Down the biblical rabbit hole I go....

Have you ever worked on a writing project--you know, a simple writing project--and then, found yourself writing something totally different, and complex, within the body of the simple? If you haven't, you're fortunate--if you have--I'm sorry, I feel your pain.

This third bible study has been no easy task. I've spent now, close to 4 weeks studying the 3rd chapter of the epistle of James, in what should have been a relatively easy project. I say that, primarily, because the first two study guides over James, chapters 1 and 2, come out with relative ease. I think this third chapter has spoken to me so much, so intently, that I find myself expanding too far beyond the initial message, drafting, somewhat and somehow, another study entirely within the pages of this very short chapter. I've been stuck on two areas within this chapter's outline--the severity of improper teaching (gulp) and the source of biblical Wisdom. Both of these topics strike to the very heart of me, that when I start drafting questions to help the audience discover the message, I look up to realize I've written days of worth questions that should have lasted one day. I'm in an endless cycle of minimize and fluff--one moment I have the simple, yet profound questions drafted for the final two days of study, only to read over my draft and realize I've written days worth of content. 

So, what's the answer? Another study, no doubt! I think I need a study that focuses on biblical wisdom and Godly understanding. There is so much meat to be taken from this chapter and I'm in my 3rd re-write of the same 18 passages of scripture. That's the life of the student and the teacher, isn't it? 

Thanks and happy studying....

As not to force my own opinions

No doubt, up until this point, the bible studies have been relatively easy to write, with easy being, they flowed really well and I've studied the content enough to spit out questions without delay or hindrance. That was to say--until I hit the first verse of Chapter 3.  That is what they call a roadblock. 

It's funny how the very things the Lord inspires you to do, parallel the very path you might be on in life, or more specifically, in your walk with the Lord. Verse 1 poses a point of consideration for people who aspire to, or have been called, to teach the gospel message. James is firm in his reminder that those who teach "will incur a stricter judgment" (NASB). How ironic, the very moment I decide to step further into my faith and walk with the Lord, and expand on the gifts He gave me, to write and teach, expanding on the gospel message, and I hit this roadblock that reminds me--you better be studied up!

We learn in 2nd Timothy that we should study to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15) and no doubt, I took that warning very seriously. I spent 2 weeks reviewing, studying and meticulously reviewing every word in James chapters 1 and 2, comparing the original Greek text to the literal translations of the NASB and KJV, to ensure the questions drafted supported the original message. For some reason I just got stuck on that 1st verse--stricter judgement. I was faced with the reality, in my own study, that to teach the gospel message requires more than studying the words, but more so, bringing yourself to a place of subjection under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without that, I would be imposing my own opinions and that my friends, would surely invite the judgment on myself. 

I want to serve the Lord, in transparency and truth, in teaching the gospel message, as I was called to, many years ago. I have since recorded my first teaching video on the opening verses of James, chapter 1 (The Joy of Trials), and now, I am preparing the follow-up lesson to record and publish this week. I spent almost 3 weeks reading and re-reading chapter 3, to ensure the message points to the gospel, and the questions bring my audience to a place to face their sins with confidence, and not guilt and shame.

A virtual bible study group on Facebook will begin using my bible studies on the book of James, beginning next week. I can't wait for the feedback, but more so, I can't wait to hear that someone, daring to be transparent and open with their responses, is finding freedom afforded in the gospel message. If so much as one person starts the transformation walk--then I would have completed my mission.

Another Step Into the Deep Waters...

 

So, yesterday I took another step into the unknown regions of my faith and walk with the Lord. There is so much complexity into my backstory, of which only a few people in my life know. I struggled with shame and embarrassment in my faith for many, many years. I believe the source of those feelings are end results of how people have made me feel for choosing to follow Christ. In the past, people who said they loved me the most, mocked me or ridiculed me for my faith, and despite my attitude of "no one tells me what to do"--those words impacted me. They resonated deep within my soul and they hurt me. They limited me and my walk with the Lord. I've lived many of my years "in Christ" with one foot in and one foot out. I was always a "believer" but rarely a follower. I knew "of Christ" but wouldn't pursue Him. I knew the Word and the gospel message--but I wouldn't commit to it. I believed--but I did not trust. 

