Category Archives: Coronilla Clan

Coronilla Clan, Prayer Requests

AT THE MEN’S RETREAT WITH MY SON!

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I was so blessed to have my son, Aaron, go with me to the Men’s Retreat this year! This was his first one, and even though he needed a little more than a nudge to go, I think overall, he had a good time!

I remember when he was a little boy, like most little boys, Daddy was his hero. I used to hold him, hug him, carry him and bury him with tickles and time. Now that he’s 16 he doesn’t let me hold or hug him as much, he’s a little too heavy to carry, and tickles are pretty much out of the question – but I’m just so thankful to God, I’m still able to have “time” with my son. Granted, he doesn’t let me “bury” him with time, but we do have our moments, and the moments together are beyond special to me. 

I encourage all you parents to not only find the time, but take the time, and if necessary make the time to be with your kids, and point them to the Lord. Cuz’, eventually the time will come when they’re no longer “children,” but rather men and women – even all grown up.

“Lord, please have Your hand upon my son. I thank You that He belongs to You, that he’s been born from above in Your love. As he grows into that man of God You’ve called Him to be, I pray that You would grant him the grace, the strength, and the wisdom, that come only from You…His unfailing, wonderful, heavenly Father. In Jesus Name I pray for my son (sorry it’s hard to let go 🙂 Amen.”

Coronilla Clan, Modern Miracles

ANOTHER UNDENIABLE YET PERSONAL MIRACLE

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Miracles

So we just pulled in and parked at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs. When I got out of the car, a brother happened to be walking through the parking lot and came up to me and told me that he had a gift card with my name on it, to use at the bookstore. Since funds were not necessarily “flowing” for us, this was joyfully received as a bountiful blessing from the Lord…it really helped us out! Prior to that, we were thinking about getting some really cheap gifts – but after that we were able to bless a few people, as we had been blessed.

Now, seriously, what are the odds of us parking at the same time this brother just happens to be walking through that portion of the parking lot with a gift card for me? Some might downplay it, some might doubt it – calling it a “coincidence,” but I know all-too-well, that it was the Lord once again reminding me that He knows EVERYTHING about us – our precise geography, our place financially…in all reality, He knows every need we have, every tear we cry, every thought we think, every we burden we bear, and in His gracious sovereignty, He will allow us to cross paths with people at just the right time, in order to accomplish His purposes.

Take heart, Christian, His eyes are always upon you!

Coronilla Clan, Current Affairs, Food and Drink, Friends, Mission's

2012 Rose Parade – “God’s Promise for All”

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God's PromiseFor the first time in our history, the Coronilla clan was blessed to attend the Rose Parade as a family. Some kind friends of ours, actually gave us tickets where we could see and enjoy the parade up-close and personal – it was sooo cool! I discovered that it's completely different when you're acutally there – in person – as opposed to watching it on television. I especially enjoyed the marching bands, when they're playing and passing by you can "feel" the music – the drums, the horns, the wind instruments – a great experience.

Of course my favorite part was just being with my family, I thank God for opporutunities to be togther and to make memories. A close second for me was the float called, "God's Promise for All" (photo above). This float was such an awesome witness for the world to see, for millions to ponder the promise of God, that if they would only place their faith in Jesus Christ, turning from their sin, and trusting in God's Son, then they will be saved. In the end, this is what it's all about, and this should be the point of every parade!

I'm so grateful to God for His Son and for His people, willing to penetrate every sliver of society and tell of Jesus – the Lord and Savior of the world. Keep it up Christians, be creative, be consistent, pray and think outside of the box, how can we be the salt of the earth and lights in this world? How can we reach the lost with the message of God's love? Pray about it…really pray…the Lord will show you your part of His plan – and the people He wants you to somehow speak "Jesus" to.

