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Gone Too Soon?

22 years ago today, my Mom passed away.   Yesterday at home alone, I decided to take up my son Josh’s favorite pastime, listening to his Itunes collection on the family computer.  The first song that came on was Michael Jackson‘s “Gone too soon”.  Believe it or not, I had a spiritual moment right in the middle of the kitchen.  Waves of emotion flooded my soul as I reminisced about the lady who taught me to honor God and to love people.  I wondered, “What my life would be like if my sweet Mother were still alive?”

As the lyrics of the song continued, “Like a loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, gone too soon.  Like a castle built upon a sandy beach, gone too soon.  Here one day, gone one night.  Like a sunset, dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soon”.  It occurred to me that the message of the song,  “Gone too soon” depends on one’s perspective.  You see, if we live life to the fullest, not begrudging our past or afraid of the future, when our time comes, it won’t be too soon.   I guarantee you,  Mom doesn’t want to come back.  She’s spending eternity where we all hope to be someday.  “Gone too soon”?  From a selfish perspective, yes.  From her’s….absolutely not!  Why?  Because she made the most of every moment.  She engaged the “NOW”!  Each day of life was a chance to love God and serve people!  Every setback was just another opportunity for a comeback!

-Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)

-Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.  (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

-I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  (John 10:10)

Our day is coming.  Each of us will face eternity sooner or later.  But until that day,  we must live in the “NOW“!   Be in the moment!  In the words of Tim Mcgraw, “Live like you were dying”.  Because guess what?  We all are!  Don’t waste another second regretting your past.  You can learn from it, but you don’t have to live in it.  Plan wisely for the future, but don’t be consumed or worried about it.  Remember, yesterday’s history, tomorrow’s a mystery, but today is a gift.  That’s why we call it “the present”.

Better days are definitely ahead!  However, your greatest day is today!  Enjoy it.  Celebrate it!  Give love like you’ve never given it before.  Speak words of life to everyone you encounter.  Forgive those who’ve done you wrong.  Don’t hold back, be your best!  It’s who God made you to be!

In the NOW,

Joe

  • Janie

    Wow! Great perspective. Thanks for sharing. :o)

  • http://teinesamoa1960@yahoo.com Lilla Schwenke

    “Gone too soon” – great great words of encouragements – every single one of those words are as powerful – live for today – yesterday is history and tomorrow is yet to come – Today – God’s blessings upon all of you great boys – your dearest dearest mother – what a woman of God – it gives me greater joy to honor and privilege for your late precious mother – I am a mother of three wonderful boys and one lovely daughter and one grandaughter and a wonderful daughter in law – You boys Mom has left a great legacy in your lives – your children’s lives – blessed be the name of the Lord indeed – blessings boys!!!!

  • The Rodriguez Family

    Great devotional (again) Joe! That flood of emotion is all too familiar to me, but the knowledge of my parents in the presence of our Lord is great comfort. I’ll be praying for His peace for you and the rest of your family today. Thanks again for your wonderful insight. Have a blessed day.

    Also in the NOW,
    Patty

  • Meghan Ashley

    Hey James,
    Thanks for the awesome devotional!!! I find myself saying that a lot about my friend Teresa, who passed away 2 years ago at the age of 22 from bone cancer. You tend to think that people die, but not until they’re like 90…and when that doesn’t happen, no matter how long they stay in this life, wevtend to think they were gone too soon. I sometimes think what she’s missing out on, kids, marriage, nieces and nephews. But then I remember that I’m also missing out on the cool stuff she gets to do up there in heaven (or whatever you wish to call it), and that she wouldn’t come back for anything!!! So I am slowly learning to embrace each day, and let go of trying to control what I can’t. I just try to remember the awesome times together (cliche but true), and remember that this isn’t the end and I’ll see her again soon (but not too soon!). Thanks for the reminder! God bless! ~Meghan Ashley~

  • claudie brown

    Dear Kuzins,
    How I wish your Mother could have lived to see what a wonderful job she did in leading her sons to the Lord. I know she is looking down from Heaven each and every moment of your lives. You keep her memory alive for all of us that love you and your families. Your love for your families, the Lord, and your music and mission honor her every day. Thanks for sharing this precious lady with us.I will say a special prayer for her on Mother’s Day.

  • Tiffany

    Simply beautiful!

  • Renee’ Dresser

    Thank you for sharing brother! I’ll be praying for you guys today. Please pray for my mom. I’m taking her to the doctor in a few minutes. She’s been having heart palpatations for a few weeks, and this morning she came very close to passing out. My dad took her to the emergency room a few days ago, but they don’t know what’s wrong yet. Please just pray! Thank you my brother!
    Love your lil’ sis,
    Renee’

  • Stephp

    amazing. i would have loved to meet your Mother.

