iTunes_Slide
cruise_header_2
the katinas facebook
slides
THE KATINAS TREE
KATINAS GREEN
Feb 11th, 2009 34 Comments

Get Set!

AX077555

Where are you at? Do you feel like you’re being thrown in every direction? Are you upside- down, turned around, wondering when this merry-go-round called life will stop? News flash…..it doesn’t stop! In the words of Phil Collins, “That’s just the way it is”!

It is so crucial that you implement the next step as you run this “Amazing Race”! You’ve started! You’re “on your mark”! Now it is time to “GET SET”! Steady yourself! Get entrenched! Make a decision then stay the course! Colossians 3:2 instructs us to “Set our minds on things above and not on earthly things”! You can’t control the wind, but you can “set” your sail. You can’t predict the future but you can “set” your mind on the one who knows everything! “Well, I’m already set in my ways. You can’t teach old dogs new tricks”. First, you are not a dog. Second, these are not tricks. They are God’s promises that will “set” you free!

To set your mind on things above means to establish a “God” perspective on life. He sees things so differently than we do. Isaiah 55:6-9 tells us to seek the Lord while he’s here to be found. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours. In verse 7 it says that the wicked must abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. This means that God wants us to start thinking like He thinks. We must say farewell to our old ways and start doing things His way! 1 Corinthians 2:16 says that we have the mind of Christ. How does Jesus think? That’s how we’ve gotta start thinking. How did Jesus live? That’s how we’ve gotta start living.

How is this possible you might ask? Philippians 4:13; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”! How about that? If Jesus lives in you, you can do whatever you “set” your mind to. Remember, you now have the mind of Christ, His word is in you, you’re living a new way, your thoughts are becoming like His. No more selfish, self-centered, insecure, self-serving ambitions. You are now running for God’s glory. You’re living your life for His purposes. Whatever you may be facing today, keep running to God. He is the beginner and finisher of our faith! Until Next week……..

! Set for the Race

Tags Category
  • Sista RJ

    Amen Amen & Amene! Just printed out my copy so I can meditate, ponder and align myself with the Word shared with all of us from Abba Daddy through you Brother Joe! Timely and fitting it is. We have a monthly Family Ties Fellowship with my cuzins~Sista’s & Nieces we started the Amazing Race and they were all so blessed! So when we see each other or talk on the phone to see how we are doin, on top of our list is “You do you, & I do me” & “Stay on YOUR mark”! We all have different home churches, but there is ONE JESUS!!! Praise the Lord, and may he continue to anoint, bless you his servant son and your entire family for your obedience in all that he’s called you to. KBrothers we love you all and your families and pray God’s continued favor, protection & blessings on all of you, including the supporting staff Brothers Charlie, Niel & Zander, John Paul all of you incase I’m missing names, you know who you are! (even betta JESUS KNOWS YOUR NAME!) Until next time…Seki-Set for da Race
    Sista RJ, Brother Herbie, Sis Tina, and all my Family Tie Sista’s~Nieces (Representin all of North San Diego County) Oside, Carlsbad, Vista, & San Marcos CA

  • Sista RJ

    Testimony from my niece; (Glory to God!)
    Jeremiah 29:11-12 (New International Version)
    11 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 hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

    My experience with the older generators at Family Ties was very helpful for me. To listen to other sisters and aunties who go through the similar obstacles that I’ve experienced, proved that I’m not alone. It’s true in Jeremiah 29:11-12. He does have a plan for each and everyones life. Obstacles are put in our lives for us to prosper whatever the blessing is and not in place to harm us in any way, shape or form. No matter how bad the situation is, he’ll never give you something that you can’t handle.
    Give it to God. What ever it may be, PRAY and he will listen to you.

    I would like to thank you all for the wonderful fellowship last night. I’m hungry for more and will see you ladies next month. Remember, FIND and STAY on your MARK!! You do you and Let me do me! Stay focused on the goal. Run your race with faith and discipline. Encourage those you see running th same course. Remember, God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

    FAITH FOR THE RACE

    Jennah Solia

  • sylvia

    I wanted to thank you for the devotionals, especially this one. These past few weeks it seems like I have been pulled in many directions and I have lost focus on the on above. This past week has been hard to stay on my mark and remember that God has plans for me.

