Amazed September 20, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in PBC Dorm Life, Reflecting Upon Life.add a comment
I was just browsing through a bunch of old photos that I brought with me from Antioch. I actually forgot I had them but I was glad I came across them. I was taken back as I saw so many photos of old friends and events that took place during high school. I say that because at one point in my life, I thought Antioch was the only city out there for me. I thought the people I knew back then would be my friends forever. Moving to Portland definitely gave me a dose of reality. God is so good. Every day of my life I’m amazed by His grace. The Lord’s presence was so evident during Friday chapel and I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. I’m so thankful for the power of the cross. I’m living the life that I am because of the blood that was shed on the cross. There’s only one way to describe it…I’m amazed.
An Erratic Post September 17, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Miscellaneous.1 comment so far
Macbooks are so much fun…
The Two Headed Beast.
Kingdom Minded Worship September 12, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Worship.1 comment so far
The last six hours of my day have been divided between three different worship practices so I’m in the mood to give my two cents regarding worship. I love music and I thank God for giving me the ability to play it. What I love more is being able to play for His glory. It’s such a great thing! However, I still believe the Universal Church lacks something that I believe is beautiful; a heart towards kingdom minded worship. We all have our preferences towards what we like to listen to, but if we’re not careful, a critical attitude will be birthed in our spirit and as soon as we experience worship in a way that we’re not used to, we’ll pull the “I don’t know if I can worship to this” card. Being a musician, I’m drawn to all sorts of music. If you were to look at my iTunes library, you would find a lot of different worship artists. Some more than others, but nonetheless a variety of people. During the last two years I’ve had the privilege of experiencing worship in quite a few atmospheres. The thing that gets me the most is when I take the time to watch everyone worship. It’s such a beautiful sight. What am I trying to say? All of us have our preference as to what we like to worship to, but that may not be the same for everyone else. That’s the beauty of the body of Christ. It’s full of unique people who enjoy different things. Why do we criticize worship songs just because it doesn’t meet our standards? That one song we can’t stand may be the only song that leads somebody else to the presence of God. This is why we have to be kingdom minded worshipers. I’ve learned that wherever you are, it doesn’t matter who’s speaking, it doesn’t matter who’s leading worship, and it doesn’t matter where it’s at. If our hearts are in the right perspective, a kingdom minded worshiper will experience the presence of God wherever they are.
Spelunking in Washington September 9, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Life in General, PBC, Photos.add a comment
The PBC Gang
I recently went caving with a few friends from school. As always, it was great! All is well in the Northwest but I’ve definitely been busy. Let’s just say I have a lot of homework!
Here are some pics from the trip…
Friendship September 6, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in PBC, The City Life.2 comments
I’m so thankful for the friendships I have. I truly can’t imagine what my life would be like without them. What a blessing! This post however, is just to brag on a buddy of mine. I honestly can’t remember how long it’s been since I first met Scotty while working at Safeway, but my friendship with him has seriously taken my life to another level. Today was the start of a new semester for the both of us. We’ve both blocked out a couple of hours every Friday so that we can spend some time together and catch up. Not only do we catch up, we’re also reading through a book together. You’d be surprised how close two people can get just by reading a book together and then sharing how each chapter impacted your life. It’s just great to walk through life with somebody by your side. Every one of us needs a close friend. Somebody who knows you from the inside out. Accountability is so critical in today’s society. Finding a friend like this isn’t always easy, it’s takes time, but it’s completely worth it. Don’t go through life alone. Find someone you can trust and open up your life to that person. You’ll get what you put into it and if you make it a priority, you’ll find time for them. Life is so much fun when you can enjoy it with those around you.
One more thing…
Everyone needs to…
- Go to the iTunes Store
- Search for Andy Stanley
- Download the LO$T Series
Why? Because it’s THAT good…
Till next time…
Hebrews 10:25 - - Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching
Next Chapter… August 29, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Evangelism, Life in General, PBC, Spiritual Growth.add a comment
It goes without saying that God is so good! One year ago I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life but by the grace of God here I am, still standing strong and moving forward in life. I just got back from my school’s kick-off retreat and it was so much fun. In a lot of ways, it was officially the end of summer for me. Ever since I moved back to Antioch for the summer it’s felt like a dream, and between being in Portland and Las Vegas during the last three weeks, it still felt like a vacation. Is life really supposed to be this good? I’ve been on this journey since the summer started. The Holy Spirit has strategically allowed me to experience the presence of God like never before. From the very first sermon I heard, to this past week at our retreat, the Lord has been leading me on an amazing ride.
Character
It started with my character. Who I am is more important than what I do. If my life isn’t backing up what I stand for then that’s a problem.
The Presence of God
I can do nothing apart from God. The more I try to, the more frustrated I’ll become. I must rely on the Lord to lead me in life and I can never substitute my ‘God time’ with anything else, I have to be disciplined with my devotional life. I recently had the privilege of meeting Bill Hybels and I’ll never forget what he told me. He said, “Whatever it is you do that brings you to the presence of God, keep practicing those things and never stop doing them. Fads and trends will come and go but the presence of God will never change. It’s the presence of God that will lead you through life.
Application
The only way I’ll see fruit in my life is to actually apply everything I’m learning. For me personally, evangelism is what’s on my heart the most. I want to see people the way God does. I want my heart to break for those who don’t know the Lord.
I’m excited for what’s in store this semester. I’m really looking forward to this next year and I know that it will only get better from here on out. It’s such a great feeling to know you’re right in the middle of the Lord’s will for your life.
This is the end of another chapter in my life.
Podcast Heaven August 22, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Miscellaneous.1 comment so far
I’ve been listening to quite a few podcasts and I’m absolutely loving it! Who knew listening to a bunch of guys would be so much fun? Here are some of my favorites:
- Charles Stanley: How to love your Dad & Do Fathers really matter?
- Andy Stanley: LO$T Part 3: Flashback
- Erwin McManus: Wisdom & Impact: Leave a Mark
- Creflo Dollar: Understanding a Servants Heart, Choosing a Mate, & The Levels of Friendships Part 1 & 2
- Generation Church: Prayer Life, Principles of Prayer, & A Clear Conscience
Viva Las Vegas! August 17, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in Life in General, My Travels, PBC.add a comment
I’m in Las Vegas right now along with the rest of my family for a little vacation. I feel bad because I’m gonna miss the first three days of school, but I’m sure I’ll get over it. We just got done walking through the city and a few casinos. All I gotta say is that I now understand why this place is called sin city…
Till next time…
Let it begin August 14, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in PBC, PBC Dorm Life.1 comment so far
Just left our first dorm meeting of the year and I’m really looking forward to this semester. Opening Chapel is tomorrow and it should be great! Till next time…
Hello from Portland, OR August 9, 2008
Posted by Joseph Garibay in My Travels, PBC.add a comment
I made it back to Portland safely. I will post more later…
