Latin Fusion TV BLOG » Trust God

Three Trees – worth the read!

LatinFusionTV — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:59:26 +0000

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, ‘Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.’

Then the second tree said, ‘Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.’

Finally the third tree said, ‘I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.’

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, ‘This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, ‘and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, ‘This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.’ The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, ‘I don’t need anything special from my tree, I’ll take this one,’ and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said ‘Peace’ and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible,

because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.

A killer named FEAR.

LatinFusionTV — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:45:28 +0000

Fear is a killer! Yes – a killer. It can keep you from doing what needs to be done. It can make you do things you do not want to do. It affects all of those around you and most of all, it can cripple and paralyze you, stealing your ability to function in a normal and healthy manner.

Yes, I said steal – what I might could say is it will ROB YOU OF PEACE and Joy.

But what is fear, how is it defined. You can look at the definition, but does that truly answer the question? Not if you are having too deal with fear in your life.

Fear can be defined in one of two simple ways (and forgive my French):

F*#* Everything And Run; or
Face Everything And Recover.

Fear can cause us to lie to ourselves, withhold truths and basically lead us into such a place that we no longer see reality as it is and only see it from scared, lonely and tired eyes – expecting the worst and getting it in return.

In Reality and simple enough, Fear is basically only two things: We are afraid. We are Afraid 1) That we will not get what we want; and/or 2) that we will lose something that we already have.

But let’s not be foolish – FEAR is real. And there are such things as healthy, as well as, unhealthy fears. An example of a healthy fear is a) fearing that we will get diabetes if we continue to ignore healthy eating practices, do not maintain our exercise and have a history of diabetes in our family. B) Another example can be a fear of having an accident or crashing our vehicle, especially if we are driving in inclimate weather or while driving in a rushed or hurried state. C) A third example (as it relates to me) will be that I will return to drug or alcohol abuse if I do not maintain my practices in recovery; i.e. going to meetings, working with others, etc…

These three examples are healthy and realistic enough. But there is a solution to these types of fears – as healthy as they are – they are just that, fears.

Quickly, I will exemplify the 2nd of my two definitions: Face Everything And Recover – with fear of diabetes we must maintain a healthy diet, exercise and watch what we eat while going to a doctor and making sure we do what we are supposed to do – regardless of family history. And if we still get it – do what is expected to treat it properly. Fear pops up while we drive – we have all sensed it or experienced this type of fear – and what do we do, slow down, pay attention to conditions and other drivers and proceed with caution. Finally, in my case – I must go to meetings; work with other alcoholics/addicts; read the Big Book; maintain a clean and spiritual mindset and recognize when I am falling into a state of anxiety and resentment so I do not relapse. I am an Alcoholic/Addict in recovery, with more than 7 years clean and sober from the throes of addiction. And for that I am grateful!

You see the answer is recognizing why we have the fear and its causes and then doing something about them, doing something that will solve the problem – and this, in turn, will address the fear issue. But we MUST, and I mean Must, be honest with ourselves.

Look, there are more types of fear – fear of losing our house, or jobs, in tough economic times – this is as real as it gets, but there are always ways out…IF we trust in GOD! IT may not be what we expect or want, but the situation will always work itself out, one way or another – I have seen it and it is happening to me today. We MUST Trust in God!

Trust that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf, Trust that He has a greater plan for you and your situation and trust that no matter what – it is going to be okay NO MATTER WHAT!

And I will leave you with that for healthy fears – but what about Unhealthy fears – Fears based on F*#* Everything And Run! These fears are worse and require more work, but again – THERE IS A SOLUTION!!!

A note to you this Christmas: Say “Thank You!”

LatinFusionTV — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:50:11 +0000

Sometimes it’s just those words of “Thank You” that you say to some one who has been so dear and kind, in such a gentle way, that makes a difference in their life.

Well, this Christmas, I want to say ” Thank You” to someone very dear to me – someone who has helped me in more ways than one. We all have that person in our life, don’t we? When times seem to be so hard and scary, they find a way to lift our spirits.

The integrity as a man that he is; with his wonderful spiritual faith that he carry’s in his heart. It is a blessing to have him as a dear friend and partner. I can honestly say that he means well when he tries to help me see things in a positive way.

And it all starts with me if I want to make a difference and am willing to make a change. It starts with you also – we have to be willing to change. We cannot want to want to change – we have to be willing to make a change.

I sometimes find it hard to understand, or maybe I am just so stubborn. I guess I can say that I am just afraid that maybe I will not succeed. Do you have the same problem? It is easy to be afraid, and easier not to trust.