  • Stephanie

    Sista RJ, I feel like I am facing a battle that I know I can’t handle. I keep praying but at the end of the day it seems like I get knocked down on my face again. I feel defeated and when the morning comes I try again in faith to believe and start all over. After your prayers, it did feel like I was only knocked down to my knees, but still stumbling. I am praying and claiming God’s words, but nothing in my situation is changing. I know God is a God of miracles. If he just thinks it, it is done. I don’t know why this is happening to me, why even after I have cried and begged and laid it all down in front of him my pain won’t go away. Where can I find the strength to get to the starting line everyday? I can’t find my joy anymore, it’s like my life has changed and it’s so hard to find the strength to go on. Can my prayers really change God’s mind or his will for how a situation is going to turn out? It’s breaking my heart. I miss my husband, and it’s killing me to see him suffer. I loved him like God told me too and now he has taken him away from me and my kids. It makes it hard to have hope,but I try everyday. I just wish God would hear me and give me a glimmer of hope. I can’t even start my race, I can hardly open my eyes everyday and face my day.

  • http://baylormum.blogspot.com Shellie (baylormum)

    I know I’m not a dog, but I do feel old sometimes! But, age has nothing to do with this race we’re in. Having the mind of Jesus is kind of scary to me. I don’t like to make a mess of things, but I do. How, if I have the mind of Jesus? That human part of me speaks louder than Jesus at lot of the time.
    Just as a runner focuses on the race, we must focus on the voice of Jesus. Listening is so easy, if we stop & actually do it! Not listening can lead to stupid decisions and then blaming God for not helping us out.
    We must take the time to pray to God for the day ahead and listen for His guidance. It doesn’t always come WHEN we want it, it doesn’t always HOW we want, and sometimes it doesn’t come at all. I think not setting unreasonable expectations is the best way to “get set”. If our expectation is to finish the race vs. finishing first in that race, we are a winner no matter what.
    I tend to ramble, so I think I’ll stop & see if I can tune in to what God wants me to do today instead of what I want to do today. (which is to stay in my jammies all day!). Thanks, Joe.

  • Sista RJ

    Dear Sister Stephanie, my heart so goes out and feels your pain you see I myself went through something similar. My husband left me to raise 3 beloved sons and the youngest was 1. I didn’t know Jesus as my Savior at the time, and Aunty Siai Katina (the brothers beloved Mama came and witnessed to me in A.Samoa what she did was share love with me, allowed me to cry on her shoulder, she prayed for me and I really felt she understood and knew the pain and heartache I was going through. Her prayers were indeed powerful, for it was 4 years later I repented and asked Jesus to come into my heart to be my Savior. Through it all the tears that will flood rivers, the broken heart, heart aches being alone to raise kids and get myself or keep it together. Here we are 3 grown sons and 9 grandchildren with Still Jesus by my side, inside my heart/soul blessing me beyond measure having me live, experience him in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have probably been for me…he has healed, he is able, he has blessed me over & beyond what I could of ever imagined. “His GRACE is Sufficient” He will make all things beautiful in His time. I still believe God, pray for my sons father to come to Jesus forgiven him for he truly didn’t know what he was doing, just like any of us when we crucified our Lord! See that’s how much Jesus loves us, he died for us, he knows our entire life here on earth, the choices we will make and still he beckons us to come, he prays for us daily without end even now at the right hand of the Father interceding for you & me by name…it is by faith small as a mustard seed, faith in God to believe Him, His Word, He manifests himself his Word to us…oh that we would believe God..take him for his Word. Sis, in Jesus name I pray and know that our God our Savior has the perfect plan for you and for your family. Don’t give up, and if you feel you have or are giving up…Sis give it up to Jesus, He will make a way and it’s in His perfect timing this difficult trying time will come to pass…Jesus be glorified, you continue to show yourself true, be who you said you were/are to our dear Sister, her children and her husband whom she loves dearly. Lord in this familie’s life we pray your miracle, your will, your purpose and know because she is yours…you will work it for her good! Romans 8:28 in your Faithful, ever loving, Sovereign Name Jesus we pray…Amen

    Sis, it has been going on 27 years and truly it has been easy, but it truly has been one I wouldn’t trade for anything. To know and love God is the purpose of my life! To Him alone be all the glory, for I believe me & my household will be saved in Jesus name it’s up to God how he wants to do it! He is close to the broken hearted and he has heard the cries of my heart and in his time he is more than able to answer and beautify everything that concerns me! In His Perfect love, your sister RJ

  • Cathy

    It’s absolutely amazing how God reminds us to refocus and even points us in the direction to look to become refocused!

    God and His perfect timing! Not only did the message have all of my favorite scriptures but I was just crying to the Lord about how I just couldn’t get focused, how I am having a hard time focusing and wanting to give up for just a little bit. I didn’t know that The Katinas had a devotional, I got a reminder that every Wed. a new devotional comes out. So I checked it out.

    This is what I read – Get Set! It’s truely awesome how He cares for each one of us and speaks to us. It’s nice when we listen. I would’ve missed my blessing for today. Thank you.

