"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
The other day I called my credit card company and asked if they could lower the interest rate on my credit card. I got a hold of the customer service representative and politely asked for a manager. I asked for a manager because I’ve learned that the higher you go up the ladder the more likely you can get a positive outcome.
I asked the manager if he could lower my 19.9% interest rate to a rate that would be more affordable. He put me on a brief hold and then apologized because there wasn’t a program available for me. He actually told me that I would have to miss a couple of payments before they could help me. I said, “Thank you” and hung my head in disappointment.
The very next morning I called again and asked them to lower my interest rate. And you know what? They lowered my interest rate to 9.9% for 12 months.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
One thing that I learned in my journey with God is that He wants us to be persistent. The word says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” In Galatians 6:9 the word says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” And in Luke 18:1 Jesus tells His disciples to always pray and never give up.
God calls us to ask, seek and knock. Not once but multiple times. I can honestly say the things that I treasure most are things that I persistently pursued. So don’t lose heart, in due season you will reap if you pray without ceasing.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
I Learned to Play the Piano
I want to share a story that will amaze you. I learned how to play the piano!
Now for those who don’t know my family history I can say that my family is filled with talented musicians. My grandpa Benito played the percussion instruments masterfully. He would fill his cheeks with air like balloons and exhort wonderful melodies. My cousin Joanne Javien continues to dazzle the stage on Broadway. My older brother Kelvin played the violin and trumpet and my sister Yvonne played the violin too. I would say that my younger brother Joseph’s talent was in dancing.
For me, let’s see, I tried to play the clarinet and was ostracized by my family because I sounded like a dying seal. Then when I broke the reed I told my dad I didn’t want to play anymore. I thought I had broken an expensive piece. Little did I know that reeds where less than a dollar. I’m sure my family was thrilled that I threw in the towel. And for dancing, I don’t think so. That’s why I married Beth. She dances so good that it overshadows where I am lacking.
So what’s the big deal about me learning how to play the piano? It’s not so much that I learned but how I learned. How did learn? My little girl Jennilyn taught me.
Jennilyn’s been taking lessons now for over one year and she is growing so much in her talent. But we have a hard time getting her to practice. Every time we would ask her to practice she would give us an excuse. “I have a stomach ache! I’m sleepy! It’s hard! Or, “My legs hurt!” Oh man the whining would drive Beth and me nuts. Many times I just thought it would be better for her to quit than have to deal with enduring the never ending excuses and frustration it was causing in the house.
Then one day after reading the book “How to win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie I had an” aha!” moment. I realized that yelling and scolding wouldn’t make her want to play so instead I asked her if she could teach me. She was excited. She couldn’t wait.
Did I really want to learn to play the piano? Not really. I had many other things on my plate but if it got her to practice then I would do it. The first day she tried to teach me the notes and I fell asleep and was ready to throw that idea out the door. Then the next day she persisted on teaching me. “Daddy?” she said, “I thought I was going to teach you to play the piano?”
She got me there so I couldn’t weasel my way out. So I sat on the chair with her in my lap, she placed my fingers where they needed to go. Then I closed my eyes and asked her to push my fingers down two notes at a time. After I memorized those notes I would have her teach me another two until I completed the song. By the end of our 30 minute session she got me playing Happy Birthday! And on her 7th birthday I got to play it for my little girl.
Now that I’ve gotten involved with her learning it isn’t a chore. It is actually a moment of peace. I even find myself practicing when I am alone. When I press on the notes with my eyes closed and I can hear every note, I can feel my little girl’s love.
Now for those who don’t know my family history I can say that my family is filled with talented musicians. My grandpa Benito played the percussion instruments masterfully. He would fill his cheeks with air like balloons and exhort wonderful melodies. My cousin Joanne Javien continues to dazzle the stage on Broadway. My older brother Kelvin played the violin and trumpet and my sister Yvonne played the violin too. I would say that my younger brother Joseph’s talent was in dancing.
