Nashville, TN – May 18, 2010 – The Katinas & Friends Cruise which will sail January 17 – 21, 2011 from Long Beach, CA and is a monumental event for the group. Celebrating its fifth year of fun, music and ministry, it also is a record breaking reservation year with nearing sold out status.

“This is a great reunion time with family and friends who have become family,” said Niel Otineru, General Manager of the Katinas. “Since registration began, the response has been amazing and the Katinas are ready to make this the best cruise yet!”

As the Katinas focus on their new “Family Night Live Concerts,” happening all over the country, the group will carry the theme of their concerts, Faith, Fellowship and Forgiveness on the cruise. “Our desire is to bring a renewed spirit, physically and spiritually to every person attending,” said James Katina.

Special guest on the Katinas & Friends Cruise include Pastors Dave and Debbie Katina, Kim Bolton and Quimi. Stops on the four-day cruise include the Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Yesterday my brothers and I, along with my son Josh had the opportunity to serve our community. We partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, one of the leading “disaster relief” organizations in the country, to help some of the flood victims here in Nashville. 3 weeks ago, our community was severely devastated by unprecedented floods and rain of mass destruction. Some lost lives, and thousand’s lost their homes, businesses and literally everything they owned. It’s been heart wrenching to watch neighbors and friends go through the pain of uncertainty and grief in all of this.

What can I do? How can I help? Where do I even start? These are questions that most of us ask during a time like this. Sometimes the overwhelming sense of feeling so small in a situation so big can paralyze us. I don’t have the money to do what I’d like to. I don’t have the skill to make a difference. I really don’t have the time to give. I wish I could, but I have my own problems too you know. Have you ever said or thought any of this? I know I have.

Isaiah 1:17- “Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”

Matthew 25:35- “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Our team of volunteers had very little experience in construction. We were a bunch of musicians, a middle-school student, a lady in her 70’s that paid her own way from Washington State, a retired professor, a fireman, an administrator, a media consultant and an illustrator, all volunteering to help a family we never even met. By the time we left that uninhabitable house yesterday, the cleanup and rebuilding process was well on its way.

There are people all around you who have been hit by the storms of life. They are down and out or maybe up and out! They are flooded with doubt and fear. They’ve been ravaged by death, divorce, rejection and despair. They may appear to have a lot, yet they’ve lost their way. What will you do? How will you respond? Don’t be overwhelmed by your lack of ability or resources. Use your gifts, your talents, and your time to assist those in need. God will take your little and make it big! He wants to use you to help someone else! Whatever you do, please don’t sit there. Don’t turn a blind eye to a world in desperate need! DO SOMETHING!

Joe

Last week Lori and Eli, our youngest son took a trip to Olympia, WA to visit her family. It was unusual for her to be “on the road” while I stayed home. It sure made me appreciate her more and what she goes through on a regular basis when I’m gone. Although I missed her, I experienced something really significant! My 13 year old, Josh and I got to spend some “one on one” time together. We hung out, watched some movies, ate junk food, enjoyed the NBA playoffs, stayed up late, played pool, shot some hoops, went to his baseball games and hung out some more. One day we ate at a buffet for breakfast and a buffet for dinner. It’s kind of sickening when I think about it now but we sure enjoyed ourselves. It was a blast!

I’ve always known that Josh was a good kid but after last week I realized even more how exceptional he really is. He’s a natural born leader. He’s kind and respectful. He’s quick-witted and very funny. Even though he’s a teenager, he’s been able to maintain a sweet spirit. I’ve told him on several occasions that he’s the kind of guy that I wish I could’ve been when I was his age. In a nutshell, he’s the bomb son!

Sometimes we fail to value the qualities in others because we really don’t know them as well as we may think we do. It’s the same way with God. We can’t fully appreciate who He is unless we spend “One on One” time with Him. It’s vital for us to get the alone time with Him. For many, He’s an old man with a long gray beard too Holy and sophisticated to approach. For some, He’s a judge who has no tolerance, waiting to punish us and spew out doom and gloom on whatever we’re going through. I challenge you to take up some “One on One” time with Him. Not just for a weekend but everyday. Get to know Him intimately. Read His word. Meditate on it. Hang out with others that love Him, but make sure you’re getting that individual, quality time between you and Him. He’s got so much for you. He wants you to experience a full life. If you will take the time to listen to Him and talk with Him about the desires of your heart, He will direct you and help you to make your paths straight!

Psalm 91: 1- “ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”

Isaiah 55:6- “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on him while he is near”.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will give you the desires of your heart”.

You think you know God pretty well now, wait ‘til you get in the pattern of spending that “One on One” time with Him. He will open up your mind to a whole new level of possibilities. He will change your heart and make you brand new!

Joe