An entire year has passed and I have arrived at the end of my photo-a-week project. I can say it's been a lot of fun and it has been a real pain. Sometimes the photos came early... other times, late Saturday night. Yet, 52 photos have come to an end and it really has been a blessing. I've been able to see things in a way I've not seen in the past. Now, everything is a photo captured in my mind with or without a camera. It's amazing the things you see when you look.

I think that's why I love photography... Seeing things differently. Many people walk past the photos I take and never see what's right there in front of them. Sometimes it's grand... sometimes it's humble, but, it's always there. Funny, sometimes people can look at the same thing I'm looking at and not see what I see. I guess many of my pictures are a glimpse into my mind.

So what's next? After seeing my friend Jason Hill's picture of the day for December, I thought, "I can do a picture-a-day for a year." My wife was nice enough to remind me of my schedule and how I don't deal with failure very well. Sooooo, I suppose I'll take another shot at the 52 picture project again... And one other photo project.

"photo 52 people"

I'm not sure how this will work yet... a project that will grow on it's own I'm sure. I can see the 52 people project using the talents of several other photographers I know... Jason, Nir, Allan, Dustin, Cody and a few others. We will see. They may not want to participate... But I'm sure it would be fun.

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to another year of life... God willing, it will be great.

peace.
johno~

P.S. To those with an active prayer list:
Please add to your prayer Tamar Alon who was in a motor bike accident this last week. She is the daughter of my dear friends Nir and Dorit Alon who live in Jerusalem, Israel.

I pray the this time of the year you are reminded of all the TRUE blessings you have.

peace.
johno~

Well, I'm having a fun time in my little home studio... our dining room. I have to thank my friend Jason Hill for pointing me to this site Stobist. My lighting skill are challenged because my studio is small... It's small, really small, but it works.

Mondays are my day off and so I usually get some time to play around and wouldn't you know it, I have my own models. However, today came at a $2 per kid per hour rate. I think I'm in the hole. Anyway, Dawnette, unfortunately, works on Monday. I guess it good, it gets her out of the house because it gives her a chance for "grown-up" talk and I get the kids. She does get to keep Adam, at least for now. All I can say is, "look out Adam, the "studio" is waiting for you."

So here are some of my shots of the kids taken today. I know, I know, no shots of Adam, but remember, he was with Dawnette and I'm in charge of dinner for Mondays and so the dining room had to be back in order before Dawnette and Adam came home.













OK... I couldn't leave Adam out... Here's a shot taken in the "downstairs" studio about a week ago.



So, for friends and family, so that you know, all is well and we are blessed... Happy holidays.

peace.
johno~

First off, my apologies to everyone waiting to hear how things are going with Adam. I am very thankful for your prayers and thoughts.

Adam is doing very well. At his last appointment he weighted in at 13 lbs. and 15 oz. That's only one ounce off from the target weight set one month ago by the Doctor. This is a wonderful thing. We are blessed.

However, we have been blessed, even without Adams weight gain. God is not a God who blesses only in the good but may also bless in the bad. Without this difficult time, we would have never known how blessed we are with so many friends around us... Even our dear friends in Jerusalem. Thank you Nir.

Since October 31st, this has been our families life:

Adam - Weight loss
Hannah - Shingles
Miriam - Chicken Pox
Caleb - Croup
Adam - Chicken Pox
Dawnette and Adam to see GG in California
Miriam - Fever
Caleb - Fever
Johnathan - Cold
Dawnette - Cold
Hannah - Fever
Johnathan - Cold and youth retreat

That pretty much brings everyone up to date.

CONFESSION:
I have felt a bit lazy or un-motivated to write... This is due to the blog post that almost "killed" me. After Adams last check up, many of you may have been surprised by the short post updating Adams situation. Well, I had written a long thought out post which was lost when I hit spell check. I was bummed. I had really poured myself out and of course had no more energy to re-write it. So I am saving this as I go... Don't want to drop off the world of Blog for another 30 plus days.

