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!

The 3rd annual Katinas & Friends Cruise is officially in the books! Over 200 Kuzins joined us for 5 days aboard the luxurious Carnival Elation as we set sail from San Diego and traveled to Ensenada & Cabo San Lucas. As beautiful as those cities were I think everyone would agree that the highlights from the trip took place onboard the ship.

The morning devotions & worship were the perfect way to start the day. Joe Katina set the tone for the whole cruise at the first devotion as he preached his message “On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!” which related his experience of training for a marathon to our walk with God. For the rest of the week he handed the baton off to Pastors David and Debbie Katina as they did an incredible job of both inspiring and encouraging the cruise congregation through God’s Word. During the day you would see members of our group lounging around the pool, hitting the gym, or even enjoying some “friendly” competition on the basketball and volleyball courts. Our evening sessions were an infusion of music (with special guests The Godkins, Kim Bolton & Quimi), Word, and a few other surprises including a marriage proposal during Katina-oke.

This cruise truly had something to offer everyone, most importantly it gave everyone spiritual momentum as we head into 2009. The last night of the cruise was bittersweet, as no one wanted the experience to end but the official announcement of next year’s cruise gave us all something to look forward to in 2010. Our mantra is to make each cruise bigger and better than the previous one, this will hold true in 2010 as it will be a 7 day cruise aboard the brand new Carnival Splendor and will visit the exotic ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan.

Save the dates of January 17th thru the 24th and stay tuned for more details!

Singing @ the Tree Lighting ceremony in Fort Eustis

FREEDOM! Freedom from what? I’m glad you asked. Freedom from doubt, hate, anxiety, worry, uncertainty, greed, self-righteousness, racism, a religious spirit, pride, low self-worth, a man pleasing spirit, addiction and fear just to name a few. You have a choice to be free from all of the above if you would just accept the truth. John 14:6, Jesus tells us that He is the truth! When we accept him, we know the truth. When we know the truth, we’ll be free! (John 8:32)

Concert @ The Play House in Fort Lee, VA

For the past couple of weeks we’ve been on our annual Family Christmas tour. It’s been a blast to see so many of you all the way from California to Pennsylvania. The past couple of days have been exceptionally exciting. We’ve had the opportunity to do concerts on two military bases. Ft. Eustis and Ft. Lee in the great state of Virginia. What a sight to see men and women in uniform singing and worshipping Jesus! People from various backgrounds, trainees to Generals coming together to lift Him up! It was an awesome experience to lead some of our nation’s true heroes in worship. But by far, our greatest joy was seeing many of them respond to Christ by accepting him as their personal Lord and Savior.

Christmas Concert @ Calvary Chapel, Philly

As you celebrate Christ’s birth, receive His freedom by receiving Him. If you’ve already done this, live your life in a way that would help others receive theirs. Don’t let this be just another Christmas. Receive the gift and then give it. Freedom! Freely you’ve received it. Freely you should give it.

Please let us know if you received this gift. Tell us when and how you found it. Share your story with us. It will encourage those who might still be searching.

-Joe

Here with Quimi, Sammy(Quimi’s sister), and our friend and guitar player, Paul David before the opening night of “A Family Christmas with The Katinas” Tour.

We just wrapped up the first night of our Christmas Tour in San Jose, CA. We are very excited to be joined by our good friend and an amazing artist, Quimi. We’d love to hear your thoughts if you were able to make it out to the show tonight. Please check out the “Tour” page and hopefully we’ll be able to see some of you on the road. Until then, keep loving Jesus!