JosephBurke.com

Acquainted Thanksgiving

// November 24th, 2011 // No Comments » // Joe's Blog

This Thanksgiving, many Americans get the story of Thanksgiving under-toned by the facade of the Macy’s Day Parade, Black Friday Sales and of course cooking dinner for family. But what really happened to make Thanksgiving such a big hype these days, and why aren’t we looking back to reflect forward? My pastor said something in service this past Sunday that struck a chord within. He said, “We’ve forgotten who gave us all the food, our house, car and health… It’s all become a media blitz of epic marketing proportions. We’ve totally forgotten about God, and why we really should be thankful and what for to begin with.”

You see, the pilgrims came over to the Americas in search of religious freedom to preach, teach and share the gospel anywhere, anytime. The pilgrims, struggling to survive with famine and disease, endured some harsh Winters during 1620. Allying with Samoset and Squanto (both Abnaki Indians), the pilgrims were taught how to raise crops and reap a bountiful harvest the following October. We’ve all heard this story growing up in the history books, but do we really understand it’s true significance? Is it mentioned anywhere that both Indians and the pilgrims participated in a Christian prayer of thanksgiving for their wonderful harvest, new found native brave friends and their newly found freedom to worship God with no government rules or ties to bound them? The answer is rarely this fact is taught or mentioned to our youth and public today. It’s been magically erased from the text books, and now a void is left in the tradition that is truly Thanksgiving.

I find it appalling that our American society has taken a “Magic Eraser” of sorts to the truths about our great nation, so I’m asking this of all my friends and followers this year whether you believe in Christianity or have faith in anything, offer up prayers of true thanksgiving intent this year. Stop and do inventory of your own lives, family and what you have right before you. You’ll see a cloudy veil ripped away from your eyes as you see the world around in a new light. Pray in earnest, and please don’t say, “Dear Lord thank you for this here food we are about to eat.” Say it the way it was meant, “Thank you for your bounty of blessings on my family’s life, your Holy divine hand leading our steps and for ultimately giving the greatest sacrifice of Thanksgiving so we could have a hope beyond our human measure.”

Enjoy your family, enjoy the amazing food that follows and more importantly enjoy the fact of knowing, you too, like the pilgrims have the same religious freedom they once sought out in 1620. God has an amazing purpose for all of us, sometimes we have to stop and get reacquainted with things before we can see the beauty and wonder of life as He so intended it.

Blessings from our house to yours,
Joe & Alexandra Burke

Meditation Praise

// June 22nd, 2011 // No Comments » // Joe's Blog

This is a simply meditative music video put to one of our favorite songs by Mike Oldfield, “Let There Be Light.” The meaning behind this video is that the ocean purifies the mind and body, and it’s healing power rejuvenates our very essence.

A Heartbeat Away

// June 17th, 2011 // No Comments » // Joe's Blog

There comes a time in our lives where we have to face those things that haunt us deep down emotionally, mentally and inevitably… physically. To face such a mountain of an obstacle isn’t easy, nor is it something we as humans are used to doing, but doing so will open a floodgate of joyful jubilation that our bodies cannot contain. It’s hard to face the facts, and more hard to confront your fear head on. Many of us will live our entire lives going to the grave still holding on to those things in which we fear most. How does one overcome?

The answer is simple… Hope. Hope is the anticipation of positive outcome, in efforts to broaden and better our lives. By surrounding yourself with hope, one can achieve a level of thinking and spirituality that others can only dream, but it’s so simple to get there. Often times, some stroll throughout life and neglect the one simple thing that helps them find the inner peace within. Hope is something we all must have. A hope for a better day, a hope for a better doctor’s visit, a hope for a better job, a hope for a better life for yourself and your family. Whatever it is in your life, hope is the key to overcoming your deepest fears. Though you may not be able to conquer your fears at the first battle, keeping your mind and eyes set on hope and the ambition of something greater and better will help you cope with life’s struggles. A little faith and prayer with God won’t hurt either, trust me, prayer can change lives… I’ve seen it too many times to deny it’s true awesome power.

How does Joe cope with the life and woes of fear, doubt and my own little pity party? Something my wife Alexandra and I done tonight was the key. In a joyous, serious and heart to heart conversation, we both promised to hope for a brighter future, a better outcome and pray for the desires of our heart. The simple affectionate touch of your soul mate’s fingers caressing your face can offer so many wonderful new frontiers. Promise yourself to wake up each morning bright and new, glancing at your spouse or loved one and tell them how much you love them and how special they are. For you husband and wives out there, a simple ear to the chest to hear the Earth shattering sounds of your lover’s heartbeat can redirect your paths to new horizons in your search for things positive.

