Gratitude

I learned this week that recently-divorced Katy Perry was going back home to California to visit her parents, who are Pastors of a church in her hometown community. It isn’t anything new for a celebrity to visit home, but Ms. Perry, as stated before, would go home as a divorcee for the first time.

I also learned that the same weekend she is home, the great Tim Tebow is set to speak at her parents church.

And then the media went wild.

Rumors started to fly about the potential for Ms. Perry to visit and make a connection with the great game-saver himself, as if her parents strategically planned for their meeting to happen. Many have spectated that she will even visit her parents church for the first time in a while just to see him.

While I may not think that all this was setup for a purpose or if there is even a motive for it, it sparked a question in my mind about marriage and relationships: why do we get so excited for this stuff?

Mr. Tebow has admirable qualities I presume for a partner to any woman, and Ms. Perry is successful in all she does. It seems like a great mix, but why do we get excited when we see potential things like this happen around us, even with people we don’t even know? Many reality TV shows today even champion that part of our social phenomenon where we just want to see perfect couple unite everywhere.

I’m guilty of it too, but why do we do it really? Does this mean that those who aren’t as attractive and aren’t as successful can’t find true love because their lives just aren’t interesting enough? Do we simply gleam over relationships and triumphs of couples deemed not noteworthy?

I guess you could say that parts of us live vicariously through these anticipated relationships, whether they materialize into anything or not. We like to see good people find love because love is the ultimate gift. We cheer them on because we want them to be happy, just as we do ourselves. But why do we only cheer on those who we think are noteworthy?

We can sometimes do the same thing with witnessing. We all identify with someone who we want to bad to come into relationship with Christ. There is always that one person that we put some extra time into witnessing. I think that is excellent. I truly believe God gives us ‘special projects’ where our gifts, talents, testimony and life can really speak into someone in a special way that only we will be able to communicate God’s love to them effectively. What I think we have to be careful in is when that person becomes so much of our center that we forget to:

1. Keep our focus on their salvation

2. Maintain our own spiritual integrity

We have to be able to remain steadfast to God’s direction for us, and He doesn’t take a break sometimes while you are in the middle of scoring a spiritual touchdown with someone. He may bring other non-believers into your realm and bring in some reinforcement on your end to help. When that happens, we can sometimes feel as if we have to maintain control of that person and that they must find Christ through us. When we allow those feelings to enter in, we jeopardize our own walk and put it at risk of self-righteousness.

I truly believe that we have the power to lead folks to Christ, but lest we forget that we offer a POWERFUL gift – the gift of LOVE; the gift of CHRIST!

Acts 8: 4-8 talks about Philip’s work in Samaria. Although a small and simple passage, I can only imagine how much power was flowing through those streets. We serve THAT God, who can turn cities around and make the impossible possible. All he did was obey, take a step of faith, and get it started, and God’s glory did the rest!

Let’s stop trying to do all the work and getting infactuated with the mission, and let’s remain sensitive to what God would have us do. We are ALL his children, even the uninteresting ones who to society deserve little attention. We ALL deserve His love. We are all on the same team. We may start a relationship or we may be at the final ending when that person finally comes to know Christ. We never know where we are in someone’s life story.

I hope Ms. Perry does end up meeting Mr. Tebow. Not because I want them to get married, but because I want her to feel loved. I hope she meets anyone out there, friend or partner, who can show her God’s love. Without expectation of reward.

Love. Love HARD. Repeat.

Let’s make that the focus of our witnessing and we will make headlines in Heaven.

Mahalo

Aloha, Hawai’i. I will see you in due time. Thank you to all who made my trip home an awesome one!!!

Hangout

Chocolate mochi is delicious. I’d like to say it wasn’t to spite someone in particular, but it is.

I love hanging out. I mean, what better way to spend time with friends than to just spend time WITH them. Some friends and I sat around with desserts in hand and guitars strumming last night, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the first day of the year. It was a rough start with some discouraging news, but the joy of the Lord is undefinable and cannot be limited or dismayed by our circumstances. Correction. It shouldn’t.
I love having friends who remind me of that very truth. I cherish their company and will always remember moments like those where we ate chocolate mochi, reminisced on memories, and sang the night away.
Happy New Year

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

The ‘manmade sand’ was pretty cold to sit on as friends and I watched the fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon. Folks from all over packed the beach with hats on and their favorite people near to them. It’s funny how we all wait to see an amazing light show in the sky, and when it does happen, there’s a daunting realization that strikes on the first burst that an entire year is behind you all of a sudden. Whatever you may decide to do to kick-off your year, I pray countless blessings on you and you family and friends. I pray that the lessons of the past will aid you in the challenges ahead, and I pray that you come into contact with people who will pour into your life and bring a positive light to your dark skies.
Welcome to a new year! Take hold of your life and make the impossible possible!