I wish I could say I've not been on for a while because, "I've been saving the world" but, alas, it's just not been that exciting.

It's a wonderful time of the year. My Photo of the month project is coming to an end... Only 3 photos left. What a challenge. I thought about doing a photo a day, however, my wife thinks that's a bit much. We'll see what comes about.

I'm glad to be back and want to wish everyone the best.

peace.
johno~

P.S. Thanks Jeb for bringing it up to an even number 4.

To my faithful remaining 3.5 readers who have lived in limboland with me for over a month... I promise, a new post is coming very soon.

peace.
johno~

To our friends and family

Adam went in for a check up yesterday and has gained 9oz. in one week. We will keep him on this routine for one month. The doctor said he would like for Adam to be at least 14lbs. the next time he sees him.

Please keep Adam in your prayers.

peace.
johno~

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I want to say thank you to all my wonderful friends and family for your thoughts and your prayers. To my friend Nir, your thoughts really touched our family. Thank you. Jason and Shawn, thank you for your prayers at each mile marker you passed during your marathon even the 18 mile "spit." Allan and Kristi, I'm sorry for the lack of updates but I am grateful for your continued support and prayers.

Adam went back to the Doctors today for a weighing... Last month he weighed in at 11lb 11oz. Today, even with heavy thoughts, he came in at 11lb 14oz. Of course this is not what we were wanting... I would have been happy with 12lbs.

We are waiting to hear from Dr. Cook today regarding the blood work. Adam has small veins. The lab technician could not get a vein on her first try. How difficult it is to see your child being poked with a needle and having them move it around and around trying to get a vein to draw blood and not succeeding. The scream was loud and the tears flowed heavy. I felt as if my words of comfort were worthless as I kissed his head and told him to be brave and strong.

It's tough to look in the eyes of a hurting child who doesn't understand what is happening to them. As the doctor and nurses made every effort on the second try to get the minimum amount of blood, through his thick tears he looked at me and all I wanted to do is hold him and comfort him but I couldn't.

I know what you're thinking... It's only blood work. But, I wanted to give my blood. I've never done well at seeing my children suffer... In any way.

I ask for your continued prayers and thoughts for Adam "Ant".

As for me... I do believe... I ask the Lord to help me overcome my unbelief.

peace.
johno~

I deleted my last post... "It's Fall" I wasn't happy with the layout of the photos. BUT, here's the runner up to the picture of the week. I just had to share.

peace.
johno~

Adam is a wonderful child. His smiles capture you and hold you in a moment you wish you could stay forever. That's the joy of little ones. They're totally dependent on others to live. They have no choice but to be held in your arms and fed by your hand. They trust. Their life depends on a mother and a father to care for them.

Adam has stopped gaining weight. He is 11lb. 11oz. and has dropped from his growth curve. This was communicated to us by his Doctor as a "danger zone."

He will start cereal and is taking some medicine. He is scheduled to have his weight checked in one month.

Could you pray and fast for his healing. One day, one meal. I believe it makes a difference. The power of prayer is amazing.

peace.
johno~

Happy Bloggerday to me... WOW! It's hard to believe it's been one year since my first attempt at blogging. Sixty-five journals of my thoughts over one year... That's 5.416 logs per month. I'm not sure if that's good or not.

Anyhow, it's therapeutic if anything. To look back over the year and see where I was and what was going on. Tragedy, Life, Death, Celebrations, Hope. What a journey.

However, I wonder after a year if I have maintained, in any way, the idea of "Daily being lead by the Spirit." I realize I get in the way of Spiritual things many, many times and other times ignore the Spirit completely. As I drove home tonight, the words of this song hit me.

