I can’t wait for the next few weeks, this is what I need to stay the course…this will be a blessing for me, thanks
Blessings to you and your family always!!!

Helen,
It always helps to stay the course when you realize that other people are running with you. Help us get the word out to your family and friends. I’m sure they could use the encouragement as well. Thanks for your support….Here we go!

Aloha from Hilo, Hawaii…mahalo nui for ministering God’s Word to us through your music and your Wednesday devotions. Our family appreciates what you all do for His Kingdom and we look forward to reading more of what the Lord has to say through you. We will be sure to tell our family and friends. God’s richest and complete blessing be with you all and your families.

Hi, Joe ~ I just want to encourage you as you take the time to share with us weekly, despite your busy schedule. May God annoint you to give us His Word and may we all continue to run this race to win for the glory of the Lord!

Oka oka! You better go Lukes! That’s what I’m talking about…

Ah yeah Flolo! “Team work to make the dream work”! Yeah baby! Jann and Ruta, glad you’re on the “Track” with us. We’re just warmin’ up!

Hi Joe,

You all are so AMAZING! What a blessing it was to fellowship with you all during the cruise and I am stoked that we can still
fellowship due to today’s technology (PTL) =)
You’re all a TRUE INSPIRATION and I am SO EXCITED about
“The Amazing Race” !
Until next time. . .Take care and may God Bless!
Love you guys!

Bro Joe-

That was an awesome start to the series of which I’m looking forward to. Bring the preach on bro!
It’s amazing, this is exactly what I’m needing right now…and to know I’ve got bros and other peeps in the race with me.

There’s a lot of changes this year, one i’m in the middle of right now and i believe they will all be challenging changes. I know one thing fo’ sure…the change I’m embarking on at the moment, is a challening one..but I know it’s meant to be. I always thank God for you all, but I’m especially thankful for this series you’ve started.

I feel like i have my running shoes on but i can’t seem to get up from my lazy-boy recliner…

Keepin it real…
Lizzerd

Family,
Sometimes the hardest part of the race is “just gettin’ started”! As our good friend Calvin sings, “Start Somewhere”! Wherever you are, and whatever challenges you might be facing at this moment……Start right there! Galatians 6:9, my favorite scripture: “Don’t become weary of doing good. At the proper time, you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up”!

Have a great weekend!

@ Nefu,
The track suit was just a metaphor for I got on the FULL Armour of the Lord Jesus Christ. Put on this armour daily and check that it is tightened securely through out the day. Love ya’ll. Give HIM the highest praise!

LOL! Mark…it’s gonna be rough to run with all of that armour – but I’m encouraged!

<~~~~~wishin I was on the cruise!

I have to say that, whenever I see the guys on the east coast somewhere (or even years ago on the west coast), I look forward to the stories that Joe shares about the family and growing up. The struggles and the victories.
Joe, I appreciate your way of conveying what is on your heart – in a way that flows and ties into a well said package…
Ah…the gift of Godly gab…yo’ve got it, Bro!
Looking real forward to these devotions w/the Kuzins.
The internet is a wonderful tool.
xo and God Bless…
J

