Hello everyone:) I'm sorry for not updating you on the latest and greatest happenings in my life.
Life has been full of surprises and interesting situations. Let's just say that I need lots and lots of prayer.
Specifically:
1. Pray that I'll find a job. I've been searching since I got laid off last September and I've been rejected due to: Bad Credit (Unable to pay credit cards since I don't have a steady income), Overqualified, Bad Fit
2. Pray for my financial situation. I owe more than $50000.00 in credit card bills, I'm behind on Child Support payments and Ex-Wife payments, any kind of payment. I'm behind and it is going to take God to get me out of this jam.
3. Pray for my court appearance. I was served with papers to execute a lien against me for "child support arrears".
Now for the Praises:
1. JESUS IS LORD!
2. JESUS IS LORD!
3. JESUS IS LORD!
As Job said at the end of chapter 2, "...the LORD gives and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."
I will be heading down to Frisco, North Carolina, to help out my brother Bob McBride and crew with finishing the Indoor Skatepark and Worship Complex they started there almost a year ago.
Even in the midst of my chaotic life, I will not stop serving the LORD through serving others. I find comfort in focusing on others. It takes my "fretting factor" away.
When you get the chance, check out one of my friend's blogs:
http://dandybopeep.blogspot.com
Her name is Danielle and she is a really neat person and a sister in the LORD Jesus Christ. She's living in Kiwiland (New Zealand), and exploring the many wonders of God's Creation down there. She makes me laugh with her perspective on life and the Jesus that I see in her, makes me smile:) It is a beautiful thing to see the Love Light of Jesus shining in other believers. Because when Jesus' Love shines, so many people see it. That is what the LORD wants us to do. Share His Love for us through the relationships that we develop through love. Then God opens up a door to share the Love of Jesus (The Gospel) with them.
God Bless You All and remember...
The LORD God Almighty, He Reigns!
Maranatha!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Lent
What is Lent?
Here's Webster's cut on Lent -
Middle English lente springtime, Lent, from Old English lencten; akin to Old High German lenzin spring
Date: 13th century
: the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting
Lent reminds me about sacrifice. Putting myself below others, in humble servitude.
In today's culture, everything is about "ME." Esteeming others above myself is viewed as uncommon and doesn't make sense.
Here's what Jesus says about Esteeming others above oneself -
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matthew 5: 38-42 NKJV
Pretty radical thinking and living wouldn't you say.
My first reaction to someone who wants something from me is "Get your own...this is my stuff..." I am naturally a child of wrath. Anger, envy, covetousness, lust, pride, deceit come so easily to me. It is part of my make-up.
Since Jesus has taken over my life, I am a new creation in Him. He has paid my price for all of my sins past, present and future. He encourages me to live a Holy life, not a perfect life. As Paul wrote, "...strive to live a life of perfection through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ..."
So with Lent upon us, I ask myself "What can I do? What can I bring as an offering to you LORD?"
I will bring myself, warts and all, and ask the LORD to change me, break me, rearrange me into the willing open vessel that He wants me to be.
God Bless You,
Alex
Here's Webster's cut on Lent -
Middle English lente springtime, Lent, from Old English lencten; akin to Old High German lenzin spring
Date: 13th century
: the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting
Lent reminds me about sacrifice. Putting myself below others, in humble servitude.
In today's culture, everything is about "ME." Esteeming others above myself is viewed as uncommon and doesn't make sense.
Here's what Jesus says about Esteeming others above oneself -
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matthew 5: 38-42 NKJV
Pretty radical thinking and living wouldn't you say.
My first reaction to someone who wants something from me is "Get your own...this is my stuff..." I am naturally a child of wrath. Anger, envy, covetousness, lust, pride, deceit come so easily to me. It is part of my make-up.
Since Jesus has taken over my life, I am a new creation in Him. He has paid my price for all of my sins past, present and future. He encourages me to live a Holy life, not a perfect life. As Paul wrote, "...strive to live a life of perfection through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ..."
So with Lent upon us, I ask myself "What can I do? What can I bring as an offering to you LORD?"
I will bring myself, warts and all, and ask the LORD to change me, break me, rearrange me into the willing open vessel that He wants me to be.