I keep trying to find a life
On my own, apart from You
I am the king of excuses
I've got one for every selfish thing I do

What's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior

(chorus)
I wanna be in the Light
As You are in the Light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation
Cause all I want is to be in the Light
All I want is to be in the Light

The disease of self runs through my blood
It's a cancer fatal to my soul
Every attempt on my behalf has failed
To bring this sickness under control

Tell me, what's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior

Honesty becomes me
[There's nothing left to lose]
The secrets that did run me
[In Your presence are defused]
Pride has no position
[And riches have no worth]
The fame that once did cover me
[Has been sentenced to this Earth]
Has been sentenced to this Earth

Tell me, what's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I'm still a man in need of a Savior

I wanna be in the Light
As You are in the Light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation
Cause all I want is to be in the Light
All I want is to be in the Light

"In the Light" by DC Talk

It's tough to realize how true this song is about me. (I wish it be be played at my funeral)

Well, I will attempt another year of myself exposed and so I'll end this momentous blog with this prayer.

I wanna be in the Light
As You are in the Light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation
Cause all I want is to be in the Light
All I want is to be in the Light

Amen.
johno~

Is world peace possible? After 36 years of life, I have yet to see it. However, I do believe in it. My frend Jason made me really think about the subject recently. Do I really seek peace? Is it possible? I believe it is possible. I sometimes think I am in the minority on this subject. It's tought to think that such an undertaking could happen... World Peace.

I was encouraged when I found this in the book of Micah.

In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship. Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Temple of the God of Israel. There he will teach us his ways, so that we may obey him." For in those days the LORD's teaching and his word will go out from Jerusalem.
The LORD will settle international disputes. All the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end. Everyone will live quietly in their own homes in peace and prosperity, for there will be nothing to fear. The LORD Almighty has promised this!

A wonderful response from the Lord... a magnificent promise. Yet, "WE" are the ones who seem to fight the peace our Father would have for us. What is our response to this?

James says,

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.
You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God.

It doesn't have to be this way... War can end. Live can be lived. I was encouraged by an article sent to me by World Vision that offers peace to many children who are being used by the LRA in Northern Uganda against their will. After 20 years. It is time for peace.

Many of you have taken part in the invisible children campaign and are very familiar with the terror going on in the lives of children.

Pray for peace in Uganda in Jesus name. It is the only way.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility

-Ephesians 2:14

peace.
johno~

I Promise.

peace.
johno~

A book that changed my life besides the Bible:
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

A book I’ve read more than once:
I don’t usually re-read books… I’m a slow reader. However, I have often found myself returning to these pages more than once… Pajama Time, Sandra Boynton, Shaping The Things To Come by Michael Frost, Alan Hirsch

A book I would take with me if I were stuck on a desert island:
How to Survive Without a Salary: Learning How to Live the Conserver Lifestyle by Charles Long

A book that made me laugh:
Prehistory of the Far Side, Gary Larson

A book that I wish had been written:
The Do Do Ministry, How to work with the ministries we do, do. (Note… I am working on this one, just in case someone else also wishes it had been written).

A book that I wish had never been written:
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Enhancing Your Self Esteem.” Uh, step one to enhancing your self esteem: Don’t buy anything that refers to you as an IDIOT!

A book I’ve been meaning to read:
The Man Eaters of Tsavo by John Patterson's, How to Survive Without a Salary: Learning How to Live the Conserver Lifestyle by Charles Long

I’m currently reading:
Living Jesus : Learning the Heart of the Gospel by Luke Timothy Johnson, The Normal Christian Life, Watchman Nee, The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

Consider yourself tagged if your name starts with:
Jason Hill, Glenn Cash, Mike Thomas, Linda MacDonald, Big Mike Lewis, Kimberly Harmon, Dan Shaefer

peace.
johno~

Sorry for the sudden drop off the face of the world... My every effort was to keep everyone up-to-date on our mission trip and, well... Tuba City, Arizona is not a super communication hub. My cell phone had no signal and my access to internet was very limited. So, I am sorry.