“On your mark. Get set, go!”
The race I am setting out on is to face the abuse and trauma of my past so that I can strengthen my relationship with God. I have been running from this part of my life as long as I can remember. The painful memories are too much for me to bear on my own. I do not have the strength or inner resolve to accept that such terrible things could have happened to me, especially at such a tender age, yet I know I am not alone in my suffering. I have been sexually, physically, and emotionally abused. I know what it is like to face death under traumatic circumstances, to witness horrible crime scenes, be a victim of attempted kidnapping, and what it is like to be abandoned and rejected by people who love you. I have been functioning all of my life with the effects of post-traumatic stress and general anxiety disorder. Those who know me would be surprised that I had suffered such trauma- outwardly I display a character of great strength, and compassion for others. And I look like I have it all together- great job, nice home, etc. However, inwardly, I am insecure and fearful. Just a note to others to be careful about judging others by appearances! . For those of us who run and avoid painful parts of their pasts, we need to recognize that in reality we are really rejecting Christ and the promise He has for us. Nothing is hidden from our Savior. He knows us intimately and wants to be part of “ALL’ of our life. Sure, it is anxiety provoking to face this race—for I know not where the journey will take me. But I can be comforted in God’s promises. His word is full of promises and hope. My race will be daily devotions in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s life is an example of the total faithfulness to God, regardless of personal circumstance or desire. There are many verses that speak of God’s plan and promise of hope. “ For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:10-12. “And they will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you.” Jer 1:19. “ Do NOT be afraid, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Jer 1:8. If you have experienced similar circumstances, I encourage you to read Jeremiah as well. For those who cannot comprehend what this journey was like- I ask that you lift myself and others up in prayer for complete healing and personal freedom to experience the fullness of Gods’ love and grace. Glory and honor to the King of Kings. I am worthy because He is worthy.

Lizzerd, bless you for the encouraging words and prayer. My inner joy comes from allowing God to work in and through me. I am blessed and honored to be His servant. I do know that my life and walk with Christ will be strengthened as I face and walk this hidden part of my life with him; having other Christian brothers and sisters by my side, praying for me as I do so will give me strength to carry on and pursue completeness in Him. Yes, His grace is sufficient for me! I like the idea of adding my name to personalize the statement “Michele, my grace is sufficient for you.” Wow! that does help to sink the words into the essence of my being! Re-programming my thoughts by memorizing truth is the only way to break the chains. Thank you Lizzerd for sharing a part of your story too. Many people are tormented by their past. Overcoming the emotional scars so they do not interfere with our relationship with Christ and others is a daily walk. The devil wants to destroy us and knows how to prey on our weakness. I will keep you in my prayers too. Stay strong and continue to witness. You have made a difference in my life today, and may someone out there be blessed though Christ working in me. Take heart! Christ has overcome the world. He loves us and wants us to experience the freedom he has. As I walk this painful journey, I will remember to “trust and obey… for there is no other way…”
I am reading a book called the Wounded Heart. It is written for adult victims of childhood abuse, and provides a Christian perspective on the topic. An interesting point from today’s reading is that victims from trauma often create a commitment never to be hurt again, and in turn develop a tough inflexible exterior which in turn leads to loneliness that the hardness was developed to avoid. The protection against pain, in fact, intensifies the pain that it was supposed to decrease. If we fall into this pattern, by developing a hardness of heart, it is important to recognize that we are sinning by consciously or unconsciously failing to trust God and the promises He has for us. May each of us be reminded to give our minds and bodies to God. We are to be glad for all God is planning for us. We are to be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. It is my prayer that the Holy Spirit works overtime in me during this journey. In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about how God will tenderly comfort us when we undergo sufferings and will give us the strength to endure. This is hope and a promise! So….get on your Mark….get set… and Go!….. My favorite song this week is “Praying for you.” Love and Blessings! Michele

Hi Michele!

I just read your story and as I was reading I remembered these verses; 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.(Philippians 4:6,7,13)
Like Lizzerd, my prayers are with you.

Like the woman diseased with issue of blood simply touching the hem of His garment.
I’m picturing everyone following him and pushing to get to him – like the front row at a rock concert…
She went to the floor and did what she could to press on to touch the hem of his garment…

Matt9 21: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

He turned to her and said that it was her faith that made her whole…

Ah…the great physician!
Keep pressing on Michele and Lizzard…and everyone else!
Run!
xo
J

