My Dad

I Love My Dad

Over the weekend my Dad and I had one of those great Father-Son heart to heart talks. The ones where you lay out everything. Life, Love, Faith, Friends and just talk to each other. We hadn't had one of those talks in a few years and after Sunday I think I may make this something we do a little more often. One thing we talked about was "Happiness" and the pursuit of it.

First, he hit me with this. "Son, everything we do here, we should do first to honor God. Because that and only that should be what we love first and foremost. Not your wife, not your job, not even me. God." I stopped to think about that and all I could say was, "Yeah, But......" But nothing he says, our first love should always be God.

Wow. I know right. How often do I put other things in front of the one who gave me life and gave his son to save it? How often to we put our careers, love, family, friends in front of the one who gave us everything?

(Again, I say, "wow"...but to myself this time...I didn't need another look of "Yeah, son I know I just blew your mind, type of looks")

Matthew 6:33 simply says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

There is the pursuit of happiness in all its glory. In that simple phrase. God the Father of all is just up there waiting for us to truly put him where he belongs in our lives. Number One, Numero Uno.

Note: Psalm 37:25: Here is an observation of King David. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread."

God is faithful! He keeps His promises! Put Him first and then just watch Him bless you! And you'll find whatever it is you've been looking for.

Be Blessed and many thanks to my Dad.

Carlos

Skills Every Man Needs

Before 30

Ok, ok to be fair Abby made me go over the list of 25 Skills every man needs to know before turning 30. Being that I am nearing that milestone as well I should get started on this list. I've got some work to do...

Here's the list:

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and a compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up computer data
17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

Wow...after going through that list I've got a lot of work to do. Thank you Popular Mechanics for making me feel inadequate. lol

Carlos

Skills Every Woman Needs

Before 30

This morning Abby and I covered a list of 25 Skills every woman needs to know before she turns 30. Abby is nearing 30 and lets just say she's got her work cut out for her...lol.

Here's the list:

1. Hard Boil an Egg
2. Diplomatically tell Mom to butt-out
3. Ace a job interview
4. Send a thoughtful thank you note
5. Listen to a friend in need
6. Ask for help
7. Beautifully wrap a gift
8. Say "no" gracefully
9. Whip up a great dinner with the 5 items in the fridge
10. Sew a button
11. Apply lip gloss in the dark
12. Balance her checkbook
13. Create a budget
14. Find the best deal
15. Negotiate a salary and/or pay raise
16. Read a map
17. Hail a cab
18. Say something in French
19. Apologize when she's wrong
20. Dress for her body type
21. Change a flat
22. Spot a fake (Handbag, diamond, etc)
23. Know how to tip on a $25 dinner bill
24. Ask for forgiveness
25. Hold a baby

Have fun completing this list before you turn 30...if your already over 30 and haven't completed this list yet then you've got some work to do. lol.

Carlos

Music News :: Paramore

Hayley Talks Faith and God

Paramore has been one of my favorite new artists in my iPod this year. They are Christians living out their dream on the mainstream stage, but are still open about who they believe in and why. Dont believe me? I found this blog entry from Hayley on Paramore’s Live Journal. She wrote about the book “The Shack” which she just finished reading. I have yet to read this book, but after her review I just might.

“Wow. I just finished a book that might have changed me.

We had a lay over in Dallas a couple days ago on our way to Brazil… (yeah, I dunno why we had to fly back to the states to get here, either!) and I decided to make a quick run to Starbucks. While I was waiting on my Pumpkin Spice Latte to descend from the heavens, I walked around the little book shop that was connected to Starbucks. My ipod was dead and i knew i would be pulling my hair out on a 10 hour flight if i had nothing to do. I saw this book I’d been wanting to read called The Shack. Some of my friends have read it and said it ruled… these are good people with fairly good taste most of the time, so I decided to trust ‘em and I bought the book. If the flight would have been an hour or so longer and I hadn’t fallen asleep for most of it, I woulda finished that book before I walked off the plane. It was so good. I might even say life changing, but I haven’t really lived THAT much so I’ll have to tell you later if it really changed my whole life.

