The Tour Guide, Jenna Curacoa Welcomes You

Jesus’s House Party - By Invitation Only Read 1 John 4: 7-11 , John 14: 6 : Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ 1 John 2:23, KJV: Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. I often imagine heaven like a house party with security standing outside asking if you have an invite from Jesus to come into the Father’s House Our beloved Miguel from Pixar’s beloved movie Coco sneaks into an exclusive party seeking to connect with his distant great grandfather Ernesto de la Cruz. Sadly, it was discovered that he was a false prophet and nearly made a deal with the devil . The strange person on his journey with him the entire time, Hector was his real family. He wasn't famous or rich. Hector was ridiculed and mocked, accused of abandoning his family. He deceived and lied, desperate to get his life preserved. If you look up the name He...

Jesus Who? Read John 18:17 , 25-27 , John 21: 15-17 , John 13: 37-38 I don’t know Him. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Jesus who? Did it cross Peter’s mind during their breakfast by the sea exchange that as many times as Christ asked him: “ Do you love Me? ”, that’s the amount of times Peter denied Him? One can only imagine how devastated Christ felt. The interesting thing is, He already knew what would happen . As part man, was He subject to the earthly emotions? Have you ever experienced anything similar? You’re rallying support to confront a boss then the boss asks if everyone agrees and suddenly all your support says, “ We don’t know what he’s talking about. ” Anyone ever accused you of being crazy? I’m sure a lot of good laughs were had. Jesus was mocked and laughed at as well during this. He really can relate to our earthly trials. So now it’s after the resurrection. These disciples are going on with their lives. Was Peter plagued by guilt at all? Was he on...

We're already sending out Holiday Greetings, especially to those doing the adult work. You know what I mean. There's a reason you're here. To Our Prostitutes and Sex Workers. I see you and I hear you. We're in an era where sex work is not only promoted, it is becoming the new standard, possible near expectation for many young people. As they say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? w r o n g . Instead, I'll Observate them. In the original blog ( Merry Christmas To The Sex Worker ) the question was poised, " Is prostitution wrong ?" I promised I'd have a response. So here Goes: At the end of the day, one has to consider intent and what it actually looks like to be a " hoe or prostitute. " One could argue that a marriage is a formal contract that entails the same arrangement as that of a prostitute. All needs met such a food shelter, etc as long as the female is putting out sex, you're agreeing to do it with only...

Read Luke 6:35-36 and Luke 14:12-14 One of my most memorable thanksgiving feasts took place at a woman’s group home where I was temporarily living. We were homeless, poor, emotionally maimed, lame, blind. At that point in our lives we were essentially lost, forgotten members of society. The mission group supporting us and providing the meal were reaping their blessings in heaven. When you’re an outcast from your family, or burden to society with nothing to offer anyone, a feast such as this that you cannot payback but only receive from really captures the essence of this passage. Then He also said to him, who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:1...

Read Luke 1:38 Then Mary said ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her. This is why Mary is revered in such a way, as an example. Many doubters and deniers of the faith have poised the argument that she had no choice. Her response doesn’t reflect that sentiment. In Luke 1:47-49 Mary states that her soul magnifies the Lord and realizes that future generations will call her blest . Her relative Zacharias doubted his wife’s conception and was made mute until the birth of his son John The Baptist. Mary doesn’t lament, cry or complain. The Lord knew her character. Her attributes remained consistent. Let’s consider when Jesus went missing for three days and was discovered to be in the temple. This frightening experience probably gave Mary mental preparation for when Christ died on the cross. He rose from the dead three days later. Mary knew early on the trials she’d have. Simeon prophesied over baby Jesus telling h...

Read Psalm 19 Reading this Psalm in particular truly captures the full essence of who God is, how we relate to Him, and offers a complete nurturing of our spirit we need in times of trial, all in one condensed passage. My NKJV captions this Psalm “ The Perfect Revelation of the Lord ”. Agreed. Verses 1-6 speak on His magnificent power. Verses 7-14 goes into the essence of God and His Nature. Verses: 7-9 straight forward and speaks for itself, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. “ The fear of the Lord ”, I must make special mention of this word “fear” and our western understanding. The connotation is not the same as in fearful or scared . It is a reverent awe inspiring and humbli...

