HONOR THY FATHER

By Irving Serrano Sr

 There once was a man. He stood about five foot six, but in my eye`s He must have been ten feet tall.  There was never a question He could not answer. To hear the word no, was seldom heard. He would give a stranger His last dollar, as if He had it like that. When anyone needed His help, He was always there. Willing to help, no matter the circumstances.  He always had a bright smile, and a cheerful spirit.  I remember walking with Him. His hands seemed so huge, I could only latch on to two fingers. This man was my Father.  Even when He found himself in a difficult situation. Such as running out of gas along a high way, or finding out the car battery was dead, after sitting through a late night church service. He would patiently roll up His sleeves and pull out some tools, to address the problem.    As I grew older, I remember still taking them walks with Him to get gas in a can, or hike back to the house to get another vehicle.  All the while He would whistle a tune.   Truly a mans man. Charismatic and charming. He always spoke cleanly, and eloquently.  He could always make you smile, because He would surprise you with a joke. Some how He made the corny jokes funny as well.      He Fathered seven Son`s, and three Daughters.  I am certain that each one of His Children, can remember or hold dear to their hearts, lesson`s learned from their Father.  A Veteran of World war two. Anyone would proudly sit with Him for hours, as He could tell you stories. He always gave testimony of His relationship with Jesus Christ.   Both He, and my Mother would quote the Bible, especially when they wanted to drive their point home.  These teachings, are lessons to be cherished and never forgotten.  There is never a day that goes by without me repeating something I`v heard my Father say. Today I am a Father of five, and a Grand-Father of five. If I feel blessed, it`s because I learned to yield to the teachings of my Father. If I am gentle and loving with my Wife. It is because I learned how to respect woman, from my Father. If I feel blessed today, It`s because I learned to pray to the God of my Father.   Let me ask you to imagine that you are a Child, holding the hand of your Father. His hand covers yours, and you feel His protection.  He is so much bigger than you are. He is gripping you tightly, because He does`nt want to loose you. He dose`nt want any harm to come to you. Because that too, is good for you. He can see you.  Just imagine as you hold His hand, where His eyes are. He can see across the street. He can see what lies ahead. He can see where dangers are, and He can shield you from them. Imagine His vision, and realise how limited your vision is.  Understanding that a Child holding a Fathers hand. It takes very little effort to hold on, because it is the Fathers hand that is holding the Child's hand. Imagine how much the owner of that hand loves you. How He cares for your every need. Even those that you don`t realise that you have. How His grip is a confirmation of how you are tenderly loved with a strength beyond your own understanding. Realise that if a great danger were heading your way, how He would push you out of the way, and sacrifice His life so that you may live. My friends, if you are struggling today to keep from drowning, if you need a healing restorative touch, won`t you grab unto the Hand that He extends to you. Raise your hands in worship. Use your hands to flip the pages in Gods word, the Bible. Clasp your hands together in prayer. Grab the hand of God. He will never let you go.  You know when Peter started to sink, after walking on water. He called out to Jesus, who extended His hand and helped peter back unto the safety of the boat. (Matt 14: 31)  When Jesus raised a Little girl from the dead, He took her by the hand  and said; " My child, get up". (Luke 8:54).  Jesus took the hand of a boy, lifted him to his feet and cast out demons that plagued him. (Mark 9o:27)  Peter`s Mother- in- law was in bed with a fever, but when Jesus touched her hand, she got up and started to serve. (Mathew 8:15)  Christ steps into your life, He knocks. Its time to let Him in. Christ extends His hand, its time to take hold. Latch on to your Father God. He will not let go. May God bless you.              Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

