Time Isn’t Money

Time!

It’s so important and it’s not like all the other things we have in this world. Clothes, you can give and get back. You can even loan money and even get MORE back than you gave. But time is different. Once you use it, you can’t get it back.

So what will you do with the time you have on this earth? What will you purposely invest it into? We all have those choices: Hang out with friends or finish reading that book. Work out or sleep longer. Learn an instrument or watch Maury. Everything you do requires your INVESTMENT of that resource we call time. And believe me, you will get a nice return on your investment.

Look at your day. What are you investing your time into?
Look at your goals. What will you invest your time into?
Look at your life. Are you getting what you want from it?

Facebook and Instagram will forever be here. Opportunities may not. Even the small minutes you are using on these to “pass the time” or just because you are bored could be well used for whatever else you may want out of life.

Where will you invest your time now?

Challenge Accepted

If you had the opportunity to live your purpose, and then your life became difficult after accepting the call, do you give up?

There is no other choice but “yes” for a man who has a destiny. The movie “42,” based on the Jackie Robinson story could not be more relevant to the human experience. He was breaking a tradition of a culturethe very way of life of a group of people. No he wasn’t just swinging a bat. He was creating acceptance where colored people were once rejected. When men are burdened by the very goals they wish to accomplish and contended by the authorities, the mindsets, and the lives they wish to change, they are continually presented with the question: is this worth it?

But Jackie had a fight, and it was a completely new way of warfare. Armed with the weapon of humility, which was in turn his perseverance and strength, he even had to fight himself by restraining when he could have lashed out. When hit with baseballs coming at him at 90 mph, when denied access to places where he could lay his head, when being called everything but his government name became common and when his morning greetings became death threats, he had to remind himself that this life was not just for him. What he was doing was not just so one man could earn a paycheck—that was already taken care of.

And He also had to love what he was living for. It’s like being in love or being married. It’s what you do when you live on purpose. When the object of your affection becomes your source of discomfort, love is the force that keeps you from reacting out of anger, out of the trespass against your personal principles. It makes you think twice before quitting or even speaking negatively about the very thing you’ve given yourself to. Purpose is the cause within that makes you turn the other cheek when the death sentence seems as the just penalty toward an enemy. But love covers a multitude of sins and the truth will overcome. When you feel like it’s not worth it, are presented with “a better opportunity,” “when someone else can do it better,” when old comforts pursue you stop believing, when intimidation, insecurities, and fears come…for whatever reason, do you choose to quit? HjdkDom find

No. You’re destined. You have purpose and if you’re still breathing, surfing the web or reading this blog, then all you have is a destiny, a reason why YOU were born into your specific situation, with your desires, gifts and responsibilities. When the time is right, the opportunity will come. Accept it. And never forget who you are and why you are doing what you are doing. You can’t do it alone and the life you’re living is bigger than you.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 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. (Philippians 3:12-14 NASB)

Why Wait?

Why wait till the end?

Why wait till the end of class to be real with your teacher? Why wait till the end of the school year your crush you like them? Why wait till the death of a relative to be thankful for their life? Why wait till a funeral to uncover secrets? Why wait till until the end of something to fully experience it only for one moment. The end teaches what’s really important; since you know it’s coming, then why wait?

Be REAL now. LOVE hard. Tell the TRUTH. Take a RISK. Have no FEAR. ENJOY life. WORK while you have the STRENGTH. PLAY with PASSION.

But DON’T WAIT.

Do it NOW.

This message was inspired by my last class meeting of the semester with one of my professors at California Baptist University. I got the opportunity to connect with her in an open, truthful, and revealing way, that was at the same time SAFE. I got to know my her past the role of a just Teacher, but also as a Mother, a Provider, a Caretaker, a Woman, and as a human being. And in that I shared with her the pains, joys, victories and uncertain moments of life found behind the roles we all play.

Don’t wait. Live now.

