joshtapia.com

D-Now in New Mexico

Josh Tapia — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Just got home last night from an awesome D-Now weekend in New Mexico. I always love going to the Aspendale Retreat Center in Cloudcroft, but this was the first time I was invited to speak at a winter event. I've never seen so much snow. They've had a record amount of snow fall this year and a few weeks ago the roof of the cafeteria collapsed. Despite a few challenges, God showed up and showed off in the lives of the students and their leaders. I don't know exactly how many made first-time decisions for Christ, but I think at least 15 did. The weekend was truly a spiritual awakening for many of us. It was awesome!

Standing in the snow with "The Odyssey" behind me

Students playing in the snow at Aspendale

Cafeteria roof collapse

I'm really looking forward to teaming up with my friend Jimmy Edward for some ministry next weekend in Pecos, Texas. Believing that God will make the 7 hour drive worthwhile. God is awesome!

Challenging time

Josh Tapia — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:27:00 GMT

My mother in law is in the ICU on a ventilator. She is in the exact situation she was in 11 years ago. She is in stable condition, but has a long road ahead of her. It has been a challenging time for our entire family, but we know God is faithful. He is good and we can trust Him to once again do what only He can.

I recently began helping lead Castle Hills en Español, the new Spanish service at our home church. CH en E is now the third service of our church's Sunday morning schedule and has the potential to grow tremendously. It has called for my family and I to take a huge step of faith, but it's the kind of step that God honors. We're having our first Friend Day this Sunday and we're praying for God to move in a powerful way. I will continue to speak at other churches and other events, but when not traveling I'll be at Castle Hills en Español. I really believe that God wants to use this service to give life to many in San Antonio.

We have missed all the snow that has recently fallen in Texas. I'm scheduled to speak at a D-Now in New Mexico the last weekend of February and there should be snow there. The amount of snow they have gotten up there even caused the roof of the dining hall to collapse. I go every year to the Aspendale Retreat Center in July, but have never been in the winter. Hopefully, Lisa's mom will be doing better so she can go with me.

Castle Hills en Español

Josh Tapia — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:37:00 GMT

I'm excited about helping lead the new Spanish service at our home church Castle Hills First Baptist. We held the first Castle Hills en Español service yesterday with 43 in attendance. I love that the vision is not to start a church within a church, but to add a service completely in Spanish to our Sunday morning schedule. Castle Hills now has three services to choose from. Celebration, Mosaic and Castle Hills en Español. I'm very excited.

Of course, my priority will continue to be to travel and speak in other churches as the Lord allows. We have an outstanding team which brings incredible comfort and encouragement to my heart. Great things are ahead. God is moving. I'm glad that I can come along for the ride.

My New Desktop Background

Josh Tapia — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:41:00 GMT

2010

Josh Tapia — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:43:00 GMT

2010 has been great. God is so good. I'll never understand how God can be so faithful and good to us when we are so unfaithful and bad. I know it's grace. I know it's mercy. I know it's love. I know that God's ways are way above mine. I also know and am confident that I will know and understand all truth one day.

I'm really having a blast speaking at e-kids. It has really become our ministry at Castle Hills. In the past it has been rare for me to speak to kids on a regular basis. All of a sudden I'm speaking to kids at least once a month. This Sunday I'll speak at e-kids for the third week in a row.

I've got three OBEY Regional Rallies scheduled so far for this year. The OBEY Conference is coming up in April and I'm praying for the largest crowd we have ever had. Last year we hit 500 and this year I'm praying for 700. More than anything I want God to be there and to move in a powerful and life-changing way.

Our family picture taken in December of 2009. I'm blessed with a great family.

Tried to find this dog a good home when he showed up in my yard. Came to the conclusion that
we were suppose to keep him and make him our family dog. I love "Rocky". He's a great dog.

Andrew also loves "Rocky".

