Mission of Mine

My church, Life Journey Christian Church, just finished a series called "Mission of Mine". The whole series focused not only on the missionaries/organizations that LJCC sponsors, but also on how the church family in a whole is in their own missionary mission. Halfway through the series, I was approached by my pastor, David Limiero, to see if I was willing to teach.

At first, honestly, I was shocked. I never thought I would be asked to speak at my own church. I told David I would pray about it. Maybe a few minutes later I told David "Yes". I spoke about my testimony, my missionary works, and the vision for my missionary future. I spoke at both services on 6/26/2011 at 8:30am & 10:30am. I've spoken at countless churches, mostly in India and Taiwan. This was first time I was completely exhausted afterwards.

Below is the iTunes link to my church's podcast. There, you can download our weekly services for FREE. If you'd like to download my podcast, the title is "Mission Of Mine: Chris Joy", and the date is 6/25/11.

New Chapter Ahead

For the past year it has felt like I've been in a constant single chapter of my life. In many ways it has. Usually, at least for me, chapters didn't last more than a few months. Spending time in Sequoia this past weekend, in the presence of God's beauty, I found out a few things about the next upcoming chapter of this book I call life.

First, God is pulling some major junk out I had somehow pushed deep into the back of my heart. I got reminded that I still struggle with acceptance. I have this very real fear of never getting married, simply because I have let the enemy implant the thought of unworthiness in my mind. Because of my past, I really struggle with the idea of being a father and husband. I got the opportunity to spend time with my pastor and his wife about this fear, and really brought clarity to my eyes. Thanks guys.

Second, I really want to spend more time in nature. Whether it be rock climbing, camping, hiking, kayaking, or snowboarding. Because I've been working out some much these past few months, I have more stamina, and I can now do things I never thought I could before.

Finally, I need to learn more discipline in my walk with Christ. I tend to focus more on the struggles/stress of the day, rather than giving it all the God. I'm far better at controlling my stress and emotions than ever before, but I still need to work on it. Fortunately, I have great friends, and an amazing church to help. They not only show me where I need growth, but they always show love through it all. Definitely blessed.

Theresa Dehnert: Mom, Hero, Forgiven

Like everyone in this world, old, young, Asian, European, American, African, etc, I have a hero. But what many may not know is that hero of mine is my mother. Strange, maybe. Impossible, absolutely not. You see, my mom always wanted the best for me. She knew where I would end up if she wouldn't have given me up for adoption. She could see my future. Deep down she knew I would grow up to be the man I am today. God fearing, passionate, loving, and crazy for Christ. That is why she is my hero.

My mom had to fight for her life, because she herself was an orphan. She grew up in a good home, but always seemed to be the black sheep of the family, and therefore she was rebellious. She wanted to be loved. Even though she grew up Catholic, she never experienced God's love, because religion was masking Him.

Around the time I came to Christ, when I was at the bottom of my well, I needed to forgive my mother, or I would of never known what true forgiveness was. It was tough. I hated her for leaving me, and for all the junk she made me go through. But I eventually learned to forgive her. Not only did I forgive her, but I forgot all the negative things. It was hard for her to forgive herself for giving me up, but through God's wisdom, love, and mercy, she learned.

I still remember that summer night back in 2005, sitting in my car in a movie theater parking lot, friends waiting for me inside. I decided to call my mom, and see how she was doing. The second she picked up the phone, the Holy Spirit swept over me and told me to pray for her. I asked her if she was OK, and she told me about the issues she was having. I don't quite remember what else we talked about, but I do remember telling her for the first time in several years that I loved her. I told her that I forgave her for everything, and I meant it. That night she came to Christ, led by the least likely of people, me.

She still struggles with many things, like us all. And I'm sure she still thinks about that time she promised to be right back and didn't return. But now she knows that God's love destroys the sins of our past, and that I do love her with all of my heart. She fights for our Father is heaven and loves her children & grandchildren with all her heart....

....and that is why she is my hero. I love you mom.