To make up for it I post this amazing artists footage. Be amazed, be very amazed.



Now that I've made up, I hope to be back on track.

peace.
johno~

Well, everything is going well. We arrived Saturday and Kicked off our first night by going to Sonic. Two words... LEMON_BERRY. It's what separates the BOOYYYYYZZZZZ from the MMMMMMMEENNNNNNN. While we were there, we met our first two residence. They were both drunk. We bought them dinner and told them to find Jesus.

Sunday was great. I was able to preach for Paul and I was surprised by many new members. Grace, Raymond and Jeremiah were a few that I met. We had a potluck lunch and did a couple small projects Sunday. That night we headed for Coal Mine Canyon. Mike gave our devo and shared his story. What a change of Life. There was no place he could hide from God... He is a true blessing. (I will write more about his story later)

We wanted to hike down to the bottom of the canyon but our time ran out. We will try again later today. The views here can be something else. Sunsets like this everyday.

Today we roofed a local families home. We started at 7 AM and stopped at 12 noon. We roofed about 1/3. God was nice enough to cover us with clouds for a bit.

Well, I must head out to hear our "Culture" talk.

We are all well.

peace.
johno~

On the road. Hey everyone. Just wanted to say we got off to a great start... 4am comes early. I hope to post from my cell.

Every season of life has it's moments. Tonight, for example, Adam rolled over for the first time. I love that I was there to see it and yet I realize that as quick as it came a season has passed. I will never have this moment again. Adam, like my other children, is growing and growing and growing... and I would have a better chance of holding back the tides than to hold back the growth of the four Thomas kids. But I will say, at every moment of their life that we've shared, it's been the best season of my life. James Barry, the author of Peter Pan, said, "God gives us memory so we can have roses in December." True, winter roses are hard to find, but I dare say they are not forgotten.

So are those past days of little feet that kicked out of control, and dark nights pierced with hungry cries. When 1,2,4,6,7,3,9,1,8 becomes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9... Clumsy feet and ugly ducks become Swans dancing on misty lakes and Kisses on the lips turn into kisses on the cheek. But each seasons has been the best I have ever had.

I am not sure what lies ahead... Today has enough for itself.

Years apart and each their own. None of them the same yet bonded together. Following in the footsteps of the child that has gone before them and yet making their own path.

Again, I am not sure of what the seasons will hold in the future, but I know it will be the best one I have ever had.

peace.
johno~

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

43% of Americans carry a balance on their credit card.
One in 6 families with credit cards pays only the minimum due every month.
With a minimum monthly payment of only 2% required on a card balance of $10,000 at 18% it would take 58 years to pay off the entire amount, with the cardholder paying $28,931 in interest. By paying a minimum monthly payment of 4% a cardholder would pay the same $10,000 off in 15 years and pay only $5,916 in interest.

Today, Dawnette and I paid off our 2 credit cards. NO MORE CREDIT CARD DEBT! YIPEEE! Yeah, it took a while and we learned some things the hard way, but we rejoice today as we are one step closer to being debt free.

peace.
johno~

Tonight was a night I'll not forget. July 4th, 2006. It's the night to celebrate our freedom, our independence... Children of all ages gather around to see the wonderful display of "fire in the sky" as professionals put on a brilliant show with "ooooooh", and "aaaaaaaaah!"

"Sweetheart, Let's gather the kids and head for the river for the show spectacular!"

Of course, our kids don't like the loud bangs, so we brought ear plugs for their little ears. We had our chairs and water bottles and even some candy to snack on. JACKPOT!

I even brought my camera to take some pictures. BTW, taking pictures of fireworks is not as easy as it looks.

We made it to the trail that sits across from the park that displays the Show. I had just set up my camera and snapped a couple test shots and then...

A LARGE FIREWORK EXPLODES about 25 feet from where we are sitting. Immediately the brush catches fire and the nice breeze we had helped assist the blaze that started.