EYES WIDE SHUT

By Irving Serrano Sr

We are living in the 21st Century. A time where man has made so many accomplishments. Modern marvels, brilliant inventions, unique devices to aid us all in communication, and education. On the other hand man has also been the culprit as to the condition of our present World. In the United States alone, everyone is in an economic struggle. Weather people have jobs or not, they all have expenses. This of course with out the mention of Health Insurance. Then you take a quick look at whats going on outside of the United States. It`s not pretty! Trouble in the Ukraine, Venezuela? I guess we can give it a pretty name like" a Cival War". Relations with Mexico, is giving everyone two black eyes. And I guess we won`t even speak about the middle East. It is always difficult to bring up issues that involve pointing out where someone is doing something wrong, or just simply not applying themselves correctly. Man has the inner tendency to react harshly. Their are people that act as if they cannot be told anything, about anything. Well, I guess they`ll just "Google it". Sometimes man forgets. Man forgets that the information put in Google, was placed their by man. People confide and put their trust, in all their elaborate collection of electrical devices. Personally, I think it`s great if one could afford to have all the latest gadgetry. But we can not loose sight on who gave us our intellect. We cannot for a minute begin to think, that we have educated ourselves to the extreme that we can live this life on our own. That all we have to do is work ,make money and pay our way through our future. There was a time on this Earth, where certain people were enslaved. Wearing steel collars around their necks. The form of entertainment in the center of the arenas, were Christians, being forced to fight to the death, or just being put to death by vicious animals. This was around the First Decade, BC. A time where Christians, or followers of God, were tormented and persecuted. Man would cry out and ask God, how long must we endure this? When will you deliver us from this suffering? Then one day God, answered their prayers and sent this world salvation. He sent His Son, in form of a baby. A Child, named Jesus. The Messiah, who delivered a promise that who so ever believe in Him, would not perish. But would have ever lasting life. (John 3:16). All through out history we have seen the consequences of man that chose to follow, and obey God, and those who chose not to. The Old Testament, in our Bibles, carry the History of many examples. What`s most important, is that the opportunity God gave through His Son, Jesus Christ. Is for all mankind, all through this world. Their is no problem, no topic or illness, that God cannot take care of. (Luke 18:27)" The things that are impossible with man, are possible with God". But once again we here this, and continue on our own way. Many have heard this all, yet figure they know whats best. Many have been raised with God loving, Christian Parents. And still go on to venture with their own understanding. Now Christ spoke about "Our understanding". He said not to trust our own understanding. He asked us to renew our minds, and trust in Him with all our might,,,,,then guess what. He will reward you with the desires of your heart. ( Proverbs 3:5). Their are many that pray, truly pray. Some how they claim they are still waiting on God. I know that God, can answer YES, NO or WAIT! But I also know that God loves you, and He dosn`t want to see you going with out for a minute. He dosn`t want His Child in need for anything. Otherwise, why would the 23rd Psalm, say; : The Lord is my Shepard, I SHALL NOT WANT! If you find yourself today, still waiting on God over a question, or a response. Take a moment and think, search yourself, with all sincerity and ask yourself; have I put all my faith in this? Have I invested in my return? You see if you don`t put faith in the bank, you cannot expect to make a with draw. Sometimes God ask you to plant a seed. A seed that will make you the benefactor. Christ said; "What so ever you give up for my sake, I will bless you times 100%" The beauty behind this is that He also meant, in your present lifetime. Let me ask you, Are you in need of a car? Would you like to own your home. Do you need help sending your Child to college? Then open your eyes, ask Christ to be Lord, and Savior of your life, turn from your self, Put your Faith in God. He will get you that car. He will put you in a Home. Someone will come forward and pay for that tuition. God is in the business of people, places and things. Just serve Him diligently, and be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

LIVING A BETTER TOMORROW....TODAY!