Life Worth Living

I just got off the phone telling an old friend the story of how my life has changed forever.
This is what was said:

I’ll be honest, life has been a little rough. But never has it been so rewarding. I work at my church full time as the Outreach Coordinator. Do you want to know something else? I don’t get paid a dime. Yes, I’m a full time volunteer. For me it started helping out in small areas, but I believe God has called me to build not only His kingdom, but the people on this earth. I finally see what the church is all about, our function, and the help we give to the community (the world). But just because I’ve decided to follow God, and answer His call, things have NOT gotten easier.

I’ve basically said “This is it.” No going back to mom’s. No getting a gig or a job that will take me away from this church. Why? Because when I look at the homeless man who gets treated like crap by the very people we call “neighbors” in our city, I see who I used to be and the value that that person truly has. I see a church body who needs someone present in the house, and not at a job, so they can overcome depression, hopelessness, suicide and past experiences too gruesome to tell. I’m not going back to living a life for myself. I’m living selflessly.

And it’s dang hard trying to do it.

So I need your help. I don’t live an extravagant life. My jeans may have holes in them. My car is rough around the edges and simply gets me from point A to point B. And I don’t always have the luxury of filing up at the gas station. I just want to do what God has called me to do and there are so many people who are dying to have me answer that call. So I won’t go back. I do it so other people can have hope: food on the table, clothes for their children and counseling through everyday life. Rejection, loneliness and poverty are real issues. So I give my life to solve them.

You can help by donating. You make a living by what you get and a life by what you give. Your donation is what helps me actually be here to help others get what they really need to live.
To give, click this link here.

Or send your check to the address below. Let me know when you do so I can make sure it gets to the right place.

P.O. Box 30612
San Bernardino, CA 92413

You’re not just helping me, you’re helping an entire generation receive the life they need.

Thank you

Journey: January 30, 2012

On this side of the computer screen, there’s been a whole lot growth, change and reaching people.

First off, I’m officially a mentor at Kingdom Culture, working one-on-one with a high school student. Throughout the week, I pour my life into his, helping him make the best choices of his life. It’s exciting, expedient and entertaining for us as we both learn to adopt different virtues through this relationship. I enjoy the privilege of teaching him things like the importance of vision, education, how to treat a woman, the value of family, and of course music.

But I’m not here just to teach. Showing love opens the door for genuine, nurturing bonds to be established. And we all benefit. It’s a giant step in ensuing the next generation is going to be established by the good foundation set by their predecessors–us.

Secondly, I began my Master’s program and am on my way to becoming a teacher. The fun part is being in an intentional learning environment. It teaches me to recognize the school of life we experience everyday, whether it be the “Hard Knocks” or “Easy Street” curriculum. Overall, I’m ready for this new phase in my journey.

Musically, I’ve been officially challenged. Writing, learning songs, and reading notations are all new areas I explore. On this musical journey I’ve learned more about how to speak as a musician. I’m still at church every Sunday playing my heart out, but I’m learning to let my worship speak during the week as well. It pays off big time when we meet and get to know God—the healing, miracles and salvation.

Change. All this time at Kingdom Culture has brought change to people’s lives. I’ve given my life so others can have theirs. Like He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Be a part of building a community of people that overcome poverty (not just financial), prostitution, and death. They get vision and have something positive for themselves to look forward to when they wake up everyday.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill

Give here.

Journey, January 15, 2013

January 15, 2013

Perspective creates the world you live in. Here is an update of what I’m doing in San Bernardino

Outreach Coordinator:
I currently serve as Outreach Coordinator and last Outreach Saturday (Jan. 12, 2013) we did a “Field Goal Outreach” where we went out to homes in the community to help people meet their goals 2013. We made “Goal Keeper” cards to give to people helping them outline steps and set a deadline to meet their goals. Entire blocks of families received inspiration for this year. That simple act of care is at times the inspiration people need to start a business, a youth program or buy their first car, with wisdom and a plan. We reached over 63 people and we are going to do more next month.