Having worked as a fire fighter, my experience kicked in and I knew being up wind would be a good start... However!

Many people started running across the trail into the field, which was knee high with weeds and sage brush. That's bad. I thought, if that blaze crosses the trail, they'll never out run the flame...

We had packed in chairs for everyone, which I could care less about,,, As a matter of fact, I think my nice mag light is out there... But my wife grabbed children and chairs and bags and anything and anyone else and gave the official retreat call.

Before I could turn around they're running into the field... Remember, that's bad. So I called to them and told them to "STOP, GET OUT OF THE FIELD." My wife and 3 of the kids heard me and came back and moved up wind back to the trail... But, not Hannah. She was running for her life in the wrong direction.

I don't think I could type letters large enough to let you know how loud I yelled her names. Watching the fire lick the edge of the trail, I ran and yelled louder. Why couldn't she hear me. I'm not sure how, but after a few "HANNAH STOP!" she did. I grabbed her and moved up wind away from the fire and met up with my family.


Now, if you think my kids are freaked out about the noise fireworks make... I'm not sure they will ever be the same with any fireworks. PERIOD.

Now, my thanks to God. We arrived at the trail late. Our "regular" spot was taken so we move up the trail about 50 feet. The spot we would have been sitting at was engulfed in flames.

God is good. He has saved my family once again.

peace.
johno~

I'm not sure that writing these thoughts are for anyone else but me and my closure of things lost.

June 18th was Fathers day... June 16th, I learned that my father passed away of heart failure on May 15th, nine days after my 36th birthday.

I cannot explain the emotion I feel, but I do feel it. I never knew my father so why this overwhelming sorrow? I think it's my desire of sonship.

When I was old enough to know, I realized the only thing you ever gave me was a card that read, "You're 1, have fun Son."

I remember going to your house one night with my older cousin Debbie. I was only a kid and you never saw me... But, I saw you through the front window... Well, at least the back of you. We ran back to the car like we had broken some law. I didn't understand why we didn't knock so I could meet you. Apparently you weren't dressed for the occasion.

I know my mother sent you school pictures each year, but they were pictures worth only a thousand words. My life is a story.

When we moved to Washington my 13th year, I lost track of where you were, until the State of Washington found you and made you pay for some of my medical bills. I can't imaging what you thought when blood test did reveal that you were my father. Several years passed quickly and at my 20th birthday, I cried in closet because you never knew me as a child.

As my life story continued, I married and had a child of my own. Then, the call from my mother that said she had found you once again... I have to say, I was not ready for that. It was my time to be everything right, I knew about fathers, to my child... It was not time for me to be a son.

Yet, I really thought you might contact me. I said, I didn't care... I lied. As a matter of fact, I hear a lot of people say they don't care and they're liars. I did care.

At the age of 25, for the first time, I saw a picture of your face and with it came 1000 words. But, it wasn't your story.

I thought one day I might be man enough to come meet you face to face. I told people I knew where you were and that our paths might cross someday... I realize that day will never come. I'm sorry.

Friday, June 16th, I cried once more. The call from my mother that said your heart failed and you were gone. I have to say, I wasn't ready for that. I'm sorry you died alone and that there was no service to honor you. It doesn't seem right. None of it ever did. But most of all, I'm sorry you never saw me as a man.

These words seem to come days to late... But as a son to a father I wish I was more bold to speak these words.

Tough, you think you've got the stuff
You're telling me and anyone
You're hard enough

You don't have to put up a fight
You don't have to always be right
Let me take some of the punches
For you tonight

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

We fight all the time
You and I...that's alright
We're the same soul
I don't need...I don't need to hear you say
That if we weren't so alike
You'd like me a whole lot more

Listen to me now
I need to let you know
You don't have to go it alone

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you when I don't pick up the phone
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

I know that we don't talk
I'm sick of it all
Can - you - hear - me - when - I -
Sing, you're the reason I sing
You're the reason why the opera is in me...

