Fun Days!!

Growing up I can say my some funnest days were not spent in a theme park, shopping at a mall,  or attending professional sport games, but were those spent working. As children my parents taught us by example to work to the best of our ability. "Whether working for the President, yourself, or Mr. Blackwell, the quality of your work should always be the same". The other day our family was going to take down a barn/warehouse and with the material we are going to build a little cabin. Right after breakfast, all the boys headed out. As we drove up to the work-site, the view brought back so many happy childhood memories and was such a pleasure to see. My brothers, ages 6 and 16 were up on the roof working along side dad; men in training =0) It didn't take the girls long to find ways to fall in to place... It was a wonderful day working hard as a family. When "The de la Fuentes" work there is so much laughter going around, it would seem that the amount of fun you have depends on how hard you are working......( At the end of the day all of the little kids still had tons of kick left in them, and while  I wasn't admitting to anything let me tell you I was pleased as punch when we called it a day with a dinner and lemonade ;0) 

It is my opinion that one of the best gifts you can give your children is a good work ethic. I don't mean perseverance or determination I mean the ability and desire to work.  If  a child knows how to work hard; with the help of YHWH they can achieve any goals they set. I know successful professionals that attribute it all including the the drive that pushed them, to the summers they spent working in the fields with their grandfather. Some thing about hard work keeps life in perspective, you appreciate the time and efforts of others, it teaches you to be helpful (to see a need and fill it with out being asked)  you learn to enjoy playing more, and it gives a sense of responsibility. I admire what my Abuelito accomplished with all of his children, when I look at his children I am so blessed and inspired to see this spirit.... I hope one day I can instill the same in my children: a desire to help without a reward, an ability to work without an overseer, and a respect for all (regarding none higher than another).....

Wasn't the Messiah our perfect example; and he was a humble carpenter. I  guarantee every piece of his work was a masterpiece. It is my prayer that one day I will be a master piece of his, after he molds me, after he smooths out the edges, and removes the dross....

Let us "work" towards that goal,  preparing ourselves to be used as  instruments for him...

                                                                                                                              ~Ecc. 9:10

Choices-Compromises

Have you ever thought: Surely this won't affect anyone/anything.......
Well nothing could be farther from the truth, every thought, every action, Every choice we make will affect us.
Our choices form our thoughts, which determine our actions which will eventually mold our character. I think it should be common knowledge, ( and you may quote me on this) "Your compromise will be your demise"
You can't just say you'll fix it later,that is not the way it works. Mistake should be corrected and wrongs must be righted as soon as they are made. Ask any carpenter, musician, seamstress or mathematician... and you will find, that slight miscalculations are not acceptable and lead to the ruin of the house, the Concerto, the garment, and the formula. YHWH esteems those of a humble, contrite spirit and whom will tremble at his word. David was a man after God's heart;  does that mean he was pursuing the heart of his creator or that he was molded according to the desires of YHWH..... Perhaps both?  To have such a love for his shepherd, and then sin, you may think what a disappointment he must have been. But man does not see the heart as YHWH does. Look at David's first words, you will see what it was that set him apart from other men. "Create in me a clean heart O, YHWH , renew a right spirit within me". The ability to repent is such a humbling gift, and it is truly a gift.
Many people will say they are sorry, but never acknowledge that they've done wrong. While other will admit to their sin and apologize, but never change their ways. As children of the Most High we should strive to walk in the WORD of truth, and truly repent when we have turned astray. Every decision we make today will play a part in determining the person we will become tomorrow. If we seek YHWH early (before we need him, before trouble comes) then we will find him, because we will have searched for him with all of our hearts. Everyday there is an opportunity to be used of God, and those who make themselves available for his work will never regret THAT decision. 
Shouldn't we all seek to be vessels of honor and gold for HIM.....

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O YWHW, my Strength and my Redeemer. ~Psalm 19:14

Choose your Virture over Vanity

Our society tends to define people by their material goods. Why do men care so much for character of their wealth? Rather than consider the wealth of their character.That is not to say that I think money is the root of all evil, but the Love of money is. When we are blinded by the gold's glitter we do not see the real treasure. Regardless of my situation or the station I find myself in, I count my self Rich indeed. Because I know my true worth. So many can sit in their palaces and mansions storing their wealth and power, and yet still be empty inside with no joy. Why,.. Because a priceless gift cannot be bought... It must be given... I cannot count YHWH's love in wealth. Nor should you ...Do you not know: You were not purchased with silver and gold  but with the loving kindness of the living God and the blood He shed for you. We spend our whole lives making money to be rich, so we can enjoy life. After an entire life time this goal is accomplished, but there is no time left or people to enjoy it with.The important things in life are not wealth and possessions but the people you spend that life with. The differences you make, whether good or bad will depend on how you live that life. You have a choice to make this day, but, as for myself  I will serve YHWH (Joshua 24:15). 
So live today as though it were your last; for the glory of your redeemer!