Beauty In Brokennes
Wow. An amazing sermon today about the beauty in brokenness. The story was a young man’s struggle to find God in the midst of his despair from a crippling disability. Many times we are willing to give God “most’ areas of our lives, but there are areas that we keep off limits. We say “God, you can take anything else, but not this.” The truth is God wants all of us. He not only wants what we are willing to give, but also the part of us that hides things and doesn’t want those things to come to light. I think about my race and exposing areas that have been hidden for so long. But I am ready, because my God is bigger than me, and wants me to find freedom in Him. Christ died for me and has paid the price of my sin and those who sinned against me. I need not worry about being weak or being destroyed by facing my fears, because the God of Heaven and earth is on my side. He is all knowing and all powerful. Together we will conquer satin’s lies over my life. I believe that Christ will fully heal my wounded heart and restore it with the love and peace he has to offer. I believe that He will use me to share with others the freedom that comes from giving up all for the sake of Him. He wants our junk! We cannot move forward in our walk or our relationship until we give up “everything.” The song with the words “ Here I am ,…with all I have, …..I raise my hands to worship you…” says it all. We must come before our savior with EVERYTHING, and despite our circumstances, Praise our Heavenly Father. After all, this race isn’t about us anyway. The race is about glorifying and worshipping GOD. Let us continue to lift each other in prayer as we “race to win!”
In John 5 it talks about a sick man who had been ill for 38 years. Jesus asked him “ Would you like to get well?” The man says “I can’t,” I have no one to help me. Jesus says “stand up, roll up your mat and go home!” Interesting that Christ asks a question that seems to have an obvious answer! Who wouldn’t want to get well?? But Christ nonetheless asks, “Do you want to?” We all have the choice to “get up and take our mat.!” Looking to others for help instead of our savior will often lead to despair. We must put all of our faith and trust in Him!!! So here I go… running forward with all the momentum in me toward Christ. May he be faithful to sustain me as I run this race for His glory!
Michele

Praise God everyone, thank the Lord for you all, you guys are the “Bomb Diggity” this is what its all about, enthusiasim, power and will, to run a race, the Book of The Appostle John speaks about, how humble he was, when people asked, who he was, but yet said nothing about him, but all about who comes for them, the Lamb of God…… and it goes on to say, that John never once mentioned who he was, but what he is, a servent and a voice in the wildernerness, calling prepare ye the way of the coming of the Lord, repent and turn from your wickedness, so as we run the race, we are like John, not for us but for the Glory of our God, sounding the trumpet making noise, warning the world, not of who we are but of who God is until next time, Love and Prosperity. in Jesus name Amen

ONE GOD
ONE FAMILY
ONE LOVE

Wow! Some powerful stories! I am with Joy. I have gained a lot of weight (physically) and will be lagging along in the back. But, I don’t plan on hiding back there; I’m just slow. I’m 51, a pharmacist, and a recovering addict. I don’t have a story like Michele, but we all have skeletons. Why we want to hang on to these stupid parts of our lives is beyond me. God wants to take these skeletons & raise us up to be a beacon. But, no, we want to hang on; to have control over some part of our lives. When will we ever learn? I’ll be hanging around the back, but I won’t be quiet!
And one more time-How about those Steelers? Woo, hoo. Flag hanging on front door (and we’re in Cowboy country). What a blast!
Thanks, guys. :)

Blessed we are! Christian Brothers and Sisters…..“This is the day that the Lord hath made… I will rejoice and be glad in it!” Wow! What an amazing statement. “I will rejoice and be glad in it.” We have a choice, and today no matter what happens, I will praise God and rejoice in His plan for my life. Thank you to all who have been so encouraging. Your prayers and godly words are an inspiration. I love how Christ sends messengers to share the word…. Isn’t it amazing how each of us, at times without knowing are blessing others and encouraging their walk with God. How privileged and honored we are!
It is time for me to race off to work, but I will be back later tonight to share an “ah ha!” moment and how Christ gently spoke to “open my eyes” to a behavior that I was not aware of that has had a negative impact on others. Thank you Jesus for loving me enough to correct me so I can better walk in your ways! Amen.