Where are we now?
I've got to let you know
A house still doesn't make a home
Don't leave me here alone...

And it's you when I look in the mirror
And it's you that makes it hard to let go
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
Sometimes you can't make it
The best you can do is to fake it
Sometimes you can't make it on your own

- Bono, U2
"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own"

So that you know, I think I am turning out OK. I've been married for 14 years and I have four wonderful children. I know you saw the pictures my mom sent you. I want you to know I'm not perfect on my own, but Jesus has saved me. Christ has brought me back into the covenant with God, Abba... Father.

I wish you could have been more of a father to me. Fatherhood is a wonderful gift of God. I'm sorry you missed it with me.

Have mercy on me, oh God, a sinner. I'm sorry... I have missed the opportunity to be bold for the case of Jesus, who is Christ. I didn't look with the eyes of love. My pride was to great. I thought I could do it on my own. Teach me to LOVE my neighbor. Teach me to LOVE my father, my mother, my brothers and sisters more than myself.

To all the men who have been a wonderful example of fatherhood... Thank you.

Big Don Williams
Jack Stivers
Walter King
Bob Irby
Woody Woodruff
Bill Ashman
Randy Langley
Jim Brown
Al Owens
Ronald Woods
Doug Davis
Greg Woods
Glen Cash
Scott Walsh
Kevin Woods
Walt Hamilton
German Harrell

peace.

I will never forget the day I first noticed you. You made an impact that day that would change my life forever. It was your heart I noticed... Oh, and of course your fine body! But your heart was something else. It was passionate and caring. It took the time when no one else cared to even notice.

That's what I love about you. You notice every little detail. You listen with your heart and when the right moment comes, you speak words that show Christ is in your life.

How can I describe your beauty? The world has yet to form words that capture the wonders of your life. But that is it... You have LIFE! I see it in your eyes. You give to everyone everything. You provide for others first when you are in need.

It is your love for God and your love for others that makes your life shine!

Thank you for the 14 years.

I love you.
Always and Forever.

Yesterday was a wonderful day. We had our "senior event" for our graduates. A senior event is an all day activity involving role play, funny costumes, and any other way to embarrass, (one last time), our students.
So we saddled up our horses and took off looking for "Jumpin Jack Flash." A shifty, smelly claim jumper who's been bringing trouble to the local miners and town folk.

What a blessed day. We shot guns, went to an old Pioneer village, rode horses and panned for gold... I didn't find any gold... But I did find a cell phone. MINE! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID! Never think it "can't happen to me." So here's a rare photo of me trying to dry my phone off with my cowboy hanky.
I did avoid a complete meltdown of my day by giving my camera to my friend, Kim. I can only imagine.

Anyhow, the day was wonderful and our three graduates had a great time... I think.

peace.
johno~

BTW, I will not be answering my phone for a while, but feel free to leave a message.

Caleb, Today you are FOUR. What a joy it is for me to have another HERO around. I will never forget the moment the Dr. said, "It's a BOY!" I remember the tears of joy. A SON!

Son, I love when you sing, "Suzie's got a cow on her head," and the way you laugh after telling jokes that no one else gets but you. I love your zeal for Star Wars and your realization that Han Solo is better than Luke Skywalker. Your imagination has no limits. Pirates, cowboys, space rangers and lions are a few of my favorites.

Thank you for your big boy prayers, singing "Jesus loves me," with the hand motions and your hugs and kisses.

Happy 4th Birthday Pal.

Amazing! You look more and more like me everyday.

Love, Pop.

Ever notice some people have GREAT gifts? My friend Ike Graul, A.K.A. The Musical Genius introduced this gifted man to me. I post it here for my good friend Steve Novak who is learning to play the guitar.



Let me just say, the DVD, "How to play Guitar in six easy lessons" by Fender does not teach one how to play like Tommy.