I've been on a new journey these past 3 years of my life, and recently, I made a decision to continue my path into the unknown regions of my faith. In honor of my gift of teaching--something that did not spur in me until the day I gave my life to the Lord--I chose to share aspects of my gift of teaching more openly with the world. I wrestled with this decision for some time now, afraid, excited, nervous, brave, you name it--I've gone back and forth with a variety of emotions. We are called to live by faith, not by feelings--so I took the plunge. 

See, I've been blessed to teach mathematics for many years. I've been successful, to state it humbly, to help many others with their academic struggles in math. My efforts have blessed families--I've helped people get into college, get out of college, move from elementary school to middle, middle to high school and helped many, many students graduate from high school. I've been complimented for my teaching style for many years. About a decade ago I started reminding people, if and when they complimented me, [that] my teaching is "a gift." That isn't a lie, but it was only partially true. All good gifts come from the Lord, but how we choose to use those gifts is up to us. The more transparent answer is: I have been given a gift of teaching to use to share the gospel message. God honored the gift--as I have helped many people in mathematical struggles--but that is not why He gave me that gift. The Lord blessed me with a gift of teaching to share His message of salvation, redemption and grace. Yesterday, I acted on that gift and calling. 

Yesterday I opted to share the gospel message more openly. Since I am actively working to create the bible studies for the book of James, I thought, I would expand on that message and share it online. You can find that video here. 

Now, there is nothing left to do but pursue the Lord...and bring the loaves and fishes to the table...so that He can do the work. 

The Epistle of James - Chapter 2 - COMMENTARY

There is so much power to be uncovered in this second chapter of the book of James, and so much study can come from unpacking and expanding on this letter.

We open the first half of this chapter in verses 1 through 8 with a challenge to examine ourselves--the heart of who we are--in relation to whom we choose to show partiality, and more so, the condition of our heart to judge others. So many times, we, as Christians, recite the famous words of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son." You can find that on many poster boards in various sporting events. Unfortunately, we forget the follow-up context to that statement in verse 17 where we are told, "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world." It is easy, because of our human nature, to cast judgment because of sin, but it is imperative that we strive to align ourselves with the gospel, so much so, that we allow the Lord to begin working in us to see others the way He sees them--by the heart, as we are told in 1 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 7. The Lord God does not expose our sin to judge us--but to reveal to us where we are broken--so we can repent and splendor in the grace offered by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The example provided by James is one of a multitude of occasions where we can represent our faith by choosing to see people as the Lord God sees them, not by what they seem to have, or by what they seem to be able to provide us in return for showing favoritism.

James leaves us with a reminder in verses 9 through 13, that should we examine our own hearts, and remember that Jesus died on the cross while we were yet sinners (Romans, chapter 5, verse 8). How can we judge others if all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord? Jesus did not take the cross for variations of sin--but for all sin, and all people--once (Romans 6:10).

In the second half of this chapter in verses 14 through 26, we get a major call to action--pun intended! Here James outlines very clearly and numerous times that our faith should not exist solely in our mind, or in our words--but in our actions or deeds. Faith is comprised of more than just those two elements (thoughts and words) but it is triune--threefold: belief in the mind--by the words of our mouth--and by the actions we take. It is not enough to say we believe in something--if there is no action to justify it. It is not enough to profess to know of, or believe in, the Lord Jesus--without evidence to support that belief. We who are called are chosen, and we all have the same message to share--to believe in our hearts (belief), confess with our mouths (words) and share the gospel message with others (action), making disciples (action) and pursuing the heart of the Lord in prayer (action), reading the word (action), and studying the scriptures (action). Those elements combined are what set us apart from the very demons and principalities that are aware of God's existence (belief) and even reference Him in speech (words). 

I pray you step out the boat and pursue the Lord in uncharted waters--answering His call and acting on faith in the good works He has called you to.

