I hope you know that you were called to reach people no one else could. That your talents, time, and treasure extend far beyond others. God called you by name and sent you. No one else wanted to go. He knew you would remain faithful to the task and community. You were called to serve, and you didn’t forget your title. Chair, CEO, President? Servant!
You have people scratching their heads. They really don’t have a clue. Why would you put yourself through suffering? How do you endure pain? Are you immune? You do it gracefully. They were looking for a reaction. They’re not getting one. There’s no time.
You’re just passing through. A former co-worker once described it as “a revolving door of joy.” You live moment by moment, and the only thing that matters is that person or group that is in front of you or nearby. You live day by day, here for a good time, not for a long time. Who gets to decide? Who is in control? You know how it plays out. Let the Lord surprise you again.
Every morning: Lord, go there before me, so that I know you’re already there, in that lunchroom, classroom, office, hallway.
Every day: Lord, surprise me.
Every night: Lord, thank You!
The challenges you’re facing today are the lessons you need for tomorrow. You prayed for this! This is part of the dream. For others it’s a nightmare. That’s when you know you’re heading in the right direction, the path that was designed for you. If you see a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere, and won’t want to go there anyway.
Somewhere along that path, she’s there. She’s so beautiful. In fact you’re surrounded by beauty. If you pick up a flower, it dies. They’re only there to be admired, watered, for your inspiration, for a scenic journey. However, one day you will have a rose garden. One day you will qualify for Boston, become an Iron Man, and hike the ruins of Machu Picchu. One day, she will jump into your arms, and she will never let go.
Everyone knows you fight for justice (poetic justice). This might as well be a movie. The viewers are laughing hard. Truman Show vibes. “And in case I don’t see you, good morning, good evening and goodnight!”
I hope you know you will look back at this story and smile. This was everything you said it would be. You called it. You told the siblings, you told all the others. They’ll be believers, if they’re not already. I hope you know, you were right all along. Viva Cristo Rey!
One thing you don’t do is self destruct, self doubt, or second guess yourself. Everything happens in a timely manner. Nothing ever works out perfectly.
You carry yourself like you’re carrying boats and logs. In the end, it all works out. You will realize that the things that you thought were a big deal, were not that important after all. All people struggle with communication and deadlines, and everyone does their best to carry some of the load for themselves or for one another.
Tough times are inevitable, welcome them, face them, and the world is yours. Do not let anything disturb you. God is there with you. Are you not a believer of miracles? He will give you the strength and wisdom. He always has. Did you not get through the marathon? God knows exactly how you’re going to make it.
Keep carrying your weight. Keep building the garden. Plow the field. The championships will come. The accolades become side effects of your work. No one is against you. How could they be against someone trying to change the world while following the will of God? Prosperity always awaits, and it’s near. People are wondering how you are doing it, and the deeper they look, the more they will find God. It is Him. You will draw more to Him. It is He who carries us.
Before you lacked boundaries and were a people pleaser. All of a sudden you burn bridges accordingly. Yet, you still manage to love from the other side. Insert waving MPC character here. You still reconstruct bridges. Insert St. Joseph here. You’re a hero! More like a savage, but that’s heroism. Insert Chuck Norris pic here.
Fail again and again. Struggle again and again. This is God’s will. Sacrifice, pain, and suffering is necessary. Suffer with a smile because it makes victory more glorious when it arrives. Carry on.
Writing the struggle and how to overcome it is what serves others. Carry out the ministry in good and in bad. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what other people think.
You prayed for this. To be more outgoing, to be recognized as elite, responsible, manly, strong man of faith. You wanted to be busy, you wanted the smoke. All the smoke! You wanted the attention, respect, collaboration. You asked for good friends, people, love. Genuine, honest, caring partners, not inauthentic, disloyal, perpetual complainers or gossipers. You wanted to mature, be strong, resilient.
These are little deaths, that I have to get used to. Not being loved, valued, or wanted.
I’m not going to be around people that are always mad, jealous, irritated, or offended about everything. That energy is contagious. I will stay away. I will suffer. Suffer with joy. Didn’t need those people anyway. I kinda liked them though. I wanted them in my circle, but I need people that are uplifting. Screaming, living invitation to believe in better things.