  • James

    Cathy, you are welcome. Please join us every Wednesday as we get strengthened by His promises so we can run this race. Stay the course it’s going to get better. Blessings

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    Hey Stephanie,, YES you can start your race.. everyday is a new day in God’s Kingdom. That means whatever you are dealing with today leave it behind and give it to God… and let tomorrow be the best day you have ever had. God hears you! Maybe you should start telling yourself that you are going to have good days and see where that takes you. God is yesterday,today,and tomorrow. My heart also goes out to you..

    I had a fall in the summer time where I didn’t want to go to certain programs in my church that use to be important to me. I felt uneasy about not going and didn’t like where it was taking me after not going for a month. I got back on my feet because I so love the walk I am on with God. My church is so important to me.

    You can do the same instead of worrying about all the things that are going on around you start telling God how much you love Him. I’ve learned if you ask God to be in your life more He will be there!

    God is the beginning and the end.. He is everything!

    Here are the lyrics to an awesome song by Hillsong United:
    “All I Need Is You”
    Left my fear by the side of the road
    Hear You speak
    Won’t let go
    Fall to my knees as I lift my hands to pray

    Got every reason to be here again
    Father’s love that draws me in
    And all my eyes wanna see is a glimpse of You

    All I need is You
    All I need is You Lord
    Is you Lord

    One more day and it’s not the same
    Your spirit calls my heart to sing
    Drawn to the voice of my Saviour once again
    Where would my soul be without Your Son
    Gave His life to save the earth
    Rest in the thought that You’re watching over me

    All I need is You
    All I need is You Lord
    Is You Lord

    You hold the universe
    You hold everyone on earth
    You hold the universe
    You hold
    You hold

    All I need is You
    All I need is You Lord
    Is You Lord

    I hope that helps..

    Elizabeth

  • Joy

    Wow…Ah…running the race to keep focused or refocus on having the mind of Christ.
    Sometimes, it seems like there are just not enough hours in the day to do all that is necessary for survival. But if we have the mind of Christ and focus, put Him first, the rest will fall into place.
    Ya know, sometimes, I hear my husband get up in the early morning before the sun is up. He sits on the edge of the bed and prays for his family and friends. Sometimes, he just sings and sings. It’s in Samoan, so I don’t know what he’s singing, but I do know that he is gloriyfing God. Sometimes, he stays up late at night, after the kids and I go to bed, reading/singing from the pese and reading the Bible. Taking notes…
    He’s sick and I know that he probably could use the rest, but he’s putting God first.
    He’s such an example and motivator for me to be a better person in Christ…
    Me? I just keep on runnin the race….
    Blessings…and congrats to James and Chrissy, Haylee and the boys for the new addition…
    xo to all.
    J

  • Stephanie

    Liz and Sista RJ, Thank you for the words of encouragement. Joe, thanks for the inspirational messages every week. James and Chrissy, Thank you for your prayers. It’s so selfless of the both of you especially when you just brought a new baby into the world and are rejoicing in that. You still took that time to lift me up and you don’t even know me. God bless all of you for helping me.

    I am so low right now, still struggling to find a way out. I know God meant for me to find this site to help me through my current crisis. I can’t express in words how much this site has meant to me over the last few days. I cry when I listen to “Praying for You” it’s such a blessing for me and it helps me to stand everyday. I just wish I was stronger and not so weak. I believe in God and his mercy, but I am almost afraid to have hope because I don’t want to be disappointed. I thought God was answering my prayer one day, I got so excited and when I realized it was not going to happen, I was devastated.

    All I want is for my family to be together, I’ve begged him, I’ve cried to him. What else can I do? I read his word and claim the promises. Can we change God’s mind? Can our prayers change his mind? Please continue to pray for me, it saves me everyday. I do feel the power of your prayers, I know that without them I would not even face my day.

    Katina family, thank you so much… for reaching out to those that are lost and encouraging us to get up…

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    Stephanie…

    I hope you can find a way in knowing that you are loved so much by God. We need to have courage in Him and believe in Him with everything. Nothing can stop us from loving Him.

