Two Donkeys...and now a dog???

I never cease to be amazed by the LORD; not just what HE does for me, but more so how HE does it. In dire need of some exercise, Troy took me for a minor hike. Hey, just about every meal on the Filipino menu is centered around pork and rice! Anyhow, we head out to Shabarum Park located in the ghetto-fabulous city of Rowland Heights. The serene hills generously decorated with wild flowers and impeccably placed Ume trees, dress up the park so well you definitely forget you're in a L.A. suburb. It is quite a sight in the spring when these Japanese beauties are clothed in pink and white all while the soundtrack of a running creek play in the background. The curvaceous trails have become a calling card for dog owners, including my Troy Boy.

Upon entering the park, Troy anxiously presses his snout against the glass painting it with slobber and fog; yeah he knows where we are. Needless to say he darts out of my truck giving me no chance of lasso-ing him with a leash. Seems like it's going to be "one of those days". Using my superior human ability of reasoning, I maneuver my hand into my back of tricks producing...a Scoobie Snack! Ha, Troy can't resist and bingo, got the leash on him. He restlessly pulls me to the left, wrestles to the right, and yanks every which way except towards the trail head.

It didn't take more than forty yards for my impatience to surface with Troy's disobedience. I couldn't figure out why he would not just submit, just follow the direction I wanted to go. After all I am the one in control here not him, I know where we want to go, not him. Then it hit me; it's EXACTLY what I do with HE who is in control of my life. The ONE who knows where we have to go. OUCH!

You see, I haven't spent much time with Troy as of late. And it's not just because of the trip to the Philippines. I must be honest with myself. I have not been diligent in caring for him, taking him on walks or hikes, I have done the bare minimum in order not to lose my status as his master. Just like my walk at times with the LORD. Sure I got to church faithfully on Sundays. I even attend two in week studies on Friday nights and Wednesday nights. But I am talking about getting up early, before the hustle and bustle of life monopolizes not only my time but sadly my heart. That intimate refreshing period where I seek HIM just as the prophet Elijah would early in the morning. Just as JESUS himself would to hear from HIS father. If not for guidance, just to say I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU, I want and need more of YOU! That is the time I am talking about. How dare I masquerade my five minutes of demanding HE do things for me as prayer time, just because I concluded it a half hearted i love you?

The LORD used a donkey to speak to Balaam in Numbers 22, then again in Matthew 21 where HE made HIS triumphal entry into the Holy city of Jerusalem. So is it so far fetched that the LORD would minister and convict me via Troy? I don't think so. Malachi 3:6 says "For I am the LORD, I do not change;..." good enough for me! My prayer is that we would all learn to hear HIS voice in life. In the whispering of the wind, in the rising and setting of the sun, in the love from friends and family. Here is one friend saying, "lets spend more time with GOD."

In HIS service,

GOD knows

I wanted to share a few pictures of the team ministering to those in need; mainly because I wanted to highlight one of the biggest differences in this years trip to that of last year. Last year we were tremendously blessed with opportunities to harvest, it seemed that at every turn the LORD had ripe hearts just yearning for HIS comfort and thirsting for the promise of salvation through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.

Our thinking with the Typhoon, or should I say my assumption in preparing for this trip was that we would encounter a similar scenario to a much greater extent. But, like any true life story, that was not the case. Yes the floods from the storms brushed away many homes, trampled cars, but they did not wash away spirits. Give me a chance to elaborate. I met so many people who just wanted prayer, not stuff, but just to know that others cared and the the LORD did and was listening to their prayers. (Scary thought to know that the LORD sent me to answer a prayer, eeek!)

And even though I was fairly warned to give HIM to the people and not stuff...guess what I did. Yeah you got it, I gave them stuff. I continue to battle this super controlling and overly organized persona, I got focussed on giving them all the things we purchased in a more efficient manner rather than taking my time with each person as required. So rather than shuffling through communities and performing a "shotgun ministry" GOD allowed me to catch a fever that forced me to sit for two days. Now here is where the predictable part comes in...

Forced to read and ugghh, pray...the team came back with amazing praise reports. People surrendering to GOD, inviting them to their homes, sharing the word with them as well. Heck, it even rained and forced the team to stay longer with people. Yeah, GOD is sovereign! HE knows ;-)

Arrested Development

The irony of working with such a humble people, all while arrogance and pride ooze out of every pore on my being is convicting me like crazy. How in the world can I come here "in the name of Love" (wink wink BB) yet be full of me...hmmm just doesn't work properly.

On our trip last year, the team was blessed with an introduction to the Marikina Prison. Since then Tita Nestie and Lolo Jesse have recognized the open door from the LORD to minister to others in the need of Christ and have developed a fruitful ministry. So on this year's visit you would think I'd be excited to fellowship and see what the LORD has and is doing...you would think.

Ahhhhh how I wish I would have the compassion and be bonded with the prisoners as described in Hebrews 13:3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also. But I just don't. And the sad thing is why? Why do I think this way? Because they are so bad and have committed crimes? Is it that my sins are so much more acceptable than theirs? Because they got caught and I didn't? So rather than build relations, I stand in the back and take pictures. To further illustrate my callous heart...I mounted a 70-200mm lens (jargon I know) but it allows me to stand at a distance and still get close shots, errrr GILBERT!