Run Your Own Race

I’ve been mulling over this season of dreams and going back to the desires that captured my heart from the moment I gave it away to Christ. I’m not talking about ambitions, but dreams that came back to life. I put nearly all of them away when I joined the Coast Guard, and now that I am in the home stretch of my military career, God has revealed much about who I am and what I can expect from Him.

I’ve had a childhood dream linger in my thoughts for years, and this past Sunday, I made it come true. Growing up in Hawaii, I always wanted to run the Honolulu Marathon. I remember sitting in front of the TV when it came on the news and thinking how much fun it would be. I would tell my friends about it, and they were completely uninterested in it, and would rather talk about pogs or recess. I didn’t really vocalize it too much, though. I guess it was the notion that if I said it out loud, it wouldn’t come true. I thought, though, I would never be able to do it after the accident. When I was 8 years old, I was accidentally run over by a van. The rear left tire went over my waist, and I distinctly remember this vivid image of a blue van going over my body. I pass that very site from time to time, and it still gives me goosebumps every time I go by. I remember my mom being frantic and crying over my bloodied feet and limp waistline while we were on the way to the hospital. I remember looking at her the whole time but I don’t remember crying at all. I guess it was the self-assurance that I was taken care of was enough to numb the pain. to make a long story short, I ended up getting a hairline fracture in my pelvic bone, a small crack on my femur, and a pulled ligament. My youth played an advantage for me as my bones were ‘young’ enough that they could heal to full recovery – of course, after 6-8 weeks in a body cast. I remember afterwards being the subject of many sermons by my dad and other pastors, citing the healing from God. I believe God healed me tremendously that day, as the fracture was only 3 centimeters from a vital part in my spine that would have prevented me from walking again, and that the crack in my femur was just north of an area that would have caused permanent damage to my right leg.

My mom still goes silent sometimes when we talk about it. I know it hits a mom-chord with her that she doesn’t want to relive again. Since then, I’ve taken up sports and activities that were fun, but really, allowed me to use my legs. I had a second chance with them and I didn’t want to miss one second. I had another scare with a volleyball injury to the knee, but it came around as well.  I gave up running and resorted to swimming in high school since it gave me some pressure off my knee and legs. It was fun, but I knew I wanted to do more.

Joining the military, certain parts proved challenging. I knew I wouldn’t be able to run as fast as others, as my ligament wouldn’t be as pliable as it could have been and the pressure of anything on my knee was grueling. Years passed, and swimming wasn’t doing much for my knee and legs in terms of conditioning, so I hit the road again, and after years of not putting on running shoes, I hit the trail once more. I remember my first PT Test run. It was pathetic. I could BARELY make the Coast Guard standard, and was huffing and puffing at the end. It was only a mile and a half. Still, I wanted to set out and get back into shape. I remember during a drive home back in 2004 from work, it felt like God was piercing my heart to ‘go back’ in my mind. Memories flooded my mind, and I felt like I was in some sci-fi thriller where random images pop up out of nowhere. After praying on it, I felt like this memory of the Marathon kept lingering in my mind, even on to the next morning. It wasn’t anything significant, but a vivid memory of me sitting in front of a TV wanting to do the Marathon. I knew then on that I needed to fulfill this ‘promise’ I made to myself over a decade ago. While I was in Hawai’i, I volunteered at the Honolulu Marathon for years, helping pass out water and hold the dividing line. For whatever reasons during those years, I never mustered up enough self-discipline to do it. After beating myself up over it, in 2008, I told myself I would do it in 2011 and my goal would be to not stop at all. 2011 would be my last year in the military, and although at the time I was debating on reenlisting, I wanted to secure my goal.