    Jeremiah 29:11-14
    For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

    “Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love.” Reinhold Niebuhr quotes

    “Healer” by Hillsong
    You hold my every moment
    You calm my raging seas
    You walk with me through fire
    And heal all my disease

    Pre-Chorus:

    I trust in You
    I trust in You

    Chorus:

    I believe You’re my Healer
    I believe You are all I need
    I believe You’re my Portion
    I believe You’re more than enough for me
    Jesus You’re all I need

    Nothing is impossible for You
    Nothing is impossible for You
    Nothing is impossible for You
    You hold my world in Your hands

    “Thank You” by The Katinas
    Just a little while longer I wanna pray
    Can’t get You off my mind so I came to say
    Thank You Lord just for loving me
    Many times as I do forget
    Every need that You have met
    Oh thank You Lord, I know You’re showing me
    You are there when I am down and out
    You’re holding me, Your love is so amazing
    Oh it changed me

    Chorus:
    Here I am with all I am
    Raise my hands to worship You
    I wanna say thank you, oh thank you
    For everything, for who You are
    You cover me, You touch my heart
    I wanna say thank you

    I could have died in my sin but You saved me
    Didn’t have any hope at all
    You gave me peace divine, strength to carry on
    I should have been the one to pay
    But instead You took my place
    My Jesus, words cannot explain
    Even though I don’t deserve Your love for me
    You look beyond my fault and You showed mercy

    CHORUS

    I wanna say thank you for the sun
    I wanna say thank you for the rain
    Everything You do is beautiful
    I’m so grateful for Your love

    Pray and let God show you His love. He knew you way before you were born. I also posted that the best soul foods are at the start of a battle so when you feel low know that you have God on your side. Know that He is there to pick you back up and love you with everything. You are His daughter and He will never let you get away because you are so important to God!

    Blessings to you Stephanie,,

    Elizabeth

  • Anna~Federal Way

    Hey Family!!!

    How is everyone and their families doing? I pray for God’s blessings, may it never cease upon us all.
    Wow, I am always blessed coming in here. The Amazing Race with “Our Amazing God”. The testimonies, prayer requests, encouragements, Bible scriptures…. the whole works, is helping me :-) When you surround yourself with positive and greatness, therefore you become. I am trying my best and I know you are too, lets hang in there and keep our eyes “set” on Him.
    My Testimony:
    Things have been shaken up this week at work. I am sad to say that many of my co-workers were laid off today. Praise God that I still have a job. Please pray for those who lost their jobs today. Just recently on the news. it talked about some folks who lost their jobs committed suicide? Both parents lost their jobs. Is it the Great Depression again???
    Depression? Suicide? Thats what this world is offering??? I encourage for us to renew, reform, reshape our minds.

    Thank you brother Joe: (quotion from above)
    “This means that God wants us to start thinking like He thinks. We must say farewell to our old ways and start doing things His way! 1 Corinthians 2:16 says that we have the mind of Christ. How does Jesus think? That’s how we’ve gotta start thinking. How did Jesus live? That’s how we’ve gotta start living.”

    There is sooo much stuff going on in the world that will bring depression and lead us to do the extreme, but thank God for His Word that directs us to do the righteous thing.
    Phillipians 4:13…We could do it with Christ in us.

    Happy Valentines Day!!!!
    Blessings,
    Anna

  • rj

    Dear Sista Stephanie; We will continue to love, support and pray with you through this season of your life. Our God gives you a Spirit of love, power & a sound mind, not one of fear. Lord Jesus we continue to pray for our sista and her family, we pray for you to manifest yourself in ways that she will know without a doubt it’s you. we thank you for leading her to this blessed website as you indeed are meeting her where she is at through it and through your children. Jesus let her hope be in you alone with the assurance that you are with her and will never leave her ever. That’s who you are our blessed hope of glory, the one who demonstrated to us your perfect AGAPE love, even while we were sinners Jesus you died for us to set us free, to redeem us, shed your blood for us…how many of us can say we shed blood for anyone, or that we died or give up our lifes willingly so others can be saved? Jesus only YOU! So thank you that we can always know you love us this much and you will surely help us in all that concerns us for you already showed us much more by your death on the cross and resurrection and because you live we can live too. Sis, he is carrying you, he is holding you, and he not only wants, can and is helping you….Jesus will forever love you may his love always be your song of Praise at all times even more so in the most difficult seasons of your life. For then God will be the strongest and show himself Almighty! He will show up and show out!
    Believen Gods miracles & best for your life in Jesus mighty name alone we pray, Amen
    leavin u with his blessed promises from his Word to read, meditate, believe & receive. 2 Corinthians 12:10, Hebrews 11:6, Psalms 39:7,71:5,119:147 & Colossians 1:27
    we luv u sis keep pouring your heart out to JESUS he cares for you. 1st Peter 5:7

  • rj

    sista’s Liz & Anna luv u and sendin out shout outs blessed by your words/prayers more than you know! To all Brethren up in here God continue to bless ya & ur families. Pass the word along to all our family & frenz to come on board and join us if you have aspirations of being a blessing and used of God…you are a doing just that up in hea! No joke..Praise, Pray, Stay, need a lift, need a prayer, need encouragement, need to run the amazing race here with us, need to join us next year on the Katina Cruise 2010?
    Well u are on board, you r invited, & u r welcome in Jesus name! Holla bac show some luv it will come back ten-fold n more!
    Jesus promises and he keeps all of them~Psalm 145:13~n YES, your returns on Jesus are out of this world!

