business world- I'm finding the same kinda happening with my minor in Health Science...
Focusing on the present in order to see the future. Seek HIM and gain Peace.

PROS-
- passing out for 3hrs
- revisiting the Asian part of SD and realizing just how much I dig it
-finding out that (according to Chops) the 3 things that come out of Colombia are: coffee, cocaine, and Christian Dink Cuellar. Word Up.
- just cruising and playing taxi for a sister in need
- my lil'bros
- Power of Prayer

I am sending you strength
No matter where you are nothing changes
~connected

...we are connected...we are connected indeed

T

2008-04-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Are you bound by the coffee bean? Do you feel that there is nothing else that can suffice the effect of this notorious bean? Fear not, for there is a better way- I encourage you to cross over into the simple and exciting world of tea.
It's ironic how I was re-introduced to tea when I was served some legit loose green tea after a rough metalcore concert experience over spring break- Thanks Luganda. Drinking tea again took me back to my days when I sipped on Yerba Mate on a daily basis while in Argentina.
Since immersing myself into the world of tea , I've experienced Berry Patch, Green Cherry Tea, and GunPowder Green Tea (fyi-it ain't called gunpowder for nothin') As is portrayed below- there are so many more flavors, blends, and types that I'm determined to conquer the tea spectrum...one sip at a time.
I'm not hating on coffee- that's like hating on my people- But you'll feel free with tea.

PROS-
-discovering legit coffee houses
-transforming early birds into night owls
-getting away for a bit

talk

2008-04-19T03:03:00.000-07:00

waiting and praying...where's the path leading? I hope to find out soon.
My brother, my sister- I am praying for you.
Gain strength and wisdom from my scars. No regrets.
Seek the Truth and be not distracted.

PROS-
- my headbro
- sharing wisdom and knowledge with others
- doing it right

cooooookie!

2008-04-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

I love how different each semester has been for me since I've been here. Seriously- I've gone from being a horrible (an understatement) pledge who saw school as #1 before anything else- including pledging, to a health nut/gym rat on creatine (as well as other stuff), to a backpacking undercover gringo in deep South America, and now as a follower of Christ that strives to passionately seek out and walk the Truth above all else...its a struggle but there's no other way.
Though I do not have the same strength that I once had, I now have strength that will never fade away- no exercise needed- think about that the next time you find yourself in the gym.

PROS- top 10
-visiting my good ol' ghetto brown indian friend that provides awesome Mexican cuisine and who appears to be missing an arm; weird
-enjoying the company of my few fellow ghetto brothers and sisters- you know who you are!
-being a night owl and being a sleep outlaw
-reliving my childhood years of playing soccer and realizing how my dad's sideline vocal Spanish 'coaching' is now a part of me
-house food
-lunch with Epsilon alumni with a large side of wisdom
-the Power of Prayer
-appreciating sans-CGI movie classics
-being sought out for random outings
-upper elementary kids at the noon service guessing just exactly how old I am

pho love

2008-04-11T01:39:00.000-07:00

Among the many activities and leisures that I have had the opportunity to take advantage of throughout this semester of being back in the country this semester*, my love and appreciation for ghetto legitimate Asian food places have impacted me and helped me be able to connect and share with people that I love and care about.
Pho noodle restaurants have a special place in my heart. It all started early this semester with having my first visit to one with an old friend and sharing our experiences in traveling through South America in Fall 2007. After that first visit and exposure to Pho and the legitimate Asian environment of the restaurant- every time I go, I make sure to not go alone and to share that experience with someone who is courageous and daring enough to come with to try something different.
I'm going later today with my bro Rooph- an alumni from Epsilon and full of wisdom.

^^^Pho- it all about love, sharing, and the best Asian noodle soup that I have tried...yet.
get into it!

PROS
-getting 'unofficially' hired on as a counselor for a summer day camp with my head bro Shonen.
-hermanito time
-allowing the Spirit to speak through me

as always- much love and respect to you. fyi- Bloggers are Hardcore.