Yet, I have to trust the only person who has stood right by my side and believe it when he says: “Get out there and Fight!”

Through my trials and tribulations and unexpected heartfelt surprises, I have to trust in God – that his plan is for a reason and is one that will get us through our journey. It is the same with all of us, we have to Trust God.

This is something that Michael has shared with me, and I believe that to be true. If you ever find a penny – especially when times are tough – Please read what is written on it: “IN GOD WE TRUST”. It is a reminder to Trust Him no matter what your situation is. Please Stop, take the time to hold the penny and say: “Okay God, I trust you!” IT is a small reminder of great big deal. Trust me on this, when things are tough – God will put a penny in your path to remind you to Trust Him! We find pennies all the time and everywhere.

So when times are tough – I must continue to be that women that I have always been: “A women of Faith.” I must make that difference for myself, and those that I love, and to Build the Bridge that will lead us to the Top. But i, nor we, can do it by ourselves.

Michael I want to say “Thank You” for all that you have done and that I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. I was blessed when God brought a wonderful person like you into my life. I knew that He would make us partners to share the dreams that once were cloudy to me. I was lost. And, I can still remember when I said to myself: That is a man of integrity. You have lifted me up and offered so much, but most of all you have changed my life to be better at what I must do to be a better person. I want to say “Thank You” for being tough with me and in helping me to be strong and not give up on a dream that means the world to me. God has molded you to be the man he wants you to be, and is why he brought you into my life.

You came and transformed something that I believed in and held on to for so long and gave it life and laughter and gave me the strength to build it better. It’s because of you that I believe that God makes the Impossible – Possible. I can only guess it’s the “Faith” that He saw in both of us. Thank You for wiping my tears of sadness and for giving me tears of joy. I could never repay you for all the help you have given me, but I can stand up tomorrow and say I am ready to fight the battle that I have struggled with today. If God were to take me tonight to live in his kingdom, I would thank him for allowing me to have been a part of yours.

“Thank You Michael – from the bottom of my heart!” May God Bless you and your family this Christmas and give you the gifts that you deserve. He has already given me the greatest gift of all, and that gift was when you became my Best friend and partner.

Now – back to you out there in cyberspace, our guests and friends – you either have this person in your life or you are this person in someones life. If you have someone who has been there for you and stood by you in rough times as well as the good – then stop and say “Thank You!” If you are a person that keeps people on track, inspires, encourages or is even tough on them when they need it – then I will say: “Thank you!” It means more than you know. We all need help, encouragement, empowerment and friends…Let us give thanks or the gift of ourselves to others this Holiday Season.

It only takes one!* One small act of kindness, one kind word, one right move - But that is another Christmas article.

I share this with the world, because to me it is very important to share with that special someone, how much you appreciate them. It is important to know that words cannot always express our gratitude – but as he will say: “Actions go a lot further.” Gratitude is an action! Words fall short at times – but Thank you can be said and done in so many ways and to so many people….

So I say to you: Now it is your turn to go into the world and say thank you to someone who has touched you or go out and touch someone that needs to have their spirit uplifted! May God Bless you all!

Merry Christmas Everyone – Brandy Lopez “We walk by Faith and not by Sight”

Be not Afraid!

LatinFusionTV — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:06:01 +0000

Why do we fear? Because it is human nature to be afraid? Because we haven’t learned to deal with reality? Maybe we are afraid because of both. Let me say that 100 posts could go into writing about fear….But here is something of interest.

I sometimes can be childish, or could it just be fear? or maybe I am just afraid that what I have shared deeply from my heart may not mean that much to others. I also fear that maybe I am not appreciated by those I love. I guess I will never know, for I am only Human. But…

God has blessed us all, in one way or another. Each of us is unique – some are strong, some smart, some have and some don’t and many do things differently than you or I would. But remember what you do and the way you do things is your way. So what does this have to do with Fear??? Everything!

Speaking for myself, I often ask: “If God Blesses me all of the time – why is it that I still fear?” “Why am I afraid?”

And though my faith is strong, I still have the tendency to be afraid. I find it disappointing when I feel weak when I know I should be strong. Which leads to another question: “Am I weak or is it fear?

It’s easy to be afraid and feel weak when in a situation that is uncomfortable or not familiar. It is also easy when these circumstances have led to bruising or hurt in the past and moreso if the bruises turn to scars and the scars run deep.

For example, someone takes advantage of you, does not appreciate you or understand you, or maybe worse – treats you with disrespect and berates you. That hurts and we do not want to go through it again.