Be a light to the world around you.

Bobby Ozuna

The Epistle of James - Chapter 1 - COMMENTARY

 

I have heard it said many times—the book of James is a blueprint for the Christian walk. One of the simplest, yet most lacking areas of the Christian life is that of discipleship—or, as I like to say—walking along side others in their faith. It is an imperative aspect of living a Christian lifestyle. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we can be free and delivered from our sins, only to wake up and find ourselves weighted down by tasks lists and to-do’s, or worse, burdened with religious attempts at earning salvation. That is the beauty of grace—unmerited or undeserved favor and love from the Lord. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation—it is a gift. It is a choice. Choosing to receive the Lord into your heart and choosing again to follow Him is the fundamental principle of being a Christian.

This first chapter of James prepares us to face the inevitable—tests and trials—as part of that learning and development. Tests in academics or in athletics, or the arts, are all purposed to prepare us for the “big game” or “performance.” As Christians, we should embrace these tests and trials as a means of strengthening our trust in the God we serve. What good is a lifejacket if you are not willing to jump in the water to test and see that it will keep you afloat? That is how we should view tests and trials—not as some means to destroy us—but rather, a method to prune us and refine us and strengthen our trust, confidence, and faith in the Lord.

James also reminds us to evaluate the status of our own hearts—so we can see and discern the difference between tests and trials designed to strengthen our faith, and the temptations that result as unfaced sin in our hearts. He shows us that sometimes we fall from the choices we make, and those choices are a direct reflection of a sin struggle we have not dealt with. These types of enticement to sin vary from person to person, as each of us struggles with different aspect of sin. The good news—neither is designed to keep you under shame and guilt, but rather—to give you encouragement in your growth and awareness of where you need to step into the Lord’s grace.

He finishes this chapter with a reminder to be a doer—not just a hearer—of the Word. He challenges us to walk away from traditional man-made religious rules and instead, pursue the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord through His Word, so that you too, can become an encouragement and light to those who are struggling and walk alongside others as you grow in your faith. We should shout for joy in the freedom we experience through Christ and share that good news with others, who will turn to you and ask something like, “Why do I keep facing so many struggles?” or “Why is this happening to me?”

Oh, what an opportunity that is! It is such a blessing to have that chance to share the joy of your own personal growth and development, through the trials, tests and even some of the temptations you have wrestled with along your own path! Your story—or your testimony—is the GREATEST encouragement to others. Daring to be known and vulnerable is part of the freedom that comes with Christ—knowing, you are no longer bound by the burdens of your sins, but free to live out from under the shame and guilt of your past!

Be a light to the world around you.

The Essence of Masculinity

"A real man is a warrior; He fights for those who can't fight for themselves. He is a Leader, who isn't afraid to challenge the system, to bring about change he knows the world so desperately needs. He serves a cause greater than himself and he is lovingly compassionate and he is a romantic. His heart yearns both to love and to conquer and he is not ashamed to bow his head and take a knee before the God he so passionately serves, for he knows full well the essence and origin of his true masculinity and strength."

Bobby Ozuna | November 2011

A Father's Right and Duty

"Fathers: Dare to love your children today. Dare to defend their right to be free-loving spirits. Dare to defend their right to the best education possible, at any cost necessary, to inspire them to learn. Dare to defend your sons' rights to be weak, as they aren't animals, but rather, reflections of both you, as their father, and their mother. Dare to show them by example, when to be strong. Dare to defend the virtue of your daughters and nurture the importance of defending and protecting their virginity, and lastly, dare to show them how to be a man and what a man should be. Don't fear to fail them, because that is the bain of our existence, the spear that penetrates our hearts, which was born first in the men who have failed us previously, stretching forth to the very fall of Adam, but instead dear Fathers,  fear more, who or what will teach them what you aren't willing to show them in your walk, by living example."

Bobby Ozuna | November 2011

A Child's Academic Success Depends Upon a Parent's Willingness to Let Them Fail!

