Unashamed

Don' put off 

but put on the word of God 

being hesitant isn't heaven sent 

try to boost your confidence 

honest with everything I say 

no apology 

this is real talk 

God's word, spiritual harmony 

Right now I'm frustrated 

with some false neighbors 

friends who need to mature 

to see the true flavor 

meaning of life is deceiving at times 

but when we close our eyes 

the darkness becomes right 

wrong, consuming... all gone 

dang, we need to embrace 

the sprit of grace 

not give up 

but in shape to race 

ready to serve 

at any moment dressed in clothes 

prepared with high spirits...

so be merry and go 

cheerful but know 

God will be with you 

as you will reap what you sow 

go out in the field of dreams

bring back the sheep of sleep 

rejoice even on the sabbath 

for you now can receive 

recognize it's time to see 

the glory has come to be

his name is Jesus 

and when we believe 

unashamed 

then no doubt his glory will reign 

-amen 

Delivered

Deliver me 

from what isn't me 

what I can believe 

is not giving me 

anything... 

So I experience your presence 

by your good fruit of blessing 

the clouded doubt has phased out

Your glory burned the haze 

now my heart is amazed 

have mercy on me 

as I am a witness to your grace 

You built a tree 

You created me 

Your spirit flies high 

surrounding everything 

So before I go to sleep

let me rise in confidence 

trust in your honestness 

knowing you are the giver

you are the one true God 

and you will Deliver

-amen

A lot occurred today. 

Early this morning I arrived on Chaminade's High School campus to assist some really talented students with their dramatic but powerful "Everything" Skit. This was based off of a Christian skit done a couple years ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA . My friend Rush Hannigan actually introduced me to the video. It's very touching/moving/sad/joyful... it's everything! Well, when I like to do skits I prefer them to be perfect... or as good as possible. The students who came to participate in the skit had only one day of practice, but whoa! They knocked it out. I really didn't think it was going to happen. There is a lot in that skit... I felt that God said, "Joe, how soon you are to doubt... Watch me.. I can do all things." Enough said. I got the picture. 

Then this evening while working at Apple I helped this woman, Anne, who was buying a Nano for her daughter's birthday. I commented on the necklace she was wearing. It was a silver tree with a gold dove flying in the tree. She said it had spiritual meaning. I said of course the holy spirit is hanging out the tree! She said, "It means God will Deliver". 

The concept of God Delivering is amazing because it is having confidence that he will create and build new prosperous things in your life. Also, the tree and image of a bird were in the "Everything skit"... plus God DELIVERED! He came through with an amazing performance by the students. I really felt like I learned a lot today... I'm going to do my best to speak life into every situation and believe God will Deliver!

New Direction

My concept of the church 

lies futuristic in it's simplistic nature

what it will become...

relieved of it's past 

which turns heads still today 

children faced with an age of reason 

to come to Christ but can't/won't 

because of what they don't know 

Man... it's hard to see through 

the fogged up glass 

the misshaped faith 

the truth turned mistake 

hey... in this case 

I say educate 

but never turn away from the basics

first God made us good in nature

His son showed us how to forgive our neighbor 

Read the word written down on sacred paper 

then live it out to give glory to your maker 

don't stray for there is fear of the unknown 

take what you do know and try to become whole 

create vision which has a direct connection to God

a fearless heart which hopes and prays to listen 

don't miss it... 

This poem is about a middle school student I spoke with today concerning faith.  A large concern to fully live out his faith or grow deeper is his distrust in the church because of it's past. The mistakes made then and even now seem to cause hesitancy. Also the inability for faith to be accepted by ones peers was an indicated problem. These are real issues. Some people don't consider God to be cool... You don't have to be over religious... but it's important to be confident in your belief regardless about what others think. I want the church to be a simple vehicle that shuttles people to heaven to get connected with God.  I pray that we can change the Catholic Church's scandalized image for those who observe the imperfections. Let us go in a new direction. 

Drama

supposed to be fully functional 

all day all night 

all.... right

situations occur a bit too much

and such observations turn into 

hardship, not the truth so it hard hits 

the heart with pain... 

no matter who you are 

we all have feelings

desires to be wholesome

not alone-some 

and grow some 

be connected at a new level

that sparks our happiness 

deletes our emptiness 

and well...

when conflict occurs 

we're insecure 

so we re-work 

our reverb 

to make it all sound better 

but man how hard is it to trust? 

honesty isn't task 

it's a way of life 

if others start to spark 

what's not 

then stand firm in your belief

be on guard 

because 

if we can't be true 

how can we love?

This poem is dedicated to some young apple customers. Alex, Courney, Odette, and Kellie were chilling in the Apple store. They were diggin some hip hop music on youtube and I decided to tell them about Rosary Rap. They were very nice and I told them to give me a theme and I'd write about it. Kelly said to write about "Drama" so that's what this poem is about. If we cant build and grow trust but rely strictly on words that maybe false how can we truly embrace a relationship?  Think about it... 