Worship/Music:
Being on the worship team at KCWC has caused me to be self-less and to work harder. Playing skillfully is necessary; playing the heart of God is essential. As He communicates to us, we communicate it to the world. Using the power of music, we create the atmosphere for Him to dwell in and release His love as we worship Him. Music is highly important in creating an atmosphere. In one instance music makes a party! It creates a mood of celebration. Family barbecues have music. People generally connect and enjoy building community and relationship. We dance, sing and enjoy high energy when the right song is played. My job is to make sure that Sunday morning includes just that.
We’ll also use music to express any given idea that God is into. That means setting the mood. You know, we have music for certain moods we want, for or a high energy concert or a special evening. God uses it just like we do for the affect. He’ll heal sickness in a body, perform a miracle or two or give comfort to those who secretly deal with abandonment. It gets to the issues that slip through the cracks. That’s the power of music.

I recently have moved from playing bass to guitar on the worship band. While the sound may be a little different, there is an entirely different palette to choose from in the energy created. I didn’t think I could even be capable of performing well…but it’s actually working out. Musically, my ear has entered a new world of mastery and I’m taking the people with me. God leads me to new places with new sounds and still I’m learning the depth and power of music. It gives life.

Furthermore, being a worship leader/musician is not much different than the preacher: we’re both expressing God as we operate in our gifts. During the week, the preparation, consecration and hash out the fine details of our crafts. My job includes the harmonies, melodies and creating the right atmosphere. Hearts are opened by the sound of the piano. People are receptive to the guitar and drums.

With people:
Ministry should teach patience, humility and sacrifice. You also gain maturity. Grow up! Yet, all the while I learned that God’s plan for anyone’s life is what will happen in the end. It’s easier not to fight it.

How deep is your love? Christ loved us even while we were His enemies and died. Do I do the same? Is my love that strong? I’m tested when I see people who have wronged me, but my reaction comes from my context with Him. He forgave so I can live. On the other hand, I know my faults; they’re not hidden from God. He’s the only one who can judge me, yet He has mercy. Who am I to dare not show love even to the worst of my enemies?

With myself:
As a person, I’ve learned to love myself. It starts with Forgiveness. And it’s the 1st step to a good life. We make mistakes and are presented with failures at not being able to achieve, gain respect with a group or live a certain lifestyle. So what? We don’t condemn babies and children for not speaking English correctly. Why do we destroy ourselves who are just as human? Instead, do as Jesus said. Humble yourself like a child and start loving yourself. Learn and grow. 🙂
Humility brings the patience you need to get to the next level. It always forges the right lifestyle. It helps you achieve goals that you once thought weren’t for you. I’m seeing the results in my own life.

My favorite verse this season has been Jeremiah 31:3 “I have drawn you with an everlasting love.” It’s weird how magnets can be polar opposites, yet they are so strongly drawn together. That is how God thinks of us.

The Benefit:
We recently sponsored a benefit at “The CENTRE.” It is our community organization that focus on these: “Feeds. Clothes. Educates.” People are suffering and in need of food, clothing and even counseling. This is what we plan on offering the community. The purpose of the event “The Benefit” was to raise awareness for the cause of saving San Bernardino. Business leaders community organizations, and friends & family came out to show their support for the vision and the hope that we believed in. Through the night we had speakers and many artist perform as part of what was truly an amazing show. Acts included The Corner Poets, Cherubim, Traxx, Rock Boy Fresh, Tim Manigault and many more. Everyone in attendance had the option to receive a tour of the building where we will soon hold our operations and the chance to donate and place their stamp on what will be the reason for change in San Bernardino. We raised money that will service people, families and the future business of organizations of San Bernardino.

To make this work I need your support. You make it possible to make a living for other people. Partner with me by giving a donation.

