The Journey Not the Destination

 Write about the struggle…

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. 

Welcome to this Cinematic Experience

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. 

Thank you for being part of the journey. 

Viva Cristo Rey,

Erik

Look at You (Self Reflection)

Look at you,

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

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

Thank You Great King Jesus Christ!

This is year 18

Los Angeles, CA. 

“Siempre adelante.” -St. Junipero Serra 

Season of Revival

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.

In Memory of Margaret Shelkey

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! 

I’m God’s Favorite

 I’m God’s favorite…

Do we have enemies? Yes. Why? We don’t back down. We’re Christian.

“Pray with me, but don’t 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.

How did I get so lucky? I’m God’s favorite.

I Hope You’re Healing

 I hope you’re healing.

I hope you’re healing because the world needs you. They need your energy, they need your love, they need your fire.

People nowadays need examples of people who are fully alive. People who live authentically, and share the presence of Christ in their lives. 

Our bodies are our temples, and sometimes we forget that. However, our soul is more important then our temporary body. Let’s not forget that. 

I hope you heal in mind, body and soul so that you can help others. After all, iron sharpens iron. At the other end of this you will be stronger, talk about strong immunity. I hope you heal so that you can put that mind, body and soul to the test once again. Ignite those God-given passions and impact eternity.

We as a family, community, and nation need to heal. If we don’t heal from our wounds, we end up bleeding on everyone else. What are you doing to heal emotionally or mentally? What are you doing to heal physically? What are you doing to heal spiritually? 

It’s okay not to be okay at times. We’re all a little broken, beaten, and carry wounds. After the Resurrection, Christ showed his wounds to His disciples. It was Him, that went through the cross, His true authentic self. Embracing the cross and the process of healing is beautiful. There’s something beautiful about suffering because God is closer to us during that time. 

“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.” -Mother Teresa  

We have a healer, be patient.

Keep going! Keep healing! 

There Will Be Miracles

There will be miracles

This past year has been difficult for everyone. Everyone suffered and made sacrifices one way or another. There is uncertainty, but most importantly there is hope.

Are we seeing the end of the pandemic? Maybe so. Are we seeing the economy recuperating? Maybe so. Is the anxiety diminishing? Maybe so.

Once thing that is for certain, on this day before Easter, is that there will be miracles. Miracles happen everyday. God does reward the faithful. We weren’t suppose to be in control, it is about abandonment to Divine Providence. It is about surrendering to His care. 

There will always be a group on the left side, right side, far left, far right, and moderate, but we are all one body of Christ. For a common cause we will unite, for everything else there will always be diversity. That’s the way it has always been. That is what we know as normal.

There will be miracles. New witnesses, non-believers will become believers, but a special blessing will be given to the faithful ones. You’ll see an uprising happening, full conversions. Give it a few days, weeks, or months, but it’s soon. God will heal us PHYSICALLY, emotionally, and spiritually. Miracles happen everyday, if we pay attention. His will done once again, His will is only beginning with us.

There’s still uncertainty, but one thing that is always certain and to always believe: There will be miracles! 

2020 Pandemic

You’re probably wondering how we got here.


It’s no surprise, but most of the world was surprised. The world has its own agenda and loves feeding from people like parasites. This is the apocalypse alright. Yes, the exact same one we saw in zombie films, only this time these zombies didn’t come back from the dead out of their tombs, they actually came from their own homes. In this journey we call life, if you were living for the weekend, causing people harm, lying, stealing, cheating, then then you were probably blindsided by this worldwide pandemic. Maybe a change needed to happen. Maybe this was necessary. Maybe we needed to be isolated for a while to ponder for a bit.

This pandemic revealed more about everyone. It didn’t necessarily change people right away, it only exposed and magnified who we already were. Everyone is struggling, but some are struggling with great hope and peace, even in our own sinfulness. The lights are off, the stadiums are closed, and our audience remains the same people. What do we do during this time, do we become Karens, bitter, rotten, and toxic or do we become saints? Modern day saints are you and I saving the world by only having to stay home, follow rules, say our prayers, embrace the challenge, overcome sin, learn from our darkness, and fall in love ever more with our Lord. That’s what the enemy is afraid of. That’s why we are quarantined. This is suppose to be a weapon against us, to be kept in isolation, with little resources, away from the sun. This is a test. Survival of the fittest. Are we hoarding? Are we scared? Or are we loving starting with the person that is nearest? As Christians, our duty is not to step into the line of fire, not in this war, but to be still and continue to love.


You’re probably wondering how we got here.

We took ourselves here, it was not our government, a virus, the Chinese people, but only ourselves. Can we live with ourselves, can we be silent, can we use our time wisely, can we enjoy the darkness, can we suffer a little bit? If we haven’t done that before this war, then this is a time to start. Quarantine life didn’t begin in 2020, quarantine life began the day we were called to be disciples. If we haven’t done that well, or tried and failed, welcome back as a prodigal son or daughter because God’s will is about to be done. It's being done as you're reading this post.


I don’t wonder how I got here. I know how and I know why. I came here to die. I am not afraid of death anymore. In the words of Mother Angelica, I am more afraid of dying and having the Lord say to me, “This is what you might have done, had you trusted more.” I don’t seek glamour or the praise, like a decade ago. I only seek His will. My days are numbered and 2020 was a mighty sweet reminder. If you live well, death is sweet and precious. FML: ForMyLord.