I moved to Virginia in 2010, and the travelling abroad started up. I made the decision to get out of the military, and I knew I had this last chance to do it while I was in uniform. So I started running. I ran all over Newport News Park, and York County. I ran all over Brasilia, Malaysia, Trinidad, Bahamas, and Vietnam. I ran until it hurt, and kept going. I told myself to move forward and push beyond anything I’ve experienced before. This was new territory for me.

This past Sunday, at 4:50 am, I said a prayer of thanksgiving. I was thankful that after all these years, I was finally at the starting line of a race that I believed for years would be a sight I would never see. I was thankful that I was healed. I was thankful that I was alive. I drank my last sip of water, and as the fireworks went up to signal the start of the race, it was a bit emotional for me. I didn’t know it would be so moving to start. 

I’ve never gone past 15 miles straight nonstop before, and I normally start to struggle at about 9 miles. Maybe it was the adrenaline of being in the race, the overwhelming aloha and support of the onlookers and cheer sections, God, or a combo of the three, but 9 miles came and went, and I was feeling more than fine. I said hi to friends as I passed them and kept my head in the game as best I could. My knee started to give way about 15 miles into it, and I was in pain, but I pushed through. I could see many start to pass me as I brought my pace down to a SLOW jog, but I kept telling myself. “RUN YOUR OWN RACE!”

I came down the corner of Kapiolani Park, and the Finish Line was ahead of me. As I approached the Finish Line, I felt as if the weight of the world lifted off my shoulder for a moment. I had a sudden burst of energy and bolted to the line, all smiles, dripping wet. 5 hours, 23 minutes, and 43 seconds of straight running. Never stopped. Never gave in.

I limped to the park afterwards, and had a brief moment with God. He carried me the entire race, and my strength came from him. It was by far the proudest moment of my life and something I will never forget. It was a bit bittersweet as I only wish I had friends or family there to celebrate it with me, but I know they were in church at the moment. I guess being alone was a good thing. That’s how I’ll look at it.

Never give up on your dreams. That is really it. Nothing more, nothing less. Never give up. God may provide them, BUT YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Hope to see you next year at the starting line

Commercial Break

Ever hear a really corny radio ad? Or watched a really melodramatic commercial? You know, where they try to act out a normal conversation, but end up sliding in obvious plugs of the product they are endorsing? Not too often in the middle of conversation do I state the name of the product and list all the side effects or rattle off all the benefits to my friends during a dinner or hangout session somewhere. I don’t tell them to ask their doctor “right away” for anything, so I often wonder where these commercial directors find their inspiration.

To me, that sort of advertising turns me away from the product. Sure, it may lure a few in, but for the most part, people just want to know it works, and they would rather just get the facts than try to find a hidden message somewhere or another. Some of the most memorable commercials are the funny ones, actually. Ones that display relevance, wit, charm, and comedy. They are memorable because they grab your attention, but instead of sell a product, they promote it.

There’s a difference between those two. To sell and to promote. To sell something means the intention is simply to gain profit from it, be it money or brownie points. Do some companies care what the consumer does after the sell? Not at all. But when something is promoted, and we see that they really want us to believe in the success of the product, and they take the time and energy to make a good case about it, we know they really believe in it, and thus, we start to believe it too. When we buy or order it, we exercise that belief in it. Because they promoted it well, and didn’t sell it.

I wondered about my influence as a man of God in this respect. Do I simply sell God, or do I really promote it? Do I just want the brownie points and a point for every person I encourage, or do I really invest in these relationships and in the people I help lead? There’s nothing wrong with sharing how your life has changed, but what I want us to be careful with is the intention behind it. Are we really listening to people and sharing our heart with them, or are we just waiting for the microphone time to spit out your best sales pitch?

Do I sound like an over-the-top commercial for God to everyone, sounding as fake as can be, or do people believe in what I say because I take time to build relevance, breed good relations, and offer a real passion? I’d like to say the latter, and I think I do a good job, but I know I can be a better example. It’s a simple reminder to check your gauges, and humble ourselves sometimes.

Do you ever feel like you’re listening to an exagerration of a Godly life from others, and more importantly, do you think people think that of you?

Let’s try to be real with people. Let’s honor them, by giving them ourselves. As friends. As people. Relevant people.

Before they change the channel.

