Have you heard the new word coined in the sport’s world just last week?  Much like “bling bling” became authenticated several years back, the new one brewing is, “Tebowing”.

Tebowing

(vb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.

I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but I’m sending my vote in to Mr. Webster.

Tim Tebow is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  He’s frequently ridiculed by most of the media and people who think they know something about football.  (You know those Monday morning quarterbacks who know it all but have never played a down in the NFL?)  They criticize his mechanics and question whether he should even be a QB in the pros.  After leading his team to victory a few Sundays ago, he immediately took a knee and prayed while everyone else around him was going crazy, celebrating the win.  Hence the word; “Tebowing”.

I can’t comment on his technique or athletic abilities since I’ve never played a down.  (I still have dreams though.)  However, may I strongly suggest to the world of sports but especially to those of us who are believers.  One thing for sure is that we all could use a lot more “Tebowing” these days.  Our families, marriages, schools, churches, communities, work places and entire nation would be much better off if we all stopped “occupying” and started “Tebowing”.  (Pun intended.)

We are becoming a nation of “finger pointing” instead of taking responsibility for what we’ve brought upon ourselves.  It’s time that we start taking inventory of our own lives, stop blaming everyone else and becoming the change that we want to see.  Once we do, we will quickly recognize that most of the healing that needs to take place begins within ourselves.

2 Chronicles 7:14 puts it plainly:  “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Are you sick?  Is your marriage in trouble?  Do you need a job?  Are you feeling lonely, depressed and don’t know what to do.  Are you having problems with your teenager?  Maybe your teenager thinks you’re the problem?  Perhaps things are exceptional in your life and you just need to “take a knee” to thank God.   Whatever your situation may be, take time out and start “Tebowing”.

Hey Kuzins!

Do you sometimes feel like you don’t belong? Have you ever felt out of place and discouraged?

As I asked the Lord what to share for this weeks devo, I sensed His voice saying, “All God’s children are heirs of God”.
We just got back from an amazing cruise,”Katinas and friends cruise 2011″.
We were a group that consisted of people from different ethnic backgrounds, ages, likes and dislikes. Our first gathering was Monday evening. We called it “Meet and greet”. It definitely felt like the 1st gathering. Alot of people were checking it all out. There were some first timers that seemed a little quiet and reserved. However, the quietness didn’t last long. Throughout the week, as people spent time together talking, praying, eating and laughing I saw new friendships forged and old ones strengthened. By the time Friday rolled around, nobody wanted to go home. How did this closeness come about? People hanging out and doing life together.
When feelings of insecurity and loneliness try to creep in and the devil tries to discourage you, remind yourself that you belong to the greatest family in the universe.”The family of God”. Membership in God’s family brings privileges that boggle the mind. (Rom 8:17) says that whatever belongs to Christ belongs to us. (Matt.28:20) says that Jesus is always with us. These promises will ring loudly in our hearts when we spend quality time with God. He’s always doing something new. (Is.42:9)

When you get a true revelation of God’s family, loneliness and discouragement cannot take root in your life. You’re never alone! You’ve been adopted by God Himself. No longer are you slave but son. Beautiful, or what?

Kuzins for life, Sam

One thing I will do this year, is organize our garage. We’ve lived in this home for almost 6 years and the garage is still cluttered and disorderly. It’s no one’s fault but my my own. I’ve already made the call to a friend to help me build some shelves. (Truthfully, he’s going to build the shelving. I’ll just write him the check.) We all have our gifts if you know what I mean.

People all over the world have already broken their New Year’s resolutions. This was the year they were going to quit smoking, quit drinking, start exercising, eating healthier, being nicer, reading their Bible everyday and so on and so on. We’re only a few days into 2011 and so many have gone back to old habits. If that’s you, don’t be discouraged. Don’t cheat yourself out of the opportunity to experience success. Failure is part of the process. Don’t give up trying, again! Your new life starts NOW!

Ephesians 5:16- “Be very careful, then, how you live. Not as unwise but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Today is the beginning of the rest of your life! Today is the day of Salvation! Ben Franklin put it beautifully when he said, “One today is worth two tomorrows.” The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. John Maxwell said, “It’s the job that never started that takes longest to finish.” Don’t worry about failing yesterday. You can’t get it back. Just focus on today and make the right adjustments. Don’t underestimate what can be done in one day. So often we get overwhelmed by our past that it paralyzes us from moving forward. Live today to the fullest because you only get to once! You can win, but you must begin!