By Irving Serrano Sr

 There are so many people that get up each day. Prepare for a challenging day at work. They leave their homes, dropping their children at school, as they start their commute to their jobs. For many of us, just making it that far is a real challenge. The distances at times are impossible, because your actually headed in a different direction. But some how you do it simply because there is no other option. A constant race against the clock.   For the many that are always busy. They feel that there is not enough hours in the day. And naturally, not enough days in the week.  In all reality, it is a good thing to have good work ethics.  However their are many who completely take for granted, the " New day", the Lord has given them.  They take for granted, their health, the health of their children, their homes, and  even the job, that their running off to.  You sometimes hear people say; " in today`s economy, you must make sacrifices, or you have to work out of your profession".   For the most part, this is true. But ever since the beginning of time, man has always had to work. Both man, and women in the work field has had to make sacrifices, or work out of their comfort, in order to prosper. Or even just survive. Their relationship with God, is what would determine how life would treat them. How long of a life they would live. And whether their children would carry on their legacy. The legacy of living a life that would be appealing to God.  Many of us grew up with Christian Parents. We also had the opportunity to have a relation with God. But we chose to go out and serve our selves first. We get caught up in the moment of self pleasing, and leave God, on the side lines. Some have a rude awakening, we get knocked down, we fumble the play. Our lives go into chaos. And we call out to God. And God answers. Like a masterful coach, He pulls us in and gives us rest. He relieves us of the torment we put ourselves through. With each new episode He teaches us to have hope. Hope has its roots in faith. It is difficult to tell people to have hope, if they have no faith. ( 2nd Corinthians 5:7 ) " We walk by faith, not by sight".  Those who " walk by faith", handle this worlds goods with contentment. They realize that God has promised to supply our material needs, if we have the faith to place His reign first in our lives. ( Mathew 6:33)  So with this in mind, we should take heed to the teachings of our elders. Understand that God will not let you be tempted with anything that you can`t resist. And for the most part, there is not a subject, nor an item, that you cannot over come. The Apostle Paul is a good illustration of this principle. As he says; " I have learned to be content in what ever circumstances I am", because. " I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". ( Philippians 4:13)    In our daily lives, we reach our goals through education, drive and responsibility. But every one must know that it`s through Christ, that we seek salvation.  Our relationship with God, is what will determine our health and prosperity on this earth. Some people want a relation with Christ, but they want to choose their own spouse, and not let God be a factor in their decisions. Well that won`t work!  We have a constant natural habit of relying on our own understanding, as how to achieve what we want. And if we continue through those means. We will never be content. Simply because mans natural way of thinking is through the eyes of the flesh. The very same things Satan, tried to use to tempt Christ, when He walked this earth. Now I ask you? How can we put on Gods armor, if we haven`t surrendered to Him. How can we expect God to find favor in us if we choose not to serve Him? How can we live a blessed life, if we don`t involve Him?   The best news, I can share with you right now, is if you accept Christ, as your Lord and Savior. This will be the beginning of a new, and wonderful life. Life will no longer be as you see it. Where the system says No! God will say yes! Where society says; I have no use for you. God, will have them coming to your door. If you walk the right path under God's direction. You will have the company, and the discernment of the Holy Spirit. It dose not matter where you find yourself today. Economically set, prosperous but with a broken marriage? Trust God, He can fix it!  Trouble with your Kids? Trust God. Learn to let go, and let God. The same way we have gone through issues, and trusted God. Perhaps God, may be working a lesson in their lives. You may be incarcerated? So you made an error in judgement. God will here your prayer. God will change your life. Let me share some thing with you today. The word "Might", as in "MAYBE" does not exist in the Bible. Gods word does not lie. Just as sure as He will punish the bad. He will reward the good. There is no maybe I`ll look out for you if you trust me. His word tells us that; He will grant us the desires of our heart! His word does not say I might forgive you.  God says, He will forgive us, and He gives us the tools so that we may live a fruitful and prosperous life. If you do love and serve Jesus, but you find yourself in a situation? Just be still and trust the Lord. God plays a part in the strategy of moving people, places and things. The turbulence you may be experiencing, may very well be Christ, putting people in your life. Or Christ, taking people out of your life. Just bear in mind He has your best interest in the end.    May God bless you.                                    Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY?