Like a Chief

It’s been only two weeks into the New Year, and already perspectives have been validated and refreshed. I was immediately humbled when two of my close Guardian friends, Kevin Conroy and Chris Martinez, entered a new chapter of their lives as they became Chief Petty Officers. Although they were honored by my being there, I was the one who was truly humbled. I take seriously the role we have, and to know that they now join me and my shipmates in the Mess motivates me beyond anything since I’ve pinned on these Anchors.

Today, I traveled a few hours to watch my good friend, Fauzi, graduate from Coast Guard Basic Training. I remember first taking him on board Coast Guard Cutter RUSH when he was first interested in joining, and although I knew he was interested, I was keenly aware of how much I could make an influence in his decision. After a few months of waiting, he finally did it. And now, he’s a Guardian. On his way to OS A-School, might I add.

To see this generation of Chiefs begin to take the helm while the next generation assumes the watch is a sight to sit, behold, and appreciate. We make history everyday as Coast Guard men and women. Some will take on more responsibilities with rank and privilege, while others will start their journey into their careers for the first time as adults. What is common amongst all of us is that the decisions we make and the influence we carry spells out our impact on our Service. We can choose to make a difference in the lives of those we serve, or we can just serve. Either is a standard, but one is significant. Some decisions we make in our professional lives reflect greatly on our personal lives, and vice-versa. We bend and fold, stretch and flex, with every new decision we make. We learn from our mistakes, knowing however that our efforts are validated and encouraged. We change as professionals, but we learn how to embrace it personally as well. Our environments change, and so do our friends. We are always growing. Always.

I think back to these moments in my own career, from Boot Camp, A-School, and Chief’s Academy graduation ceremonies. I was different person at every stage, but all made me who I am today, professionally and personally. As I watched Recruit Company Hotel-184, I was reminded of why I serve, who I serve, and what impact I have on them. I was proud to be there to applaud their decision to join this Service, just as I was proud to applaud the decision of my fellow Chiefs to accept the responsibility and honor of becoming a Chief Petty Officer. As a leader, I need to be able to remind myself of these significant decisions that others have made. When I understand the passion and motivation behind these decisions by my shipmates, both young and old, I remain grounded. I remain humbled. I remain motivated. It’s only then that I can really succeed at being a Chief. It’s then that they see the Chief’s Mess supports them.

Because to them, a Chief was there when it all started. On that first step. Just as one was for me.

 

Distractions

It hadn’t even been a full 24 hours into the New Year, and already, my joy was threatened. Visiting home has been a great pleasure, and undoubtedly one of the only real vacations I’ve ever taken. But yesterday, my wallet was stolen and I was immediately the victim of identity theft, accumulating in charges and claims against my name.

Sometimes I wonder what makes us strong. I’m not talking about a tangible strength, but a steadfast solidarity in spirit. What allows us to grow? If you really think about it, there’s a difference between paying attention and focusing. Paying attention requires just that. Attention. The minimal amount necessary to allocate your thoughts towards something. But when you focus, there’s more required. There’s more to do. There’s an effort needed. There’s a need to not miss anything, and there’s a desire to digest everything for what it’s worth, making sure that you full undivided attention is executed. When you are just paying attention, you are prone to distractions, because to you, the distraction is just as powerful as the subject, and sometimes, it’s more powerful. Powerful enough to, well, distract. But when you focus, distractions don’t have as much power. They don’t have what it takes to gain your attention because you have focused everything towards your subject. Sometimes you don’t even acknowledge them.

This is why it’s so important to remain reverent to God. To make sure that He is above all that you desire, want, and need. Yes, even above those. When we do this, our desires, needs and wants don’t distract us from God, because we haven’t given them enough power in the first place to do that. You see, it’s not a matter of how powerful God is above these things, but it’s a matter of how much we allow God to be in the prime spot of our lives.When we let those things become just as powerful as God, we begin to look at them. We get distracted.

The year started off sour with this happening. But I choose to place God above all the things in my life. I don’t want to be distracted. I will not let this distract me. I still have my joy, which is in Him. He is my joy. He is my all. It’s imperative we do this with God. Someone may have stolen my identity in this world, but they did not steal my purpose. This is how I choose to live this year out.

Defining God

The moment God is figured out with nice neat lines and definitions, we are no longer dealing with God.

Rob Bell quotes this in his book, Velvet Elvis, where he explores the many definitions we try to attach to God sometimes to “cushion” the blow of life’s realities.