Time with God

Josh Tapia — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:40:00 GMT

I don't get how so many of us can go days without opening our Bibles and having some one on one time with God. I have preached and taught that prayer and Bible study go hand in hand, but in my life that hasn't always been true. Many of my prayers have become weak and routine. A quick meaningless prayer before a meal had the power of a wet mop. In spite of my personal devotional life or lack of, God still used me by his grace. I wonder what more he wanted to do and could have done if only I had been more focused on connecting with Him. If I struggle like this, how many more are out there struggling? Worst of all, how many are out there that don't realize there is a problem?

God is good! In the last few weeks God has gotten a hold of me. He has captured my attention like never before in my life and has revealed great and mighty truth. He's led me back to my Bible not just for sermon preparation but for my personal growth. Lisa and I are having prayer and Bible study with the Triple A's every night and are enjoying a devotional time together. I'm studying my Bible because I want to not because I feel I have to. I'm encouraged and excited about what is ahead and especially about what God will show me and do in and through me.

The Bible is God's gift to us. The answer to every question and situation is found in the Word of God. It strengthens, encourages, guides, convicts and builds. The Bible is designed to better our lives and families. Why not make time for it in our lives? Don't have time? Make time! We can't afford not to.

Pastor Jerry Salinas and faithfulness

Josh Tapia — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:12:00 GMT

I would estimate that over 700 people attended the homegoing service of Pastor Jerry Salinas last Thursday evening. I met Pastor Jerry back in 1993 and had been encouraged by his life and ministry ever since. He always had a smile on his face that I believe was a direct result of his love for God and for people. He loved his Lord and was passionate about introducing everyone he came in contact with to him. One of my favorite memories of him is when he prayed for me at my ordination service back in 1995. Pastor Jerry's service felt more like a revival service than a funeral service. It was filled with powerful praise and worship, testimonies and a life-changing message from the Word of God. One of the best parts of the evening was getting to see so many friends that I hadn't seen in years. There were people greeting and hugging each other all around. I couldn't help but think that even at his homegoing service God was using Pastor Jerry to bring others together for encouragement. It was truly a night that honored Pastor Jerry and that brought glory to God just as he would have wanted.

Pastor Jerry was 53 years old and as I'm sure everyone agrees was way too young to go home to heaven. He leaves a legacy of many things behind, but for some reason the one that stands out to me the most as I type is faithfulness. Pastor Jerry was faithful. He was faithful to his Lord, his family and to God's ministry. Just like the rest of us he was not perfect, but he was faithful. He had his stumbles and his weaknesses. He didn't always get it right, but what he did get right was faithfulness. When Pastor Jerry breathed his last breath in his earthsuit, he saw his Lord face to face and heard the words we should all live to hear "well done good and faithful servant".

I want to be faithful. I want to honor my Lord and the legacy of Pastor Jerry Salinas by being faithful.

Alabama and e-kids

Josh Tapia — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:25:00 GMT

I spent last weekend in Alabama. It was my first trip to that state and I really enjoyed what God did. My friend Emilio pastors a church in Russellville which meets in a former Kingdom Hall. It was amazing to see how they have transformed this facility and how God is using it to draw others to Himself. I loved how the people were so receptive to the Word of God. They were so excited. It was very encouraging and really fired me up. I especially love the way God spoke at our final service on Sunday morning. Almost every person present asked God to work powerfully in and through their lives.

There were a couple of other highlights of my trip to Alabama. First, I was blessed to enjoy lunch with my favorite evangelist Junior Hill. Since 2000, Junior Hill has been a friend and an encourager to me. I was so blessed to spend some time with him.

The other highlight took place as I was preparing to board my flight from Huntsville to Houston. I looked up and Kirk Cameron was standing next to me. He was a super nice guy and we spent a few minutes chatting both on the plane before takeoff and once we arrived in Houston. I gave him a super thin New Testament and he gave me a DVD and a "Faithfold" wallet. The wallet is genuine leather and has a New Testament inside. It was quite a gift. I appreciate guys like him that may be well-known but don't act like it.

I spoke at e-kids this morning which is the kids worship service at our home church. Speaking to kids ages 6 to 11 is the toughest crowd I have ever had to speak to, but God was awesome and the kids were awesome. I'm speaking again on October 18th and maybe doing a whole month in the winter. The best part was getting to watch Adriana leading with the praise team and Amanda in the "first grade" section having a blast.