Before I go saying you should all buy it and read it… I should say that it is a book having much to do with Jesus Christ. I know that might not be appealing to everyone here but before you go writing it off I wanna explain a little more. The Shack is not what you’d expect of Christian literature. I don’t think it should even be in that category. I am certainly a Christian. However, I am not one that waves the banner of religion or even feels the need to go around telling everyone what I believe even if it is just because I’m proud or excited. It is not a religious book… and if you are going to get into it be prepared to learn NOTHING of religion.

For me, this book has opened up a new way to look at my relationship with God. My faith has never had much of anything to do with any institution but it has always been about relationship. So when I really started getting into this book and realized what I was reading… I was so encouraged. I recommend it to anyone who does believe in Jesus and I definitely recommend it to people who put their faith in something or someone else. Hell, you might not believe in anything at all and I would still recommend it to you. Because it’s filled with really beautiful pictures of love and grace and EVERYONE can use that.

I want to share a part of the book with you guys that really got to me. It might not have the same affect on you but… well, here it is:

“So why create the poisonous plants at all?” Mack queried, handing back the twig.(Sarayu answers) “Your question presumes that poison is bad; that such creations have no purpose. Many of these so-called bad plants, like this one, contain incredible properties for healing or are necessary for some of the most magnificent wonders when combined with something else. Humans have a great capacity for declaring something good or evil, without truly knowing.”
Well, I’m off. Hope everyone’s doing well! See you guys tomorrow.

Love, haley… hallie… hailey… haylee… hayley”

Be Blessed today,

Carlos

Election

God Remains

Two days since America chose President-Elect Barack Obama as our next Commander and Chief many people are still feeling a sense of uneasiness or worry. I've had emails ranging from the simple to the outrageous. Ones have literally called Barack Obama the "Anti-Christ" because of his sudden rise to power, global influence, Muslim ties and radical view points.

Folks, lets calm down a little. Last I checked, God is still God and He, not Barack Obama, reigns supreme. Barack Obama may be our 44th elected President, but I don't put my trust in him and more than I did President Bush. My trust sits firmly in the palms of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Barack Obama ran a campaign on Change and Hope. I prefer a campaign on Forever and Love. God is never changing, always the same today, yesterday and tomorrow and His Love is forever for you. Unending. Undying. Unstoppable. My hope and trust sits with the one who will never leave us nor forsake us. Place your trust there as well.

I got a really great email yesterday that read: Wednesday the sun came up and I was happy. It is still morning in America. The candidate I voted for did not win, but I got to vote in a free and fair election. Power will be passed peacefully and the Constitution is intact.We should never take that for granted.The United States of America is still a marvelous place to live. People suffering in the Sudan would trade our worst day, economically speaking, for their best. Citizens in more prosperous China do not have the chance to throw the rascals out.The sun is not setting on the American experiment. It is still rising, because there is still work to be done expanding the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to all citizens. It is glorious that an African-American has been elected President of the United States. Slavery was the original sin of the Republic and racism remains the bitter experience of too many Americans. The election of Barack Obama will not end racism in the United States, but it is a positive, symbolic step forward.Each one of these steps brings us further to Dr. King’s dream of a society where men and women are judged on the content of their character and not on race.President-elect Obama will soon be my head of state. I will pray for him daily and for his success. He is my president and it is my duty to do so. Besides, 2012 is not so far away…

Take that as you will. God is with you. And for those who think Obama is the Anti-Christ. Why worry? If he is, God is coming really soon! Amen, Hallelujah! So live like he was coming in the next five minutes and get ready for a party in Heaven!

Carlos

This Will Make You Laugh

Cover Tune Grab Bag - MercyMe

You gotta love the fact that the guys from Mercy Me know how to cut loose a little bit. They started this thing called "Cover Tune Grab Bag" where they cover some of your favorite songs. I think you can even request them to sing a song for you! Here's one I think you might like. Enjoy!