Have you ever wondered where the mystery of God went? I mean, there’s definitely something to be said on how God works against certain things, but I think sometimes we can get too investigative on how God works. We say that God works in mysterious ways, but only in certain things and after we’ve given our hand at things. Like relationships. God works in mysterious ways, but I know FOR SURE that that person is not my future spouse. God works in mysterious ways, but I know FOR SURE that I’m not meant to do that. Some things are obvious, but have we really gotten to the point that if you don’t have a set definition of God in your life that you “need work on your spiritual life”?

I want to know God more and more each day. But I want to know only as much as God wants me to know. Because He is God. I will never fully figure Him out. So why waste my time on that when He could be trying hard to tell me to do otherwise. Like, oh I don’t know, obey. Obey without question.

I don’t want to lose that reverence and respect for God. I don’t want to fully figure Him out. That’s not my business. Instead, I want to train myself to be more aware of God, more cognizant of His voice in me. There is a reason why God allows only a glimpse of His glory to us. We can’t contain it all. We can’t comprehend it. We simply can’t fully get it.

So let’s stop with this crazy nonsense of trying to always figure out God’s next move. He will lead us. He will guide our ways. God is not on our side. WE are on HIS side.

Moving on…

I don’t want it to sound like it reads, because it may be misleading, but there’s no other way to say it. I really have moved on from my previous time in Hawai’i. Truly. Now, I’m not saying that I’m done with this place or that I’m not enjoying my time here, but my time back home has been extremely therapeutic. I mean, i thought I was going to be like a kid in a candy store trying his hardest to savor every moment, but it hasn’t been like that at all. I’m enjoying every day here for what it’s worth, and I’m doing it with true appreciation.

This place gives me a sense of belonging unlike any other place. Maybe you could say it’s picture of a calling. I’ll be quite honest, I don’t really know for sure what my life calling is, but I’m working on fine-tuning my sense of reception towards it. And Hawai’i gives me a strong sense of its truth. This isn’t just another ideal place to visit; this is really home. And with that, I understand the value of it even more because I live somewhere else. I’ve moved on from my time here into another life, as I’ve done before, but I know that my time here isn’t over. I think that promise allows me to live life fully in my new environment, which I’ve taken every opportunity to do. I’ll admit, my life is different there. I’m not as mobile as I am here, and I’ve switched up my eating habits profoundly, but it’s because new things are in store for me. New things must happen. New beginning must take place, for new things to happen.

I’m glad I came back home for a brief timeout. A dose of home is always good, I believe. Whether it’s coming back to good times, or revisiting for an opportunity for closure, a reminder of normalcy helps set you up for the newness of life. I’ll be back on the East Coast next week, but for now, it’s time to enjoy life in Hawai’i.

Change, Pt. 2

It’s funny sometimes. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to this. Change has always been a part of my life. I would even dare to make it a part of my life’s definition.

After a year of tumultuous changes, including a move to the East Coast, I’m back home in Hawai’i for the holiday season. I think you could pen a few country songs on my experience in Virginia, not because I’m miserable in my new duty station, but because I could go into detail how much I’ve missed this place. I blogged my experience with my move and the various parts of Hawai’i I’ll miss, and not a day went by in Virginia when I did not think about my life on the island.

But as much as I am happy to be home again in this place, I can’t help but think how much I’ve changed since I’ve gone. I know I am not the same person anymore, and a part of it relates to personal growth and revision. Looking back at where I was a year ago, I wonder even more what is in store for me. I’ve heard from many how much my future looks bright, but at the end of the day, it’s God whose favor I seek. I think that statement, though, requires more than just simple praying. It requires more than just an ambitious request in the corner of a room. I think that seeking God’s favor means I’ll need to go through some refining. If I really seek growth or new things in my life, than it obviously isn’t something I’ve already seen in my life. If He is a God of new things, then I need to go through new change. I need to be vulnerable to change and new things because, well, I DON’T know what is to come. Isn’t that the point?

I may be facing challenges like everyone else, but what will separate me with all the change going on around me is my attitude. I prayed in anticipation that I would return to my home and be restored to “how it used to be”, but as God answered my prayer to come home, I know now that I’m not supposed to be that anymore. I’m not meant to go back to how it was. It was a great run while I was here, but if I want to go into the new things of God, I can’t expect to be the same. I can’t to be in control. I need to trust. Trust God. I will return to this place again, but it will be on God’s terms. In the meantime, I need to continually check my attitude on my situation. I need to be positive about the changes surrounding me. I like where I’m at, and although it’s not ideal to me, I’m looking forward to what’s next. Even if I have no clue what it is. And that’s just fine with me.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my time here. It’s Christmas in Hawai’i, and I couldn’t be happier to be home.