They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.
Only fear the Lord. God puts you through the struggle because you are praying for it. If you want to grow as a person, you will have obstacles. Something small to a giant. Life is a game. You have to go through it. If you’re praying about it, don’t be surprised when God’s sends the conflict then the climax. Offer it up for the souls in purgatory. Teach others how to get out of the funk. You can’t escape it. Feel the pain. Live it. Embrace and welcome it. It’s a good feeling. It doesn’t numb you. It makes you feel alive!
You’re a King. Treat yourself like one. Don’t be so dependent on others. Value your time. Be there for others, then move to the next task. You’re an alpha in disguise ;) They don’t know that. That’s the story. The dawg, that no one knew about. Speak with confidence. Your biggest flex is not flexing.
This is not my ministry, this is God’s ministry, I’ve been sent. This is the journey not the destination. I love the journey. Something small to a giant. Change the world! It’s not how I’m going to do it, it’s how God’s going to do it. One soul at a time or a group of souls at a time.
“Face all evil, trials and tribulations with our Lord God with no doubt and victory is at hand.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
I love this! Show them Lord! Show them again and again.
You heard the drums rolling, the crowds cheering, the game began. It was an extravagant spectacle to see. The show was over, the arena emptied and behind closed doors people began to lose their minds. How? Why? It was a great show. I still hear the applause, I still feel the adrenaline. Grab your popcorn, the next show is about to begin.
Here comes the cheers, the smiling faces, the salutes, the gratitude on display. Here comes the opportunities, rewards, praises, and the fruit. Also, here comes the critiques, the frowns, the insults. I learned to love both scenarios. What people won’t see are: the hours of service; the sacrifices made; the boundaries set; the discernment process; the courage to say “No” at times; the moments of grief afterwards; the courage to say “Yes” to challenges; the effort to make things better; the love and mercy in action; the effort to ignore the negativity; the inner work; the stress coping strategies; the dealing with difficult people including myself; the failure; the multiple attempts; the rescuing of the beauty; the seeking of guidance; the trusting in the Lord. Everything mentioned is not of my doing, the credit belongs to the One that gives me the strength, wisdom, and courage. Everything I do, I do for Him. Thank You Great King!
This will always be a calling. Wherever God sends me, I will go and do what it takes to bear good fruit for His Kingdom. When He blesses me with a wife and children, they will do the same. We belong to Him. We will persevere through Him. When all the shows end and there are no more gigs left, we will still be praising God. If this was all over tomorrow, we will still praise and trust that He is in control and has the best plan for us. Let it be His will and not ours. Joy is the fruit of having faith.
Ultimate joy is the fruit of performing the will of God with great grace even during turmoil. If you want peace prepare for war. “Where you feel art, war, and love all at once…you’re set for life.” -Zach Pogrob
I love problems. It is a thrill when presented with an issue. When there is a team, together the team can solve anything. When a group presents an issue with their emotional turbulence with the intention to bring me down, then I protect my peace while teaching them to respect me as a person. Honesty, without brutality from both parties, solves problems. Kind people get taken advantage of, until they learn to close that door. I’m not a gym membership, no one gets unlimited access to me. I’m more of a stock, invest in me and reap the rewards. My blessings become their blessings. One of my former principals once told me, many years ago, to share the wealth with the others. Don’t bother with me if my happiness doesn’t make you happy.
This forces them to pour into our relationship. People, friends, and family have to work. It can’t always be one-sided. Actions speak louder than words. Teamwork makes the dream work. We heal and win together or die as individuals. If they only knew, we were made for times like these. The team and all of its members, who possess individual gifts and talents, was assembled for times like these. Beauty will save the world.
“We were meant for this world. We become the builder of dreams, the conqueror of mountains, and the keeper of hearts.”
If this memo doesn’t get to others, if we enter in times of distress, controversy, or the collapse of an empire. Either way, God has a bigger purpose, what a great show it will be. Non-fiction. Comedy, Drama, Action, Horror, Suspense, Romance, more Drama, even more Comedy. Let His Will be done.We’re living in the middle of a love story. We are all the main characters. All are welcome. All are welcomed in this redemptive love story of this world, that takes us to the cross into glory, to be reunited Home with the God of Love who is Love.