I continued in this state until we met the women. First off how they allow men with backpacks and cameras into prison for women is just insane. Immediately GOD stepped in and crushed my pride. The joy, not happiness--shear joy of the LORD that these women possess is just insane. They are locked up!!! But they are learning to be content in whatever state the LORD has them. They are relishing the grace bestowed upon them. They are understanding that they are sinners saved by HIM and the work done on the cross...a lesson I need to learn and hopefully will knock me off my Pharisaical podium.

So what now?

It was bound to happen; I mean there is no way the LORD would press the pause button on (please insert sarcasm here) my uber busy ultra important life, provide the means for this trip, simply to have me drop off supplies half-way across the world that could easily have been delivered via an international currier. HE has once again reached into the deep chambers of my heart, cutting through all the scar tissue created by unsuccessful attempts at my hopes, my wants, my dreams (yeah I know, me me me me)…in place giving me HIS joy, HIS peace, and HIS love.

How has HE done this, (again) you ask? Well, not much different than HE has always done, by getting my focus back on HIM and off of everything else. You be the judge; my body normally functions with 6-8 hours of sleep. And those numbers are a bit misleading too, we are talking about getting up and out of bed at least three times a night only to be better acquainted with the door jam—I swear that thing moves at night. On this trip, I have averaged 4-5 hours a night. A solid 4-5 hours where I border a comatose state. The big difference… my body is tired but my soul and mind are at peace because I am working for HIM! I am not burning energy worrying about the status of my job during a recession or wondering why I am where I am in my life at the age of 32. I don’t have time for that, GOD is choosing to use me here…or am I just being obedient here?

Ahhh, here is where the story changes from the countless other detours I have taken. Yes HE has my full attention, but this time I am not talking about that warm fuzzy feeling you get on a Missions trip from passing out candy that elicits a smile from a perfect stranger, this is so much more than a mountain top experience, THIS IS THE REAL DEAL! I finally get it that the only reason I am still here and not in heaven, is to point others to HIM, not to fulfill my desires all while making HIM a part of it all. Duh you say? Really…might I pose a question to you then? Why do you sit in a Bible study listening 40% of the time at best, while spending the other 60% writing, prioritizing, and checking off your mental “to do list”? Why, because our eyes are on us and not HIM. There is no way we would see a dying world and be as apathetic as we are, just not possible.

Don’t believe me? What went through your mind as you went over the pictures from today? Just how much did your heart ache to see these lil one’s? We do care, however rather than fanning that flame with prayer that beckons to be fulfilled with HIS vision, we casually dismiss it as a state of the world. I think of the account in the GOSPEL OF LUKE Chpt 8, where Jesus encounters a man who was filled with many demons. Upon his healing JESUS had to depart at the requests of the multitude. As JESUS was leaving, the once demon filled man begged JESUS to take him with HIM. JESUS responded in verse 38 by saying this, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things GOD has done for you.” You see, I’ll leave you with this last thought; our job was not done when we gave our life to CHRIST. We are not merely waiting for HIS inevitable return or for us to be joined with HIM in heaven. Like the demon-possessed man, HIS cleansing us of our demons is just the beginning. Now, now we are to tell everyone what great things GOD has done for us, so that they too may have a promised eternity that awaits us. I pray our hearts would break for the lost.

HIM first

Upon arriving we are in instant need of recharging. I think it is logical that following a 12 hour flight into Japan--where we were promptly greeted by a two and a half hour lay over, where we were then escorted to our final host, a cozy four hour flight into Manila, one would think that would wear you out, not so much. The kind of recharging I’m talking about is that from HIM. We need a fresh filling of the HOLY SPIRIT!

Although the chaotic waters that imprisoned these humble people have subsided, the heartache and devastation left its aftermath are more than capable of introducing us to the pain the Philippino people deal with. The harvest is ripe indeed, but are we prepared to bring what they need? Sure we brought medical supplies, plenty of clothing, and enough resources to purchase food, after all we are Americans and buying/providing is what we do best. It’s how we fix things. But is that what they really need? Is that all that we need; to “feel better”, to dawn new clothes, and to simply eat? As a beneficiary of GOD’s grace and endless mercy, I would hope not. Our names will easily be forgotten, the food once consumed will have served their purpose, the clothes…much like the previous items worn will fade away and need to be replaced as well. So the question begs to be asked; what can we give them that will not fade away? In comes GOD…

Truth is there is absolutely nothing we can give them. We can only give out what has been first given to us, COMPASSION, HOPE, and LOVE. As an incredibly spoiled American I cannot relate to reality of not knowing where my next meal is coming from. I don’t know how to help them cope with seeing loved ones washed away by stormy waters. I don’t, I just don’t. But that also is not my duty. Nor is it my job to explain how a loving GOD will allow this to happen to them, HE can speak for HIMSELF. What is my responsibility however, is to facilitate an introduction of the two. I’m not here to convert, transform, or win over anyone. I am here to point to JESUS!