God Bless You,
Alex
Friday, January 04, 2008
Happy Belated New Year!
As I ushered in the New Year with my church family, I took time to reflect upon what God was showing me in the present moment. I relished the truth from His word that says to "number our days". He has already numbered my days and He knows what is going to happen to me, since He wrote out the perfect plan for my life.
So, what was the LORD showing me?
To dig deeper in this relationship that I have with Him. He removed people out of my life, so that my total focus would be upon Him and Him alone. The natural man in me, wanted a woman to heal the pain of a divorce, the loneliness that I felt as well as the insecurities that would bombard me daily.
The LORD had other plans for me. He took what I thought I needed, out of my life, because He is a God who meets needs, and He knows what my needs are better than me. The LORD knew that I needed Him, not a woman, more money or prestige.
As He takes my hand, it is a daily battle to not want to jerk my hand out of His and "go my own way." I thank Him daily for His Word, fellowship with brothers and sisters in the body of Jesus Christ, and time spent in fellowship with Him. These are the components that help me stay anchored in Him, and keep my hand firmly planted in His.
Today is the day that the LORD has made, and I am glad and rejoicing in it!
In His Love,
Alex
So, what was the LORD showing me?
To dig deeper in this relationship that I have with Him. He removed people out of my life, so that my total focus would be upon Him and Him alone. The natural man in me, wanted a woman to heal the pain of a divorce, the loneliness that I felt as well as the insecurities that would bombard me daily.
The LORD had other plans for me. He took what I thought I needed, out of my life, because He is a God who meets needs, and He knows what my needs are better than me. The LORD knew that I needed Him, not a woman, more money or prestige.
As He takes my hand, it is a daily battle to not want to jerk my hand out of His and "go my own way." I thank Him daily for His Word, fellowship with brothers and sisters in the body of Jesus Christ, and time spent in fellowship with Him. These are the components that help me stay anchored in Him, and keep my hand firmly planted in His.
Today is the day that the LORD has made, and I am glad and rejoicing in it!
In His Love,
Alex
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Christmas Dinner
Mele kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)
That's right. I said it. In two languages even. With Authority!!! HA! HA! HA! HA!
Anyway, I wanted to share with you the latest haps in my life, so here goes.
My sister Kehau and her husband Jay and her son Justin were in town this week and I thought it would be a good idea to throw them a Pre-Christmas/Going Away Dinner. Jay is a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps, and they will be transferring to Okinawa around the beginning of the year. Since this would be the last time that I would see my sister and her ohana for at least a year, I figured it would be a nice gesture to do something nice for them.
I coordinated the dinner with my baby sister Pua and we were able to commandeer the clubhouse where she lives at for the dinner.
The bill of fare:
Appetizer: Artichoke Hearts, lightly sprinkled with salt
Salad: Romaine hearts, baby spinach, tomatoes, onions, black olives, feta cheese
Wheat Pasta (got to watch those carbs and glycemic index)
Pasta Sauce: Sweet and Mild Italian Sausage, Mixed Ground Beef and Ground Turkey Meatballs
Italian Bread seasoned with Garlic powder, Crushed red pepper, oregano, basil and butter.
Dessert was leftover wedding cake from Kehau and Jay's wedding, with a side scoop of sherbert. The wedding cake was so delicious, even though it wasn't fresh. It had a rasberry filling which was so good:)
After the dinner, we had the opportunity to take some pictures which are located on my facebook account: http://www.facebook.com/alexrubio
I know that everyone was blessed, and it really felt wonderful to have my kids there (well, most of them. My son Dominic missed out because he was skating. Oh well, c'est la vie)
May the LORD's name be blessed and glorifed:)
That's right. I said it. In two languages even. With Authority!!! HA! HA! HA! HA!
Anyway, I wanted to share with you the latest haps in my life, so here goes.
My sister Kehau and her husband Jay and her son Justin were in town this week and I thought it would be a good idea to throw them a Pre-Christmas/Going Away Dinner. Jay is a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps, and they will be transferring to Okinawa around the beginning of the year. Since this would be the last time that I would see my sister and her ohana for at least a year, I figured it would be a nice gesture to do something nice for them.