  • Merribeth

    Thank you for sharing! :)

  • Sheron Aumua-Maneafaiga

    You were right making time to read this reminded me of my mother whom i lost 3 year ago to cancer.. being diagnosed in the last stages of it never gave me much time to share what i could… however… i say today “I TRUST YOU LORD” in all things may he be glorified…
    Te Legacy of a mother living thru her kids is a blessing.. thanks for being a blessing in our lives thru your devotions and thru the ministry of music.. with a humble heart i Praise the Lord for you Katina Brothers… May you be blessed in all God has in store for you in your lives however long or short all our lives maybe….
    Fa’afetai Lava… Malo le Fa’amalosi

  • Craig Ha’o.

    Aloha brothers.
    Wow…what a Amazing devotional entry and Wonderful story about a special servant of God, your Dear Mother. I too lost my Mom-2 years ago, at home unexpectedly which reminds me all the time to value the time and that you never know when God will call us Home. Guys I look forward to meeting your Mom, family and ALL of you guys again (met you at WOLCC in Honolulu few years ago) “up There”…and it could be Very Soon! I hope our dear Mom’s are already acquainted and are enjoying the Rest they’ve entered into as Good and faithful servants. Aloha brothers, God Bless and Maranatha!
    Craig.

  • virginia prokop

    HI! THERE KUZ!!!! THIS DEVO MAKES ME CRY, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT STEAL LIFE,BUT YOUR MOM KNEW THE NOW TIME GOD, SHE PLANTED THE LOVE OF CHRIST,THE GIFT!!!!! SOMETIMES YOU FORGET AND GET CARRIED AWAY WITH THE CARES OF THIS WORLD, BUT, THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS THE GIFT,(LOVE) DID WE LOVE IN EVERYTHING THAT CAME ACROSS OUR PATH? THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS DEVO, I HAS TOUCHED A PART OF MY HEART AND BROUGHT A BLESSED REALITY TO GO AND LIVE IN EVERY MOMENT IN THE GIFT OF LIFE!!! KEEP ON WALKING IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST BECAUSE SHARING AS YOU DO BRINGS LIFE,FREEDOM, AND LIBERTY!!!!<3<3<3

  • Maricella Naranjo

    WOWWWWW, what an amazing story, I thank your mother and jesus for giving us such beautiful human being such as the Katinas and teaching you guys to Love Jesus more than anything else. May God continue to bless you guys and use you for His glory, in Jesus name, amen!

    In Christ Love,
    Maricella

  • http://rattales.wordpress.com/ Rachel R

    I love that song, and often tear up when I hear it. I love your different perspective on it too…

    You know how sometimes when God wants you to learn something, He shows it to you it several different places? Well, the message of living in the “NOW” is a message that God has been showing me in lots of ways lately…including your blog today. Thanks for another reminder.

    Many blessings as you remember sweet memories of your mom.

  • Helen

    Dear Joe, Thank you for sharing the sweet thoughts about your mom. I know you all loved her so much. I love the part where “she taught you to honor God and to love people & how she loved God and loved to serve people! ” You boys have her heart, “the heart of Jesus and the mind of Christ” Jesus shines in all your songs and your words. Thank you for being a reflection of Gods amazing love for the world to see. We need that and I just know God is telling your sweet mom, “well done good and faithful servent” My mom did not raise me but I got to know her a little bit 11 yrs ago via the phone when she was dying of cancer, she said sorry she was not there, I told her it’s ok mom, dont worry about it. I was going to take care for her in the last 3 months but did not make it to NY before she took her last breath as it came faster then the doctors had said, They said 3 months but it was 3 weeks. I loved her though becuase she gave life to me and my two brothers. But she was so young 16 and get this our father was 63 and raised us but he died when I was 9. Crazy huh. I never thought I missed my mom as a child because I just thought whats the big deal. She just cant be here but it”s not till my fourties that I now long for her in my life. My prayers are with you today for HIS comfort and HIS strength to be yours each day. love ya, Helen Caballero

  • Sister V

    Praise The Lord!! Thank you so much JOE. What an awesome devotion. Its amazing how GOD has planned it all. Having such a great and loving mother is the BEST! We too had a MOM teach and guides us through the years of her life. I can hear her say, “GIVE IT ALL TO JESUS!” She invisioned so much for her children, and was blessed to be given the opportunity to set the foundation for us. Just as your mom did for you all. I am so blessed to know where GOD has me right now, I thank HIM for it all, esp blessing me with MY PRAYING MOTHER!! God used our mothers for HIS GLORY – and its an HONOR and PRIVLAGE to know WE SERVE THE MIGHTIEST OF THEM ALL. My mom to has been gone too soon (its been 12yrs)- but I know by the fruits of her LABOR – she is rejoicing along with yours. Be blessed my brothers. Thanks for the devotion. May He continue to bless you more abundantly!

