K5 Off The Kuff – “JUST THE WAY YOU ARE”
20 CommentsCovering “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. Let us know what you think. And if you’ve got some ideas for other songs, leave them in the comments.
James, Joe & Michael Jackson
7 CommentsJoe and James paying tribute to Michael Jackson in a van from Auckland, New Zealand.
The View From Our Balcony
18 CommentsCheck out this amazing view from our balcony in Waikiki. What’s your favorite place to visit?
Remembering Israel “Izz” Godkin
17 Comments
Israel was like a younger brother to us. He was married to his “girl”, Pele who is like a sister and one of our kid’s favorite Aunties. This past Saturday, he went home to be with the Savior. We’ve experienced death on several occasions. It’s never easy and it always feels too soon, especially in this situation.
Izz was only 24 years old. He and Pele were going to celebrate their 1st anniversary next month. They are expecting their 1st child, (a baby girl) this coming November. It still seems so unbelievable. It’s hard to accept that someone so strong, so young, so loved and so full of life is no longer here. We know he’s with Jesus now, but our selfish human nature wishes so badly that he was still here.
He was a beautiful soul. His soft -spoken personality was a bit of a contrast to his muscular build and long, black hair. Sometimes he wore it in braids and other times he just put it in a ponytail. He was usually sportin’ jeans, sweats, shorts, a jersey, or a t-shirt along with the latest Nikes he could find on ebay. When he walked into a room he was definitely the point of attraction. He could be intimidating if he wanted to, but his heart was way too loving and humble to come across that way. He played the bass and sang along with his brothers, Ishmael and Isaac forming the band known as the “Godkins”. He was a natural athlete. He was passionate about sports and enjoyed competing. Even on a fun “couple’s game night”, he always brought it! He was a joy go hang out with. Most of his childhood was spent in Washington State and San Diego, California. 2 years ago, the Godkins moved to Tennessee to pursue music full time. However, God had a much greater plan for Izz. It wasn’t long after he moved that he met Pele. She’s a beautiful person who would give you her last dime. (No, really!) I remember sitting in a green room backstage and Izz was going through the pictures on his cell phone. Someone walked by and asked him, “Who is that”! He replied so affectionately and with the biggest smile I’d ever seen from him, “This is my girl”. I knew at that moment that he had found the love of his life. I could go on and on about Izz but if he were still here, he would rather us tell you about his love for Jesus, his wife, his parents and his brothers.
He will be missed by all of us who were blessed to know him. The world lost a really good man. If heaven is as “sweet” as they say, it just got even sweeter! We will see you again someday little brother. With God’s help, we will take care of Pele and your beautiful daughter. Your Parents, Ish and Ice will be okay too. Our hearts our broken but that’s just the world we live in. We’ll get through, somehow, someway. It just won’t be the same without you.
We love you Izz!
The Katinas
If you are interested in making a donation to Israel’s family, you can do so by going to THIS FACEBOOK PAGE and click on “Ways To Give”. Thank you and God Bless you
‘When It Rains’
10 CommentsAlmost 8 weeks ago, we witnessed one of the most devastating catastrophe’s to ever hit the State of Tennessee and other areas in the region. The flood waters caused major destruction to neighborhoods, schools, businesses and most unfortunately lives were lost as well. In the midst of the brokenness and despair we saw countless acts of compassion and generosity as ordinary people from the local communities stepped up to help their fellow man. We were blessed to partner up with Samaritans Purse to aid in the relief and rebuilding process as well. Just days after the flood hit we were reminded of a song that we wrote almost 12 years ago. It had never been recorded or performed until now. As you watch this video and listen to this song, may you be inspired to help someone in their time of need.
Happy Father’s Day
7 CommentsOur Dad has a pretty unique life story. His Mother passed away giving birth to him. He was raised by his Auntie and Uncle who were ministers of a local church in the village of Pago Pago, American Samoa. He didn’t find out that they weren’t his biological parents until well into his teenage years. Although there were other kids raised with him in this loving home, he was the only one to keep the last name. Hence, we have hundreds of cousins, aunts and uncles, but don’t know of any other Katinas.
After leaving the islands to find a job so he could help support his parents back home, Dad joined the U.S. Marines. He went to Vietnam and fought for his country but upon returning home, he found himself fighting his own personal battles. He was broken down emotionally, struggling with alcoholism, and became very abusive. The only good thing about his life during that time was our Mom. But because he was so messed up, they were on the brink of divorce.
Thankfully we had an Uncle name Jesse who would come over to our house and share the love of Jesus. No matter how cold and hard-hearted Dad was, Uncle Jesse kept coming. Eventually, he received Jesus into his heart and the rest is history. After becoming a follower of Christ, Dad turned into a student of the Word. I remember him always carrying around note cards in the front pocket of his shirt so he could memorize scripture throughout the day. He started having Bible studies in our home and there was always someone he was witnessing to. A few months ago I met a lady who told me that Dad led her and her husband to Jesus. Thirty-five years later, she, her children and grandchildren are some of the key leaders in their church. Praise God!
