Carving

How can one successfully carve on a snowboard without wiping out? This might be the last time I go boarding so gotta make it a good one.

Who I'm Trying to Become

"In the Book of Acts, we read that Paul--after his conversion--people distrusted him because he used to persecute the church, but now he praised it. 'Is this the same guy? Can't be! Nuh-uh.'...It's amazing how folks can't see you, cause they want to keep you in that past. Some of our greatest problems in ministering to people is that they knew us back before we came to the Lord--"

The same thing with Paul...They saw him...they couldn't believe that this man's from Jesus, because they looked at his past--

They just looked at his past. And when we're still looking at ourselves through our past, we're not seeing what God has done. What He can do! We're not seeing the little things that happen in our lives--

When people tell me that I'm good, my response is, 'I'm trying,' But there's some people that know me from back when-- anytime I make that trip to New York--and when they hear I'm the pastor of a church, all of a sudden, it's like 'I know you gettin' paid, boy. I know you gettin' paid. I know you.'"

He paused. His voice lowered.

"No, I say. You knew me. You knew that person, but you don't know the person that I'm trying to become."

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This is an excerpt from the book, "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom. Upon reading it I felt a pang in my heart. Why? I was overcome with the sad realization that I'm actually one of those people who freeze framed, held on to the memories of people in their former self rather than accepting the person that they're striving to be. Why am I so quick to judge? Who am I to have these judgments yet when Christ came to save wretched soul like us He relinquished our track record and chose to love us instead. It's amazing how much hope He has for us. I'm truly humbled.

Roscoe Bombasco's first day

I decided to continue with my journey of re-reading my xanga entries from 4 to 5 years ago. It's kind of weird that I'm being encouraged by the stuff I used to write about. I didn't realize how transparent and honest I was about my life and faith. I miss having intimate conversations with God during my walks to school or sharing my frustrations with Him after a discouraging critique on a project. During the hard times I felt pressed but not crushed (just like that song) because He reminded me to minister to myself. Yes, minister to yourself. I remember that His Truth, His Promises, His Word set me free from whatever circumstances I was facing and allowed me to continue walking forward. Maybe it's easier for only children to do that since growing up we had to keep ourselves company by talking to ourselves in our minds and give ourselves pep talks. Or maybe that's just me. But really when there's a heart that genuinely desires to know our Father and there's an open heart to hear what He has to say it's only natural that whatever circumstances you face, God has given us that power through that time seeking Him, to be able to face anything. God doesn't give us more than we can handle but He gives us the proper equipment to keep from harm, to persevere and face anything.

It's been a while since I've checked my xanga but tonight I decided to visit my posts. Below was the first entry I read and I can really relate to it today:


Thursday, September 30, 2004

Currently gone to: "Unwaxed" retreat

Reveal yourself to us Father

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An excerpt from an article written by none other than Tim Hughes


It's easy to praise when everything is going to plan. It's more of a challenge when everything around us is falling to pieces. It takes great faith to say when life is incredibly hard - "You are good." But this is the deal. God is good and is forever worthy of our praise. It's not dependent on our feelings. Day and night, always the same, God deserves our highest praise.

I think we'll find great comfort and healing in the church by allowing space to respond in this way. To be honest and real about how we really feel. To allow questions and doubts to rise, but in that place to respond to God by worshipping His holy name.

"I will praise You. I will praise You.
When the tears fall still I will sing to You.
I will praise You. Jesus praise You.
Through the suffering still I will sing."

When The Tears Fall - Tim Hughes

Today Roscoe went to get neutered. He's gonna have a cone over his head for the next week or so. Poor guy :(

update on life

Once again it's been a while since I've updated my blog. Mah bad ;)

Here's an update on what's been going on with my life since it's so darn interesting.

Remember the house plants that I was raving about in my first (or was it second) post? I'm sad to announce that the zebra plant perished 2 months ago due to my laziness. BUT I'm proud to say that the rest of the plants are still alive and well. You can never go wrong with cactus :)

I started my job as a part time dog walker 2 weeks ago and I LOVE it! I've always loved animals especially dogs since I was little so this is kind of my dream come true. So far I've been walking a golden retriever puppy named, Jack, golden-doodle (golden retriever & poodle mix) named Ollie and two big poodles named Max and Winnie. Other than picking up their doodie, I have so much fun with them, playing in the dog park and getting to know other dog owners while I'm at it. Who knows maybe one day I'll get to own my own dog walking business. The skies the limit.

Jack about to bury the ball



Jolly Ollie



This rarely ever happens but this year I've been in a Christmas-y mood whatever that really means. Like "I feel it in mah fingers, I feel it in my toooes" kind of feeling. (If someone can guess what movie that's from kudos to you!) Anyways, I digress.



Since two weeks ago, I've been playing Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas Album on repeat to the point where Roscoe has willingly put himself in his kennel and Ben has been using his head phones when using his computer. My favorite Mariah Christmas song has to be "All I Want For Christmas Is You." It's so catchy. With that being said, it's time to take a poll:

What's your favorite Christmas song and/or movie?