A Child's Academic Success Depends Upon a Parent's Willingness to Let Them Fail!

It has been my experience that a child's ability to succeed in the classroom is somehow directly correlated to their comfort or how safe they feel with (what we commonly refer to as) failure. And in my experience I have learned [that] one key element in teaching your child HOW to succeed (yes, I said how to succeed) is first allowing them the freedom to feel comfortable with failure.

First, let's define the word failure. Merriam-Webster defines the word failure (noun) as the 'lack of success.' Having taught leadership courses in the past, I am very adamant about first, understanding that success cannot be attained without a certain degree (or mass quantities) of short-comings, setbacks, delays, hindrances, downfalls, etc., etc., etc. Secondly, success is an illusion. What one person considers a success, another might consider a failure. So, you ask, what's the point? The point is, unless you have a clear vision of what success means within your household, how can you then limit a child or hold a child accountable for failing? You have to ask yourself, what is the true measure of academic success for me?
Is it...

• Learning?
• Grades/Grape Point Average?

...because there is a difference between these two objectives/goals. I can hardly elaborate on the second point, as it is of little significance to me. Being a professional tutor and parent (not to mention a person who simply sees life for what it is--just life) I put little weight on grades. To me, the most important aspect of school is learning. 

I shall elaborate, as this is the example I share with many parents, as it relates to their child's success (or failures?) in the classroom.

Many of us might not recall the first time we rode a bike. But, as parents we may have a strong recollection of the day our child first rode (or attempted to ride) a bike. Unless your child was blessed by the gods, so to speak, and born to ride bikes for a living, many of them would have fallen, not once, but multiple times, even with you standing, walking, or running behind them, the first time they attempted to ride. Many of our children cried when they fell the first time. Many of our children were too scared to get back up, but miraculously, they did. Did they do it because they found the will within themselves to keep going? Or, did they do it because they learned the will to succeed within our firm support and committed diligence, all in the name of faith and love in our children? I believe they learned to ride because we didn't measure their falls as failures, but instead, as necessary steps towards achieving the monument of success--and in this particular instance--it was riding their bike!

Now, let's take that same example and apply it to schoolwork or homework. A child tries, attends class, does as their peers do, and sometimes they just 'can't get it.' It has been my experience that instead of running beside them, encouraging them, and pushing them onward, even reminding them of the many times we have fallen before in our own lives, parents seem to get upset. If a child feels discouraged, they can't learn. It takes two things to learn in this world--the right attitude and an attempt.

I speak from example when I say it is hard--very hard--to separate our emotions when attempting to 'help our kids' with homework. I am a professional tutor and yes, I still get help for my children. Why? Because we can't believe they need help. Or, we assume, if we did it, they, somehow (perhaps genetically? magically?) should 'get it' too. Sometimes we get upset, not because they can't 'get it' but more so, because we cannot. It is oftentimes fear--fear of them failing, fear of them not having great opportunities later, etc.--that cause us to react, not out of love, but out of anger. This is what we must address.

My first recommendation--let go of the fear. Failure is the lack of success. Success is an illusion. Success is relative to each individual circumstance. You and your child learned how to ride a bike, ONLY AFTER having fell once or twice before. It is within the fall we appreciate the ride. School is no different. Don't be so scared to let them fail a test, a homework assignment, or a six-weeks grade for that matter, if, in the long run, it helps them truly learn.

...the serving father...

~Bobby
See my column on The Examiner.com!

New Column Focuses on the Efforts and Necessity of the Father in the Lives of Their Children

Recent changes in my life have prompted me to return to my original love, the true passion of my life--and the one true gift bestowed upon me by the Lord--writing.

Recently, my life has changed and a wonderful circumstance has come before me. My sons, Dominic and Damian, are now living with me full-time! I believe there is no greater treasure and reward for a father! Now, whether this venture is short-term or long-term matters little to me; what matters most is this: that I make the most of the time I am given with them. And in the true spirit of serving, I am going to begin sharing my experiences as a new-found "single daddy" and what better way than with a regular column on The Examiner!