You have overcame so much. Look at where you are at. You made it. Your dream came true. Now, do you see what’s happening? It’s all unfolding in front of you. Look at how you’re handling it. You’re doing such a great job. Your mom is so proud of you. She is celebrating, smiling big, and jumping up and down with joy. Look at you. Everyone is looking. Everyone can see it. You are a ray of light. You are casting many ripples that will impact eternity. Look at you. You are doing the will of God. Keep preparing for the next thing, keep working, keep dreaming, and one day you will see why it happened the way it did. This is about to be the best season of your life. Keep loving, keep giving, keep serving, and it will all come back in return. If it doesn’t? You will still be okay with the gift because you are the gift. This is what you do, when you trust more. Look at you. Look at the fruit. It is overwhelming joy.
Love,
Erik
I couldn’t have written a better story.
I’m still receiving the graces from the past couple of conferences/weekends.
“It is YOU, You passed an unimaginable test that many of the toughest Marines, commanders, green berets, astronauts and geniuses could not.
You are made of heroes who ever lived,
heroes born among ordinary people and shine in the dark.”
God writes the story, I’m just living in it with great love and obedience. Send me! Only those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. Gotta go, I have an adventure to live, a battle to fight, and a beauty to rescue.
Year XVIII: Infinite Games. The only way to win is to keep playing…
Entering another season, as every season the approach is usually the same. If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life. Following one of the best seasons of my life, holding the championship belt as the reining MVP or TOY, comes with high expectations. The bar has been raised, but as always there’s still something to prove. We owe it to the people that believe in us. It’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. In Latin: Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum. Translation: If you want peace, prepare for war.
“The only way to win is to keep playing.” -Zach Pogrob
One year ago, I was manifesting/predicting what was about to unfold in the coming school year. A year later, I’m flabbergasted. Remember, no weapon formed against you shall prosper, you are precious in His eyes. I bind any spirit that is not from God, in Jesus’ name.
The only way to win is to keep playing.
What are the current friendships teaching me? What are the challenges teaching me? What are my upcoming personal projects teaching me? To become the man God created me to be. Enjoy the company. Grow a pair. Continue to build the garden, and in the process many beautiful butterflies will arrive. Don’t just build for the butterflies, but for the sake of building something as men were created to do. We are at our best when we’re building something.
The only way to win is to keep playing.
Don’t complain about the clowns in your life, when you keep going back to the circus. If you’re a tiger or a lion why are you arguing with a donkey or seeking validation? Without question, honey is better than sh*t. I mentioned last year, stop people pleasing, let the ships sink on their own. You’re not a sailor, you’re a captain. You’re the prize! You’re an endangered specie, a top percent. The competition hasn’t never been any easier. Men are not meeting standards: testosterone levels are at an all-time low. Faith is considered a thing of the past. You have to unleash the dog in you to fight, against the status quo, for what you love and want. Tell me you’re a rebel without telling me you’re an rebel. You either die a hero or live long enough to become the enemy.
The only way to win is to keep playing.
Vices, fear, doubt, failure, rejection, sadness, depression, anxiety, stress, etc. That list right there, I condemn in the Most Holy Name of Jesus. However, that resistance gets me fired up. It gets me excited because it leads to redemption. Redemptive suffering is good for the soul. God’s mercy is greater. Infinite mercy. We will never be great witnesses of His mercy without experiencing it ourselves. A knight and shiny armor has never gotten his battle tested. Operating in chaos is my specialty. Remember, whatever is lovely or anything worthy of praise in order to impact eternity. Everything is done for the Kingdom.
The only way to win is to keep playing.
We’re playing infinite games! A life well lived is a constant dance between walking away and going all in. An obsession! A game of no’s and yes’s. A perennial resistance to be limited edition, high value. A hidden gem. Playing a perpetual good game with a never ending journey full of wins and loses. Drawing new cards or folding, only to play another hand. It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, it’s how you play them. A game that requires you to be fearless and practice virtues to keep playing. As Teddy Rosevelt once said. “It is not the critic that counts, the credit belongs to the man that is actually in the arena.” #ManInTheArena The man that actually dares to play the game in front of an audience.