For me, let’s see, I tried to play the clarinet and was ostracized by my family because I sounded like a dying seal. Then when I broke the reed I told my dad I didn’t want to play anymore. I thought I had broken an expensive piece. Little did I know that reeds where less than a dollar. I’m sure my family was thrilled that I threw in the towel. And for dancing, I don’t think so. That’s why I married Beth. She dances so good that it overshadows where I am lacking.
So what’s the big deal about me learning how to play the piano? It’s not so much that I learned but how I learned. How did learn? My little girl Jennilyn taught me.
Jennilyn’s been taking lessons now for over one year and she is growing so much in her talent. But we have a hard time getting her to practice. Every time we would ask her to practice she would give us an excuse. “I have a stomach ache! I’m sleepy! It’s hard! Or, “My legs hurt!” Oh man the whining would drive Beth and me nuts. Many times I just thought it would be better for her to quit than have to deal with enduring the never ending excuses and frustration it was causing in the house.
Then one day after reading the book “How to win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie I had an” aha!” moment. I realized that yelling and scolding wouldn’t make her want to play so instead I asked her if she could teach me. She was excited. She couldn’t wait.
Did I really want to learn to play the piano? Not really. I had many other things on my plate but if it got her to practice then I would do it. The first day she tried to teach me the notes and I fell asleep and was ready to throw that idea out the door. Then the next day she persisted on teaching me. “Daddy?” she said, “I thought I was going to teach you to play the piano?”
She got me there so I couldn’t weasel my way out. So I sat on the chair with her in my lap, she placed my fingers where they needed to go. Then I closed my eyes and asked her to push my fingers down two notes at a time. After I memorized those notes I would have her teach me another two until I completed the song. By the end of our 30 minute session she got me playing Happy Birthday! And on her 7th birthday I got to play it for my little girl.
Now that I’ve gotten involved with her learning it isn’t a chore. It is actually a moment of peace. I even find myself practicing when I am alone. When I press on the notes with my eyes closed and I can hear every note, I can feel my little girl’s love.
The Gospel According to Batman
Over the weekend I watched Batman Begins with my kids and one phrase grabbed hold of me. I believe it empowered me.
From the words of Rachel to Bruce Wayne after he tells her that he was a good person on the inside, "It isn't what is inside you, it is your actions that define you."
How easy it is to say we are good people on the inside, but it really comes down to our words and the actions that we take that truely define what is in the inside.
The Bible says in Luke 6:44-45, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
Our words and our actions define us. They define our faith and our beliefs. They tell the world what is growing in our heart. We may use obscene language and say it was a slip up. We may look at inappropriate material and say we fell into sin. We may steal from our employers and say it was a small thing. But the Bible says, "out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Out of our overflow we speak and as we speak we also act.
I admit, I am not a perfect man. I struggle. I struggle as a husband, father, and business man. Because I struggle, I ask my Father to examine my heart. I ask Him to reveal to me where I need to change. I then ask for strength and guidance to change. Because as a man I have no power to change others. I only have the ability to change myself with God's grace. But in the act of changing myself the world around can also be changed.
"Be the change you want to see." - Mahatma Gandhi
Orlando Javien, Jr., The Man of Many Hats
From the words of Rachel to Bruce Wayne after he tells her that he was a good person on the inside, "It isn't what is inside you, it is your actions that define you."
How easy it is to say we are good people on the inside, but it really comes down to our words and the actions that we take that truely define what is in the inside.
The Bible says in Luke 6:44-45, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."
Our words and our actions define us. They define our faith and our beliefs. They tell the world what is growing in our heart. We may use obscene language and say it was a slip up. We may look at inappropriate material and say we fell into sin. We may steal from our employers and say it was a small thing. But the Bible says, "out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Out of our overflow we speak and as we speak we also act.
I admit, I am not a perfect man. I struggle. I struggle as a husband, father, and business man. Because I struggle, I ask my Father to examine my heart. I ask Him to reveal to me where I need to change. I then ask for strength and guidance to change. Because as a man I have no power to change others. I only have the ability to change myself with God's grace. But in the act of changing myself the world around can also be changed.
"Be the change you want to see." - Mahatma Gandhi
Orlando Javien, Jr., The Man of Many Hats
AIM HIGH!
