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

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

Love is Sometimes Bitter & Sweet

// April 1st, 2011 // No Comments » // Joe's Blog

One thing I’ve always faced when dealing with the general public is those individuals that for whatever reason tend to just despise me and everything I’m doing. It’s odd sometimes how lack of communication can snowball into a trickling avalanche of mass confusion and bitterness. I’m not one to be the center of the controversy, and despite what some believe, I’m actually pretty much a loner in many situations, simply because I choose to be. Some people have a hard time understanding me, and I don’t expect people to. A lot of people don’t logically process why I make certain decisions in life, and judge me more by my actions than the physical evidence of why I’m doing what I’m doing in the first place.

But why can’t we just ‘love’ what we’re doing, and be caught up in the moment? Why does everything always have to be conflicted with mass confusion, and over seasoned with myths, rumors and lies? This blog isn’t directed to any one person, or any one event that happened, not even recently. It’s just a general observation that has been over 12 years in the making, and I feel the need to talk about it. I feel that if people stop for a minute, and listen, they would actually flow with the rest of this cycle we call life. But I guess that’s where the unchanging act of love and kindness comes in.

I’m often told I’m a push over. People walk all over me, use my abilities and talents for their own personal gain. Even my wife tells me sometimes I need to stop saying “Yes” to everything, and for once say no. Just like the Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey called “Yes Man,” I have a crazy ability to do everything that everyone tells me, to a certain extent of course. I’m mainly referring to those things that I’m good at, and people utilize those gifts in particular situations. Sure, I do everything my church asks of me, and am always willing to help, because I believe deep down, God’s Kingdom and His work should be done without hasten or decision. I do it with love and pride when it comes to God’s work.

But, those that I’ve had confrontations with in life, I’d love to sit down with them, show them the love I have in my heart, and with an open mind resolve all the conflicts I’ve ever had in my life. I know this isn’t that easy, but it is my ultimate wish one day. I just don’t get people in this new age social media world. Sure, I’m caught up right in the middle of it having a Twitter, Facebook and YouTube account. But some people take things too literal, and instead of approaching me about something that has been said or done, they retaliate and clam up. This results in built up hard feelings, and then you’re dealing with a whole mess of miscommunication and dismay, in text based format no less. Really? What ever happened to meeting up for lunch or coffee and sitting down like human beings and discussing things?

If you’re reading this blog, and it touches a nerve with you, good! It should! But if you’re reading this, and it really has no effect or relevance to you, that’s good too! One thing I’ve learned in life, love is the ultimate tool and weapon. The nicer you are to your enemies, the more a situation can have a chance to heal itself. I’ve never been one to stray from my friends or my online social network allies. Over the years, I have many hardships and squabbles that has left a bitter taste in my mouth. God sometimes gives us enough sense to know when a situation is pointless to keep trying, and the old saying of “beating a dead horse.” If the situation is stagnant, there is no resolve and love can’t conquer, than it’s time to move on.

I’m not really sure why I was compelled to blog this, but I did anyway. Always love your enemies, continue to forgive and subject yourselves to those around you. It truly is the best medicine anyone can have in any situation where controversy is at hand. Your emotions can be a great sensory device, but your heart ultimately will lead you in the right path. I pray for you, and you don’t even realize it. Love is sometimes bitter and sweet, and the choice ultimately resides in your hands. In the end, I’m responsible for me, and I want the best for myself when that time comes, anyone would, it’s human nature.

A New Chapter In My Life

// March 18th, 2010 // No Comments » // Joe's Blog

I want to take this time to announce a very exciting chapter of my life just about launch. Everyone probably knows that I’ve been making music for years now, and I’ve never really had an official release other than through the old Blue Man Fans web store. For the first time, my newest album, “Love, Life & Redemption” will be made available in the iTunes music store, Amazon MP3 store, Rhapsody, Napster, Last.fm, Nokia, Verizon, Emusic, Zune and about 5 other outlets worldwide. We are so very blessed to have this opportunity to share my music with the masses for the very first time on such a global platform. We also want to take the time to thank someone very special, without naming anyone, who is responsible for seeing this event come to light. Without them, none of this would be possible, and I’m so thrilled that we together are on this journey of my life. I pray a special blessing upon their house and their lives day to day. I said it many times already, but Thank you!

NOW AVAILABLE IN iTUNES!