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
Gone Too Soon?
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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
GAME BALL!
11 CommentsI love baseball season because for the most part I get to watch my sons play at least 1 game during the week. This week we’ve been on the road so I managed to get a play- by -play update from my wife, Lori. Josh who is 13 came in to pitch at the bottom of the 4th inning with bases loaded, no outs. They were down by 8 but he was able to help his comeback and win the game. Eli’s game was during our concert so I wasn’t able to get the minute-by-minute. His team won 15-2. I couldn’t wait to get the details so I called him as soon as I got back to the hotel. Unfortunately, he was already asleep. Bummer! A few minutes later, my phone rings. “Hey Dad, it’s Eli.” “E, what’s up? I thought you were asleep!” “I was, but Mom told me you called and I wanted to tell you about my game. I walked twice, hit a double to the fence, caught a hard line drive at 3rd and by the way, I got the game ball!” “Game ball!” Okay, I know it’s little league rec baseball. But man, when you’ve never had the opportunity to play organized sports and your son wins the game ball, you get the picture. I was ecstatic!
It’s 1:45 am and I’m still up. I’ve been reminiscing about Eli’s short career so far. I remember the significant victories and the tough defeats when we got totally annihilated. I remember his power hits and the at-bats when he struck out “looking”. I’m reliving the “Sportcenter-highlight” catches and the routine “pop flies” that he dropped. My favorite memory is when he hit his first home run! It’s pretty amusing to see an 8 year old hit one over the fence and then round the diamond with an “I just conquered the world look” while pointing to the sky. I’ll never forget it!
As you can tell, I’m a pretty proud Dad. I love my sons! There’s nothing they can do to change that. Sure they can be unruly at times and wreak havoc like nobody’s business but still, they’re my sons. I especially get frustrated when they disrespect Lori or come across ungrateful but I can’t help but love them. Whether they hit a home run and win the game or strike out and lose it, it makes no difference. I love them just the same.
Can you imagine how God must feel about us? I heard a song the other day that says “He dances over me and quiets me with His love.” The human mind cannot fathom or grasp how wide, deep and everlasting His great love is for us.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
I don’t know what you might be facing today, but God the Father loves you no matter what. You might have struck out a few times. Maybe you’ve dropped some routine “pop flies.” You’ve tripped over yourself trying to run the bases of life. You’ve been called “out” more than your share! Remember, He is mighty to save you. He is not yelling at you from the dugout. He is with you encouraging you to swing! Don’t chase the ball, wait for your pitch. Your time is coming! But today while you are standing strong at the plate, waiting for that curve, fastball or change-up, He is cheering you on waiting in love to give you the GAME BALL!
On Deck,
Joe
Who’s In Control?
24 CommentsWe just boarded a plane in San Diego last Sunday when all of a sudden everything started to shake and shake and shake some more. At first I thought, “Wow! The ramp guys are really handling the luggage pretty carelessly.” And then it dawned on me, we were in the middle of an earthquake. By the time we landed in Dallas it was confirmed that we had experienced the rumblings of a 7.2 earthquake that hit Baja, Mexico.
Lately, natural disasters have become commonplace. Last November we went to our homeland Samoa, to do some relief work after several coastal villages were wiped out by an earthquake and tsunami. Almost 200 people lost their lives. Then Haiti and Chile were devastated beyond description. What’s going on? What on earth is happening?
I’m not one to spread doom and gloom. However, I do believe that when events like these happen, it’s a reminder of how “not” in control we really are. Sometimes in our successes and accomplishments, we get intoxicated with our own exploits. We believe the lie that ultimately we are calling the shots and that we’ve got it all figured out. It’s easy to become puffed up by the illusion that we can do whatever we want while forfeiting the consequences of our actions.
Newsflash: “God is still in control!” He is the beginning and the end. There is no one like Him. In Him and by Him were all things created. He holds the oceans of the world in the palm of His hands. He spoke light and darkness into existence. He placed the stars and the millions of galaxies in motion. He created every living creature and gives every human being a purpose.
Maybe you’ve experienced some disasters in own your life. They’ve left you in a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty. You’ve been shaken by turmoil and strife. You woke up this morning tormented by doubt, worry and fear. Put your trust in God. He will not fail! He cannot fail. He will come through for you. If He said it, He will do it! He’s not mad at you. He loves you more than you can imagine. He can restore what you’ve lost. He can heal the brokenness and hurt you feel. Let Him do what only He can do. No matter how miserable your situation may be, God is still in control. He will bring you through!
Trust Him,
Joe
Where Is Your Ring?
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Romans 14:7-8
For we do not live to ourselves alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
On my way to the airport last week for a five day run, I realized that I didn’t have my wedding ring on. I was running late so I couldn’t go back to get it. After 17 years of wearing that ring, I felt extremely bare without it. It might not seem like a big deal to some, but for me it was really weird. I knew I was still married, still loved my wife but nevertheless, I felt out of sorts for most of the trip. I felt a little embarrassed standing in front of people, talking about families and healthy marriages, and I didn’t even have my ring on.
A ring represents who we belong to. What we stand for. It tells others who or what we value. It can be a symbol that we’re spoken for, ones stance on purity, a friendship, a championship, a graduation year and so on. As followers of Christ, it’s important that we remember to wear our “ring”! Whether you know it or not, people are watching you. Who do you belong to? What do you represent? You’ve heard it before, you may be the only Christ someone will ever see. Are you representing His love, peace, forgiveness, friendship, work ethic, joy and kindness. When you encounter people on a daily basis, what is the impression you leave? What condition do you leave them in. If there is a need, are you filling it? If there is a hurt, are you healing it?
Don’t forget, it’s not about who you are, but whose you are. You belong to Jesus. He is the groom and we are His bride. We can do all things because He lives in us. Are you wearing your ring? Is it “blingin’” bright? Make sure the world knows you’re married and who your married to!
‘It’s Just A Matter Of Time’
24 CommentsI remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)
I walked into an early morning prayer meeting the other day to meet with some men from our church. I discovered 4 of my friends pacing and crying out to God, reading scriptures and declaring His faithfulness while one of my friends was alone, sitting very quietly in the front row of the sanctuary. I noticed him very somber and deep in meditation. As the meeting went on, I felt compelled to go over and pray for him. I could sense that this man was in need of clarity and direction from the Lord. I began to realize he was “waiting” on the Lord. I wished so bad that I could tell this man the answer to whatever it was that he was in need of, but these words came to me gently but loudly: “It’s just a matter of time!”
I left the meeting with a peace for my friend but also with a revelation for myself. Sometimes, it’s the “waiting” that is more beneficial to us than the answer itself. Why? Because it’s in the “waiting” that we can really develop the trust in God that we need to have on a daily basis. It’s the “waiting” that builds perseverance and character in us that other wise we may not have. It’s the “waiting” that helps us to build the eagle-like strength that helps us lock our wings and soar over the clouds of doubt and fear. It’s no coincidence that David encourages us twice in the same verse (Psalm 27:14) to “wait for the Lord”!
Whatever your need is today, God has the answer. However, don’t try and skip the “waiting” part. It might be exactly what you need. It may be the very thing that gets you over the hump and keeps you from stumbling in the future. Remember that even when it might seem to be the darkest of situations, the dawn “always” comes after the night. Hold on! You will see the goodness of the Lord today. He will be faithful to complete the good work he began in you. Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning! Be encouraged, “It’s just a matter of time”!
Peace,
Joe