Where are you today? Have you tried, and then failed time and time again. Have you experienced success only to find yourself right back at square one. Maybe your afraid to start because you don’t even know where to begin. Words of discouragement and death have been spoken over you so many times by others that you have accepted your lot of mediocrity or poverty. Sometimes we even sabotage ourselves because we are afraid that we might actually win. Many of us don’t feel worthy enough to live the life God has promised so we just settle for less.

I watched the reality show, “Biggest Loser” last night. It highlighted a special Thanksgiving Dinner where all of the “Winners” from previous seasons had come together for a reunion. It was very inspiring to see individuals who were once very unhealthy, some even close to death because of their weight, yet now they were experiencing a whole new life because of the better choices they were making. One of the participants in particular had gained all of his weight back. You could see the pain in his eyes. You could sense the embarrassment he felt because he was the only one who hadn’t kept his weight off. He explained to the rest of the group that he really didn’t want to come to the reunion and face the music. But he realized that if he was ever going to rediscover health and true happiness, he had to take that first step.

What about you? A year from now, where will you be? Hopefully you’ll be able to look back at today with a smile and say, “I’m glad I decided to make a change”! God’s given you everything you need to win, to succeed, to live the life He’s promised you. The choice is yours. Your new life starts NOW!

Making the most of it,

Joe

Today we are headed home on our last flight of the year. We’re flying back to Tennessee from California, with a stop in Denver so I’ve had a lot of time to think about how faithful God has been to us brothers and our families. He’s truly amazing! His greatness goes beyond my ability to articulate. The best I can do is to say, “He is forever faithful!”

Back in January, we had a team meeting, contemplating if this was the year that would mark the end of our 20 years of full time ministry. Financially, things looked rather bleak and the forecast for the spring wasn’t very bright either. Somehow, someway God turned things around, once again!

In July, our cousin Israel Godkin went home to be with Jesus. He was 24, newly married and expecting his first child with his beautiful wife, Pele. His passing was shocking, unexpected and very difficult to say the least. We realize he’s in heaven, but we miss him dearly. Pele, who is like our own sister, gave birth to a lovely girl, Izzy last month. She’s a “mini-Izzy” and a reminder to all of us, that Israel is still alive.

This past fall marked a year since our homeland of Samoa was devastated by a tsunami and earthquake. Although the aftermath of the tragedy continues to impact our people, the recovery is progressing as well.

Why do I ever doubt? Why do I struggle with worry? Why do I ever wonder if He’ll come through for me? I’m not sure myself. It frustrates me to think that I would question Him ever. But today, I want to testify of my God’s faithfulness! His love endures for always. He is my strength and my strong tower. The peace and healing that He brings are limitless. The bible says that He holds all things together. In the words of our good friend, Pastor Steve Berger, “Even when we might be having a come-apart, Jesus isn’t”. He’s holdin’ it down, up and together all at the same time! He’s a present help in time of need!

As you enter 2011, take some time to reflect on what God has done for you this past year. Whether it’s been a remarkable journey or the toughest year of your life, the fact that you are reading this is proof of God’s faithfulness. The rest of your days are truly the best of your days. Remember that God is for you and not against you. He loves you! He’s got great plans for you. Trust Him! Abide in Him! (John 15:5) He’s forever faithful!

Joe

We’ve begun working on our new studio project. As we’ve been praying, fasting, writing and planning for this new record to be released in the spring of 2011, we’ve discussed what the title should be. After 21 years of doing this full time, it’s difficult not to be redundant or come up with a “catchy” title just for the sake of marketing.

During one of our brainstorming discussions, Sam suggested, “COLLAGE”. Two weeks later, we agreed that it fit perfectly. One meaning for COLLAGE; an assemblage or occurrence of diverse elements or fragments in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition. In Katina terms, different experiences, victories and defeats that seem unrelated, yet work together to make a beautiful picture of the overall journey of one’s life. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:11; “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end”.

Your life, no matter what you’ve been through, going through or are about to experience can be a beautiful picture of what God intended for it in the first place. No weapon formed against you will prosper if you continue to trust that in the end, God is in control. The picture of your life is not yet complete. Every day’s challenges, failures, victories and triumphs all play a part in the COLLAGE of your life.

Continue to trust Jesus. He is making things beautiful in His time!

Your fellow canvas,

Joe

Our 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

Have 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

Last 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