If you want peace... work for justice

If the unjust ruled the world 

then what's the point of living

why have hope? Don't.....

We just need to see through it all 

a lot of trying involved 

God didn't say it would be easy at all

you may carry a cross and fall 

But we can't stay down because we're uncomfortable

we have to get up because we really want to 

because we believe 

Justice is a dream that we work to complete

we have to do our part 

see the situation and start 

then go... 

Endure for the betterment of others

Become secure in you love 

Live right and educate right 

so therefore you can life a just life

At times it's not fair 

so maybe have a fair 

and give what you earn 

and everyone will stare

This poem is about the Justice Fair at Chaminade Middle School. In three days student's raised over $3,000 for various charities and organizations. They used their creative abilities and make a difference. Money doesn't alway change the world... but the act of giving will. Rosary Rap had a table and before the day was over everyone around the table was rappin the rosary! God is good. Here is a pic of a student, Kennedy, who saved up to purchase her very own Rosary Rap CD. Pray on.....

before I became alive

this is an enter room situation 

happened to be in inner womb visitation

introduced before full formation 

ultrasound with a litle baby-mation

stationed to arrive in a matter of time

central, born in texas

made in LA where the Angels stay

but still connected to the roots 

of passion left from parents very active

acting.... but still ultra real

I'm content and grew up in pleasant-ville

with high hopes and inspired goals 

who knew it would come full circle

my current location traces back to the visitation

a connection while evolving 

into my being, seeing God's plan 

a plan the goes green 

all the arrows go roundly 

symbols arrive 

and we attempt to thrive 

she knew me before 

I became alive

This poem is dedicated to Janice Firestone... it describes how she met me while I was still in my mothers womb... Janice is the mother of my friend and ministry partner, Kristin Firestone. I was told a story today about how Janice met my mom and dad while waiting in the Dr.'s office in LA. She was pregnant with her now 23 year old daughter Kaylee at the time and my mom was pregnant with me. The weird thing is I felt this connection to Janice like I knew her when I met her 2 weeks ago... and now I find out that she met me while I was still being made! Cool stuff huh?

THE CURE

Let it fly 

just fight 

always realize 

that the cure's inside

the medicine to heal 

has been revealed 

through your faith 

ask and believe 

pray and receive 

if they don't understand

then dust off your feet

move on to complete

your mission and task as a christian 

is to go further 

change stations daily 

to be condemned 

even on a cross sometimes hanging 

however I'd prefer to carry 

but not to burry the burden 

but be strong not so weary

Instead I wear it 

the breastplate of righteousness 

helmet of salvation 

the sword of the spirit 

no road blocks or limitations 

but wait I still struggle and try to have patience 

here's my statement

at times I'm torn 

about how to connect the youth to the Lord

so I reflect, pray really hard for inspiration

because sometimes prayer is our only medication, 

our only vacation from a plagued society 

with no inhalation of the spirit 

instead their vacant, but God can save it

As for me, I built my house on very firm pavement. 

Make it...

Go get it if you want it

You're destined to keep runnin

Race for the Cure 

I have faith you'll find somethin!

-amen

Today, at Chaminade Middle school we had our very first "Justice Fair". Students made baked goods, jewelry, art's and crafts, and much more to sell and fundraise for a charity of their choice. I was very impressed with the giving hearts and minds of the students.  However, a couple students decided to make a 5 track Rap Cd.  It was titled "THE CURE" it has many tones of resolution for curing cancer. These middle schoolers pulled it together and made a hot little demo. I was bumping it in my car as I drove off campus and was listening to the lyrics. Everything said was sincere, real, and somewhat funny at times. One of my favorite lyrics is from the LET THE EAGLE FLY track #5

Yo here's a little rappin

I'm gonna make it quick like a cheetah

and do to all your hard work 

those other schools are like salsa

we're like the bean and cheese burrit-a

I have mad respect for incorporating food into raps! I believe their small creation has potential to raise some good money for the American Cancer Society. Day one they sold 17CDS!! The great part is it was a productive creation using a style which they and many other students relate to. I can dig that for sure. So my reflection today is entitled THE CURE in honor of Cameron, Ollie, Cody, and Vinny. 

p.s. shout out to Jaimie Guerra... a long lost friend... now flight attendant and future actress. Her genuine conversation made my night. 

Not Yours

How to gain control 

of a world that's not yours

can be hard at times

difficult to cope with 

maybe you don't get it 

and just keep going

uhh... If I could just set it straight 

for the record God is real not fake 

his word is true, awesome, and great 

he loves you more when you make a mistake 

now how does it feel 

to doubt and but be healed? 

he never goes away 

he has always been revealed 

still 

we find ways to twist his stories 

transform them to into words

that hide his glory 

no, his glory is found 

he did everything right... so profound

down to earth he came and spoke the same

everything is clear 

crystal 

if you have a question 

go ahead and open up a missal

do this in memory 

let's make this last

embrace and never erase 

what came to pass

we live in God's world

the kingdom is coming 

I pray that we can be more 

and keep on loving...