Today, my first of many articles has released on The Examiner.com. Please, subscribe, re-post, re-tweet, share and spread the word, and most importantly, read the content!

My first article, "Today's Single Dad Needs to Remember Mom's Greatest Lesson in Parenting" is now available from The Examiner!

I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for the support.

...the Serving Father...

~Bobby Ozuna

Who Shall Lead True Educational Reform in America?

There have been some great responses and a collection of private emails sent to me regarding my recent post, both here on this website and on my Facebook wall. (See Question: Why Impose an Educational System, That Has Limits On Its Ability to 'Educate'?)

Below is my response and further argument.

***************************


It is imperative [that] people--our society--is forded the opportunity to hear perspectives from each of the three (the three essential pillars for appropriate societal education of our children)...the school system (representatives), the educators themselves and the parents. If a consensus could be reached between the three, we would have, I believe, created the ideal and most appropriately functional basis for an appropriate educational 'system.' Now, how we go about that is the general issue I believe. If we are to properly educate our children, it will take efforts on all sides to cooperate together. Now, its no easy task, that we know. But I think, and I am fond of teaching, self-awareness is the key to growth. We as a society must first realize, our system of education IS broken. Then, relieving special interest and primarily, money, we need to embark on a journey to discover a better means of offering an education to our children. Someone must take the reigns and someone must lead, and that leader must follow the council and direction, requests and passions of the people he/she leads. Apathy I believe will be the very cause of the decline of such an ambitious endeavor.

I think, historically, we are doing the right thing by first discussing it. There are people who care, but don't know where to begin. There are people who wish to care, but aren't sure of the 'facts (which are and should be contested). There are also people who could care less and see the system as a functional tool for processing drones, as you say, in efforts to keep cash-flow running smoothly. I see as a vision a new system, born by a combination of what has worked in the past, and what can be applied for the future, mixed with traditional and nontraditional methods. Who shall lead the charge is open to public determination. Whether or not that leader can bind Apathy, well, that is another fight altogether.


~Bobby Ozuna

Why impose an educational system, that has limits on its ability to 'educate'?

With the dramatic decrease in employees & staff in our school systems...I wonder, should we, as parents and community members...cease to send our children to school? If we are 'failing' with full staff, what will we become with a severely limited availability of resources? What's the point?

If the system is already designed to "tell" not insight "free thought"...then why can't we just tell them what to do already? Why can't they read and study books on their own, without fear of being judged by "minimal test scores"? Why not encourage them to think freely and prepare them, as a parent, as a community, for a college system that doesn't "tell them what to know" but rather, encourages them to "think for themselves?"

Apart from "having to go to school" because its "the way we do things in America"--why do we really have to (or why would we want to) send them to school?



~Bobby Ozuna

Is Freedom physical or simply a state of mind?

Would you say FREEDOM is something tangible, something physical, something you can touch, taste, smell, hear or would you say FREEDOM is mental, something that exists within the "reality" of your mind--a state of being?

What is your stance on the 'concept' or 'illusion' of FREEDOM?

Can you possess it or perhaps only live within its realm?


Feel free to share your thoughts...

...serving the soul of humanity...


~Bobby

The subtle and pervasive reality, of Reality Television.

The irony and the aspect of "reality" TV that should scare us the most is this: First, that TV producers consider the nonsense as "reality" and secondly, by not being overly critical, we are (seemingly) allowing these (types of) shows to instill a new set of values in our community, family and children, which then in turns becomes OUR "reality."

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter.

~Bobby

The Cycle of Patterns: Introduction

‎[This is the first part in a series of articles which are draft forms of the new non-fiction booklets I am writing to help bless, edify, encourage and mentor the soul of humanity]

The first critical step in implementing change in your life is confession. Self-awareness is the key to growth and development. You can't change unless you first realize a change is required. To believe you need to change is one thing, to confess is another altogether.

I've heard it countless times before. How do I know I need to make changes in my life?