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8
Life is this perpetual game, and the only way to win is the keep playing. GGs!
I love this game!
“Hate my game. My swagger. Hate that I’m a veteran, a champion, hate that, hate it with all your guts, and hate that I’m loved for the exact same reasons.” -Kobe Bryant
This off-season has been a moment of reflection and strengthening.
I’m heading into a season of growth, collaboration, promotion, stability, and more flexibility. This is what I’ve been wanting for the past few years.
Stop being a people pleaser. Quit looking to be valued or relevant to others. You are already loved by God. You are what God intended, keep using your resources for His will to be done through you. People come and go, in the end whoever doubted or disliked you will not matter. Their opinions of you never stopped God’s will. No weapon formed against you prevailed and that might have bothered them. God always justifies you and has been with you every step of the way. The people that needed your love felt God and got to know God because of you. That’s all that will matter.
Now are you ready for the next chapter? Buckle up because it’s going to be the wildest ride in the West. This is the year that takes you to the next level. Where no Supa King has gone before. What’s a man to do? Whatever that is, keep Jesus close.
Your biggest flex will be that you did all that and didn’t need approval of anyone. Just the grace of God. Jaws will drop again, not that you needed that kind of validation.
Growth, communication, service. It’s here! No validation needed, because the opportunity is sufficient. The journey was the fun filled adrenaline rush. That was the gift. That’s the validation.
Time to pack your bags, we’re headed places. This was the next move, next level, it’s actually happening. The stars are aligned and the road has been paved, no more off-roading. Jesus takes the lead and I’m following Him. Where? Not too sure, it’s not far, but it’s going to be beautiful when I get there.
My friend, you are one of the few that would still read my spontaneous random silly blogs.
I hope you found inspiration in them, as you always inspired me to be better. Thank you my friend for believing in me.
Thank you for supporting me even in my own rebellious ways. I think that is why we got along so well, we were both always against the norm to go after our hopes and dreams because when didn’t look for the world’s approval. Only God’s approval.
Amiga, I’m gonna miss you. I’m gonna miss the breakfasts, or lunches, or dinners, the late nights, the work we did together, the conversations, and going to a random weekday Mass.
Thank you! Thank you for being a spiritual director to me. I am a better man because of you, and will always be grateful.
I’ll never forget you, and I’ll always pray for you for the rest of my life. I love you sweet lady. Please continue to pray for me. You know and I know how great God is. The Lord has done and will do great things, as long as we’re obedient to Him.
I’m going to receive the sacraments today, and I know in my heart that you are experiencing the beatific vision that you always expressed so much hope for and you are reunited with your husband and loved ones. I know you are resting, but I know you are praying.
Thank you for your friendship…Pray for us Margaret!
Do we have enemies? Yes. Why? We don’t back down. We’re Christian.
“Pray with me, but to play with me.”
“Try Jesus, don’t try me, because I fight. I don’t have a problem laying these hands.”
I’ve been looking for a chip on my shoulder. Here it is. My mother always referred to me as, “El Chilito piquín. Chiquito pero picoso.” Spicy af. Don’t play with me.
There are three types of people in this world. Those that see the cup half empty or half full, and then there’s people like me that sees it overflowing. My cup overflows.
“I have laid a table before you in the presence of your enemies…” How did I get so lucky? How am I His favorite?
Some people are always complaining. The world this or the world that. He or she this. They are always miserable. How? Are we not God’s favorite? Are we not grateful?
The world is in chaos right now and I just sit in the middle of it all in peace. Yes, peace, despite all the noise. You can be joyful and still be suffering. Offer up your suffering. Suffer with joy. We’re just passing through.
(At peace eating while the world is in chaos)
They’ll take back their words and their actions. Maybe I won’t ever get an apology, but their behavior will change. I will be able to witness it. It always circles back. “You couldn’t live with your own failure…” Poetic justice shall be served. This is part of the novel.
After all I’m God’s favorite.
To be honest, I fail at most things I do, but still I smile, I still push back. God still spoils me. Things still work out in the end. Even when I’m undeserving, I still have hope. I’m still His.