As we celebrate “Father’s Day” this weekend, we want to honor our Dad, Uncle Jesse (who is now with the Lord), and so many other men who’ve helped us in the process of becoming men ourselves. Someone said, “To be a man, you’ve gotta see a man”! We, the Katinas wouldn’t be here if it had not been for some faithful, non-compromising, trustworthy, loving men in our lives who’ve helped us and at times, carried us along the way. There are too many to mention, but you and God know who you are. Our hope is that we will be men that our kids will write about someday. Preferably their stories will be ones of endearment and encouraging to the readers. But until then, we have much work to do. Wives to serve, children to raise, games to attend, songs to write, nations to reach and people to love.
Happy Father’s Day!
Sam, James, John, Jesse and Joe
What are you PURSUING?
13 CommentsHave you ever felt like you’re constantly going and never getting there? Do you tell yourself, “If I could just get that, or finish this, then I can rest”? I’m a “check list” kind of guy. But somehow, the lists never end. The more I accomplish, the more there is to be done. Just when I feel like the task is complete, another assignment pops up. I’m so thankful for my wife. She is constantly balancing me and challenging me to make sure that my “achiever” theme doesn’t keep me from pursuing what really matters.
I know, it’s pretty elementary, but things cannot replace God! They never have, they never will! We live in a world where people are constantly trying to fill a vacuum in their souls that can only be satisfied by Jesus Christ himself. Our careers, relationships, possessions, accomplishments, can be good things. But at the end of the day, they will never complete us. My Pastor Tim Johnson often said, “It’s okay to have things, as long as things don’t have you”!
Psalm 42:1-2 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”
The deer isn’t satisfied by a sip or cup of water. No, they’re always looking for “STREAMS”! We must pursue God in that same manner. He wants to quench us with His WORD! He has streams of joy, peace, patience, wisdom, divine direction, power, humility that are waiting for us to drink from. It is a proven physical fact that many of us turn to food to fill a hunger when really we are just dehydrated and need water. Don’t ware your soul out by chasing vanity when what you really need is to drink from God’s word!
Our soul’s thirst for God, the “Living God”! There are many gods. Whatever you think about the most, is your god. Whatever occupies most of your time might be your god. However, there is only one true GOD! His name is Jesus! Seek Him and you will find him. Pursue Him! Run hard after Him! He will satisfy and quench the deep hunger of your soul. He is not hiding from you. He longs to be with you. If you’re a “check list” person, make certain that He is at the top of your list and keep Him there everyday!
Pursuing Him,
Joe
Make The Best Of It
11 CommentsLast week my son Eli turned 11. I was on the road so we celebrated before I left. As a family, we tried to make it as special as we could, realizing that I wouldn’t be home on his exact birthday. I woke up really missing him and even feeling guilty that I was away working. I called him continually and we kept texting back and forth. (He got a cell phone for his birthday.) When I called him for the umpteenth time to once again say “Happy Birthday” and goodnight, I asked him how his day was. He said, “Dad, it was the awesome!” He was exhausted from a full day of partying with his Mom, brother, Aunt, and cousins. He was so excited about all of the calls, facebook messages and texts he received on his new phone. He even got to play street hockey with his big brother and the older boys in the neighborhood. Not once did Eli mention anything about my absence. He truly “made the best” of his day.
I once heard, “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond. We’ve all been through difficult times. You might be going through a trial right now. But if you take careful inventory, you may realize that there are a lot of things that are working out in your favor. For one, you’re alive. You can read. You woke up this morning and have the opportunity to live a new day. There’s potential in you to do what God’s called you to do. You have abilities, gifts and talents that can help someone else. Many times, the difference between being discouraged and living a fulfilled life is taking what you have and “making the best of it”!
James 1:2-3: Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way. (Message Bible)
A couple of Sundays ago, we had the opportunity to lead worship at a great church in Orlando, Florida. Between services I met a lady who had a beautiful smile but I could tell she was not physically well. She was battling cancer with a report from her doctor that she had 2 months to live. With tears in her eyes she told me, “When I walked in the service today you all were singing my favorite song. Thank you so much for making today a special day for me.” I had the privilege to pray with her. When the next service started, thousands of people were in attendance but I couldn’t help but notice the lady I’d just met. She stayed back to hear “Draw me close” again. As soon as we began to sing the chorus, she walked up to the front all by herself, knelt at the altar and worshipped. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
If she could do it, so can you. “Make the best of today.” “Make the most of your life.”
You only get one shot!
Joe
Do Something
9 CommentsYesterday 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
One On One
8 CommentsLast 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