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is to high and we miss, but that it is too low and we hit it." - Michelangelo
Last Sunday while sitting in the church pews God shined his bright light on a lovely couple. With a tapping on my heart I heard God say, "Pray for them, lift them up to me!" I did so and then my curiosity got to me. Why did God want me to pray for them. Was there something they needed. So after service I approached them and asked if there was anything in particular that they needed praying over.
The couple's name was Lawrence and Linda Hurtado. They mentioned that they wanted prayer over their cousin who was battling Lymphoma and needed help raising money for finding a cure for a disease that touches many of our lives, cancer. Linda has made it her goal to raise $500,000 for the cause, she is definitely aiming high. She is willing to sacrifice her hair to reach her goal. As you can see in the pictures she has been growing it out for over 20 years.
The prayer that she asked for was to get the word out about her mission. And so I am answering that prayer by sharing this story with you all, my faithful audience.
If you feel compelled to aid in her mission please visit her website to donate. www.stbaldricks.org
To an Extraordinary Life,
Orlando Javien Jr., The Man Of Many Hats
Have You Sharpened Your Axe!
A young man approached the foreman of a logging crew and asked for a job.
"That depends," replied the foreman. "Let's see you chop down this tree." The young man steeped forward and skillfully knocked down the great tree. Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, "You can start Monday, we pay on Fridays."
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by. Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, "You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today."
Startled, the young man replied, "I thought you paid on Fridays?"
"Normally we do," said the foreman. "But we're letting you go today because you've fallen behind. Our daily charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today."
"But I'm a hard worker," the young man objected. "I arrive first, leave last and even have worked through my coffee breaks!"
The foreman, sensing the young man's integrity, thought for a minute and then asked, "Son, have you been sharpening your axe?"
The young man replied, "No sir, I've been working too hard to take the time for that!"
Abraham Lincoln once said: "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe".
Just to state the obvious, the axe is a tool to perform what you have to do. I can probably define the axe as `something which helps me do what I have to do faster'.
I spend a large amount of time sharpening my axe. How do I sharpen my axe? I listen to at least 10 hours of motivational messages a day; while I’m working, driving or sleeping and I read at least 15 minutes a day something positive to lift my spirits. I also have cut cable in my house.
Now I'm not a Nazi or a prude, I've just learned that what I allow into my eyes, ears, and heart can either sharpen or dull me. I don't share this with you to boast but to admit that I struggle. I struggle as a husband, as a father and as a business man. Because I know I struggle, I must sharpen my axe.
If you find yourself dragging your feet at the end of the week, ask yourself, "Did I sharpen my Axe?"
"That depends," replied the foreman. "Let's see you chop down this tree." The young man steeped forward and skillfully knocked down the great tree. Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, "You can start Monday, we pay on Fridays."
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by. Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, "You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today."
Startled, the young man replied, "I thought you paid on Fridays?"
"Normally we do," said the foreman. "But we're letting you go today because you've fallen behind. Our daily charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today."
"But I'm a hard worker," the young man objected. "I arrive first, leave last and even have worked through my coffee breaks!"
The foreman, sensing the young man's integrity, thought for a minute and then asked, "Son, have you been sharpening your axe?"
The young man replied, "No sir, I've been working too hard to take the time for that!"
Abraham Lincoln once said: "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe".
Just to state the obvious, the axe is a tool to perform what you have to do. I can probably define the axe as `something which helps me do what I have to do faster'.
I spend a large amount of time sharpening my axe. How do I sharpen my axe? I listen to at least 10 hours of motivational messages a day; while I’m working, driving or sleeping and I read at least 15 minutes a day something positive to lift my spirits. I also have cut cable in my house.
Now I'm not a Nazi or a prude, I've just learned that what I allow into my eyes, ears, and heart can either sharpen or dull me. I don't share this with you to boast but to admit that I struggle. I struggle as a husband, as a father and as a business man. Because I know I struggle, I must sharpen my axe.
If you find yourself dragging your feet at the end of the week, ask yourself, "Did I sharpen my Axe?"