2 Corinthians 7:8-12 Paul's Writings: "For even if I made you sorry/grieve with my letter, I don't regret it..."   " But did you die? " kinda feels appropriate. Sometimes hearing the truth is quite painful. Imagine how the messenger feels. The mourning process is painful.  2 Corinthians 7:8-12 New King James Version 8  For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.  9  Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.  10  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.  11  For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing...

This discussion needs to be had. We have the resources to reach the needs locally and abroad. It’s a matter of getting more people aware and involved and using our resources more responsibly.   Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse International Relief: “The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.” I recently participated in my local church’s packing party, headed by Patti Streeter, where we pledged and successfully packed 120 boxes destined for children around the world supplying them with toys, hygiene products, and school supplies. This small event will have a monumental effect on those children who will be recipients of these gifts as well and the Boy Scout Troop that volunteered their time assisting the church in the packi...

Thank You NASL For the prescreening of this Film Past depictions of war captured that will always stand out to me: The Red Badge of Courage, All Quiet on the Western Front, K-19 The Widow Maker, and now Devotion. To paraphrase a statement from one of the commanding officer’s, "Don't let this one moment in battle define you....war is never ending...no one remembers their history..." Much more profound hearing it of course, but it sets the tone for this review. What horrid conditions these men faced in past battle trenches, boats and subs. The women who later experienced warfare or the ones at home, all suffered. Thank you to our Veterans and to those who currently serve. Movies like this serve as a much needed reminder. There's no way to fully capture the thoughts and minds of another. Film adaptations only give us a glimpse into the character of the actual person they're attempting to portray. What stands out in Devotion is that of Jesse L Brown's d...

Read Philippians 2: 14-16 Do things without complaining and disputing that you may become blameless and harmless; children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world I’m sure you’ve experienced being around people who complain and grumble about everything; it brings down the entire environment like dark clouds. Creativity and inspiration shot down. The morale, work ethic, lowered and sense of urgency lacking in doing good work. Our minds naturally focus on what's not fair, enclosing us in a storm of dark negativity. The shows, movies, and music we consume add in hailstones of destruction to our thoughts. We watch the reality TV stars gossip and grumble and pick up their habits. Pretty soon we're covered in a darkened perception of everything. It outpours from one circumstance to another. This passage reminds us we are lights designed to pierce the dark shadows of grumbling disputes that cast dark...

“That's A Technical Foul!” When you’re removed from the game of life. Why do we cling so tightly to this life? We’re told life is a gift and blessing, which in the right context and perspective is. The Virgin Mary in Luke 1:47-49 , ESV And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Acts 5:41 expresses So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name, disciples of Christ who were glad to serve the Kingdom of Christ at any cost. They understood their greater call and purpose. But then Jesus also states in Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Extreme wording used here . Just to clarify, i...

Where Are You Staying? v What Would Jesus Do? Read: John 1:37-39 37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). It was popular, we saw it everywhere: WWJD? And John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. All very powerful and important messages . We’ve shifted to a new era. Does anyone ask, “What Would Jesus Do?” Does anyone care? I believe the question now is, Are You Even Seeking Jesus? His new disciples asked, “Where are you staying?” (Why do I imagine a little Hobbit House with a Circular door?) Jesus responds, “Come and see.” We’re now suppo...

Don't Grumble, We're All In This Together 1 Peter 4:7-19 1 Peter 4: 7-9: But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers And above all things have fervent love for one another for ‘ love will cover a multitude of sins.' Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. If you haven’t noticed, a lot of people are saying "we’re in the end times." Or, even if you haven’t noticed any odd happenings and feel life is trending the way it should, it is still wise and highly encouraged ...to be serious and watchful in your prayers Aside from that, something we also need to be doing often and all the time is simply having ... love for one another. No matter if you feel the world is ending or not. No matter if you’re feeling blessed or spiritually oppressed. The answer or solution is... love will cover a multitude of sins to where you’re praying for your enemies, finding true peace to endure hardships of this life , whether it’s ...