By Irving Serrano Sr

`911 what is your emergency?`... Two vehicle collision at corner ( of such and such ). One man needs to be extracted. Everyone else appear to be okay, please dispatch Police fire, and ambulance......`911 what is your emergency?...... House fire! 123 - z st. Children trapped on second floor. Need Fire rescue and ambulance.......`911 what is your emergency?......Overturned vehicle on I - 95 south bound, exit 117. Need police, Fire and ambulance! As a volunteer first responder, these are a few samples of the real life events I hear or communicate via two-way radio, or cell phone. If you arrive on the scene first, you call in and describe the situation, and give exact address, or location. If you arrive after, you proceed to help out in any way your asked. A lot of people don`t get to experience the immediate shock, or sympathy you feel when you see Families being put out of their Homes, because of a Fire. Or the tragic loss of a loved one. You can hear of a story on the new`s, and be saddened by what you hear. But when you are present, and witness a burning home, then you see the life-less bodies removed. It hits you in a raw form. Some how, you see and learn to appreciate life a lot more. As a Christian, when I find myself as a witness to these types of events. I usually say a quiet prayer for these souls. I also give thanks to God, for keeping my Children and Family, in His supreme care. Everyone in life goes thru a certain amount of panic, scare or shock. And I don`t mean watching a "scary movie". In life everyone gets a shock, or a scare of some sort. It could be the panic you felt, when your Child miss placed you. Or that time when a Man seemed to be following you, when you got off the subway. I know, I have had this type of anxiety, when my wife gets admitted to the Hospital. Most of why we feel scared, or worried is because we are human. And we are dealing with something we have no control of. The level of fear or worry just depends on weather we are dealing with a cat, stuck up in a tree. Or a life-less little boy, being pulled out of a river. In the end, the only kind of resolve is knowing if these victims have made their piece with God. Tragedy can visit anyone at anytime. It has no eye`s. And it has no form of discernment as to who to seek out. As Christians, we are aware of the dangers in the world, but we are also aware of a very real danger. A real threat. (Satan) the enemy. He puts people, places and things in our path. To draw us away from God. And His end game is to destroy you, and your family. We as " Christians", we are not power-less. The enemy will try to put that in your head. God, gives us the tools to overcome any, and all of life`s challenges. The enemy will try to take over the thinking of our youth, thru television, and music. This dose not mean television, or music is bad. What is bad is to not be Parents when it`s called on you to be a Parent. What is bad is to not acknowledge Christ, as your Lord and Savior. Yet, get into trouble. Ask for His help, and watch Him help you out of your troubles. Now if by chance you have asked for His help? And your waiting for a response? Keep these verses close to your heart. (Philippians 4:13 ) " I can do all things thru Christ, who strengthens me". ( Issiah 54:11 ) "No weapon formed against me, shall prosper". God can answer you in three ways; Yes! NO! or Wait! The beauty of God, is that you don`t need a special device of communication to call Him. A 911 call to God, can be made by you at any time. At the corner of where you stand and now. The #1 dispatcher, who will send His Angels down to watch over you. Our Shepard, who will dispatch help in the moment danger shows up in our path. Live and love life. Love your neighbor. Love God, and trust that He loves you. Death cast a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless over it`s presence. We can struggle with other enemies,,, pains, suffering, diseases, and injuries. But strength and courage cannot stand up against death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through deaths dark valley, and bring us safely to the other side. The God of Life. Our Lord Jesus Christ, our Shepard. Because life is uncertain, we should follow trust in The #1 dispatcher. Let the Shepard guide and lead us. The Shepard who offers us comfort for all eternity. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

REFLECTIONS ON SISTER CARMEN RIVAS - GALA AWARD WINNER FOR 2013

By Noel Serrano

Carmen Rivas is a much beloved Woman of God who has dedicated her entire life in the Service of the Lord and is an exemplary Matriarch in the noble manner in which she nurtured and cared for her large family. I grew up admiring her loving and compassionate Spirit. In the early years of the 1960s and 1970s she a very active  Leader in the Church, La Sinagoga. Sister Rivas had an enduring strength that helped her remain steadfast in all  the struggles that she faced. She would often encourage me as a young boy to "Press On!" in the face of adversity Her favorite scripture that she often quoted to me was from Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and of Good Courage...Be Not afraid, neither be dismayed!, for the Lord thy God is with thee!" I can still hear the echoes of he soft, tender voice, encouraging me and planting those seeds of inspiration  to persevere and to press on!