Remember that you were blessed with something that they may not have and wish they did, so they transfer their fears to you. So the fears you have may be caused from some lost self esteem based on someone elses mistreating you. This is a justifiable fear, because no one wants to let others down.

We don’t want to let down those who love us and support us, and especially do not want to let down God. I know I don’t. And the last thing I want to do is fear the Blessings that God has given me.

Here are some suggestions to overcome fear and help others based on my own experiences:

God wants us to be wise and to be strong – but we have to be discerning;
He wants us to trust in Him – He is faithful, always;
God has Blessed you with your own gifts – find them;
Love those who love and understand you – it is easy to take these people for granted;
Love those that don’t even more – they may need the love;
Be patient and understanding with others – you never know what their fears are and what they are struggling with;
Be patient because remember – it could be you next time;
Lift the spirit of others and give them brighter thoughts – especially if they are struggling; and
Remember that bruises and scars will go away over time and God will heal you if you let him.

The biggest thing of all is this: IF you focus on your fears then you cannot possibly focus on anything else. Example: If I am focused on failing, I cannot possibly be focused on succeeding. Make sense?

Look, God brings people into our lives for a reason – we cannot run around thinking they will always hurt us, because if we do we will never fully enjoy the reason they were brought into our lives in the first place.

People are a blessing, good or bad, they are a blessing so let us remind them and ourselves to Be Not Afraid and do not fear the Blessings that God has given You and Me.

I Thank God for all my Blessings and the beautiful people he has brought into my life and the journey he continues to guide me through. And although i may be afraid at times – I know to trust Him. That is my way and you must find your way.

So, till my next Blog, Take care of each other and be Fearless.

God Bless all our readers and our Viewers… But most of all God Bless Our Troops and their Families.

“Walk by Faith and not by Sight!” and Be not Afraid!

Con Amor Y Paz – Brandy Lopez

I sometimes find it disappointing for being weak where I know I should be strong. but I ask that question Am I really weak or is it just that I fear?

Weekend of blessings and fun!

LatinFusionTV — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:56:18 +0000

What constitutes fun to you?

Work, play, spending money, making money, making friends, helping others! What about sharing in God’s Blessings with friends and family? How about doing for the community and sharing God’s family and talents with each other? What if it ends up costing rather than making money? Is it still fun? Or, could it be all of the above?

Entertainment is a serious business! If you don’t believe me, think about all the money that goes into the production of American Idol, Next Top Model, Hell’s Kitchen, etc…. Then think about all the money that is made….it’s serious money!

But that is what you see on tv. That is what drives the networks.It’s all about money and viewership. It isn’t about helping the economy. Sure you get a few winners and a few million is given away, but who does it help?

What about all of the local organizations that get together to help each other out while competing for your hard earned money and time!

Time is short and money is tight for everyone. But if you have a roof over your head, food in the cupboard, a computer, cell phone or even a job – count your blessings! Pass those blessings on.

I look around on the news and see disaster and destruction with a few positive human interest stories thrown in between and realize how fortunate I am – unemployed and all!

So I share the following to make the world a better place:

Find a cause;
Give of time and money;
Share your resources;
Don’t be greedy;
Trust God,
Spread the word!

Look, I am not telling you what to do, I am merely suggesting how we can make this a better place. If I am on the couch watching who the next top model will be or trying to figure out who I love to hate – then I am not helping out in my community. In other words, don’t think less of self but think of self less!

Think about it, what if your family lived in Haiti, Mexico, needed a transplant, or just some blood – wouldn’t you like it if some helpers were there for you? That is all I am saying – you are already great – but let’s be great together to make this a better place to live….

At least be an organ donor – It could be the last great thing you do!

I will tell you why – because LFTV is involved with a film project in San Antonio and a bunch of us got together to help bring awareness to the project…”The Way Out!”

Some made money. We didn’t – in fact we gave our booth away so others could make money. It took, time energy and lost income. And it was hot!

But guess what….It was a blessing. We made new friends, heard great music, took part in a Red Carpet and my daughter got to hang out in the pool all day! So special thanks go to Brandy Lopez, Rene Salazar, Ruben Resendez, Hot Henrietta, Cleto Rodriguez, Lisa Johnson, Mystic Knights, Coach Lowry, Network for Young Artists, Gill Jimenez, Javier Covarrubias, A First Class Limousine AUEDA, the San Antonio Film Council, SA Film Works, all of the Clarion staff, Fashion Group International (San Antonio), the models, Jesus Alvarez, Free Apartment Locators, Next Day, Yung Fyngas, Canela, Victoria Acosta, Ruben Acosta, Danny de la Paz, Jesse Borrego, Johnny Bibbs and everyone else…Forgive me if I left anyone out…

And Boy – it was a scorcher too. So many special thanks again – thanks to all and may God Bless all of those who helped here and who help around the world within their community.