Carlos

Crappy Day

God is Good

Today has been kind of a crappy day. For no reason, I've had this dark cloud hanging over me this morning. I've been short with people, I feel testy and I just have this hurt on my heart that no amount of prayer has been able to fix. It really bugs me because a part of my job is being cheerful and happy and joyful on air to brighten people's day and I really hate being fake. But this morning I faked it.

After the morning show, through our Monday morning staff meeting, I just couldn't shake it off my shoulders. So I sit down to check some emails and see what my day is going hold when I see two emails from listeners of the morning show. God is so Good.

The first, says: I’ve been meaning to email you for over a month now. In Sept, you did a morning devotional on the Armor of God. You didn’t just read the verse, but you read the whole portion of Scripture and encouraged the listener to put on the Whole Armor of God! I wanted to let you know that I really appreciated the truths you shared during that devotional. Our weapons are definitely only effective if they are the spiritual ones! Too often, some of the devotions seem dry or rote, but I appreciate the way you make them come alive. I actually don’t get to hear the morning ones very often, so that particular day was definitely a treat! Thanks again!

The second, says: "Carlos you and Abby brighten my day sooo much. Thank you for being open about your faith and letting God touch me through your ministry."

I think I was in one of those ruts of doubt in myself and my abilities as a good communicator. I was feeling like the morning show wasn't very good, like I didn't say the right things, like I was putting myself up on a pedestal or my focus wasn't on the ministry...blah blah blah. All morning I just felt depressed. But God is soooooooooo good because he uses us to minister to each other. Two kind words about the morning show is all it took to help me to start to feel better. How often could we do the same for someone else just by letting them know they are appreciated?

Husbands remind your wives why you love them. Wives tell your husbands how special they are to you. Parents talk to your kids and let them know they are loved. Let's spread a little of God's love around to people. This is a hurting world that needs a dose of the Love of God.

Thanks to those two emailers, your emails truly blessed me this morning. And many, many thanks to all of you who listen to the Big Big House Morning Show.

Carlos

Are You Bitter?

Bitterness

Oh man, church was good this weekend! My pastor is on this "Hostage" series, talking about things in our life that can hold us hostage and keep us from living to the complete potential that God has for us. Last week was on finances. This week....BITTERNESS! LOL. Yeah, I know...laugh. I did at first. Then he laid it all out there and my jaw hit the floor. I must say, this was once of the most thought provoking sermons I've ever heard. I wish I could put everything down for you here, but here are some of the highlights.

Verse: Hebrews 12:14-15 "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

As he was giving his sermon Saturday night, I thought about a situation where I think I may still be bitter towards someone. Sadly, I don't have to think I may still be bitter...I know I am. I was hurt and I have not truly gotten over it. I haven't truly forgiven that person in the way God would want me to forgive them. I feel like I'm justified to feel the way I do. Like they deserve whatever bad thing happens to them because of the hurt they caused me. Bitterness. Like a rag weed in my heart I never noticed before.

In my head I envisioned my life like a yard. Sin...Bitterness...being like a weed. You can easily spot it as it grows up above your beautiful lawn, tarnishing they view. So I drive my lawn mower over it by asking God's forgiveness for my bitter feelings. Then a few weeks later...BOOM! The weed is back. Simply mowing over the weed isn't enough. I've got to dig deep and yank that thing out by the roots to really remove it.

HOW? Good questions...glad you asked.

Verse: Ephesians 3:18-20 "And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

Understand how God loves you. Let the power of His love work in you. And the key. Forgive as you have been forgiven. I love the verse in Ephesians that says "...forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" My pastor talked about how if you made a list of all the things that you have done against God. All the sins you've committed and laid them to pad and pen you would really see just what God meant by forgive like He does. Think about your laundry list. How many times have you sinned against God and he forgave you?

I know. My list is pretty long too. But if God asks us to forgive as He does, Bitterness should hold us hostage no more. Who are you bitter towards? What are you bitter about? Let God show you and let His love lead you to forgive. God Bless.

Carlos