After the parade we stumbled upon a restaurant called "Roscoes Chicken and Waffles." You gotta try it, take your friends, take your family, make a memory 🙂

(John 3:16; Matthew 5:13-16; Proverbs 11:30)

Coronilla Clan, Mission's

Truth & Treat

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Truth & Treat

What a blessing we had at Truth & Treat at CCEM last night! Here is a pic of Nest's mom and me – she's such a beautiful person…I love this photo! I had the privilege of presenting the Cross of Christ as the theme for my trunk. I was soooo blessed in sharing Jesus' cross with all the kids from the church as well as visitors and non believers from the community. I was also blown away at the absolutely amazing labor of love from so many servants at CCEM! Thank You Jesus – we love You!!!

 

Books, Coronilla Clan, Current Affairs, Modern Miracles, Passages of the Bible

Finally Finished – Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman

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Mary beth chapman choosing to SEE Although I don't read too many modern day auto-biographies, I must say, I really enjoyed this book, Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman. Of course a huge contributor would be the fact that I am so appreciative of the music ministry of her husband, Steven Curtis Chapman. God has definitely used this brother in my life, to change my life and draw me closer to the Lord, as Steven has offered up his gifts for the glory of God and the good of the people (like me).

Some elements that made this book such a good read was the absolute and unhindered transparency of Mary Beth. Some might not like her transparency, or even disagree with some of the decisions in the lives of the Chapmans, but the rest of us sinners actually find it very refreshing, and remember, it's pretty important to know that even the best of men are men at best. The basis and backdrop of much of the book is the passing of their little girl Maria – and it was for that reason that I cried a lot in reading this book. It might sound weird, but I actually found myself laughing frequently as well (a good mix – don't you think?). Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." And so the question is, do you know? Do you know that all things work together for good? And are you the "called" – are you saved, are you a Christian? (This promise is to them/us).

In this book, I read about a modern-day-living-illustration of Romans 8:28. God has taken this tragedy, and through all the tears, trial, hurts and heartaches, He has transformed it into triumph. Does that eliminate the pain? Oh no – the pain is still deep and real and devastating – a 10 on the richter scale of pain; but what we learn is that there is great purpose for the pain, God is glorified, His little girl is home where she wanted to be, in God's big, big house, and one day, by the grace of God and the cross of Jesus Christ  - we will join her in the true and tangible Kingdom of God.

May God help us in our Choosing to See Him and His ways, in all of our life, and all of our days. (Let me know if you want to borrow the book 🙂

Coronilla Clan, Current Affairs

A Mega-Christmas-Milestone!

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IMG_0300 After sooo many years of missed opportunity, failure and procrastination, I FINALLY put up the banner that I've always wanted to put up this time of year – "Celebrate JESUS, the true reason for the season!" 

For me, the banner serves as a witness to the world, as a tool for the truth, it's a heart-felt reminder, that it's ALL about Him. It's not Santa, or reindeer, or getting and fretting; it's not just the lists, or the lights on our houses or trees. It's the Light of the World – Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12). Christmas is the contemplation, that Jesus came; He came as the Love, He came as the Life, He came as the saving Light of the world in Christ – darkness is dispelled – we can see, we are free to follow with passion.

Don't get me wrong, traditions are okay, as long as they're traditions with truth, for if they're traditions without truth, it's all vanity at best – and most often, traditions without truth, will lead ultimately…to hypocrisy.

Hebrews 12:2, "…looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." May our holy, gracious and absolutely awesome God, keep you, and bless you, reminding you and me, constantly, to stay focused on Jesus, the true "reason for the season."

Coronilla Clan, Current Affairs

Time with my son

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IMG_1362 Had a great time with my son Aaron today, we went to Walt Disney Concert Hall, to see and hear, "Symphonies for Youth: Pianissimo". Someone actually, anonymously sent us the tickets in the mail, knowing that Aaron would thoroughly enjoy it – and he sure did! 

I just enjoyed being with him – and the music was absolutely amazing.

Thank you, friend, and thank you Father, for family, for music, for the gift of knowing that people and family are infinitely more important than possessions or finances…please help me Lord,to never forget!

Malachi 4:6, "And He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."

Thanks so much to those of you who so faithfully pray for us!