Carmen Rivas is still that Noble and inspirational Woman, even now as she struggles with insurmountable  challenges in her advanced years. She continues to serve as a Beacon of inspiration to all who come near her. Carmen Rivas was one of the finest cooks that I have had the privilege of knowing. Whenever she invited our family to her home , we were welcomed to a Great Table of fabulous Latin Cuisine that was made with loving hands. Whenever I traveled back to New York City, Sister Evelyn would invite me to the Rivas home in Queens. My Mother, Felicita Serrano and Carmen Rivas were very close and as a child, I remember the many phone conversations with these two Godly women who prayed together , always interceding and in prayer for her growing families. Whenever they faced trials, they uplifted each other in prayer and encouraged each other in the Lord. As the years passed by, I recall many phone conversations with Sister Rivas and she always served as a Motivator, encouraging to "Press on" I valued her counsel and still do .  She always had an inspirational Word for me, in the same manner as when she encouraged me as a young child growing up in La Sinagoga.

Carmen Rivas is a shining Emblem of those Spiritual and Godly Women of a bygone era. Women that prayed and set a glowing Standard for a generation. We can all still learn from them and still receive inspiration from Carmen's example and her dedication. May God continue to Bless Carmen Rivas and give her strength to keep the banner high! Pressing On! and always declaring Victory!

THOUGHTS ON MY BROTHER IRVING SERRANO

By Noel Serrano

One of the great things that a man or woman can experience is when they have a brother that watches your back. a Brother that is totally devoted and totally trusting. This clearly describes to the fullest measure, my beloved Brother Irving. He was a chubby, shy toddler who had a very unique way of going up the stairs at the age of three. He would sit on the first step and slowly rise up only to sit again on the second step. On and on, he went till he climbed all the way to the top  of the staircase. When he wanted to go down the stairs, he did the same procedure in a much more careful and methodical manner. Irving realized that going down the stairs was quite a challenge but he always found a way to reach his destination. Irving grew to love and respect all his brothers and sisters and he paid particular attention to the two younger siblings. The bond of trust began at the childhood stage with a series of  classic experiences that were shared with the younger brothers. Irving grew in an atmosphere of competition  with the brothers and he began to struggle  at times because  he always seemed as if he had so much to say but he always had to wait his turn because all the other brothers had also many things to do and say. The consistent attribute of Irving was his willingness to wait his turn. His most notable trait was in diplomacy. If Irving was  a country...He would be Switzerland! As a young man, he demonstrated a capacity of an engineer. He loved to build things and  make electrical gadgets that were often ahead of their time.  There were times when I asked him ,"Irv, I need you to place a red light at the very top of my Bedroom door and I need a button that will snap it on and off and I want it to blink" Irving, always the obedient one, would run to Dad's Tool Shop and complete the project in several hours. I quickly relied heavily on his ability to invent all the gadgets that we needed to play with during those seemingly endless  Summer Months. So you see, the bond of trust and mutual cooperation began many years ago. As young boys, we always sat together in La Sinagoga in New York.  Mom would often dress us identical until we put a stop to that.  Irving enjoyed the part of the service when the Choir was ready to sing. They would stand and in a slow , regimented manner, they would form a train-like march towards the front of the altar where they would sing their beloved classic songs. Irving and I would  say "tren, tren, tren, tren " until our Dad would quiet us with one of his famous "Pats" on our heads. During those years we would relate and pretend that we were the Characters on Dragnet and Star Trek. Irving was the best Sidekick in the world. I remember the long summers riding bike, building Go-Karts, and establishing clubs where he was always the one that would  build whatever was needed. My late brother Frank once said of Irving..."If we can open up the head of Irving, you would find computer gears and sprockets blinking and turning endlessly" It's true! I remember, we needed a working refrigerator in the basement so we could place the bottle of milk that we quietly borrowed from the big refrigerator in the kitchen. Irving took an old silver box Cooler and placed a small fan and then we filled the cooler with ice and it worked well.It is no wonder that we never blew up the basement with all of the adventures we had as young boys. As we grew, Irving began to sway away and orbited with friends that were going a different direction. One of the major reasons why our parents moved the family to Florida in 1977 was to get Irving as far away from entanglements that were not helpful to him. There were some tough times for Irving as he grew to become a man, But God was always there to help him find his way. In the early 80s, I had just presented my Dad with a Gala Award for being the Exemplary Man that he was to all of us. (There is a Video that shows this moment)..and as I looked around the room... I saw my brother Irving sitting right next to me.. and I recall as if it were yesterday..."We honor him today and we will continue to honor many..I know , I see many who deserve this Award!" And I quietly glanced at my Brother Irving. That was in 1986. My Brother Irving was always eager to help me with the Family Organization, even at its infancy. He began writing beautiful articles for the original Family Times Publication (The Paper version) He would always be ready and willing to come to the aid of the Foundation. When Irving moved to Pennsylvania, we continued to stay in touch with letters and phone conversations. The bond of loyalty and trust remained intact. When Gala opened shop on the Internet, I wanted Irving to join with me in a more Official capacity and he quickly agreed. Many years later, we now have hundreds of articles that he has written exclusively for the Gala Sites, both English and Spanish . He is an enormous Asset to me and I thank God for him.  May God continue to bless my Brother Irving and his family. I want to thank him for his Service and Devotion to the cause that we both have labored in for many years. For the great memories that shaped us and prepared us to think of others and to think of the greater good. Irving Thanks for the Memories! I love you! I have a list of ideas for future inventions Lol We will talk very soon!