Things are slow right now. God has never let us down so I'm trusting in Him. He knows how much I love to speak. He knows I would love to be busy. I'm trusting Him.

Andrew turns 4!

Josh Tapia — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:40:00 GMT

Some pics from yesterday. Andrew had a fun day turning 4. Church then Chuck E. Cheese's then cake and presents then Seaworld!

Get your tickets today!

Josh Tapia — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:50:00 GMT

Get your tickets today!

Late Night Post

Josh Tapia — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:14:00 GMT

I'm not sure how many people would consider 11:26 PM late, but its late to me. I really need to go to bed, but I haven't posted in awhile. As much as I have tried to post daily, it just hasn't happened. I'm not going to worry about it anymore.

Adriana and Amanda started school yesterday and they are very excited. They have excellent teachers and love going to school. I'm pretty sure their love for school will change as they get older, but I hope they always have a desire to learn.

I'm very excited about the courses I will be taking this semester. Luther Rice University is an excellent school and though it will take awhile I look forward to earning my degree. My desire to earn a degree is rooted in another desire. A desire for my kids to have two parents with degrees. I hope our example will motivate them to continue their education and to better prepare themselves to serve God and others.

Can't wait to begin a four day event at my friend Pedro's church here in San Antonio on Sunday. Jimmy Edward will be singing and sharing his powerful story and I will be preaching. It's been some time since Jimmy and I served together. I'm praying for an awesome move of God. I know there is only one thing I can do to make sure God is with us. Minimize me and pray for God to maximize Himself.

I'm very proud of Adriana. She is part of the E-Kids team at Castle Hills. They lead the worship during the kids' service. Lisa said she did awesome at last Sunday's first service of the season. I won't get to see her lead until September 6th. This year has been incredible for Adriana and us. She was saved in March, baptized in June and is now serving. The glory is all yours God!

I am extremely blessed. Beautiful wife and kids and I get to share the Gospel for a living. My God is an awesome God!

A Night of Laughs

Josh Tapia — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:04:00 GMT

I'm really excited about hosting what I hope will become an annual event. On October 9th, I will be hosting "A Night of Laughs" with Bean & Bailey and Cleto Rodriguez. Both of these acts are hilarious and I'm especially excited about hosting a family-friendly show that's affordable. $10 a ticket isn't bad. I hope to pack the place. There is a lot of work to do, but I'm confident it will all be worth it.

Heading to Wichita Falls next Saturday. Ready to preach. It's been awhile.

Going to enjoy church tomorrow with the fam!

Tuesday Night Rant

Josh Tapia — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:39:00 GMT

Worked another service today at Hillcrest. The funeral business can be pretty crazy. You can go a couple of weeks without any services and then go a week with services in both the morning and evening. I enjoy serving families at Hillcrest. The only bad thing as I have said before is wearing a suit in over 100 degree heat. There is no relief. There is nothing you can do. I long for the days when we do services in freezing weather. It may be cold, but at least you can do something about it. I'm going to speak to the owners about a new and innovative idea. Night funerals.

I just sent out an email to begin scheduling our OBEY Regional Rallies. My goal this year is to have at least 7. One each month beginning in September and going through March. It seems like the 2010 OBEY Conference is a long time away, but April 23rd will be here very quickly.

Going to see G-Force tomorrow with the whole family. The kids having been asking to go for awhile now and they will love going with all their cousins. I just hope its a good movie.

Just about to finish the Billy Graham biography I have been reading forever. I'm ready to read a really good book. Gonna start with what I have in my library. Have several books I have never read and some I would love to re-read.

God is way too good! I'm really thankful that His faithfulness is not determined or dependent on mine.

I missed one

Josh Tapia — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:25:00 GMT

Well I missed one day. I didn't post yesterday. Had a lot going on and went to bed very late. Making sure I post today.

We bought Adriana her first Bible on Friday. It looks real cool with lots of colorful pages and plenty of extra fun stuff to read. We even bought her a carrying case. She loves it and that makes us very happy. Adriana, may you always love the Word of God.