Change, Pt. 1

It seems that everywhere I’ve gone, whether it was for leisure or business, I’ve noticed a change occur in me. Have you ever noticed that too? Nothing too significant or anything; just a change. A change in the way you live, even down to the way you eat, sleep, walk, etc. Now, I’m not talking about big obvious changes that make you think more than you really need to, but just the small subtle changes you find yourself adjusting to when you go somewhere new. Your senses are heightened, your expectations are now wiped clean, and your adventurous spirit is in full gear! Why? Because although you may have looked up everything there is to know about this new place or surrounding, there’s an element of surprise that is still indeed very much alive every moment of the day.

Some moments, the surprise was good, because you may have expected it. You may have heard of that nice restaurant in the middle of town known nationally for its amazing cuisine, and was just as impressed as other connoisseurs were when they first came in as well. For others, it’s not so much of a pleasant one. That museum you were hoping to go to wasn’t what you expected at all when you actually walked through the doors.

And sometimes, it’s the items out of left field; the legitimate surprises that, albeit good or bad, will memorialize that new place into a completely different category all in itself.

That’s a part of what I’m thinking now about my new home. And although there are many other dynamics that flow into it, I’m finding more and more how much I’m learning about myself through this.

Take some time to think about changes in your life. What changes were affected by your surroundings from time to time? What changes stuck in your mind, be it your surroundings or the way you responded to them? And more importantly, how have you changed as a result?

No Fear

If you’ve never stopped to think about where your fears really come from, stop what you are doing and think about it. I mean, really think about them.

For anyone that knows me, snakes are not my thing. I am deathly afraid of them. The whole no-legs-slithering-around-aimlessly agenda they carry does not sit well with me. Even the mere sight of a snake on TV would make my stomach turn in discomfort with the same feeling you would get  when looking loosely over the balcony of a tall building. I suppose that heightened my love for Hawai’i, being that no snakes reside there. I hate snakes and am afraid of them. At least, I used to be.

While driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, I saw one of these slithering creatures making its way across I-15. I didn’t see it until the last minute, and when I did, all I felt next was a “thump” under my tires. I soon realized I ran over it and saw it’s remains on the freeway tangle senseless amongst the dust and pavement.

After coming to terms with what just happened, I saw the reality of it all clearly. This creature, who for the longest time was a monster to me in my life, fell victim literally below my feet. If my fears of them were true, the snake should have grown to about 200 feet then and there and should have eaten me alive! But it didn’t. It just stayed a small snake on the road.

 Luke 10:19 describes how God has given us the power and the authority to trample over snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Now, yes, of course, I literally drove over a snake, but what was more profound to me was just how little my fear really was compared to the reality that a snake has really no tangible stronghold over me life. The snake was but a small creature compared to the monstrous fear that overcame me throughout my life. Now, I’m not saying to go drive over everything that scares you, nor am I saying that trampling over real snakes and scorpions are the key, but for me it became a literal translation of the Verse.

I’ve been granted this authority long before I came into existense. I don’t have to pray about receiving it; I ALREADY have it.  It’s been done. All I have to do is make sure I APPLY it. Running over the snake was literally a small incident in the grand scheme of things taking place in my life, but it provided HUGE revelation about my own self. I hold ME back more than anything from God’s reality for my life. I can sometimes place HUGE fears on things that don’t stand a chance against my own feet, when in reality, my only legitimate fear should be towards God; to revere Him as my King and fear Him as Holy.

Think about your fears. Why do you fear?  Is it as big of a deal as you make it out to be, or is it simply just a small thing?

And when you think about it, pray about it. You already have the authority and promise that nothing will harm you. Pray then that you would use it.

Day 30 (June 30): Final Sunset

Alas, it’s time to go. The sun sets of my final day in Hawai’i. And you know what? I feel nothing but joy. I feared this day would come all too soon, and I imagined it would be difficult to say goodbye to friends and family. And although it is, I can’t but smile at the grace of God in our lives. Today feels right. Today is His day. I must leave. It’s crazy how my attitude has gone from worry and despair, to genuine peace and joy.