    It was good seeing you all too, in Grand Rapids, MI. Hope to see yall soon. Much alofa and God Bless…
    Forever In His grip,

    Sister Vernie Amitanai..

  • Rena H

    Joe,
    Thank you for sharing your heart & thoughts about your Mom. Just 3months ago my Mom went to be with the Lord.
    It really ministered to me…:)

    God Bless
    Sis Rena

  • Gary

    WOW Joe, Good one. yeah i still have my moments (waves and floods of emotion) in thoughts of Diane. Its only been 4 yrs so its still kinda hard. As I downloaded your first tape I listened to “Mother” and remember those days. Diane and I were just starting and so were you guys. I remember how lovingly you talked about your mom and how much she encouraged you guys to continue on, even though she knew she wouldnt be here. And that you have. Sometimes I find it hard to focus because I look at the past and wish I had done a better job as a husband. When those emotions end, I know its Diane telling me that “everything is gonna be ok”, and I smile knowing one day they will be. Im not the most dedicated Christian around and still struggle, but I know that one day in the future, ALL will be ok and good….Thanks for sharing Kuz

  • Debbie

    Thanks Joe. Awesome devotional! God bless you all!

  • Michael Bran

    Awsome, this is ver meaningful and it helps us to take all things into perspective, it touched my heart.

    Thank you my brothers in Christ
    Michael

    May the Lord continue to use you in music and devotions.
    Praise the Lord

  • Mark Flolo

    Thank you so much for this heartfelt message. Your life and the Legacy of your amazing mother is truly a BLESSING! I love you family.
    =M=

  • Cathy

    Wow. Wonderful! Great love for your precious Mom! K5 is a reflection of her love.

  • Jae Taylor

    Amen Brother Joe,

    This is definitely a beautiful message for all to read and to help think back on how everyone shouldn’t take life for granted and to take each day as a blessing. God bless to you and to the whole family. Island Danced & Praised Ministry at the Rock San Diego can ‘t wait to see you guys!!!!

  • Claudette Beauchamp

    Thank you for sharing your heart….. Beautiful. I respect your momma. My wish is that my 5 can say similar things of me when Father calls me home…… You and your brothers have been a huge blessing to me and my children for so many years with your wonderful spirit filled music. I thank God for your momma cause she was the begining of that. What a great heritage of Gods love…. She is beautiful! Bein a single mom is heart breaking at times…. I often think of you guys and know that I can do this….(speakin life) I know she is proud of you all for the lives you live and the love you share and the light you all shine! Every time I am out of church, a few moments on “Thank you” has me cryin in repentance and runnin back….. Fa’afati Easu in every language!! love you all brothers in Christ~ Claudette in Seattle

  • Nyssa

    Just read your devotion and thought wow!!!
    For me it was an amazing devotion to read. Because God has a time and place for everything. My parents have both passed away, within a year of each other. My mother was a tower of strength, she was this amazing power house of faith that could not and would not be shaken by anyone. The only one that could do the shaking was God, and he had my mother’s life planned down to the very last detail. I think the same thing about my mother, I am going to see her again someday, somedays it couldn’t come soon enough but God has a plan for me to. So until then I will be leading my life by what you’ve said in your devotion because I believe it with all my heart.
    Thanks for your words of truth and faith.
    Nyssa in Wellington, New Zealand

  • Diana

    Wow Joe, You know I 1st heard you guys play at Cathedral of Faith years ago! late 90′s! I caught up in the shuffles of time and hadn’t followed you guys for a while. My coworker just attended a concert and seen you play at the Harvest Festival in Los Angeles. He bought me a Collage cd! PHENOMINAL! My favorite is “I’ll Wait”! …..So, I logged on to UR website today and wanted to check out UR devotions! WOW! Amazing devotion man! Amazing! The words of the annointing and the Holy Spirit were on you, I C! Thank you for giving me a new perspective on this! My dad just passed last yr and I still can’t believe it! I believe God has healed me from grief, but someX’s I still have moments and when I do, I cling to and talk to God. I tell myself the Holy Spirit is here to comfort you, Jesus delivered you and God will never leave you or forsake you! Thank you for the life changing inspiration! I love my dad and in time will learn to live with the unwanted void. I know God fills it……..He has to…….He loves each of his children so much! Well, Peace and love to U your brothers, wives and kids! -D