~LATERS

*check out my first blog- www.dinkcuellar.blogspot.com for more about my abroad semester in Chile.

Cristo Rey

2008-04-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

Anxiousness, worry, fear, stress, desperation- all are extinguished by the power of the only true King. I'm constantly reminded that I can't do this alone...

walking alongside the heavenly king- this AIN'T EASY; no one said it was.

Christianity-> it's all about doing what you don't want to do- word up, pastor Miles.

When I'm so past E on my tank that I'm on F- so tired that I would not have the strength to get up if I fell down- my heavenly King swoops me off my feet and carries me; and just like a kid in the back seat of a car on a long drive home- I find rest.

PROS-
-serving, yet wanting to do more
-fitting in Dinko time into spring break
-FACEDOWN records and marking down future show dates
-being carried by the King
-YOU

Peace...peace....peace. Let Him rule as King over ALL.

Up In Smoke

2008-04-06T01:39:00.000-07:00

I've broken free
My trust and hope is in the Lord- right where they belong for me.
Thank God for not making it messy.
...Let's do things right this time, shall we?

Well on a different note.
I love how God teaches us new things even when we do not know it. You could be doing your thing, nothing special in particular, but He always seems to put in His two cents that make you stop dead in your tracks. Follow His tracks, not your own.

Spring Break 2008 brief overview:
-late night random outings with my rad sisters
-trip up to UCSB Zeta chapter and uncovering the mystery of my brother LINK
-LA Galaxy trip and seeing Beckham and Donovan score goals.
-Avett Brothers Concert with Banjo and practicing for 'Captured'
-floor stomping, banging, and bleeding at a hardcore metal concert with Nasa, Luganda, Venda, and Alexa

LIFE-> Here are some wise words from the singer of the band, Endure the Fall- 'it is what it is. You make it what you want to make it.'

Thank YOU for your love and attention. It's good to see that some people care. I respect you and am praying for you.

You're a blessing in my life.

Be Hardcore or Die!...God Bless you.

bReAk stuff

2008-04-01T02:56:00.000-07:00

not only is this relating to spring break but also to the lovely song by LimpBizkit.
Randomness has constituted my break so far- it's a good thing.
I've been around new and familiar faces that I haven't seen very much of lately... Weird though when you can't help but hope for something in the future that is near and dear to heart and yet they just seem to tear that hope to a pile of pieces.
Is this hope part of a bigger picture that is being slowly developed? I want to know- let me know!
I don't want to be solo keeping this candle lit.
Should it be of me- then burn it away to nothingness so I can break away.
But if it's from the higher and almighty power- then may His will be done His way.

Peace be with you
<><

PROS-
-Banjo love
-Rock Band
-Finally getting my blue ministry shirt

insight

2008-03-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

...It’s true the way I feel
Was promised by your face
The sound of your voice
Painted on my memories
Even if you’re not with me
I’m with you
You
Now I see keeping everything inside
You
Now I see
Even when I close my eyes...

the 3rd day

2008-03-24T01:27:00.000-07:00

Easters_2008- by far the best and most enjoyable easter that I've experienced so far. It's awesome just how well my parents get along with my lilbro's family. I only really see my mom and dad like 2 to 3 times a year but each time I see them it seems that they both are more and more ridiculously ghetto than before- and that's just one of the many reasons why I love them so much.

PROS-
-SeaWorld with my adpotive familia (the LeRays)
-Eating!
-realizing just how undeservingly and abundantly blessed I am...

PURGE

2008-03-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

it's the last lap of a race that always seems to be the toughest; there have been times where I just wanted to quit; fall over and not get up...but you gotta keep the faith, the hope, and the LOVE.

"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize" ~1COR9:24-25

*Give until there's nothing left*

PROS-
-Rock service and Miles talking about the #3
-altar call
-buffet!

gangsta's paradise

2008-03-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

sapped of my energy.
feeling poop tired.
I need You to keep going.
endure, trust.
May I keep going and keep working...even if it kills me.
Break me down- for this is what I asked for.