I coordinated the dinner with my baby sister Pua and we were able to commandeer the clubhouse where she lives at for the dinner.
The bill of fare:
Appetizer: Artichoke Hearts, lightly sprinkled with salt
Salad: Romaine hearts, baby spinach, tomatoes, onions, black olives, feta cheese
Wheat Pasta (got to watch those carbs and glycemic index)
Pasta Sauce: Sweet and Mild Italian Sausage, Mixed Ground Beef and Ground Turkey Meatballs
Italian Bread seasoned with Garlic powder, Crushed red pepper, oregano, basil and butter.
Dessert was leftover wedding cake from Kehau and Jay's wedding, with a side scoop of sherbert. The wedding cake was so delicious, even though it wasn't fresh. It had a rasberry filling which was so good:)
After the dinner, we had the opportunity to take some pictures which are located on my facebook account: http://www.facebook.com/alexrubio
I know that everyone was blessed, and it really felt wonderful to have my kids there (well, most of them. My son Dominic missed out because he was skating. Oh well, c'est la vie)
May the LORD's name be blessed and glorifed:)
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Glory
Glory
What does it mean?
Here are some definitions for you to peruse from Merriam-Websters Dictionary:
1 a: praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : renown
b: worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
2 a: something that secures praise or renown
b: a distinguished quality or asset
3 a (1): great beauty and splendor : magnificence
(2): something marked by beauty or resplendence a>
b: the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven; broadly : eternity
4 a: a state of great gratification or exaltation
b: a height of prosperity or achievement
5: a ring or spot of light: as a: aureole
b: a halo appearing around the shadow of an object
I like the first two definitions. Lately, I've been thinking about God's Glory and how the LORD is Glorified.
Here are some people in my life, that I know give God Glory and Glorify His Holy Name:
Kirk and Tara Lantz - Kirk and Tara are a brother and sister in the LORD, that I have been a prayer partner for over the past 3 years. They were the former Chapter Directors of Christian Surfers South Bay and now run a Surf School and called Alive Surf School and they also have a ministry called Global Board Sports Ministry. Since last year, they have endured so much in their lives. I won't go into details, but as I always tell them, "I am blessed, and encouraged by the way that their faith is being refined by the LORD. For it gives Him the Glory, Honor and Praise."
For more information on Kirk and Tara, you can check out their site:
http://www.alivesurfingschool.com/
John Lindsley - John is the director of the Christian Surfing Federation. I don't want to go into too much detail but he has endured much for the sake of Jesus' name and continues to give Him the Glory for everything in his life.
For more information on John, you can check out his site:
http://www.christiansurfingfederation.com/
Javed Irshad - Javed is a brother in the LORD who lives in the province of Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. He runs a Christian School named "The Little Disciples". As most of you know, Pakistan is not a predominant Christian country. They are persecuted daily, yet they do not deny the sovreignty of God and the Holy Faith that He has given them.
For more information on Javed, you can check out his site:
http://littledisciples.freshspirit.net/
My point of bringing up the subject of Glory is a challenge to me and to you the reader.
Here are some questions to challenge us, in our Holy Faith:
1. What have I done today, that gave God the Glory?
2. When I do a "good deed" for someone, is my motivation solely for "my glory" or "God's Glory"?
3. When I woke up this morning, did I give God the Glory for this day?
4. Or did I curse Him for some stupid, physical, emotional, or temporary inconvenience?
5. When I lay my head on the pillow tonight, and my consciousness starts to fade, did I give God the Glory for everything (good and bad) that happened in the day today?
May God Be Glorified in everything that you do today:)
In His Love,
Alex
What does it mean?
Here are some definitions for you to peruse from Merriam-Websters Dictionary:
1 a: praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : renown
b: worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
2 a: something that secures praise or renown
b: a distinguished quality or asset
3 a (1): great beauty and splendor : magnificence
(2): something marked by beauty or resplendence a>
b: the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven; broadly : eternity
4 a: a state of great gratification or exaltation
b: a height of prosperity or achievement
5: a ring or spot of light: as a: aureole
b: a halo appearing around the shadow of an object
I like the first two definitions. Lately, I've been thinking about God's Glory and how the LORD is Glorified.