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    Hey Stephanie,, I hope you are doing good??

    Acts 20:24
    But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

    I hope you will take the time to pray for God’s love and faith because those are the best “life saving tools” to have in your life. With God anything is possible… without God life is borning and dry.

    “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr quotes

    “Savior King” by Hillsong
    Verse 1
    And now the weak say I have strength
    By the spirit of power that raised Christ from the dead
    And now the poor stand and confess
    That my portion is ? and I’m more blessed

    Pre-chorus
    Let now our hearts burn with a flame
    A fire consuming all for your Son’s holy name
    And with the heavens we declare
    You are our king

    Chorus
    We love you Lord, we worship you
    You are our God, you alone are good
    You asked your Son to carry this
    The heavy cross our weight of sin

    I love you Lord, I worship you
    Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
    I give my life to honor this
    The love of Christ, the savior king

    Verse 2
    Let now your church shine as the bride
    That you soar in your heart as you offered up your life
    Let now the lost be welcomed home
    By the saved and redeemed those adopted as your own

    Ending
    I give my life to honor this
    The love of Christ, the savior king

    Chris Tomlin “This is our God”
    The refuge for the poor, a
    shelter from the storm
    This is our God
    He will wipe away your
    tears and return your
    wasted years
    This is our God
    So call upon His Name, He
    is mighty to save
    This is our God

    A father to the orphan, a
    healer to the broken
    This is our God
    And he brings peace to our
    madness and comfort
    in our sadness
    This is our God
    This is our God

    So call upon his name
    He is mighty to save
    This Is Our God

    This is/You are the one we have waited for
    This is/You are the one we have waited for
    This is/You are the one we have waited for
    Jesus, Lord and Savior
    This is our God

    A fountain for the thirsty, a
    lover for the lonely
    This is our God
    He brings glory to the
    humble and crowns for the
    faithful
    This is our God
    So call upon His Name, He
    is mighty to save
    This is our God

    So call upon his name
    He is mighty to save
    This Is Our God

    This is/You are the one we have waited for
    This is/You are the one we have waited for
    This is/You are the one we have waited for
    Jesus, Lord and Savior
    This is our God

    It took me a long time to really understand God’s love and Grace for me. Before I became a born again Christian I was heart broken with many things that people did to me and said to me. What got me going was that I didn’t want other people to run my life for me. I didn’t want other people to think that I couldn’t do something when I could. Walking into my church saved my life. That’s when I really started my race for God. We all have back grounds that we don’t like and were tough to get through.. I promise the day you give your life to Jesus and start running your race is the day your life is going to get so much better.

    When I first started running my race I use to listen to this song many times during each day. It’s so positive…
    “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns
    Who am I?
    That the Lord of all the earth,
    Would care to know my name,
    Would care to feel my hurt.
    Who am I?
    That the bright and morning star,
    Would choose to light the way,
    For my ever wandering heart.

    Bridge:
    Not because of who I am,
    But because of what you’ve done.
    Not because of what I’ve done,
    But because of who you are.

    Chorus:
    I am a flower quickly fading,
    Here today and gone tomorrow,
    A wave tossed in the ocean,
    A vapor in the wind.
    Still you hear me when I’m calling,
    Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
    And you’ve told me who I am.
    I am yours.
    I am yours.

    Who am I?
    That the eyes that see my sin
    Would look on me with love
    And watch me rise again.
    Who am I?
    That the voice that calmed the sea,
    Would call out through the rain,
    And calm the storm in me.

    Not because of who I am,
    But because of what you’ve done.
    Not because of what I’ve done,
    But because of who you are.

    I am a flower quickly fading,
    Here today and gone tomorrow,
    A wave tossed in the ocean,
    A vapor in the wind.
    Still you hear me when I’m calling,
    Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
    And you’ve told me who I am.
    I am yours.

    Not because of who I am,
    But because of what you’ve done.
    Not because of what I’ve done,
    But because of who you are.

    I am a flower quickly fading,
    Here today and gone tomorrow,
    A wave tossed in the ocean,
    A vapor in the wind.
    Still you hear me when I’m calling,
    Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
    And you’ve told me who I am.
    I am yours.
    I am yours.

    I am yours.

    Whom shall I fear?
    Whom shall I fear?
    ‘Thy I am yours.
    I am yours.