It will pay dividends in the end and God always pays back. Remember, You cannot out-give God!

And to all who read us – thanks. To all who comment – thanks to you too – We appreciate your comments. Please keep them coming and if you really want to reach us, send a comment to Latinfusiontv@gmail.com.

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings mon! – Michael

Independence Day in SA!

LatinFusionTV — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:40:57 +0000

Today we celebrate our Independence Day as a Nation! It is a time to be thankful for what we have by way of Freedom. Freedom isn’t free! Do not take it for granted, just ask people from others countries who have had to struggle with oppression.

But there is more to freedom than that as a nation. One needs to “Be Free” as a person. One needs to be free to Enjoy life, family and the enjoy the pursuit of happiness. And not be held hostage by lifestyle and fear

Yesterday, I spent a few hours speaking with a family about alcohol abuse and its effects. They asked me to intervene and moderate a discussion with dad. Dad did not like this one bit – I understand why he wouldn’t.

The family is in bondage and the father is holding them hostage. But he loves them and they love him. However, that is not freedom! I understand this too. Because I have held hostages also – with my addictions and behavior.

So I say this – if you are struggling with oppression – be it self imposed or otherwise – Work to BE FREE! Seek help, dig deep, trust God and work your way out! But do not try to go at it alone. There are people who will support your efforts.

Freedom is to be enjoyed and I love the fact that I am no longer a slave to alcohol and drugs. I love my family and they love me. And today I even have friends that care about me deeply, because I truly care about them…

So… Please enjoy your freedoms and say hi to someone you don’t know. Strike up a conversation. Do something that makes you feel free – go for a walk, I don’t know, but do something – understand that what little freedoms we do have – someone paid the ultimate price for us – be grateful!

So today, I got to enjoy my freedom and Celebrate the Fourth of July at Woodlawn Lake watching fireworks. And I want to say the following: God Bless America, I Support our troops and I am Proud to be an American.

Finally, We appreciate you all who read our blog – Please know that we love and appreciate you all and enjoy your comments. Thanks for reading and sharing. We love it!

Oh yeah, you can check out our July 4th video and pics on our website and gallery.

God Bless, Take care and Cool Runnings — Michael Arellano

Father’s Day!

LatinFusionTV — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:36:15 +0000

Just a quick note to apologize for not getting this out on the day celebrated as Father’s Day! But if you are a dad, every day is Father’s Day, we just get special recognition on this day.

A few notes on what it means to be a parent and a father.

It is important to set a good example as a father and to be a parent rather than a friend. That day will come. Even so, I am not sure being a friend is as important as being a father.
Teaching responsibility is very important, including the little things that can mean so much;
Teaching children about choices is more important, along with the consequences of bad choices;
Learning about the consequences of actions is important also, but it is wise to teach about our part of any situation – it is easy to play the victim, but it is difficult to stop, look and see what part i had to do with anything – it teaches the following -
Accountability – i didn’t do it, it wasn’t my fault – perhaps, but in most cases, we had some part to play – like choosing to hang with that group, etc…
God sometimes does things that make no sense – and it is difficult to try to figure God out, so don’t – just look to God for help;
Teach them about spirituality, worship and Faith – these things will get one through the good and bad times;
Love your children – I love both my kids and I let them know it by saying “I Love You!”;
Being a man does not mean not showing emotion – it means knowing when to show emotion;
Be gentle when they do wrong – yelling is not telling, telling is not teaching and teaching takes patience; and
learn to Encourage them and impart the need to dream and be daring, enjoy life and live free…the world has enough rules in place – and there will be plenty of people to knock us down – teach them that it is not the end but a beginning;
Teach them to stand up for themselves and not be bullies but to help and protect the weaker ones – this will go a long way….

I am learning as I go, I am not a perfect person nor the perfect dad – but my kids love me (for now, anyway) and I love them. I do the best I can and I often fail – but I do not give up and I always go to God for help…

These little things have changed my life and I often look back on my life and thank God for my dad and granddad. Some where not as fortunate as I and have still become good parents.

I just wish you all well and patience with our children – they are our future. Teach them to love and to give and the world will be a better place – I am sure of it.

Take care, God Bless and Cool Runnings, mon! Michael Arellano