I Laugh In The Face of Danger

If this year was over, what would you say about it? 2012 was the year of establishment. This past year I nearly died looking for my calling. Walk with me and understand the severity of this. I nearly died trying to find the reason why I was alive. And though it seems drastic or extreme, everyone is supposed to. Why? Because everything you want in life is determined by who you really are., what you really want.

January 1, 2013. (Morning)

“I’m a Christian and I did a horrible thing. I made a mistake. I sinned. I slipped into some mess I had no business doing. I’m a sinner.”

January 1, 2013 (Evening)

“My mistake, which is bad, actually worked out quite well. I got to experience how to turn something that was bad into something…good.

January 1, 2013. (Morning)

I’m a musician and I made a mistake. On the last measure of my perfectly composed piece of music, my finger slipped and I played the wrong note. My dreams of perfection were shattered.

January 1, 2013. (Evening) I had no idea how a mistake would work for my good, but it did, because that finger slipping turned out to be what would be the end for some, a new dimension and extension of the music I was creating, and it was beautiful.
That mistake, could have caused me to quit playing. But, my mind grabbed something that it saw as pleasing, delightful, desirable.

Get it. Get what I’m saying. Your bar of music, your song, your life is determined by what you do with your mistakes. Do you understand that you can keep going and make a good life using that very mistake you made? Do you understand that the decisions you make are no doubt in your life, but are designed to make you unique? Your story, your purpose, your achievements, your accolades. It’s all by you COMPLETING that piece of music you may call “a mistake.”

It turns out, life is full of these little incidents, these notes and tones. Like life, music doesn’t stop because I played a so called “wrong note,” else we’d NEVER enjoy R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, Classical or even Pop music. You’d never embrace things like  slang, basketball, dance, culture, literature, relationships, or comedy. You’ wouldn’t know to enjoy the roots of Reggae and how it’s related to Ska, or the evolution of Ballet into Modern dance. You’d never know of the light bulb and you definitely would not appreciate the many different recipes on the menu when you go out to eat.

Outlook: Your life is worth living. Your mistakes make good music.

Don’t be afraid of the song you write.

Make mistakes. Make new music. Make a song. Make your life. And make it good!

Laugh At My Pain

Laughter is good. Laughter is evil. Laughter is neutral. Laughter is laughter.

I woke up today with this scenario in the theater of my mind: A young man is in a very intimate moment with his lady friend. Things get hot and heavy, and he pulls down his pants, revealing himself to her, and when she sees his privates, she laughs at him. They boy’s heart and self-esteem are crushed under the weight of her high pitched squeals, the giggles, and the infamous “Ha. Ha.”
It’s horribly embarrassing to get laughed, especially in those moments. No one wants to be that vulnerable and have someone devalue it.

As the day continued, the scene repeatedly floated into and out of my head, but I made it a point to pay it very little attention.
Then, one of the most intimate times with one of my closes friends came about. It was time for prayer. During the week, there’s always an hour set aside. Those present begin to get understanding in their life that they otherwise would not have gotten. It can be just as powerful as a Sunday morning. For me, it was one of those days, where I finally got the revelation I was looking for.
It just so happened to be about pulling the pants down.

On a whim (so (thought) that finally asked God “why does this keep coming to my head?” And my mind was pointed to the story in Genesis 18 of when Sarah, Abraham’s wife, the soon to be mother of Isaac, laughed when she heard God say “I’m coming back about this time next year. When I arrive, your wife Sarah will have a son” (verse 10).

God said it plainly (verse 11-12); “Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies. Sarah laughed within herself, ‘An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?'” It’s amazing how God would reveal Himself, and in a sense “pull down His pants to someone He wanted to show His intimate self to, to someone He wanted to share trust with. Yet, they dishonor Him. She believed in what she couldn’t do, so she placed that limitation, that insecurity on God. She did it before when she told her husband to sleep with her servant (Genesis 16) and she did it again now. God was that boy, heart broken and most of all, dishonored.