But again, I, neigh--WE can only give what has first been given to us. I hope you enjoy a few shots of us spending time with our FATHER prior to sharing HIS love. More importantly, I pray this would serve as a reminder to us all how vitally important it is that we be filled before we attempt to pour out. Perhaps you are not in the Philippines, but do not be deceived. The moment we roll out of our beds, we are in the missions field. LETS GIVE THEM JESUS!

Even in this...

Even though this week is in full swing, I have yet to escape the euphoria that captured me last week; and yes I am talking about the Dodgers. But not just that they won the series against the favored Cardinals. As hard as it is to believe, its not even the amazing come from behind win that I was able to witness first hand. It is the over-all experience of spending time with friends to see game 1 at home while enjoying the classic American menu...Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. Being blessed last minute with tickets to game two, where my sister and I exchanged our voices for sheepish grins that sing of how we just witnessed one of those moments. Culminating with the series clinching win on game three, right next to the man who introduced me to America's past time and my beloved Boys in Blue...my Pop.

You see I have spent far too much of my young 32 years wanting, working, and seeking. Not nearly enough time appreciating, relaxing, and taking in. Not too long ago I would have been highly disappointed with the lack of having a "full spread" for game 1. Dogs and burgers...really?! But to see my Compadre savor his Red Hot all while taking in the magic of October Baseball for the first time...yeah, that's what matters. Sitting with my bud Jay with the childish superstitious belief that by rubbing an official MLB baseball, we were willing our Doyers to victory. So Tanya and I sat in the rarely desired nose bleeds...BUT WE SAW GAME 2 LIVE!!! We danced in the aisles with perfect strangers as Mark Loretta's epic pinch hit single sank into shallow Center Field all while 50,000 hearts rejoiced! Over a baseball game... really? Yeah, over a DODGERS game--REALLY!

I'll spare you with the play by play recap; many much more qualified can do and have done so. But what I do want to share with you is how in this, GOD touched my heart. Amidst the mayhem that engulfed Dodgers Stadium following that miraculous victory...I had to sit down. No really, I HAD TO SIT. My knees fully gave out on me. In comes GOD...

Instead of endlessly celebrating with my fellow Bums fans (which by the way, I am still doing) GOD had me sit and take in something very important. HE wanted me to appreciate the not so little things. You know, those we as Americans swear are part of our GOD given inalienable rights. The simple fact that I was born in a free country that allows me to sit at A GAME. Or how about being able to spend money on A GAME in the midst of the biggest recession since the Great Depression, or consider the fact that we have Men and Women serving around the world, dodging bullets and land minds; all so we can dodge a foul ball or a rogue rally towel while...watching A GAME. Have you ever thought of these things? I mean really pondered them. I should have known something was up when in the 7th Seventh inning preceding the staple song Take Me Out To The Ballgame, I cried when Slash of all people strum his guitar to GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Remember how we learned these songs in grade school? And now, we are removing GOD's name from our currency in fear of offending others. Really? What about offending me? Or better yet, OFFENDING HIM who gave us these gifts! We are losing it people, we really are. Need some support so you don't think this is just some ranting Christian? Okay, how about the sad fact that a man who openly believes it is okay or should I say Its a woman's right to chose to murder a baby, wins a Nobel peace prize. A Peace Prize for someone who believes it is okay to kill a baby...yeah that is where we are. I mean would you say Adolf Hitler, with the ethnic cleansing of the Jews he enforced was deserving of a Peace Prize? Well he was nominated in 1939, go ahead look it up. But now with "change" Obama actually won the prize.

I so wish I could have simply enjoyed this game and series, but there is a grave danger in our ignorance. It is not bliss, not by a long shot. Do I expect my words to change this morally bankrupt nation of ours? Probably not, but I know I'm not alone with these views. Im not asking you to copy, paste, and forward this. Too many of those e-mails being passed around as is. By doing so we think we did our duty by not pressing delete, as if! What I am hoping and asking you to do is this, in your quiet time; ask yourself are we taking our Country for granted. Are we taking GOD for granted? Consider the facts, then ask yourself that again.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, indeed....

Ooooh the pressure of my inaugural post! I suppose people become "bloggers" because they have something to say; I really don't, at least not in the traditional sense. I'd rather show you with my photography, firmly believing in the old credo that "a picture is worth a thousand words."

So I'm posting some of my favorite pictures and trusting you will learn a lot (should you be interested in) about me: The events that have contributed into molding me; the people who have loved, exhorted, humbled, and corrected me; what I hope in...and most importantly, WHO my value system is based on. YES I AM a CHRISTIAN, I firmly believe there is ONE GOD, manifested in three ways, FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT. I believe the BIBLE is the original autograph of GOD, fully inspired by HIM and infallible--without error.

So I invite you to join me in this journey of life, to share in the experiences GOD presents. To laugh with me, to rejoice with me, and when needed to...to hurt, cry, comfort, and restore. GOD bless you!