When the boy heard his father’s footsteps, he stuffed the burning cigar into his back pants pocket. The father opened the shed door and barked at his son to tell the truth about what he’s done. The youngster feigned innocence, saying he was looking for a fishing hook. Suddenly the cigar in his pocket sparked into a flame. The father, of course, spotted it and yelled “Liar, liar, pants on fire!” Then he swiftly turned his son over his knee and whacked his behind extinguishing the danger.

When you stop to think about it, fire is an amazing substance. I recently came across an analysis of fire that you might have read through a couple time to really catch it. Get ready to be challenged. This is what Dan Wells stated:

“In my biology class we’d talked about the definition of life: to be classified as a living creature, a thing needs to eat, breathe, reproduce, and grow. Dogs do, rocks don’t, trees do, plastic doesn’t.

Fire, by that definition is vibrantly alive. It eats everything from wood to flesh, excreting the waste as ash, and it breathes air just like a human, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon. Fire grows, and as it spreads, it creates new fires that spread out and make new fires of their own.

Sometimes when i watch people trudging through their daily routines, I think that fire is more alive than we are – brighter, hotter, surer of itself and where it wants to go. Fire doesn’t settle; fire doesn’t tolerate, fire doesn’t ‘get-by.’”

There’s a fire available to us that’s fully alive and active and fills us with zeal and enthusiasm for God and life and people. The question begs to be asked – how does a person get this incredible, living fire? There’s only one way. The Bible tells us in Matthew 3 that Jesus is the One who gives the Holy Spirit and Fire. So if fire is something that Jesus wants us to possess, then why wouldn’t we pursue it!?

There was a study done once by someone who wanted to find out what the top commands of Jesus were. Not word-for-word but the general tone of the commands.

The study found that the third most spoken command was “Fear not” followed closely by number two, which was “Believe.” The number one command Jesus taught was, “Be made whole.” I believe part of the number one command would be fulfilling Jesus’ desire for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and fire!

Filled with God’s Spirit and His Fire would undoubtedly be part of “Being made whole” in my book. I want to do everything possible to pursue, take hold of, and obey His Word & will for my life because life is always better with God!

So let’s take up the cause of being ‘fire bugs.” What a novel idea and I bet God would agree. Spread the fire. And just how do we do that? First off, hang around with other fire-lighters. (Go to church!) Attempt fire-lighting deeds for God. (Remember, some people go about doing good. Others just go about.) Be instant in-season and out. (When God speaks, don’t put Him off. Someone else will get your opportunity. Do the work the others won’t do. Pay the price the others won’t pay. Reap the blessings the others won’t reap.)

And one last thing – guard your hearts’ fire like a treasure! As William Booth brilliantly observed, “The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart. Anyone who has tended a fireplace fire knows that it needs to be stirred up occasionally.”

Bob and Susan Beckett pastorThe Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org

The post Those Fire Bugs appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

At lunch one day, he was serving the faculty members. He took their orders and returned with a tray full of food when the unthinkable happened. He took a misstep and watched helplessly as the plates slid off the tray and spilled onto an especially well-dressed professor. Ouch! Paul tried to wipe off the food but only made it worse. He volunteered to have the suit dry-cleaned but this fabric couldn’t be cleaned that way. “Whatever it takes I will do sir.”

Later that day, Paul sat before the same professor in an engineering class that he now taught in a food-stained suit. Afterwards he approached Paul. “Mr. Leonard, I believe it’s only fair that you buy me a new suit.” Paul gulped but agreed to meet him downtown at the men’s store – a pricy one that only sold expensive tailor-made suits. Of course, to pay for such a suit would take months of payments.

But Paul met the professor there and after choosing a fabric and getting fitted for the new suit, the professor turned to the tailor: “Mr. Leonard will be responsible for the bill.” As the professor started to exit the store he turned to Paul, “Are you sure you want to do this? “Yes sir…It will take time of course, but I…” The professor interrupted him with words directed at the tailor. “See that Mr. Leonard is fitted for a suit just like mine. And put them both on MY BILL.”

Going the extra mile. Both these men were willing to take that road. But these days going the extra mile is everywhere. Buy a certain gasoline and your car will go the extra mile. Bosses tell employees to go the extra mile for customers. There’s even a vitamin that will help your body go the extra mile.