“Do I ever do that?”

The answer was shocking. I wouldn’t have expected it. I’m a Christian. I do a lot of good things. Most of all, I have faith. I moved out here, lost my job but was able to stay out here. My car and I run on full tanks of FAITH.

“Everyday.”

I’ve had hard times recently. My car was broken into. I’ve lost my job. My relationships have been skewed. I felt the weight of depression and worthlessness. I was ready to give up on life. And I’ve asked God for help–with money, housing, transportation. He gave me strategies, dreams, ideas, random thoughts, stories from close friends, but I counted myself out. I was focused on my mistakes and what I couldn’t do…and I laughed at Him.

“I can’t do that. I’m not able to do that. I’m not good enough. It’s not gonna happen. I’ve tried already. No one’s gonna believe me. No one cares.”

Excuse after excuse.
Until today.

A friend once said “Intimacy is like surgery. The closer two people are, the deeper the knife goes. On the surface, it’s ok to make a cut, but incisions are more vital when the knife is deeper in the flesh.”

Ya, I felt it, and it cut me. I remember what God has done–and does for me—and I repented. He’s been too awesome and that’s just who He is. His name says it all: YHWH (Yahweh or Jehovah). It means “to be” or “I AM” (Exodus). He is                 (fill in the blank, literally).  He’s everything you need and everything there is to be to someone. But with doubts and our own personal fears, we laugh at Him and cut off our own relationship with Him. Nothing separates us from His love, because He’ll keep coming back and keep giving us chances to be in relationship with Him.

We laugh because things are funny. We laugh when we’re afraid. We laugh when we get distracted or don’t know what to do. But when she had a soon, Isaac, who’s name means “he laughed,” it was a belly laugh of joy.

Honor God with your laugh. God already understands the limits we have and the mistakes we made, and even the time frame that we may or may not have to complete a thing. But still, He knows who He is and if He says something will happen, that He can perform anything, He dishonors our own limits, takes account our own insecurities, doubts and everything we’re afraid and says “Is there anything too hard for Me?” You’re going to have a son. You’re going to get a job. You’re going to finish college. You’re going to have good relationships. You will get over that ex and you will be free from drugs. You will see the day your parents come back to you and you will open the door to a new relationship. You will get out of that bad deal you made a while back that you are suffering from now. Your income will change and debt will not drown you. “By this time next year, you will laugh” says the Lord.

Honor Him.

Breaking Beyond Me

Thursday October 18, 2012, my car was broken into. Windows shattered, items stolen. Yes, it was horrible. No, I did not desire it and no I did not complain. Being broken is one thing, but being restored is another.

The night my car was broken into, I was at rehearsal with the worship band for my church, KCWC. The day before, I got a glimpse of my vision here in San Bernardino and was ready to live it. With my heart fully committed, I had only good hope and joy for the future. But while I practiced for Sunday morning, the night fell and I was no longer covered from the rain to come. My wallet was stolen, along with cash, and resources for moving forward in my life. I mean dang, I had enough battles on the inside. Now my external circumstances which were once joys turned into struggles.

Now, I know what it’s like: things are a little different when you are experiencing the same struggles as the people you are serving. I had to. It hurt to lose something, but it was all worth it to gain something new. And so through this, God showed me what was coming. I was broken, violated, and an enemy came to steal my goals, hopes, dreams and possessions, kill my finances and physical body & destroy the very hope in my mind.

Understand this illustration: the word career is defined as “an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress.” It comes from the Latin root word carrus (where we get our word car from) meaning ‘wheeled vehicle.’