I was just invited this morning to return to Southside Church in Wichita Falls on August 23rd. My plan is to drive up on Saturday morning and teach my "Discovering Your Identity in Christ" seminar that evening. I'll preach Sunday morning and drive home that afternoon for the first day of school the next day. Adriana and Amanda are ready for school and Lisa is trying to get back into her groove. I'm thanking God in advance for a great school year.

I was blessed to have a good friend and his family as our guests at Castle Hills this morning. It was our first Sunday at our home church in awhile. I got a chance to talk to my friend and get his feedback about our church and the message. He loved both. One of the things that made me think was his comment about some of the churches he has visited. He has been disappointed with what he referred to as "pastors that provide more entertainment than message". Wow! He added, "if I want entertainment, I will go to a movie". It's the preaching of the Word of God that makes the difference in people's lives and hearts. Lord, don't ever allow us to forget that.

Helping Pastors

Josh Tapia — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:39:00 GMT

I've been thinking a lot today about starting a fund through our ministry to help pastors in need. Not sure if we would help by supplementing their incomes or by providing financial assistance in times of need. I really want to do this. Any feedback?

I would like to spend the next few weeks serving churches in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Since school is starting soon and the summer took us all over, it would be nice to stay close to home. Of course, as always I'm ready to go anywhere at anytime.

Still haven't made it to the Cowboys Training Camp. You think it would easy to go, but there is always something else to do. I also don't want to go alone, so I have to find someone to go with me. Any takers?

Relaxing a bit and looking forward

Josh Tapia — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:53:00 GMT

I have definitely enjoyed relaxing a bit this week after a very busy summer. We're all really looking forward to worshiping at CHFBC this Sunday. We're excited and expecting God to do something awesome as we gather together for worship and the Word. I'm especially excited because a good friend of mine said that he and his family will be attending church with us this Sunday. I've been praying for him for awhile.

I spent my whole day today with Hillcrest serving at my first Muslim funeral. It was quite an experience. Of course, wearing a suit in 102 degree heat is always an experience. The Muslim people are a very tight knit community and are committed to caring for each other especially in times of need. One of the things that surprised me the most was how many people attended the funeral. We had to have four police escorts to get us to the cemetery and that was not enough. Someone said we had over 50 cars in our procession. There is a tremendous need to share the Gospel with the Muslim people and once again God reminded me that yes the mission field is on the other side of the world, but it is also on the other side of town.

It looks like our ministry will be having our first mission trip this December to Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. I spoke to a good friend that lives there and we are planning to spend three days (Friday to Sunday) sharing the Gospel through street evangelism, tract distribution, the Jesus film, and preaching. God has always blessed and used our ministry in Mexico and I can't wait to see what He will do this December. The last time we were in Torreon, we ended up showing the Jesus film right in a square with over 600 sitting and standing as they watched. I loved it!

Really going to try to post something on my blog everyday. How many days in a row will I be able to do it? It's on!

Heading back to Big D

Josh Tapia — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:45:00 GMT

We're heading back to Dallas tomorrow for the final stop of the inaugural Josh Tapia Odyssey Van Tour. It has been quite a run. All I can say is that God was awesome and truly worked through this effort. Sunday morning I'll speak at the church I grew up in followed by preaching at the new Spanish service at Prestonwood Baptist Church where my friend Ruben Hernandez is pastoring. Both opportunities are extremely special and I'm so ready for them.

My Amanda turned 6 on July 23rd. She is one of a kind and brings so much joy to our lives. We are so blessed by her character, wit and passion. Though she can sometimes drive us bonkers, I love her with all my heart. Her birthday began in Leonard, Texas with a visit to see some horses and ended at Chuck E. Cheese's. Here are some pics.

There is nothing like getting away for a bit with the fam. Last Monday we drove to Rockport and spent a couple of days hanging out on the beach, swimming, fishing and enjoying some good seafood. I saw it as a special blessing after a very busy summer. God is so good to us.

Andrew and me on a sunset boat cruise in Rockport.

Andrew and me on a ferry in Corpus Christi with the USS Lexington in the background.