THE BIOGRAPHY OF SISTER CARMEN RIVAS- GALA AWARD WINNER FOR 2013

By Evelyn Melendez

Sister Carmen Rivas was born on July 16, 1924 in the town of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico . Her parents were Ms. Brigida Mojica Ortiz and Mr. Valerio . She was the 4th child of 10 siblings . At an early age she had her first daughter ( Nelida Crespo ) and she had to work to help sustain the family.

At age 32 she moved to the city of New York along with his 7 children and where God blessed him with three sons (James, Edwin and Evelyn ) . In total , Carmen had 14 children . Carmen was a beautiful and exemplary mother and grandmother. Carmen always cared about the health and well -Welfare of children. Carmen gave all her love for her home , her beloved husband, her children and grandchildren. The greatest treasure in the world is to have a mother, Herr love is a wealth of incomparable value . The day November 2, 1963 Carmen joined in holy matrimony with Mr. Rafael Rivas on Willis Avenue Pentecostal Church pastored by Rev. Diego Soto.

While overcoming an Evangelistic campaign was held in a small Independent Pentecostal Church located on Washington Avenue and East Tremont in the Bronx, surrendered to the Lord , accepting Christ as their Savior. God knew from the Eternity what every man would do, He knew that if the man surrendered to the Holy Spirit and accepted Christ as their Savior was destined for eternal life.

Carmen was a beautiful woman of God with great commitment , responsible for achieving and lead souls to eternal hope. As a missionary to persevere in the Lord Pentecostal Church of God ( The Synagogue ) for 40 years where she abounded in good fruit. She exerted in the presidency of the Ladies for 5 years , was President of the Sunday School Children , working hard in the Departments of Pro - Temple, Christian Love and Personal Evangelism earning from them the respect and affection of all. As a result of a seed that God allowed it to be aware to give growth in Christ Jesus , I placed my life on the altar of sacrifice shedding all personal interest , egoism and prejudices to serve the Lord very gratefully for the spiritual bread that gave growth and maturity to persevere in the ways of the Lord. But his total dedication he had to pay the price of fatigue and pain to gather the sheaves along the way but always enjoying the grace and blessings of the Lord.

She Never had a quiet life because she had to be ready at all times and exercise great compassion for souls going through some difficulty.