Keep The Commandments Read: 1 John 5:2-5 Verse 2 By this we know we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. Keep His commandments. Sounds brutal to some, but they’re actually blessings . So many shake their fists at these commandments claiming them to be oppressive and too demanding. It’s funny, though, how many take no issue with signing an employee handbook or terms of agreement to use a social media platform . They’re quite similar. God requires we follow 10 that pretty much sums everything up on how we need to conduct ourselves. What happens when rules are not followed? Negative Consequences. Things fall apart. Same goes for society. When it crumbles, children are left to suffer. And since we’re all children in God’s eyes , we all suffer. Many also argue being atheist because they cannot understand why such a “loving God" would allow such evil to take place, yet call God cruel for the harsh punishments implemented for those violating t...

Outta My Head-Reflections of Prayer and Meditation Isaiah 30: 18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of Justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him. My old thoughts: Wake up and pray? The older church ladies prescribed it. Spend an hour with God. Uh-What? Give everything up to God. Please spare me. HE already knows and clearly doesn’t care. My whole life I’ve heard that expression-that statement: “Pray about it.” Or, “We’ll keep you lifted up in prayer.” Even now saying it sounds repetitive and played out, almost as if it has no meaning. Yeah, so what does that even mean? Isaiah 30: 18 really stood out. This verse in the portion of the chapter says nothing specifically about prayer or even talking to God, but it is exactly what happens during the transition to a prayerful life as well as what happens while we pray. The first section of verse 18 reads: There...

What Things? Road to Emmaus & Talking With A Child Read: Luke 24:13-31 Jesus has a good sense of humor. I’ve been pondering Jesus’s Question: What Things? Knowing He knew what they were talking about . Does anyone else notice how funny He can be? After the crucifixion, disciples are dismayed. Jesus appears along the road and engages in conversation. Verse 19 And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. Was this a mini test? Speaking of mini tests, I happened to read this passage in the Bible prior to mine: During the peak of summer I made a silent prayer for rain. (Where I live, rain is rare.) Believe it or not we got a sprinkle of rain that day. Fast forward to another hot summer day. I made another silent prayer for rain, but I do...

James 2: 14-26 But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”(18-20) A lot of people acknowledge there is a God. That’s good, even the demons realize this. There are several kind hearted people who do good things and know the benefits of charitable acts of service. Atheists will even argue we don’t need God or religion because taking care of society is what survival is about. The thing is, knowledge will only get you so far. I’ll paraphrase this proverb I read recently: A rich man needed to reach a destination by river and hired a poor man to paddle him to his destination. The rich man inquired of the poor man’s studies and quest for knowledge . The poor man admitted to not having the smarts or availability to learn more. The ric...

Matthew 18:1-7 . Matthew 19: 13-15 "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?' Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My Name receives Me." -Matthew 18:1-6 Jump forward to Matthew 19:13-15 . So now little children are brought to Jesus so that He may pray and bless them, but the disciples rebuke the children. Jesus responds, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of Heaven. He laid hands on them and departed from there." I appreciate the detail they add of Jesus departng from there after the prayer session. Imagine what He was think...

Reference from Adam Sandler's 8 Crazy Nights  musical  "Dear Mall, Thank you for being here when we needed you the most. We abandonned you during the lockdowns. You remained. Thank you for remaining a consistent and firm foundation providing food, fun, and entertaiment. An indoor track for exercise and a place of refuge from harsh weather."  Whitey's Prayer Jokes aside, 8 Crazy Nights does make a valid obeservation. The mall, a place of worship, essentially. Our idols of stuff and brand loyalty. It meshes with us and becomes part of our identity. It's a peaceful neutral ground. A place to display your craft, art, talent, passion. Memories are forged, experiences conjured. The Mall Is Sacred. 8 Crazy Nights, is a silly and heartfelt Adam Sandler musical classic. (One of the best songs " Technical Foul .") Sandler's character gets coached and mentored by Whitey (also voiced by Adam Sandler) an elderly basketball ref who would often go to the mall to...

Matthew 11:18-19 . 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 . Colossians 2:16-23 "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children (works)." - Matthew 11:18-19NKJV You just can't win with some people. John lived an alternative life. He lived on the outskirts of society, had an odd diet, wore strange clothes then he was accused of having a demon. But what did he actually do? He foretold the coming of Christ and baptized people. Jesus opted for drinking wine and spending some of His time with tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes. So now, Jesus is labled as a drunkard with shady friends, ignoring the messages He shared and miracles He performed. Now granted, John was an exceptional man even Jesus stating there was no man greater than him. Jesus, of course, Son of God and perf...