Thank you to all of my friends, especially my XA Ohana, who have made a significant impact on my life (each and every one of you!). I love you guys, deeply. I am so excited to see what Chi Alpha will blossom into this next year. It will be truly a spectacle. Tim and Julie, my mentors, coaches, and biggest fans: mahalo for believing in me and never letting me go. I hold you both so deeply next to my heart. Eli and Ella: Uncle Henry loves you both, and would like to make you Honorary Shipmates! Congratulations and welcome aboard! To Eric and Bri: my convention family. We’ve come a long way from strawberries! I DEEPLY cherish our friendships; know that. Dave: You are a blessing to me; believe it! Thank you. Steph, Mike, Christi, Josh, Crystal: Dinner? I love you guys all so much. Please never forget that you ALWAYS have a friend in me. Roger and Gail: none will compare to our chemistry together, can’t wait for your visits; love you both, Silver Bullet and Midnight Dreamer (and kayla, Hapa and Teheiana)! Theresa and the Hopkins clan: I hope VA is ready for us I love you guys!  Paula The Pirate, Bella and Nico: thank you for being in my life; I value our friendship dearly! The Messers: I can’t wait to see you guys again! Thank you for being shining examples of a Godly couple. It shows, truly. Mokily: Come back, bro! Miss you and will always remember our good times! Brenner and Hoku: I can’t wait to see your future. I’m blessed to be a part of your present. You guys overwhelm me with love; thank you. Daniel: A brother and confidant is what you will always have in me. I love you man. Savina: Keep it poppin! You make me smile, and sometimes, I needed it. Thank you for being His light. Nilda: Thank you for being the only girl who can go toe to toe with me on the sarcasm. Love you for that Eddie: you are a beacon of light amongst the darkness. You are soon to realize how glorious His plans are for you. I can’t wait to see what happens. Thanks for being a true friend. Jonathan: Great things lie ahead; trust Him and you will see what I’m talking about. Thank you for our friendship. To the rest of Chi Alpha: I love you all. More than you know.

To the Faufatas: Thank you for allowing me into your family and your lives. You know not how much that means to me to have you guys in my life. I THOROUGHLY love you, and believe me, you’re never losing me. Princess and Rachel: I can’t think of the words to say how much I will miss you. It’s a good thing I don’t have to, since I’ll be making your room in VA. Love you both! Sose and Siaosi: thank you for your friendship and love. I’ve cherished our times together, and have a special place in my heart for your family. I’ll see you guys on the East!  Des: I look up to you. I love you, bro. Thanks for everything. Mahkee and Ash: my sisters! You already know how much I love you guys. Wherever we are, God binds us together. I love you guys dearly. Timo and Aifiti, and the girls: I may not know what God is thinking, but it’s obvious sometimes to see who He’s using. You guys have shown me so much love, and I want you to know that I love you guys very much, and will never be too far from you guys. You will always have a brother in me. Always.

You are ALL my Hawai’i.

And finally, to You, Father. Thank you for Hawai’i. Thank you for my time here. Thank you for my past, for my present, and for my future. I’m ready.

Day 29 (June 29): Who I’ve Become

It’s no secret that I didn’t want to come back to Hawai’i. I was comfortable having left the nest the first time. But for some reason, God wanted me back here. And now that it’s seven years later, I know now that befor I could even think about following His will into my future, I had to learn how to understand His purpose for my past. I fell in love with this place all over again, and although moving will be a new challenge for me, I leave here wiser and stronger than the man I came here as. I’ve learned first-hand the importance of relationships, and I’ve grown as a man of God and a steward of my peers. I know now what my past has to do with my future, and I realize now how much of an influence I can be to others. I’ve grown some thick skin over the years, and have had many revelations about myself. The life of this land has opened my eyes to His wonder, and the gentle love of its people has confirmed His love towards me. I’ll be quite honest; at first, I was thrown with the decision to move. Many new things were opening up and it seemed like I was in-line to expand amazing horizons here in Hawai’i, and it seemed like God was taking me out of the game right at a high point. But I know that all of this prepares me for what is to come next. Whatever it is. I was here for a reason, and it’s time to find out why. In a sense, I owe this place my life.

This is my Hawai’i