Coronilla Clan, Passages of the Bible, Travel

Enjoying Family/God’s Creation

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A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to go on a family beach trip over to Newport and, as usual, we had a great time together (for some reason we always go to Newport – we’ve all come to recognize it as a family tradition – not really sure why – but we just can’t break it 🙂

For me, this is the best!  Family-time (without distractions), and simply-time to kick-back and enjoy the wonder of God’s creation.  I realize not everyone appreciates the beach as much as I do…but there’s just something about the feeling of sand between your toes, the smell of the ocean in your nose, the sound of crashing waves in your ears, and the view of the coastline in your eyes, and then…when it comes to a close, the setting of the sun (don’t you think it’s awesome?).  

I want to encourage you to do your best to enjoy your family and friends, and as the days go by (as time flies), try not to miss the wonder and beauty of the things that God has made for us to see – how great He is – the Maker of oceans and mountains, and water and fire, and sand and sky, of leaves and love, of you and me.  Apart from Him we’re not much…but in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are infinitely valuable and breathtakingly beautiful. 

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

Coronilla Clan

August 20 – Our Spiritual Birthday!

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I'm so super abundantly blessed to say that my wife Shelly and I celebrate our 21st Birthday today.  It's been 21 years of the grace of God upon our lives…in knowing Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.

I'll never forget that night at Calvary Chapel West Covina, Pastor Raul Ries actually did the altar call before the message.  I don't remember exactly what He said, but I do remember that the Lord was speaking through him, calling me to go forward, to be free from sin, to come to Christ and be born-again.  I didn't have a clue on the theological details of what was going on, but I knew I was a sinner in need of a Savior; and on that night, August 20, 1989 – my entire world, life, and destiny changed.  Tears streamed down my face, I sensed God's presence, and by His grace I never drank again; I never did drugs again; and God kept me sexually pure until I married my beautiful wife.  I was truly and totally saved; I had a hunger to read the Bible, to pray, to go to church service, and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. 

After 21 years so much has happened - the family, the ministry, the peace, the purpose; so much has changed, I've changed, the world has changed – but God hasn't changed.  He's the same Rock and Redeemer, the same Sovereign Savior that He was back then, that He always will be, forever and ever - thank You, praise You, I love you - Lord for all the years of amazing Grace!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." – 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Do you know the Lord?  If not, I encourage you, I urge you, I beg you…turn from your sin, and trust in Christ, as your Lord and Savior…perhaps today will be your "birthday."

Coronilla Clan, Leadership

Pastor’s Conference/Pastor Chuck

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Pastor's Conference/Pastor Chuck

What an awesome time we had this past week at the Senior Pastor's Conference in Murrieta! The messages by the various pastors (through the book of Acts) were right on target – challenging me to be the man I need to be, and to do the work I need to do; to remember the great and awesome God that I belong to, and to realize, in a fresh way, the importance of that absolute surrender to -and dependance on – the Holy Spirit. God told me: to sin less, to pray more, to work much harder, to step out, and to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!  May I now do what He's called me to do…there are so many to reach!  Of course it's always a blessing to hang out with the guys, to have that fellowship, that counsel, and that encouragement (not to mention the food :-). God is using Calvary Chapels in such a tremendous way – (I talked to guys that are literally ministering all around the world), and I cannot be more excited about missions than I am now (please pray that God would lead us – and that we would follow).

I was blessed to be able to talk with Pastor Chuck – a bit. I told him how I thanked God for him, how I pray for him every day, and what a total blessing the conference was. I told him how I want to come back to El Monte and be a better pastor. I think he was blessed by the latter statement (he really does want us to work hard for the glory of God and the good of His people).

Watching Pastor Chuck with his big smile, his huge heart, his love for the Lord and his untiring labor…has been an absolutely amazing example to me!

Thank You Lord, for the work that You've done, and that You want to do, through human vessels.

Just in case you didn't know who this is, this is a picture of me and Pastor Chuck.

May God bless you and keep you in His amazing love!