I have really been thinking about writing a book based on a message I have shared several times. It really is a life-changing message. I'm seriously going to pray about it. It really has to be something from God because I don't think anyone would want to read something I write.

On my mind in Wichita Falls

Josh Tapia — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:02:36 GMT

I'm taking a break for a bit here in Wichita Falls. I didn't have my laptop with me at Opportunity Camp in New Mexico so it was hard to blog. Opp Camp has become a summer tradition for me and I love every minute of it. I get to preach to kids in the mountains of New Mexico and hang out with some of my best friends in the world. 26 kids received Christ as Lord at Opp Camp this year. I also got to make a new buddy named Bombin. It was a blast to see him in action. He's the best! Can't wait for Lisa and me to hang out with him and his wife on Tuesday at the Rangers' game. Here's a pic of us.

One of my favorite things to do at Opp Camp is "The Odyssey" challenge course. This year I was asked to help the kids get their gear on and to work one of the "transfer" stations. Had an awesome time. Here are a couple of pics.

That's me sitting on the top level waiting for the kids.

I'm praying about a potential project. I would like to host a FREE family-friendly comedy show in San Antonio. I'm hoping it will become an annual event like the OBEY Conference. The date I'm looking at right now is Friday, October 9th. I'm asking everyone to help me pray for God's will and direction. More details coming soon.

Lisa and I have decided to host a Thanksgiving dinner in our home for soldiers stationed in San Antonio. We will eat with our family and then host however many soldiers they send us. We'll let them call home, use the net and of course watch the Cowboys game. I hope they will enjoy it as much as we will.

Monday Morning Rant

Josh Tapia — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:54:00 GMT

I don't think I have ever been as busy as I have been these last few weeks. It's been awesome! Non-stop traveling and speaking. My dream come true. God has been so faithful at every event. He has continuously visited us. From Brenham, Texas the second weekend of June to yesterday in Houston, God has been faithful and true.

There is something incredible about speaking at a camp. I have a special memory from both of the camps I have spoken at so far. At Camp Barnabas in Buda, I can't forget that Thursday night during the worship when everyone laid aside everything and worshipped. There are no words to describe that sound. At Youth Week at Alto Frio, it was also Thursday night when God spoke through me and declared "It ends tonight"! I was shaking as those words echoed through the tabernacle. I knew there were students there whose lives where at a spiritual crossroad and how they responded that night would effect everything from that day forward. I remember crying as one student came forward that many of us had been praying for all week. A few moments later with the mic in his hand he told everyone that if they weren't saved that they need to get up here now. Powerful!

Since it has been so hot lately I decided to dress casually for the service yesterday in North Houston. The pastor and I never discussed the dress code so I didn't think much about it. After teaching the Bible study that morning the Spanish service pastor pulled me aside and asked me if I had a coat and tie. He informed me that the senior pastor of the church where they met would not allow anyone to preach in their building that was not wearing a coat and tie. He would even send spies to the Spanish service to make sure whoever was preaching was wearing a coat and tie. Next thing you know the pastor takes off his tie and coat and hands them to me. I preached wearing his tie with a shirt that wasn't designed for ties and wearing his coat which let's just say was a few sizes larger than my size. God spoke through the message, but I was a bit uncomfortable.

Things are not slowing down. Flying to El Paso today for Opportunity Camp in the mountains of New Mexico. Good bye 100 degree weather. Hello 75 degree days! Opp Camp is a very unique camp with some awesome campers. Many come from some serious situations and frankly some messed up homes, but God will do a work in their lives at camp. Lord willing the day after I return from Opp Camp the fam and I will drive to Wichita Falls for a Sunday followed by Leonard and Dallas, Texas. God is good!

Happy Baptism and Birthday Adriana!

Josh Tapia — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:49:00 GMT

This has been an incredible week. God was with us and moved in a powerful way at Youth Week at Alto Frio. 125 total decisions. Can't explain how blessed I was to be the camp evangelist.

We celebrated baptisms on Thursday and Adriana went public with her faith. Today is Adriana's 9th Birthday and all we can do is thank God for being so good to us.