This is my first time here, I would like to be a part of this family site. Thank you,iolana

Iolana-
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here! Welcome to the kommunity/fam!

Be blessed!

Lizzerd

Joe and everyone, thanks for the Word!!! I love to just read everything from the top, so that I can be reminded of certain things. Love it. Have a great day.

I am so blessed by Sister Michele’s testimony… Praise God sis! Praise God! This is such a blessing… This is my first time in here and it wont be the last… hehehehe.. thank you sister Ruta for the invite :-) and all the wonderful stories about the cruise… I am looking forward to next year… It will be my first one… Thank you Jesus, because I know you will make a way for me to join my brothers and sisters next year…. Viia Le Atua!!! :-) And Yes! Yes! Yes! to the race….. But bare with me, I can’t run yet because I am still learning to walk… :-) Much Alofas(Love) to you All, In Jesus Name! Blessings- ** Christina

Eh! anybody get some shoes fo me……i like run but i can only walk because of these slippers….lol but I’ll keep up hehe, Praise God. sole my nikes po’o fea o ai….love you all

Chaggy peace…..

Praise be to God! We have a great heavenly family!!! OK, now for that ah ha moment that I had yesterday… As I was sitting at the computer, my husband walked into the room asking “ whatcha doing?” His voice was inquisitive but not intrusive. I started to reply when he took one step in my direction. All of a sudden I felt a sense of my privacy being invaded—I minimized the computer screen so fast as if to say “this is my territory, and you cannot be a part of it.” I have been reading about the wounded heart (those who have been subject to abuse) and have been learning that folks with this experience often communicate differently. Now I had NOTHING to hide, yet, that perception of having my space invaded was enough to cut off communication with the person I love dearly, my husband. My reaction was almost instinctive. And it was a reaction based on a FALSE perception. I know that my husband would not intentionally invade my privacy. However, that instinct reared it’s head based on a conditioned response from years of repeated abuse. Christ opened my eyes to seeing that my past does affect my perception and communication pattern. Interestingly enough, I never knew before yesterday that these reactions and patterns were related to and/or connected to the experiences. So thank the Lord that through asking Christ to be with me on this journey—exposing the dark areas so I can walk closer to Him, he has been faithful to help me see things through ‘different lenses”, His eyes and not my own! I know I have pushed down (deep down) the traumatic events that I have faced. It was easy to decide early on that since I couldn’t change what happened, then what was the use of “re-living” or facing those things that surely would bring me a great deal of anxiety or sorrow. Well…. I can tell you that the moment I decided I needed to run this race, Christ has been gently opening up my eyes to behaviors such as these that might be hindering my relationships with Him or with others to some extent. Have you ever thought or said to yourself,…. “you can have whatever you want God… I am willing to give you everything, except this one area of my life.” Sometimes we “hold on” to one area so tightly and refuse to give it up. Christ is waiting for us to give him the one area that we are holding onto. We must be willing to give EVERYTHING to Him. In Christ, NOTHING is hidden. Think about how much energy is spent trying to hide or avoid things in our past that bring us shame or humiliation. Think about it. We can hide it from others for so long—but we will never be able to hide from God. He knows us intimately and is waiting for us to surrender all. Imagine how much closer we could be to Christ, and how much we could help others if we face our humanness , ugliness and all. Now none of us want to admit how ugly we really are. It is much more palatable to view ourselves in a more positive light (It is common for folks to brag about themselves, their roles, finances, or to pump up accomplishments so that they are viewed “more favorably” in the eyes of others). Let’s face it, that is human nature. However, we need to be reminded of the story where God instructs us not to treat the rich more favorably. We are to be humble and dependent on God. Not arrogant and independent. We NEED Christ and what He offers us. We are nothing without Him. And He calls us to be different. So as you run the race this week, ask God to show you ways that are not pleasing to Him. Ask Him to correct you, as a father would correct a child so that you can strengthen your relationship with Him. Love and Blessings! Michele