When I finally committed to saving San Bernardino, when I planted myself in this environment, I made myself vulnerable, I was open to the hope, but I had to get covered with the dirt, the mud, and the muck that any planted seed is covered by. But the promise was given. A seed has to die before it is fruitful (John 12:24). Shattered, Jacked, Broken. Yet in the end, Restored. The whole ordeal was a sign. Saturday, Nov 17th, I got my window fixed. No more piercing wind or frostbite cold. I saw the value in what I had, my career that drove me. Nothing was to be taken for granted on the road of this journey. “You’ve got to have faith, no matter what the circumstances are. Stand your ground. Control your territory and live the commitment, because a lot of people are depending on you. No matter what, never give up.”

If God is able to fix what I had, when I had nothing, He can do so much more again and again. This city, thought it’s broken it will be fixed. How? How is it going to happen? By the power of God. People who have come to Kingdom Culture Worship Centre are living witnesses. Prostitutes are getting off the streets. Drug addicts have broken the habit. People who lived paycheck to paycheck are receiving financial miracles that change their lifestyle. God is not bound in the church. Miracles happen inside and outside, but it starts with believing. I know your circumstance may say “never in a million years.” It might even be a cycle that has recurred in your life, but God has done it in this city and my life. He hears prayers, yes the prayers that that we don’t even have words for, the prayers/thoughts that we feel, and answers back, with the TRUTH.

I leave you with this.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Hope Wanted: Now Hiring

“You’re young, you got plenty of time.”

I had a job interview with the city of San Bernardino to become a substitute teacher. Success! I got the job but one thing I love doing is interviewing. Yes, interviewing. If I could get paid to go on interviews all day, I’d probably do it as a side hustle. What’s so interesting about it? You get to talk to people! And its funny because some automatically have a filter: who you are, what you are going to do or say, etc.

As for the interview, my strategy is simple: go in there and connect. The guy who was seeing me probably had enough people who came in to his office trying to put on a front and say what they think he wanted to her, not have a real conversation with him. But of course, in the real world that does not mean saying everything that comes to your mind. #wisdom You better get this job.
During the interview he asked me about my goals. What do I have planned for my future? And I told him, “I want to teach. Eventually, I’ll get my master’s and follow my passion for music…” and I further continued explaining how I even came to music. I did Communications for my undergrad; I only took Music Appreciation as an elective. Yet, I fell in love and learned to play without a teacher physically present.

Then, the statement that opened the can of worms. “At first I wanted a Master’s in English, but now I want to do music.” Being “undecided” happens, but I was graced to have only one major in college. To my options, the interviewer replied with the famous line “You’re young. you have plenty of time.” I thought about it and I realized that i did not want to be one who wasted time in life bouncing around from major to major. I wanted to have a goal. Badly. For too long, I’ve been waking up without a vision, without a goal, going nowhere in life. This book I’m reading, Chazown, by Craig Groeschel, is amazing in helping you to discern what’s in you, where your life is going, where you were destined to go and what you were made to do (which, by the way, brings fulfillment). In it, he said “people just stumble halfheartedly through life hoping tomorrow will be better than today. No plan. No dream. Mostly just existing,” (pg. 5). He reiterated the truth in Proverbs 29:18 by stating “Where there is no Chazown—no dream, no revelation, no vision, no sense of our created purpose—we perish,” (pg. 9).

Rather than bounce around in indecision, quick fixes and temporary pleasures, make a decision to live.

Go somewhere. Do something, but have a plan. Have a goal. Have a direction. I know what it’s like not to and it does happen to the best of us. Stop comparing yourself to others. You have a plan and a vision for your life too, and no matter what you think of yourself, the most important opinion, God Himself, the Creator & Judge, says it’s great. You have a destiny that is necessary for this Earth and I wake you up everyday for you to realize it, figure it out, and live it. There is joy in being who you are, in what I’ve created you to be.”

Lastly, I strongly encourage you: if you wake up without a plan or a goal, make it your goal to seek God. Pray, read your bible, start being confident, but whatever you do, don’t believe the lie that the day will lead to nothing. Why?

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'” – Jeremiah 29:11