    God Bless,,
    Liz

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    Hey rj,, I just wanted to send a shout out back to you.. your welcome for the encouraging words. I’ve been through so much hard stuff in my life when I was growing up. Ever since I have been on my race for God I have found my calling..and that’s telling others about our God! So many great doors have opened for me because of God’s faith.

    Anything is possible in God’s faith when we believe with everything and know that God loves us no matter what. Don’t worry about what the world thinks but instead know and believe that God has your back.

    I use to always pray the Lord’s prayer all the time. When I prayed that prayer I knew in my heart that I am apart of God’s Kingdom and I am save with Him.

    I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday in church!

    Liz

  • Stephanie

    Liz, Thank you I am listening to “Who am I” as I write this. I never heard it before. I didn’t really keep up with Christian music until I discovered this site and downloaded all of the Katina songs. Today was a tough day, but I endured and actually went to church this evening. I just needed to be in God’s house. I wept the whole time, but went up for prayer. My tears are dry now and I am reading the encouragement from all of you. My life as I know it has stopped, it’s hard some days just to make it out the door, so I look forward to coming to this site to talk to all of you and to listen to the music of the Katinas, it speaks to my heart. Liz, Sista RJ thank you… For everyone else, on this blog I am sorry that I seem so weak and depressing. I’m just not quite there yet – my race. I’m learning and inspired by all of you and I read and see the love of the Katina family and it makes me smile to see how close they are to the Lord and how it shows in their families. I hope that God will restore my family so we can strive to serve God the same way. For now, I am hanging on to your words and praying for strength minute by minute. I am hoping to find the strength to get up and go to The Rock tomorrow and see The Katinas since they are in San Diego. I’m sure I will cry the whole time, but maybe it will help me to feel better. I thank God for all of you, it’s like a life preserver in the waves of the ocean I seem to be floating in. GOD BLESS YOU!

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    Stephanie,,

    Don’t be sorry about where you are with God.We all come to God weak and depressed but then if we keep praying to Him and love Him He will heal us and make us stronger..We are all at different places with God but we are still running the same race for God.

    Galatians 6:9
    So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

    Stephanie if you would like to listen to more Christian music try going to Klove.com.

    God Bless,,
    Liz

  • rj

    Sista Stephanie, don’t apologize for KIR~keepin it real, this is what our Lord wants from us,he desires honesty in the innermost parts~heart. You are keepin it real and because our God is the God of all comfort that’s what he do. He has comforted many of us who have gone through or are going through very similar trying times in turn we can comfort others with this same comfort God comforted us. There is an old song on my heart right now not sure who sings it, the lyrics have the words-”i rely upon your love like the flower needs the rain, I rely upon your through the storms and through the pain” (yes believe it’s called rely upon your love) It’s great to put on listen to worship music for he inhabits the praises of his people, it so ministers to us and lifts us up, helps us cry have him hold us, hear us, help us, know and feel his comfort his presence. Sis I plan to come to the rock 2night too for 5 & 7 evening service. Lord willing we will meet/see each other. I pray even now for God to have us cross paths in person. We love you sis your family in Jesus!

  • Michele

    Joe, thanks for the inspiring words at church today and for bringing the ROCK into worship! Our family was blessed by the music. Congrats to your brother and his wife with the addition of their newborn baby. What an absolute joy and miracle that the birth of a baby is! Today at church, our daughters boyfriend went with us to the service and he went down at the alter call. Praise God! As I “get set” this week for whatever God calls me to do, please keep our family in your prayers. We want to glorify Him in our life and in the way we interact with each other. Changing old patterns of communication can be difficult, however, with God, ALL things are possible. May we each glorify Him in our thoughts, minds, and behavior. May Christ continue to bless and transform each of us for His glory. May He teach us to lift each other up, and go out of our way to bless others.
    I was reading in Luke some scripture about loving others… it says “Listen, all of you! Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you.Implore Gods blessing on those that hurt you.Do you think you deserve credit for merely loving those who love you? Even the Godless do that! Try to show as much compassion as your Father does. Never critize or condemn- or it will all come back on you.Go easy on others and it will all come back to you.For if you give, you will get.Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure.” So, as I “get set” and go this week may Christ’s direction about loving others be the way in which I run. And if I stumble or fall, may He lovingly pick me up and get me to my feet again! Love and Blessings to my online family! XOXO

  • Anna

    Hey Family,

    Today my husband & I have committed to the prayer team ministry. We are “getting set” to take the challenge this year. How I fear of speaking on someone’s life, but I’m going to continue to remind myself, that it is all about HIM & His love.

    Anyone have any advise on public speaking and corporate praying?