The response: Simply thinking about the notion of implementing change in your life is the first indicator. Your soul is the spiritual representation of your true nature--your true self. When your spirit is at conflict with your physical and outward actions--the life choices you are making--there is conflict. That inner turmoil, that 'tug-of-war' you feel within your mind, when you're happy one minute and unhappy the next, is the clash between your mind--your Ego--and your Soul--your true identity.

You can't buy happiness. It can't be purchased in a book, it can't be found in a store, in another person (male or female companion), you can't find it in your own children or grandchildren, it can only be discovered. To discover happiness is to land on its shores. It's a journey, a trip, a symbolic road trip away from the mundane routines you are already implementing in your life, which must be altered, like a course down the wrong path to the right location.

The Cycle of Patterns, as I call it, clearly defines the steps to implement change. You have to first be aware that a change is required. That is where confession comes in. Secondly, after making the outward verbal confession you must then replicate that action by verbalizing the belief that you are (or are not) what you are at the present moment.

Do not be afraid to come to terms with your short-comings, hindrances or mere necessity of change. Change is great. Change is a wonderful breath of fresh air on a muggy, humid day. Welcome it. Look for it in expectance by creating it with the power of the spoken (and written as you will see) word.

Spend some time along and identify first, the desire and necessity to change. Verbalize it. Say it out loud. Tell a friend, tell a loved one, a stranger, a pet or simply look yourself in the mirror and say, "It's time for a change." This is the first step towards discovering true happiness and changing the present life course of your life.

(to be continued...)

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby Ozuna

The Serving Soul--May 22nd, 2011

"The Serving Soul"--May 22nd, 2011

When does the world end?

In light of the comical following to a fanatical belief [that] the world was supposed to end yesterday, May 21st, 2011, I thought I'd interject with my own poetic rendition to this possibly historical event, by sharing a tale that was relayed to me when I was a child.

There is a passage in the Book of Matthew (first book of the New Testament) where Jesus is asked point blank by his disciples when the world will end. I remember the first time I read this particular passage because as I was spending more time dissecting the scriptures, I couldn't help but ask myself: Why doesn't someone ask the real questions!? Then, ironically, I ran across the scripture myself. I remember feeling justified in that, yes, it seems these disciples were human after all.

I remember asking my father this same question when I was young. I thought it was harmless and my father must have seen in me, the same inquisitiveness stirring at an early age that has since defined my life path--my approach to all aspects of life. His answer was simple and it has been the very response I share to the multitudes of people who have posed the same question to me over the years.

When does the world end?

Simple.

It ends the day you die.

That was the response my father gave me and looking back, I realize it had a very powerful implication in that one, it did answer the immediate question and secondly, it offered some sense of peace to an inquiring soul like myself. It is no doubt obvious that people can spend so much time tending to the details of this possible known event [that] they put their life on hold and almost quit living altogether. Worse still, if you aren't careful you can find yourself spending a vast majority of your time judging or scaring others into following particiular religious processions because of their own indecision. I think the response is enlightening because it offers a sense of tranquility that says: You only have to worry about what you can control, while you are living, and because of this, your only real obligation to the fear that the "world is going to end soon" is [that] you fulfill a life of purpose until that day.

I have no doubt there are people and groups or organizations who dedicate every resource available to determining a solid answer to this common question: When is the world going to end? But I ask this particular question in return: Is the purpose of such a discovery to help offer a greater sense of life, for the rest of humanity, while we yet live? If not, then there is no reason to chase this illusive tail (or tale for that matter). I see this research and study (or worry) no different than someone who says, "I know which team is going to lose the game!" Then, during the entire course of a sporting event they chant, parade around the house and interrupt other spectators to share their own conclusion on what the final outcome will be. Yes, there is always a 50% chance they might be accurate in their hypothesis. Then, if they are, the euphoria is telling everyone "I was right!" And yes, if they guessed (or somehow evaluated correctly) I think they missed the greatest treasure and reward: They missed the entire game and in focusing on the end result, they caused others to miss the game as well.