Here are some people in my life, that I know give God Glory and Glorify His Holy Name:
Kirk and Tara Lantz - Kirk and Tara are a brother and sister in the LORD, that I have been a prayer partner for over the past 3 years. They were the former Chapter Directors of Christian Surfers South Bay and now run a Surf School and called Alive Surf School and they also have a ministry called Global Board Sports Ministry. Since last year, they have endured so much in their lives. I won't go into details, but as I always tell them, "I am blessed, and encouraged by the way that their faith is being refined by the LORD. For it gives Him the Glory, Honor and Praise."
For more information on Kirk and Tara, you can check out their site:
http://www.alivesurfingschool.com/
John Lindsley - John is the director of the Christian Surfing Federation. I don't want to go into too much detail but he has endured much for the sake of Jesus' name and continues to give Him the Glory for everything in his life.
For more information on John, you can check out his site:
http://www.christiansurfingfederation.com/
Javed Irshad - Javed is a brother in the LORD who lives in the province of Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. He runs a Christian School named "The Little Disciples". As most of you know, Pakistan is not a predominant Christian country. They are persecuted daily, yet they do not deny the sovreignty of God and the Holy Faith that He has given them.
For more information on Javed, you can check out his site:
http://littledisciples.freshspirit.net/
My point of bringing up the subject of Glory is a challenge to me and to you the reader.
Here are some questions to challenge us, in our Holy Faith:
1. What have I done today, that gave God the Glory?
2. When I do a "good deed" for someone, is my motivation solely for "my glory" or "God's Glory"?
3. When I woke up this morning, did I give God the Glory for this day?
4. Or did I curse Him for some stupid, physical, emotional, or temporary inconvenience?
5. When I lay my head on the pillow tonight, and my consciousness starts to fade, did I give God the Glory for everything (good and bad) that happened in the day today?
May God Be Glorified in everything that you do today:)
In His Love,
Alex
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Giving Thanks
(Psa 118:1 NASB) Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
I am thankful to the LORD for:
I am thankful to the LORD for:
- Giving me what I don't deserve which is DEATH.
- Choosing me, to worship Him, Love Him, Adore Him and Serve Him.
- Sacrificing His One and Only Son for all my sins.
- Providing for me and my family.
- Giving me Grace, so that I may give Grace to others.
- Creating in me a new heart, renewing in me a Right Spirit.
- His Holy, Infallible Word.
- My beautiful children.
- My ex-wife and mother of my children.
- My Dad Jose' Rubio and my step mother Jeanette and family.
- My baby sister Corinna-Joyce Pua'ala Cabral and her family.
- My sister Lauralynn Kehaulani Hunt and her family.
- My sister Dinah Halemika Rubio.
- My sister Vidette Kuuipo Coyaso and her family.
- My Aunty Kamalu and her family.
- My Pastor Thomas Powell, of Calvary Chapel Virginia Beach.
- My brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel Virginia Beach, and the Body of Jesus Christ.
- My brother in the LORD and roomate Marcus Putnam and his children.
- My brother in the LORD Jacob Clemons and his loving wife Jaci.
- My brother in the LORD Nikolaos Safos.
- My brother in the LORD Bob McBride and his wonderful bride Ginny.
- My brother in the LORD Cary Miller and family.
- My brother in the LORD John Lindsley and his family.
- My brother in the LORD Kirk Lantz and his family.
- My brother in the LORD Pete Bowling III.
- My brother in the LORD Jeromie Woolard and his loving wife Lisa.
I could go on but I wanted to write this out so that I would remember them on a day when I need to be thankful. I try each and every day, to have a thankful attitude towards the God Who Made Me, and Loves me more than anyone else that I know. I also pray for many people, who I'm thankful for.
So If I've missed you on the list, don't think I'm not thankful for having you in my life. Just when you think no one else cares, I'll be lifting up prayers on your behalf.
I encourage each and everyone who reads this blog, to "Give Thanks to the LORD for He is Good, His lovingkindness endures forever."
Amen:D
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