    Stephanie, you was in my heart all day. You are called for geatness. You are set apart to do what He is calling you to do. What ever you’re going through you are going to come out on top!!!

    Blessings to all my family in here.
    Anna

  • Joy

    Stephanie sweetie…
    Just keep pressing on and joy will come in the morning. We all have peaks and valleys. Sometimes it seems like more valleys than peaks, but isn’t good to know in whom we believe? The Alpha and Omega and Author and Finisher – so don’t fret.
    Keep crying out, girl! Pray without ceasing and He hears your voice…
    (((Steph)))
    xo
    Joy

  • Stephanie

    Sista RJ, I received more devastating news yesterday about my husband and I was so heart broken, I felt as if my body was frozen. I hoped to see you at the rock, but I was in such bad shape, can’t seem to get up and move. Thank you everyone for your prayers, Joy, Michelle, Anna, Liz… they help carry me. I am so weak, can’t describe the pain, the tears won’t stop. Need good news so desperately. Asked God last night to take me, to end the pain. Can’t face another day. Was my life supposed to be like this filled with so much pain and sorrow? Why can’t I hear God, I need to hear him and feel him. I need a miracle that can only come from him. What else can I do? Don’t want to post any more depressing messages… SORRY.

  • Joy

    Steph…
    Please don’t stop posting.
    Keep listening for that still small voice in the wilderness!
    I didn’t want to copy/paste the whole chapter, but this will make it easier for you ….
    Remember the promises…and keep surrounding yourself with Godly, encouraging people…you’ll get through it.
    We are made more than conquerors –
    Keep crying out and He will bring you peace…

    Romans 8
    14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

    15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

    16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

    17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

    18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

    19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

    20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

    21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

    22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

    23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

    24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

    25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

    26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

    27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

    28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

    29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

    30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

    31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

    32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

    33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

    34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

    35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

    36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

    37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

    38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

    39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    King James Version (KJV)

  • Michele

    Stephanie, the good news is that you are SAVED. You are a child of the living God. You are His precious, precious creation.Jesus LOVES you like no other! Do not put your trust or faith in anyone EXCEPT Him. Here are some scriptures that may speak to your heart. And, please, do not quit posting. Do not quit at anything, do not give up. for our Lord is right there with you. You will overcome this situation through Gods tremendous grace. I would encourage you to contact the California Crisis/suicide hotline should you be contemplating taking your own life. The number is 1800 273 TALK (8255) or 1800 784 2433. Reach out for help, there are many people who love you and want to help you. You can also dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance. There are crisis teams in the Emergency room who can assist you.
    “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Issiah 43:2
    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. i do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubles, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.
    Lifting you up in the name of Jesus, all my love sister Steph ! Michele

  • Michele

    Sister Steph, Your “get set” and action plan today (right this MOMENT) is knowing the resources you have and where to go should you need immediate help. I have given you a few ( 911, the closest emergency room, & the Califonia Crisis center 1800 273 TALK; but there are county crisis centers, and professional counseling centers. I don’t know where you live but from the postings in sounds like you are in San Diego. If that is the case, there are MANY professional counseling services in SD. If you would like a christian counsler, I know that the Lighthouse counseling center on Camino Del Rio North has many counslers available to help.
    In addition to reaching out for professional help, I encourage you to pray for God’s guidance, and strength during this difficult time. Your christian brothers and sisters are also lifting you up.
    Love you and God Bless you! Michele

  • rj

    Jesus help our Sista Stephanie, bind up all the powers of darkness, oppression, suppression & depression tryin to overwhelm her. We plead your powerful blood right now over her, her children, her home & her husband Jesus. You came that we may have life and life abundantly, greater is you that is in us than he that is in the world. JESUS touch help & deliver our Sis Steph, mentally, physically, emotionally, financially most of all spiritually…in your healing, delivering, almighty name JESUS we pray and give you thanks & praise for your perfect timely answers. Amen

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    Stephanie,,

    Sorry if my message seems a little strong to you but I don’t mean for it to be it’s just what I have learned on my God path. I was in my small group tonight filled of all girls and we were talking about God’s love/grace. Stephanie you are beautiful in God’s eyes. He loves you the way you are. Maybe you need to close the door of letting your husband go because God has so much more for you. I know it hurts to let someone go but sometimes in order to love God better we have to cut out what’s holding us back. Stephanie you deserve to be loved by God. His love is a love that is greater then anything else. Once you know you are loved by God nothing will stop you from having a blessed life. Yes life is hard sometimes but the grace of God will pull you through anything.

    Acts 20:24
    But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

    Step some time if you want I will share my testimony with you?? I hope you keep posting with us?