Hands - Give Me Rest

It's been a while since I posted on my blog. Mostly for being busy and/or lazy. Not too often do we Christians that love Metal\Hardcore\Screamo get blessed by a band with pure raw talent with their instruments, vocals, and lyrics. Hands has stepped it up, and brought the Spirit of God on all 3 levels. Here are the lyrics for their newest album "Give Me Rest", which was just released yesterday, July 5, 2011. Enjoy, I know I did :)


Hands - Give Me Rest (Lyrics)

1. I Will
2. Water
3. Cube
4. The Helix
5. Here I Am
6. Jovian
7. Northern Lights
8. 2005
9. Restart
10. Give Me Rest


1.) I Will

Can you feel the anger in my heart? I can't believe this is me. I built my house on shaking ground, and lit a match to watch it burn. Set me free. Rest my soul in you alone. Rise, from the quiet I will rise. Take my hand. Give me the faith to move mountains. Give me the strength to rebuild. Help me become a better man. Help me to understand your will. Let it rain. To remind me that there is something more.


2.) Water

Forgive me for falling out, it's just not the way I see you. Take me to the water. Let there be light! To reveal everything we've become. Take me to the water. I'm losing my faith at the hands of the dynasty. Take me to the water. I just want something real. From the shore, with the sea to my back. I can see a wasteland of blasphemy. Spoiled fruit, reaped from crooked trees. God, are these your seeds? Are these your branches? I'm so disgusted with all of this. I want to recover. Be still my brother. Be still so we may hear His voice. Let there be light. Take me to the water.


3.) Cube

Shut down everything inside that makes it work. All the wires to it's soul, and all the lights that make it glow. Kill the system. I don't want it anymore. Drag me through the fire. It helps keep me awake. The bulbs are blinking, the statics piercing. But it's hard to look away. Let's hit the ground. God damn this place. It's taken everything. Shut it down. Send your best to guard my soul. They will never sleep. They will never leave me alone. Somebody throw the switch, shut it down.


4.) The Helix

I am not alone. Would you clear the dust from my eyes? Would you recognize my voice if I would talk to you? Oh, I feel so tired. So wake me up. I believe your hands hold the sun. But in the deepest of my mind, I question everything you've done. Give me rest. I believe your breath fills my lungs. But it's a thought that's hard to swallow, I feel ashamed I can't hold on. Give me rest. I will take your hand. Just lead me through the dark. I will take your hand. Don't ever let me go. "Be still and know that I am God."


5.) Here I Am

On my knees in the wreckage of a broken church. I couldn't pull it together. How I want to believe that there's a light, at the end of this continuous shadow. And as the feeling disappears, here I am. Are you here? Wake up my son. Wake up my son. Why are you so afraid? Oh God, I'm begging you now! Open up my eyes!


6.) Jovian

Welcome. Light. Come into the light and meet the world. You are beautiful, open your eyes. Open up your eyes to see me here. I will show you the way. I will always be here. In your every hour, in your heart I'll stay. Take rest at the sound of my voice, I'm forever changed. Welcome. Breathe in the breath of life. I've embraced you. In my arms you'll never be alone. I've embraced you. Everything that I am, I give to you. You are all I wanted. You are all I need.


7.) Northern Lights

I found you. And you found me. You gave me a new song. You gave me something to sing. What a beautiful song. You gave me a reason, you gave me something to sing.


8. 2005

Burn this body down. To the ash and the dust, from which it came. I curse within my heart, but sing a holy song. I am a wolf among the sheep. I am calling out your name. I am broken at your feet. Release. Release me. I am bound by the chains of temptation. I am bound by the demons, staring back. Let your mercy rain upon us. Take hold of my soul and put this body in the earth. By your blood I am alive. By your grace I am released.


9.) Restart

I can feel my heart giving in to the weight of your design. And like a remedy your fixing me, while the world has left me blind. I sang for you, and meant what I said. But it's still hard to believe. I was burning my wick at both ends, but no light could be seen. I get frustrated. But I just need to let go. Lift me up (into your arms) and weigh me down. Reach straight into my heart. I've been holding on so long, but I just need to let go.I carried torches from east to west, and watched the flames burn themselves out. Fighting every battle, never trusting that you were on my side. I will fall into your arms and cry, you are God! Lift us up and hear our cry, you are God!


10.) Give Me Rest

Here I sit among the clouds. With nothing but the empty sound. I have seen the light of day. I have seen the water wash the blood away. Is my name in there?Send a smile to my daughter. Tell her everything is fine. And give my wisdom to my brother. Tell him to use it right. And to everyone I've wronged, the thought has never left my mind. You are the end and I am fading. Will I rest with you for all of time? Is my name in there?Give me rest. Tell my wife I adore her. That she is beautiful and kind. Here I sit among the clouds. I was wrong and You were right. Give me rest.