JUNIOR and THE CHANCE!

Along with millions of others, we mourn the loss of our friend and brother, Junior Seau. We grieve, we cry, we question, we wonder. We are saddened, shocked and distraught. Yes, death comes to us all, but the realization of such truth doesn’t necessarily alleviate the pain. Especially when it comes to take a hero, a role model, a pioneer, a trailblazer, a game changer, a brother and a friend like Junior.

He was born and raised in the same town we grew up in. Smaller cities are usually recognized by the successes of their own sons. For Oceanside, California, this distinction undeniably belongs to Junior. He put Oceanside on the map. He never forgot where he came from. After playing for USC in LA, living in beautiful La Jolla, Miami and New England, he chose to come back home. He not only represented Oceanside, he defined it. “Oceanside”: Family, friends, music and surfing. In the middle of it all was a life dedicated to giving to the less fortunate.

One of our most recent memories of Junior was working out with him and hundreds of locals on the beach at 6 o’clock on a Saturday morning. He was leading the charge like only he could, training people of all ethnicities from 3 different generations. You would of thought he was still training for the NFL by his passion and attention to detail during that entire workout. At the end of it, he gathered everyone in a huge huddle and gave one of his fiery motivational talks. “Good job everyone, good job! We’re doing it again next week. If you show up and work hard, I can’t guarantee you’ll win, but at least you’ll give yourself a chance”! “A chance”, it’s what he got as a young boy growing up on the east side of the city, and it’s what he made the most of for the rest of his life.

Although we may not understand why he passed so suddenly, we are thankful for a “chance”. We are grateful for the chance to have witnessed such generosity, passion, dedication, and love from such a fun and loving person. Described by many of the NFL greats to be the best teammate and opponent they ever had, let us not take for granted “a chance”. A chance that was given to all of us that knew him well and casually alike. He had a knack of making everyone feel like a part of his family, a part of the team. Cherish the chance when he called us “buddy” and literally lifted our spirit. I hear is voice loud and clear, “Show up, work hard, give yourself a chance”!

We love you Junior.

Your brothers,

The Katinas

Tribute to Junior Seau is a post from: The Katinas

This past week has been quite emotional for our family. Last Friday, my wife, our son Josh, along with 4 of his friends attended the funeral of their 16 year old friend, Taylor. I’ve been to several memorial services. This was one of the most difficult by far. On Saturday, we were captivated along with many of you as Whitney’s family and close friends celebrated her life and mourned her passing. Finally on Monday evening, we watched online the home going celebration of a dear friend and hero of the faith, Pastor Glen D. Cole. He was 78 and unexpectedly went to heaven on Valentine’s Day. What an amazing and loving man!

I am reminded how temporary and fragile life is. It’s a gift to be treasured and shared. How often do we hear these words, “If only I knew, I would’ve told ‘em how much I loved them”. “I would’ve spent more time with them”. “I wish I could’ve made things right with them”. “Oh how I wish”!

The good news is that we don’t have to fear death. We don’t have to live a life of regret. If we truly live as Jesus lived, we will “Live Forever”. (1 John 2:17: And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God’s will remains forever.) When we are in Christ, death is literally a highway to becoming more alive than ever before. Yes, we still mourn and grieve when our loved ones are no longer here with us physically. However, no one passes away. We all pass on to eternity. The question is this, “where will you spend eternity”? The answer is up to you. The choice you make while you are alive on earth determines your destiny. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, spend eternity with Him and live forever. (Romans 10:9- If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.) Reject Jesus and say no to life, you will die twice and eternity will not be a good proposition for you. (Matthew 25:41-Then He will also say to those on the left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.)

What will it be? Your call! Your choice! Take advantage of the opportunities you have to say yes to Jesus. (John 3:16) Let others know how much you love them while you still have time. Don’t wait another second. Choose love! Choose life! Live Forever!

Livin’ and lovin’,

Joe

Live Forever! is a post from: The Katinas

Twin: a person or thing that is exactly like another.

