Category: anthems of a broken world

Zion gave me the Bird.

It’s so easy to get stuck in the  world of routine.  Getting by to make it another day, another week, another month. Sometimes I have to stop myself and disconnect from everything in order to remind myself of the work that still needs to be done in pursuit of our dreams and passions and the reasons why we are here in this season.

As I wrestled with the idea of leaving my hometowm Chicago in 2007, my Dad’s words were the deciding factor. He said, “just close your eyes and go”. The only way I was going to find out if there was more to my life and my family was by taking a chance, and I did.

Yesterday when I picked up my boys from school Zion met me at the door of his classroom and showed me the amazing work of art he made. In “that moment” It felt as if Zion’s simple art piece spoke into my soul.  There is always more! There is always something new to be made! There is always a brand new day!

I am learning to stop measuring my future by my past. I am learning to stop comparing myself to who I was 5 yrs ago, to who I am today.  I am learning to think with a fresh approach, work with a blank canvas, and work my a$$ off for the life of my dreams, the life God designed for me and my crew to live. We can talk all day long about how screwed our past is, and why we don’t deserve _______________,  and for what!?  But we can talk about, where do we go from here?

So today I remind YOU! Your routine is temporary, but you gotta work for your dreams! Your past is done and over with.  You were created for more than that. So because of that I give you the Bird! It is a new day.

Has anyone given you the bird lately? Tell me about it!

-fuser+

 

Writing a… book?

Sometimes I feel like Reina (my wife) is the voice of God, and other times just her own voice. She is my toughest critic but also my greatest fan cheering me on. I’ve always been known for being a storyteller. My Dad is a storyteller so I guess I inherited the gift of talking…alot.

There are many things I remember from my childhood, my teen years, college and other random memories. I try and journal as many of them as possible and others are encrypted in my brain in full detail, which I never forget. As this journey continues we live on and more memories are made. Not all my memories are great ones. Some of them are full of pain, loss, and what may seem as misfortunes. But I have learned from every moment, and every road that seemed abandoned lead me to an amazing season in my life.  So….once upon a time my sister randomly said, “You should write a book,” which I thought was crazy.  As time went on, and years down the road my wife Reina said, ” babe! you should write all these memories down and write a book”. Ok, maybe I should listen?

This is my issue. I am not the greatest writer. I don’t enjoy typing as much as maybe I should. Being a writer wasn’t part of my plan but I wouldn’t mind sharing these stories and memories that I have. I think many people may relate to them and hopefully be inspired by moments that once seemed to be misfortunes but became redemptive seasons in my life. I felt I couldn’t write a book without there being a grand finale or conclusion…but the more I think about it…It’s a journey that will continue and needs to be told as we stroll along. Wouldn’t you say so? So it would basically be…

Stories about  growing up in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhoods, raised in a latino family, spending all my School yrs in the Catholic education system, almost losing my Dad at a young age, surviving to tell the tales of the gang infested streets, College life, marriage, almost divorcing, losing my hearing, having kids, travels to Cambodia, Argentina and the world, working for a church by day, rocking with my band at night, seeing first hand how God connects all the dots and pieces in my messy life, and so much more…I just wanna tell you guys everything now!

So I know it’s gonna continue to be a work in progress and I need tons of help, guidance, advice, suggestions, professional editing and constructive criticism and you can only imagine how much more… So bear with me, have patience and I will get it done!

So what do you recommend I do first?

-fuser+

 

Homestead

June 2007 marked the beginning of 2yrs that would impact my life forever and inspire the greatest journey ever. In 2007 Reina and I departed Chicago and went to the furthest city we could go before hitting the The Keys, Homestead FL! I stepped into a role at Life Pointe Church that would change my life forever. I knew I would be working as the creative arts director and Worship guy…But what I discovered goes beyond what I would’ve ever expected. It was truly an honor to work beside Lead pastor Travis Johnson. I gotta say he was one tough dude to work for, but the best boss I’ve ever had. I was challenged beyond the talents I brought to the plate. I learned what it was to lead and not just be. I learned it wasn’t about just  doing, but developing others to lead and do. Letting go in order to grow. In 2 yrs I think I read more then I ever had in my whole life. I was pushed and was given the freedom to fly on my own and fall on my face from time to time. My passion for people grew more then ever…I think because I met some really cool people in Homestead Fl, who took us in and made us feel like family. Because of those two yrs I grew as a person, as a dreamer, as a husband, as a father and as a friend. I learned the good and bad of me. I dropped the ball many of times, but learned lessons I will carry with me till the day I die. LPC and Homestead will forever be in our hearts as 2 of the greatest yrs of our lives. The moment I will never forget is the day Travis challenged me to give away my music for a bigger cause. That cause took my band across the globe and did things I never thought would be possible.

Thank you for 2yrs that marked my life and the life of my wife and kids for a lifetime! It was an awesome season. Cheers!

-fuser+  video was shot during an LPC series titled “likeus.tv” 2007