Walking the extra mile in the Bible refers to going beyond what is required or expected. In Matthew 5, Jesus teaches that if someone forces you to go one mile, you should go with them two. When Jesus said these words, Palestine had been occupied by Rome for about 100 years. The Romans had learned to conquer lands and then use the people for their own good.

If a soldier were on a journey, he could compel a Jewish man to carry his burden for one mile. This was humiliating to the Jew and the Romans loved it. Every Jewish boy would have a marker set one mile from his home. They would refuse to go any further than that. But Jesus was trying to get them to be the example. Do more than is expected of you. It’s not like they needed more exercise – Jesus was trying to tell them to go the extra mile for even for your enemy! Hard to do. As someone once remarked: Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.

Jesus went the extra mile when He (The Word) agreed to become flesh and dwell among us and live that sinless life so that all who believe on Him as their perfect substitute can be saved from eternal separation from their Creator! His mission was clear – He was about the business of dying. He truly went the extra mile for us!

Johnnie Cochran – the well-known lawyer for O.J. Simpson – once answered the question, “Which historical figure would you wish to have had for a client?” answered: “Jesus is the person I would like to have defended. I would have relished the opportunity to defend someone who was completely innocent of all charges and a victim of religious persecution. However, because of His mission here, He would have undoubtedly declined.”

Yes – of course He would have declined. Jesus had already committed to that extra mile. But His extra mile was not for more gas mileage, more energy or vitality, or product based. It was solely and purely a labor of love towards us!! Selah!

Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Heme, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCItychurch.org

The post The Extra Long Mile appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Students in five categories were acknowledged with a certificate and other incentives. Those in the Silver/Outstanding category with a GPA of 3.0-3.4 were: Brave Alvarez, Jeffrey Arres, Lokelani Basquez, Victoria Maria Boiso, Wynonah Boniface, Noah Cardenas, Jaden Carmelo, Mahryah Carmelo, Raelina Castillo, Selaya Helms, Lavina Lopez, Carlos Manzanilla, Gemma Mazza, Ronald Morillo III, Wayne Nelson, Danny Placencia, Jordyn K. Placencia, Adam Post, AnnaBella J. Reyes, Paloma Rodriguez, Myah Saenz, Noyáaykit Silvas, Gloria Valdez, Bella Vallejo and Ginger Velazquez.

Those with a GPA of 3.5-3.9 who were in the Gold/Superior Achievement category were: Crystal Bernice Arrietta, Emily Pauline Arrietta, Ava Brittian, Nokaamay Briones, Zachary Te’met Guacheno, Marco Hernandez, Alana Kashersky, Duke Marruffo Lara, Sadie Pimentel, Emalee Post, Sophia Marie Resvaloso, Shawna Rivera, Agustin Salgado and Raya Salgado.

An impressive GPA of 4.0 or higher qualified the following for placement in the Platinum/Academic Excellence category: Huahnee Briones, Ava Ciccone-Cozart, Hallee Cozart, Aureny Manzanilla, Draven Modesto, Aimee Suvoowut Organ, Jade Reyes, Savannah Rivera and Bella Ward. Students in the first three categories received a certificate, cash envelope and varying sizes of ollas, handmade by Tony Soares.

Also recognized were high school graduates who received a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate.

Breanna Casarez enjoys beading and plans to become a tattoo and piercing artist. Crystal Gonzalez enjoys drawing and spending time with her pets. She plans on attending college and obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to become a NICU Nurse. Avellaka Manzanilla enjoys playing volleyball and beading. She recently enlisted in the United States Navy and plans on establishing a long successful career in the military. Shayna Morreo enjoys beading and volunteering at animal shelters. She enjoys playing basketball and plans on enlisting in the United States Army. Joseph Resvaloso enjoys gaming and basketball. He plans on continuing to work at his current job and would like to be promoted to manager. Alayna Resvaloso-Wood enjoys gardening, working and volunteering. She plans on attending college and majoring in American Indian Studies with a minor in Child Development. She hopes one day to be working for her Tribe.