Life to me is similar in pattern to a sporting event. There is heightened enthusiasm leading up to the event, then the announcement--the birth of the life participants. Then, the game is commenced and we watch, we look for mistakes, we celebrate the small victories and then we almost die with the hero as they fall short. There are break periods, for the hero's and for all the spectators. There is advise, counsel and coaching along the way. Support is rallied and faith is lost. Then, as the game comes to a close, there are multitudes of professionals offering insight and in time, the hero is forgotten, remembered only on special occasions. We honor their attempt over time and we try not to focus on the losses, but rather the victory their game offered us in mere entertainment--entertainment that pulled the rest of us away from our ordinary, mundane sports of our lives.

I say celebrate the life you have been given, and the time you are aware of, now, as it matters. Because, at the end of the day, what else truly matters, when the game is over?

...serving the soul of humanity...


~Bobby Ozuna

The Serving Soul--May 11th, 2011

What does it take to live a life of reason? A life of value? A life of purpose?

You have to assume that service to others, the unselfish act of living, does NOT come naturally...therefore...to act on behalf of others, selflessly, without concern for your own needs, is a miracle in itself to perform...small miracles, yes...but miraculous  nonetheless. The notion [that] others would heed the subtle whisper of the spirit, to be keen to the sensitivities of others and their necessities and thereby offer it up freely, without consideration for what you (they) need, is a rare and seldom gift. I am a firm believer that when you bless others secretly, God rewards you openly. It is one thing for a man to brag of his own abilities (the egoist) and another to serve for the sake of others without consideration of receiving (the altruist). The altruist is a man I believe, after God's own heart and God loves a cheerful giver and thereby, when you do for others, God opens doors, windows of opportunity and chance happenings that make your life better, not always easier, but better in the sense that you have chance opportunities to do things others work and slave an entire life to hope to experience. As Paulo Coelho says (in summation),  when you are living your personal legend (the life of your soul and your calling) all the Universe conspires in your favor. We all secretly want to see others succeed...as we believe in the possibility of our own successes. Keep steady...even when it gets hard...and know, you ARE making an impact and influencing lives the way we were called to: as Men...as Leaders...as Pillars...as Strength...as Light...as Warriors, Companions, and mostly, as Friends and Brothers.

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby

"I-Tutor Math"--Announcing the 2011 Summer School!

The "I-Tutor Math" 2011 Summer School is coming up! IF you wish your child to touch elements crucial in developing skills for Middle Grades (6~8), including 9th Grade, to help them master TAKS and fundamental skills, you WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS SUMMER SCHOOL!!!

The school will be 6 weeks long, focusing on Pre-Algebra and Algebra I fundamental skills. It will begin July 11th and run through August 19th. Six weeks, 3 days a week, 3 hours per day, including 2 hours of study on Tues/Thurs. There are a... total of 66 hours of study/curriculum practice (equivalent to 4.5 months of school time) for a low cost of $400 per child, which totals about $6 per hour, including supplies they can use the entire (and upcoming) school year!

More details to come!!!

~Bobby

"The Serving Soul"--March 29th, 2011

"A teacher should never be afraid to push the students beyond the expectations of their culture."

...serving the soul of humanity...

Bobby Ozuna

Help Fund a School Project with "DonorsChoose.org!"

I found a GREAT way to help support the efforts of teachers in the classroom--donorschoose.org! This organization helps connect with schools, based on location (state, city, city, etc) who are in need of funds for their school and classroom. You can scroll through the list of "projects" needing funds and even see the dollar amount requested and receive an email from the requesting teacher or school staff member.

I am happy to say I have connected with DonorsChoose.org by placing their banner and link on my website (scroll down) and I also donated $25 to "Mrs. H's" class at T.A. Sims Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas!

If you consider the "budget crisis" we are facing in our school systems across the US, this is a GREAT way for you, as an individual, to be proactive and help fund money where it matters most--in the classroom!

Happy Donating!

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby Ozuna

"The Serving Soul"--March 21st, 2011

"It is my job to teach them whatever it takes, to teach them whatever it takes for them to learn."

~Bobby Ozuna