iman serna

18 months old...

It's been a while since I updated you good people about my boy Troyer Keane.

I know, I know.

You've been clamoring for more of my exceptional skill in video editing. Not to mention my sharp sense of humor and quick wit!

Well...let out that bated breath because here it is.

Enjoy.

I love him so...

History Made

  History was made last night. Barack Obama is now our president elect. I don't know which "side" you're on or who you voted for. All I know is that my faith and hope lies NOT on a solarity man...no, my faith and hope solely rests on a living, loving, gracious and just God...Jesus Christ.   So, this is my promise to you, Mr. Barack Obama: I WILL be praying fervently, earnestly and consistently for you and the leaders that you surround yourself. I WILL be praying for Godly wisdom and counsel to be your guide throughout your presidency. I WILL be honoring you as a leader and president of this country that I love.  

Scanners

My brain is about to quit on my body!

I feel like the dude from "Scanners" back in the 80s.

There's been so much stuff going on right now.

To all the bloggers out there...I got a question for you.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with all the things you want to blog about but don't know where to begin?

That's how i feel right now.

I know that if I can just sit, organize my thoughts and put all my ideas on a word/google doc it would be a monumental start.

I'm going to try and conquer this beast that's taken a life of it's own. It feeds off of my procrastination. The less I blog the bigger it gets.

I will overcome!

My fellow bloggers...any tips?

"Healer" by Mike Guglielmucci

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

My Healer, You're my Healer

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

It's been in the news...

It's been talked about...

It's been blogged about...

Everyone has their opinion...this is mine.

The Word, is the Word...is the Word. Truth coming from a liar's mouth makes it no less than what it is...it's still the truth. King David was a thief, an adulterer, a murderer...a liar. Yet his words are still touching and changing people's lives to this very day. Why? Because the Truth is the Truth is the TRUTH.

God's words will NOT return back to Him empty.

My good friend Nick, a talented and gifted worship leader and song writer, posted this on his blog...I couldn't agree more.

Just tonight I read an article from theworshipcommunity.com called "When Vessels Break (Mike Gulielmucci and Healer)" that Karen pointed out to me. What caught my attention was the verse that the writer used in his article...it was perfect!

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, …

Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)

I love how “The Message” translation covers verses 18-19:

 18 So how am I to respond? I’ve decided that I really don’t care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on! And I’m going to keep that celebration going 19 because I know how it’s going to turn out.

Don't be persuaded by the glitz and the glam or be discouraged by the dirt and the grime. Search your heart...make it personal between you and God. God listens to YOUR HEART and not to your mouth singing a version of someone else's song.

Pray for Mike Guglielmucci and his family. Pray for the people that have been negatively affected by this. Pray for wisdom and understanding.

The song "Healer" will ALWAYS have a very special place in my heart.

"Pastor Iman" - back story

"I will never, EVER be a pastor" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Ever since I could understand what it meant to be a pastor I knew that I did not want to be one.

...my dad is a church planter...

"I don't want my family to live in abject poverty!" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

He was called to be a church planter to some of the poorest parts of Quezon City, Philippines. Needless to say he wasn't compensated "very well". There were times that our meals would consist of only rice and coffee.

...my dad is a minister of the gospel...

"I want to be able to spend quality time with my family" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Most people thought that he only worked on Sundays and Wednesdays. They never saw the numerous times he was called in all hours of the night to mediate because a husband is beating on his wife, a son went to jail or a loved one is sick. The numerous bible studies he conducted in different homes through out the week. The camps, retreats, conferences, evangelistic meetings and other special speaking engagements he spoke at. He kept pretty busy.

...my dad is a pastor...

"I will not be disrespected" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

I saw how the church members, who called him their "pastor", treated him...some with respect, others with contempt and disdain. I can't even begin to tell you the venom and poison that people spewed at him.

...my dad is a man - he IS human...

"I will never be like my dad" is a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

A very arrogant and self righteous statement...I know. But the older I get the more I understand that beyond being a pastor, my dad was and is just as human as I am. In my mind I tied a cape around his neck and drew a big "S" on his chest. Looking back at my child hood I can probably pinpoint all his faults and foibles as a father, husband, pastor...man. But that's just it...with Christ in his heart and a title to his name he still is a man.

Please understand that not all of my experiences growing up as a pastor's kid were bad. I do have fond memories. But I also know that the title "pastor" bear so much responsibility! I would never in a million years have guessed that I would willingly become one.

to be continued...

"Pastor Iman"

WOW...I STILL can't believe that I'm an "ordained minister".
...back story and story later...
I'm still trying to recover from this weekend.
All glory and honor and praise be to God and God alone.

How was your weekend?

Mind Melt

A few of my thoughts in bullet points A.K.A. "what's ruminating in my noggin at the moment".

• I get really tired after our creative meetings.
• I get really, REALLY tired after 5hrs of creative meeting.
• My wife never cease to surprise me...she likes "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium".
• I love peanut butter and home made strawberry jelly on toast.
• After all these years...ice cold Ovaltine still ROCKS!
• My son is still brootiful even when he's teething and cranky.
• I think "naps" are steadily taking over "sleep's" coveted spot.
• My wife's brootiful.

These are just my personal thoughts people...care to share yours?

iPhone 3G

Behold, the iPhone 3G!

    Slimmer
    Faster
    More apps
    Etc...

For me, the best part of this whole deal is that you only pay $199 for an 8gb and $299 for a 16gb. Sorry, people who bought the 1st gen iPhone 8gb for $599...bwahaha...I mean...uh...yeah.

Tulsa Mayfest

This past Friday my family and I got to go and enjoy Tulsa's Mayfest.
It was F-U-N!

• We got to see our friend Mandy Hill sing. She rocked!
• Walked around.
• Played Djembe with my son in a drum circle...AWESOME!



• I was SURPRISED to find a food vendor selling Filipino style eggroll aka "Lumpia". Bought one. Ate one. I like my version better.
• Saw some pretty wonderful artists and their work. I wish i could just take an art piece or 2 home with me.
• Walked around some more with some friends.
• Karen got some deep fried pickles with ranch and enjoyed them. [*shudder...]
• I got me a funnel cake...YUM!
• At the end of the night we wanted to get rid of the rest of our tickets so we decided to try some smoked hotdogs with barbecue sauce...OOH! That was a VERY good decision.
• We headed back to the car and on the way got some FREE "Full Throttle" energy drink...not bad.

We had fun...I think we'll be doing this again next year.
SIDE NOTE: Mayfest is like the fair but without the carnies or a 1000lb. pig with HUGE cojones! It's like Tulsa Fair...Lite!

Manumit

My boy Dre' dropped his CD "Manumit" last month and he's going to have a concert.WHERE: destinychurch in Broken Arrow, OKWHEN: May 9, 2008 - Friday: Doors open @ 7pmWHAT: Concert with Dre' Murray and Fedel

Go grab a CD for your personal enjoyment. Then grab 5 more so that you can share the love! www.holyculturedownload.com www.dasouth.com/bus-shop www.cdbaby.com iTunes...coming soon! I love this guy...he's a friend and a brother.