All will fall away- what will remain?
Truth
and that is all

PROS-
-shopping
-shakes
-Easter Sunday with the parents

Praying for you

2008-03-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Well today has been full of breaking down yet being put back together.
After handing over about 316 bones to a mechanic, my car has been restored to operational status. I love you, Chacho.
Then came some intense breaking; I saw not with my own eyes and witnessed the hurt and pain and suffering. I was compelled by a higher authority and overwhelming felt the power of the Spirit that knocked me off of my feet.

I love you and you are all in my heart

*And so starts the sacrifice and the emptiness of self in order to become overflowing with that which comes from above...Love.

waiting

2008-03-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

Soon it'll be over. May God's will be done.
Regardless of the outcome; let us all move along in love.
Funny how God answers and acts so quickly- sacrifice and loss; its pruning time.
Lose the dead weight and allow the holiness to shine!

...God Bless you all

down but not dead

2008-03-16T02:59:00.000-07:00

down: describes the operational status of my G20 automobile. Hope that it'll be back to shape without breaking the bank or getting towed for parking reasons.

not dead: an alive passion of my spirit. I'm over all the selfishness and the excuses. Get your eyes off of your req'd sacrifice and look at the bigger picture; don't divide and conquer or spread your selfish attitude to other younger brothers. UNITY for CHRIST. see outward spiritually not inward selfishly. Get your attitude and heart right with Christ.

Do what you want- just don't bring down the house with you.

"Pray without ceasing"!
~1Thess 5:17

May His will be done.

whatever

2008-03-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

I spoke. But I feel that I could have done better... I did all I could. The message doesn't change, only the way that it's packaged.

Let's live it out, shall we?

hole in the wall

2008-03-06T01:09:00.000-08:00

After a year and a half of being a SDSU student- I have finally seen the beauty and blessing of Trujillos. Aside from being an awesome hole in the wall Mexican place- it's a place marked with intense share time experiences with some awesome bros, awesome grub, and ghetto brown people that are somehow all related to each other. It's an added bonus that I don't have violent diarrhea shortly after each visit...I dig it and thank God for it.

PROS-
-Chops
-Reed
-getting prepared for next Wednesday night
-...and so much more

no strings on me

2008-03-02T23:57:00.000-08:00

Guy Retreat- spring 2008. Definitely unlike any of the past semesters. Being in the quiet empty desert was definitely an awesome and peaceful experience. Getting lost is actually fun- when you have a divine and almighty guide to get you back safely.
So I have a new lil'bro and have kinda figured that God has destined my family to be brown...funny how it's happened; but I'm not complaining.
+hope to post some visuals of the highlights.

PROS-
- rad talks with Burton
- my chacho
- my hermanito
- digging
- being brown and proud

*prayhardprayharderprayhardprayharderprayhard...liveharder*

¡¿UNDER
STAND?!

engage

2008-02-26T00:23:00.000-08:00

obedience comes before understanding.
There's no why or hesitation.
LOVE conquers all.
The burning inside that won't subside.
Feelin high, yet being herbal free
Off of the carrier boat and into the battleground...
a purpose that was unknown
is now being found

el bigotudo= the mustached one

2008-02-24T23:21:00.000-08:00

FOUNDER's Day Weekend

here's a re-cap:
spent the night before the big day with the younger twin bros and my lil'bro in Riverside to celebrate my bigbro's mom's birthday- I love his family. Then were arrived somehow on time to Burbank for the ceremony with the rest of the AGO chapters. Pretty much having Epsilon get the Administrative Excellence Award again was a big highlight of the event- we got it last year when I was Secretary and again this year with my lil'bro in the Secretary shoes- It felt awesome to see it happen again. 3-peat??
At the after party I loved chatting with the alumni and having one of them actually remember everything about my bible study (remembering what book it was on and stuff) that I did last spring and even ask me about how my semester abroad was without me telling him about it...Fruity, you made my day.

Strong the ties

PROS-
- looking like a ghetto 30year old at founders day- it the sanchez stache that does it...honestly!
- In &Out shakes
- teaching the Word
- sharing wisdom