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THE KATINAS TREE
KATINAS GREEN

Faith

Jan 4th, 2011 7 Comments

Your New Life starts NOW!

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

Dec 28th, 2010 16 Comments

FOREVER FAITHFUL

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

Jun 18th, 2010 7 Comments

Happy Father’s Day

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