My Conversion Story
On April 23, 2011 I celebrated two milestones. My son's 8th birthday and my confirmation into the Catholic Church. The funny thing is when I began my faith journey I didn't want to be Catholic.
Here I share my conversion story and my desire to inspire the Catholic Church.
I AM!
“Studies show that 500,000 books a year are now being published. Of those, over 98% will sell less than 500 copies. If you’re just starting out, shooting for 500 is a good start. After that, I would say you’re moderately successful and ready to strive for the thousands.” (Terry Cordingley)
Last year my book God Made Me Pick Up Underwear, Finding Faith in Unusual Places was published and it has already sold over 500 copies. My book isn't a best seller yet but at least I can say that I AM part of the 2% that succeed.
My wrestling coach, Jose Campo, always says “What the mind perceives, one can achieve.” I strongly believe that this book will continue to sell. My belief comes from knowing that this book is God inspired. I can honestly say that that 2.5 years ago I had trouble putting a paragraph together. “Where I am weak, He is strong.”
I AM is such a powerful phrase. When Moses asked God what shall I say is your name. God replied, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) When Jesus described Himself in Revelations He said, I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” (Revelations 1:11)
If to be a Christian means to be Christ like. Then we must be Extraordinary like Christ. So I claim that I AM a child of the Utmost High! I AM forgiven by the blood of Jesus! I AM a national best selling author! I AM!
Last year my book God Made Me Pick Up Underwear, Finding Faith in Unusual Places was published and it has already sold over 500 copies. My book isn't a best seller yet but at least I can say that I AM part of the 2% that succeed.
My wrestling coach, Jose Campo, always says “What the mind perceives, one can achieve.” I strongly believe that this book will continue to sell. My belief comes from knowing that this book is God inspired. I can honestly say that that 2.5 years ago I had trouble putting a paragraph together. “Where I am weak, He is strong.”
I AM is such a powerful phrase. When Moses asked God what shall I say is your name. God replied, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) When Jesus described Himself in Revelations He said, I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” (Revelations 1:11)
If to be a Christian means to be Christ like. Then we must be Extraordinary like Christ. So I claim that I AM a child of the Utmost High! I AM forgiven by the blood of Jesus! I AM a national best selling author! I AM!
Change Me!
Day in and day out I am given the greatest opportunity to step into the lives of my friends and family to hear of their struggles and their victories of life. One constant in most people's lives is a longing to see change but most are using the wrong tools.
The other day I tried to file down a sharp edge off my daughters ceramic bowl with a nail file. As you can tell where this story is going, it didn't work. Why? It didn't work because I was using the wrong tool for the job.
So what is the correct tool for change?
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Early in my prayer life I prayed that my wife would change. After many so called unanswered prayers God showed me that my prayer shouldn't be to change my wife but my prayer should be, "Change me!"
Once I realized that I only have the power to change myself I began taking action. I prayed the prayer, "Change me!" and God revealed to me areas of my life that needed adjustment.
Many times I didn't like what He had to say but it is the truth that sets us free. Is it easy? No! But God didn't give us a life of ease, He allows trials and tribulations in our lives so we can be better (James 1:12) so we can be Extraordinary.
God is Extraordinary and He has created us in His image. If we accept good then we are not in His image. We need to strive for a life of Extraordinary and it begins with, "Change me!"
To an Extraordinary Life!
Orlando Javien Jr., Author
God Made Me Pick Up Underwear
I AM an Award Winning Author!
"God Made Me Pick Up Underwear" is the inspirational story of Orlando U. Javien, Jr. I have read many books written by men concerning their faith. When I read this one I knew it was written from the heart. It takes a courageous man to admit his faults. Mr. Javien is a courageous man. It is easy to admit your faults and failings to your friends, but much harder to share them with the public. He relates to us his struggles with addictions. Everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the chapters in this book. The writing style is simple and conversational. I felt as if Javien and I were sharing a cup of coffee, as he shared his story with me.
This book will benefit everyone. It would be ideal for a small group Bible study or simply for a couple to read together to strengthen their marriage and home life. I found the book to be quite inspiring and it made me look closer at my own faith and Christian life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)