    Step don’t be sorry for posting sad and depressing posts. Please go talk to someone in how you feel. Please really know that God is above all else and He TRULY intemently loves you for who you are!

    I hope you can put all the sad stuff behind you and start slowly knowing that God is your Father and He is there for you.

    Blessings,
    Elizabeth

  • Sista RJ

    Shalom Family; wanted to share with you all my verse from this weekend at the Rock it’s the seat I sat on~ “Dear friend, I pray tha you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” NIV~3rd John 1:2 I was so blessed along with our sista’s Lil, Elaine & Reese Sunday with our Katina Brothers. So after service I wrote down my verse went outside and read it, i was so rotfl as our God had me in stitches when I read this? Ok, and boy did it get me set! Yesterday morning was a holiday for us so I went to the gym u c this is my new long lost friend gymmie! (lol) Now we are becoming best friends again! you know you set when it’s just the 3 of you going Jesus, you and gymmie! (ata mai) ~lol~ in Samoan. So there you have it my peeps be encouraged Lord Jesus is doing the do and his children can too! Just say Yes to him and you will see…on your mark….”GET SET”! Whoo it was so good too, you know Jesus, me, gymmie and my mp3 worshipping him, the whole time! Try it if you already haven’t it will just remind you “I AM FREE”~ free to run, free to dance! For those who can’t go gymmie, I encourage you to go walking in your house on your treadmill/glider or outside seeing his creation and singing to him like it ain’t nobody’s bigness! luv you all…hav a Spirit filled blessed day & week….
    KIR~keep it real~Jesus is the real deal!
    Sista RJ
    p.s. Brothers Joe, Sam, John, Jess, Paul David, it was a blessin seein you all Sunday night 7:00 service from the balcony! Choo-hoo! Lord continue to bless, anoint, & protect you all everywhere you go in Jesus name…Luke 11:28

  • rj

    Sis Steph how r u? want to leave you with this from Oswald Chambers todays devotion. “The Initiative against Depression” “Arise & eat” 1Kings 19:5~

    The angel did not give Elijah a vision, or explain the Scriptures to him, or do anything, remarkable; he told Elijah to do the most ordinary thing, viz., to get up and eat. If we were never depressed we should not be alive; it is the nature of a crystal never to be depressed. A human being is capable of depression, otherwise there would be no capacity for exaltation. There are things that are calculated to depress, things that are the nature of death; and in taking an estimate of yourself, always take into account the capacity for depression.

    When the Spirit of God comes He does not give us visions, He tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable. Depression is apt to turn us away from the ordinary commonplace things of God’s creation, but whenever God comes, the inspiration is to do the most natural simple things-the things we would never have imagined God was in, and as we do them we find HE is there. The inspiration which comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression; we deepen the depression; but if the Spirit of God makes us feel intuitively that we must do the thing, and we do it, the depression is gone. Immediately we arise and obey, we enter on a higher plane of life.

  • rj

    Steph here is the second paragragh correct sorry that first isn’t correct.

    “When the Spirit of God comes He does not give us visions, He tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable. Depression is apt to turn us away from the ordinary commonplace things of God’s creation, but whenever God comes, the inspiration is to do the most natural simple things-the things we would never have imagined God was in, and as we do them we find He is there. The inspiration which comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression; we have to do the next thing and do it in the inspiration of God. If we do a thing in order to overcome depression, we deepen the depression; but if the Spirit of God makes us feel intuitively that we must do the thing, and we do it, the depression is gone. Immediately we arise and obey, we enter on a higher plane of life.”

    luv sis, RJ

  • http://busytimesplus3.blogspot.com/ Liz

    I just posted this writing in an email to a lot of people that I know. I thought I would share this posting with everyone on here. I hope everyone is having a great week!

    Hello Everyone,,

    I thought I would send everyone a little blessing.

    The word “passion” has been on my mind. Passion means “The state of the mind when it is powerfully acted upon and influenced by something external to itself.”

    We as Christians have the passion from God to go into our worlds and make a difference with the people around us. Because you are a daughter or a son of the King let that stretch you to step outside the box and do something extra for someone. Loving God is a life style. Have the passion to serve Him with all that you have no matter what others say to you. Be blessed that you are loved by the King. Let His love be something that influences you to do a little more in your world.. show others in your actions what it’s like to be loved by our God.

    Hebrews 11:1
    Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

    I hope you all have a great Wednesday!!

    God Bless,,
    Elizabeth

  • joe

    Family,

    Great to see the transparency, honesty and words of encouragement. “Who” you run with has a great impact on “how” you run! Iron sharpens iron! Keep watching out for eachother. Together we can finish strong!

    Blessings for the Race!