Eddie Rios enjoys watching movies, TikTok and IG Reels and would like to attend college to pursue law. Luisa Rivera enjoys softball and beading. She was ASB President, member of the Beading Club and AVID. She played varsity softball and volleyball. She will be attending MSJC in the fall where she plans to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Raymond Russell II enjoys football, baseball, basketball, photography and art as well as gaming, golf and riding off-road. He plans to attend a vocational institution to become a mechanic. Lorraine Salgado enjoys embroidery and baking. She played varsity lacrosse and was a member of Future Farmers of America and the Hemet High Care Club. She will be attending UC San Diego in the fall with plans to become a dentist. Jolie Saliego enjoys attending concerts and was team captain of her lacrosse team, played varsity golf and soccer. She will be attending Onondaga Community College to play lacrosse and will then transfer to a four-year university to become a Physical Therapist. She also may enlist in the United States Air Force after college.

Rudy V. Sanchez enjoys problem solving that requires him to build structures or items from the ground up. He is currently working at the Soboba Indian Health Clinic through the CIMC program. He plans to attend a vocational institution to become an electrician. Leandro Silvas IV enjoys playing basketball, football and riding his dirt bike. He plans to travel and is considering higher education in the future. Daniel Valdez Jr. enjoys golf and pickleball. He was ASB Class President, a Soboba Fire Explorer and played varsity volleyball. He will be attending the University of Las Vegas Nevada in the fall, where he will be majoring in hospitality in hopes of returning to work for his Tribe. Jose Gabriel Valle Jr. enjoys hiking and will be attending Ventura Community College. He plans on entering the automotive industry.

Those students who earned their college degrees or vocational certifications also were honored with a certificate, cash envelope, lanyard, Pendleton blanket and a commemorative plate.

Jasmine Basquez received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Liberal Arts from Park University. She currently works at the Soboba Tribal Preschool and plans on continuing her education in early childhood development. John Briones III received a 728-hour program certificate for the fundamentals of Fabrication III from the Fab School. He plans on continuing his higher education and attending other programs offered by the school. Shade Briones received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She plans on continuing her education by pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology and working with American Indian adolescents in the mental health field.

Tatiana Diaz received her Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and was recently accepted to the University of California, Riverside where she plans on pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She will continue to work for the Tribe and would like to give back by serving for the Soboba Economic Development Corporation. William Huber Jr. received his Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies from the University of California, Riverside. His plans are to focus on career goals and working in a productive career that provides longevity. Avelaka Modesto received a Certificate of Completion for Nursing Assistant. She plans on obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse.

Alyssa Salgado received a Certificate of Completion for Nursing Assistant. She plans on obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and would like to become a NICU or labor and delivery nurse. Ariyana Salgado received a Certificate of Completion for Nursing Assistant. She plans on obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse. Donald Seccombe IV received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from California State University, San Bernardino. He plans to obtain his teaching credential and become a teacher.

Rhonda Valenzuella received her associate’s degrees in behavioral science, Liberal Arts and Sociology from the California Indians Nations College/College of The Desert. She has been accepted to California State University, San Bernardino and plans to become a counselor. Vincent Vega recently earned his General Educational Development (GED) and his certification in Basic Automotive. Not only did he maintain a 4.0 GPA in the program, but he also completed the program at the top of his class. He plans on becoming a certified Master Mechanic and owning his own shop.

All Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members who qualified for any of these categories were invited to the luncheon held in their honor. Those who were able to attend were recognized on stage, where they received their certificates from members of the Tribal Council. Congratulating them were Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Secretary Monica Herrera, Treasurer Michael Bentiste and Sergeant-at-Arms Daniel Valdez.

More than 50 elegant table settings were enhanced by the beautiful centerpieces created by Adona Salgado. She also made the large arrangements used on stage and throughout the banquet room. A blessing by Wayne Nelson at the start of the program was followed by social songs from the Inter-Tribal Bird Singers and a video slideshow of all the students being honored.

Each student received a raffle ticket upon check-in and was able to go home with a fun motivator to work hard in the coming school year to be able to return for next summer’s event. From gift cards to Nintendo Switch game systems, laptop computers and big screen TVs, the prizes brought applause for, and smiles from, the lucky recipients.

Adding to this year’s excitement was the presence of a film crew from Southern California Tribal News who will feature the event in an upcoming segment at www.sctca.net.

The post Soboba students are recognized for their academic achievements appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.