February 1st, many years ago, Siainiu Liu Katina gave birth to John and James affectionately known in the home as, “The Twins”. Mom used to dress them exactly alike. They continued this practice on their own all the way up until middle school. They were connected at the hip to say the least. They are both passionate about their families. Both of them love the Steelers, the Lakers and the USC Trojans. They love fried chicken and rice. Most importantly, they love Jesus with all of their heart. No question, they share a special bond that continues to grow even at the mature age of…….We’ll let them share that on their own blog.

Although they are twins, contrary to what Mr. Webster says, those that know them well would agree that they are NOT exactly like the other. Yes, they share many common interests. However, both of them are remarkable in their own distinct ways. Perhaps at another time, we’ll share with you some of those unique differences.

James and John, we honor you today. You have been an inspiration to so many. You each represent what it means to be loyal, faithful, consistent, hard working, obedient, true and loving. It has been a blessing to watch you become husbands, Dads and the men of God that you are. Thank you for using your own life experiences to bring hope to those of us that live with you, those that work with you and to the Kuzins from all over the world who’ve grown to love you.

We love you both. You each hold a special place in all of our hearts. We thank you for teaching us what it means to “prefer one another”, while remaining strong as a unit. You’ve taught us all, “That even though we’re different, we’re the same”!

Happy Birthday Twins!

We love you,

Chrissy, Jackson, Dylan, Haylee, Rylee, Sharee, Zion, Jett, River, Steele, Blaze and the rest of us

The Twins is a post from: The Katinas

The Katinas & Kuzins Cruise 2012 will definitely go down as our best cruise event, yet. 300 Kuzins came from all around the world for 4 days of fellowship, food, fun, concerts, devotions & so much more. The best part was the many friendships that were made between the Kuzins. Next year’s cruise to The Bahamas promises to be just as spectacular and we hope that many of you will be able to join us. For more information or to register, log onto http://thekatinas.com/cruise

If you are on facebook please “like” The Katinas & Kuzins Cruise page @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Katinas-Kuzins-Cruise/312013792167463?v=info#info_edit_sections

Blessings, The Katinas

Pics From The K5 & Kuzins Cruise 2012 is a post from: The Katinas

Merry Christmas is a post from: The Katinas

LOL With The Fam! is a post from: The Katinas

What are you thankful for this year?

Happy Thanksgiving is a post from: The Katinas

The Katinas In Hawaii is a post from: The Katinas

Have you heard the new word coined in the sport’s world just last week?  Much like “bling bling” became authenticated several years back, the new one brewing is, “Tebowing”.

Tebowing

(vb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.

I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but I’m sending my vote in to Mr. Webster.

Tim Tebow is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  He’s frequently ridiculed by most of the media and people who think they know something about football.  (You know those Monday morning quarterbacks who know it all but have never played a down in the NFL?)  They criticize his mechanics and question whether he should even be a QB in the pros.  After leading his team to victory a few Sundays ago, he immediately took a knee and prayed while everyone else around him was going crazy, celebrating the win.  Hence the word; “Tebowing”.

I can’t comment on his technique or athletic abilities since I’ve never played a down.  (I still have dreams though.)  However, may I strongly suggest to the world of sports but especially to those of us who are believers.  One thing for sure is that we all could use a lot more “Tebowing” these days.  Our families, marriages, schools, churches, communities, work places and entire nation would be much better off if we all stopped “occupying” and started “Tebowing”.  (Pun intended.)

We are becoming a nation of “finger pointing” instead of taking responsibility for what we’ve brought upon ourselves.  It’s time that we start taking inventory of our own lives, stop blaming everyone else and becoming the change that we want to see.  Once we do, we will quickly recognize that most of the healing that needs to take place begins within ourselves.

2 Chronicles 7:14 puts it plainly:  “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Are you sick?  Is your marriage in trouble?  Do you need a job?  Are you feeling lonely, depressed and don’t know what to do.  Are you having problems with your teenager?  Maybe your teenager thinks you’re the problem?  Perhaps things are exceptional in your life and you just need to “take a knee” to thank God.   Whatever your situation may be, take time out and start “Tebowing”.

“Tebowing”! is a post from: The Katinas

The Katinas – Every Single Bit of You w/ B. Reith is a post from: The Katinas