Hope can come in many different forms, but it’s always key to keep the positive in sight, and leave the negative behind. Surround yourself with white light, let the angels protect you and keep your chin up for the hope of a brighter tomorrow. God’s Kingdom is a powerful place, hoping to be there one day is sometimes all the hope you’ll ever need. Overcome, live, endure and persevere… Easier said than done, but once done easier by the day.

Blessings,
Joe

A New Chapter

// June 1st, 2011 // 2 Comments » // Joe's Blog

Like many married couples, the wife and I are now seeking a more permanent residence. I will admit, I’ve grown incredibly fond of this apartment complex that I’ve spent the past 3 years of my life. This apartment is dear to me, as it symbolizes our sprouting love between Alexandra and I, the wedding, the ups, downs and humble realities of life. But, growing older, and more into a mature mindset after marriage, our focus as a couple has now been set on purchasing a home that we can call our own. We’ve begun our search around the greater Orlando area, and have found many potential opportunities with homes. It’s a daunting ordeal dealing with banks, getting pre-qualified, trying to find the place to spend the majority of your life and potentially raise your children there. Yes… Joe said children.

At this point, the wife and I are praying diligently over the next few months that God will deliver to us the perfect home, opportunity and open the door we need when we need it. I have to remind myself that God has a plan for us, and we just have to be patient and wait upon him. God has been so faithful to deliver amazing things to Alexandra and I over the past few years. The wedding alone was heavenly and filled with perfection, joy and love. My pastor preaches many times on Sunday morning that we often times want things now or in the middle of a crisis that we usually get ourselves into in the first place. Even though I would give anything to have the perfect home right now, I know something deep down is brewing and God has yet to reveal that perfect plan to us. I’m sure when the moment arises, we’ll see the door open and know this is our chance to take charge.

It’s funny how perspectives change when you’re married. You have to put your “big boy” pants on and be a man. Even though the nerd/geek side of me always will have a place for things like Star Wars, Marvel Comics, video games and movies, I have to really concentrate of the upcoming months and pray on this goal for our lives. It’s said in the bible in Psalm 20:4 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” I believe if I can get all my Christian friends to help and pray with me, Alexandra and I can be blessed abundantly with a new future home and permanent housing. We’re already blessed beyond our wildest dreams, we have each other for starters. I know… Mushy right? But really, my life is so perfect right now, it makes me ponder the storms ahead in my life. I’ve seen the card played too many times in life where things sail good for a while and then all of a sudden the storm rolls in, and we have to endure some tragedy. I don’t want to jinx my prosperity, but I must admit, I’ve been the most spiritually sound and happy the past few years since I met Alexandra that I can’t imagine anything better or worse. I’m sure whatever storms arise, with her by my side, we can face any obstacle great or small. She’s my very essence and backbone, and I proudly say that my wife is my best friend, partner in crime, companion, soul mate and Godsend.

A new chapter begins soon… We’ll keep you updated. Please pray for us in agreement that we can find the right housing, and God will have us where He wants us. Simple as that!

See you on the Grid,
-Joe

Time to Get Married

// September 29th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Joe's Blog

I write this with only 11 days remaining until the big day when Alexandra and I get married. Sorry to all my readers about not posting anything the past several weeks, I’ve been extremely busy traveling for Blue Man Group and wedding planning. So, in 11 days, to some, the unthinkable will happen, Joe Burke will officially tie the knot and be married to the most wonderful woman on Earth. It’s been a long time coming, and I am so blessed to have such a great future wife who understands me and all my conditions that goes along me. The wedding will be small and intimate, with only about 50 guests on hand for the ceremony and reception, but deep down, I’m very thankful it is a small wedding cozy wedding and that Alex and I aren’t responsible for over a hundred guests. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of planning has led up to this very moment on October 10th, 2010. Our good friend from Kentucky Rev. Charlie F. Edmonds will be on hand to conduct the services with a host guests that I don’t just call friends, but rather, family. Each person coming to this wedding has played a key role in the success of me and Alexandra, or have been there for me in some special way. To have this gathering on hand, will be both humbling and noble. I share my life with just a handful of people, but those people actually get to see me for who I am. It’s hard opening up to people these days, I am just so thankful that each person at our wedding will be significant in their own way to both the lives of Joe and Alex.

I probably won’t have much time to post updates throughout the upcoming month, since I have a full schedule and honeymoon coming up. But once we get back and settled in, I’ll be sure to update you on all the details. It’s funny sometimes how weddings brings out the true nature or sides in people. I’ve really found how during this trying time who my family is, and who supports me and Alexandra. It’s been a painful road to walk, but finally I can see reward just around the corner, and that reward is a life dedicated to the one I love, my best friend and the angel sent from Heaven just for me, Alexandra. Nothing else matters, just the two of us and our beloved family that will be there at the wedding. Blessings to you all, and see you real soon!

Here’s a sneak peek at our wedding programs.

Meet our wedding party.