 

Keep Stopping By

Continue 

to smile like a child 

In all that you do 

let it be through 

the youth in you

this never goes away 

it shouldn't because

God will always be 

our Father above 

He repeats the sunsets, 

and the sunrise 

it's beautiful....

he delights in our surprise

but when do we go back

to give him a hug 

say hello, not be grown up 

but love-a-ble

I never want to lose  Joe and Madison @ Apple Store

this excitement 

but always have 

and child like mindset

Recently, I've been reflecting on a child's relationship with their parent. I see kids nearly every day and how they interact and what they think is usually quite "real". It's before they have the ability to be changed by the culture of our world. They are natural in their responses and genuine in actions. When they like something they want to keep doing it. I remember my brother used to have me bounce him on our gigantic trampoline as a kid. It's fun for him because he would fly in the air... it was fun for me to see him happy... until my legs started cramping! =) Kids just want to laugh, feel loved, and be themselves. A small run or race for them can be so exciting! I had heard one analogy that God continues to provide amazing sunrise as a way of saying to his children, welcome to a new day. And we say, "again! again!" So he repeats this phenomenon. No matter how much we grow up I don't think God want's to lose this Father to Child relationship. I am 23 years old but small things throughout the day continue to excite me. Just like a kid, I get excited before I'm about to eat a good meal. Many times I feel God uses me because I have a childlike faith. I am always in awe of what He does. As we grow we must constantly keep coming back to God. Revisit him and not be afraid to be vulnerable and extremely lovable. Today, while working at Apple, a mom came in with her daughter who I had helped in the past. The 6 year old daughter, Madison (pictured above), wanted to stop by to say, "Hello". That mean to so much. A small "hello" to me said, "Even though I haven't seen you in a while, I value you you. I remember who you are".  God too want's us to remember who He is, stop by and say "Hello" as often as we can. He's always there... waiting to welcome you back!

Cherish

Deprived of all money

nothing new, freshly woven or produced 

screwed together tightly 

instead friends who act kindly 

built to withstand

strength confirmed in the ability to care

the right to love has always been there

designed to remain until death takes away 

overtaken not by worldly distractions 

because our human interactions are just too real

real and good

they complete us

communication through word or deed is enough

the presence is cherished 

appreciated to a degree that leads us to be...

human

Today once again was a long but good day. It was jam packed full of excitement at the Chaminade Middle School. 

At lunch time I worked with the RCIA group as we discussed the sacrament of Confirmation. I compared Confirmation getting your drivers license. When you are sealed with the Holy Spirit, you are now a certified disciple.  It confirms your commitment to live and follow Christ. However, you must find a way to serve. Just because you get your license doesn't mean a car comes with it. You must find a mode of transportation. 

Then I proceeded to work with the middle school rap group called 3KB. They are working on some raps for the middle school talent show... and have some made skills. I was not that good at rapping at age 12. Next, I worked with an 8th grade representative, Casey, on her reflection for Stations of the Cross. We focused on the 8th station. This station describes Jesus carrying the cross. He is in pain and the women of Jerusalem are crying all around Him. He redirects their sorrow and basically says, "cry for yourselves... I can take it".  It made me realize that Jesus was designed to die. He knew it was his fate and he accepted it. He instead wanted his death to leave a lasting impact that would encourage others to change in a positive way. He didn't want people to feel bad for him, but instead fix their ways to lessen his pain. I liked that. 

However, the theme today was inspired after school. I had dinner at the Marianist Community in West Hills. I invited two of my good teacher friends over, Mary and Alicia.  We sat, shared a meal, and heard a moving testimony from Bro. Skip.  He spoke about his experience in Africa, how it changes people... drastically. His stories were amazing and worth listening to. The relationships in Africa were of the strongest value. The communities he was a part of truly cherished one another. 

After all this, Mary and Alicia came over to my apartment to watch American Idol.  I realized that their mere presence at my apartment brought me comfort and happiness. I truly cherish their friendship. It's the relationships that keep us going. Relationships that bring value to our lives. This interaction allows our humanity to continue, we were made to love one another. Our being longs to be connected and accepted. So after realizing this I encourage all people to cherish their friendships and nourish them. Make them a priority in your life. 

Create A Way

Do the unthinkable

defy gravity through your actions 

handle it 

deal at a new level which builds and never settles

not to worry as your thoughts are turning

you are no more 

the flame of God is burning

is it really His will? 

can you believe it?

will faith allow you to reverse

after it has been revealed?

no...

progression keeps treckin'

we must make moves 

let God move

he does.. what he wants...

our inability to answer questions 

doesn't make him less credible

actually more incredible

I like this...

So I pray that tonight

our time with God will be 

in a spirit of acceptance 

that our faith in him may be present 

but more importantly 

rest in the simple fact 

the Lord surrounds us

what can we do?

Reject or Embrace 

let's create a way...