Don't worry though, in a few MONTHS you should have no problem.

peace.

After all these years of going to:

www.billygraham.com
www.davidnasser.com
www.joshmcdowell.com
www.jamesdobson.com
www.dougfields.com

You can now visit,
www.johnathanthomas.com

OK, so it's not as exciting as going to some of the others, but hey! it's my name.

Although, I'm still waiting for some trumpet sound or fanfare...
I guess it's kind of geeky... Since it forwards back to this page.

Now I feel like I just burned $10.

blink... blink.

hmmm.

I do get an email with it! me@johnathanthomas.com?! or johnathan@johnathanthomas.com? iam@johnathanthomas.com?
Which one should I use?

Maybe someone can help me design a "cool" web page for www.johnathanthomas.com...

peace.
johno~

Amazing is not a big enough word for what the last eleven years has been. To watch you grow has been more beautiful than the glory of all the wild flowers which bloom in the spring. Your mind is so creative and your hands so talented. Everything is yours because you walk on the path of light.

It's funny... To hold you today is a bit difficult. Your legs are longer, your a bit heavier, but your still have those cheeks. Your eyes are the same too. Nothing, in my whole life, has dazzled me more than them. They pierce my soul. They are truly a sign of how wonderful a Creator you and I have.

I realize today you turn 11. My lease of time with you is on the downhill side and I have no regrets. I take every moment, both good and bad as a treasure, and bury it in my heart.

Before you were born I wrote you this lullaby... It is my forever gift and promise to you.

Dear child, now it's time to close your eyes
and dream of all the things up in the sky
Hope, Faith and Love divine
they're the things to you I give that are mine
All I have and all I do, little one it's all for you.

Dear child, now it's time to dream away
and reach your hands to another day
God, the Father is watching you
and I know He'll always see you through

Hope, Faith and Love divine
they're the things to you I give that are mine
All I have and all I do, little one it's all for you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my SWEET HANNAH BEAR!
Love, Papa.

I'm always looking for fun things to do in ministry that make some type of connection with the people. Turning 36 reminds me that physical comedy takes some conditioning now. So here's an encouraging video that would be fun to copy for Camp or Faith Quest.



I've got a long ways to go.

peace.
johno~

I'm not sure if its an ol' wives tale or not, but I have heard that native Americans didn't like their picture to be taken because they believed it would capture their soul... Well, photography does capture something, that's why I enjoy it so much. A friend of mine once said, "When I look at your photos, I think I have an idea of how you look at the world." I think it was a complement. I hope. Anyway, those words encourage me to see things different and I am working on it everyday.

Thus, the problem with taking digital photos. Digital Workflow. Which ones work, and which ones don't. What needs to be done to make the photo better? Crop, adjust levels, curves? Black and white, sepia? Posting or just keeping them on your laptop, for your eyes only?

Apple came to the rescue and introduced Aperture. A digital workflow solution for photographers. However, the minimum system requirements means a COMPUTER upgrade for many to use it. Bad Apple! Then along came Adobe! Lightroom.

What a great program. I have downloaded the beta for apple, (windows version not available yet), and am having a blast! What a great solution for digital workflow. I only hope I can afford the program when it's released in it's final version. I may have to stand on the street with a sign that says, "God Bless"

Here are some photos I have worked on in Lightroom. Just click the gallery and a flash album will start. Yet, another cool feature about Lightroom.

peace.
johno~

P.S. Please note my photo gallery at http://johno.smugmug.com can now be accessed by going to www.LightExposure.Org.

Last week was my vacation week. It was also my birthday and now I sit here one year wiser, but mostly older. It was a blast! Any vacation should be. Yet, in every vacation it seems as if one needs a vacation from the vacation. Diets are changed, sleeping habit abused, familiar environments become memories... At least for seven days and nights there's total freedom to go and do whatever you want. Then it's back to the zoo.

My life's a zoo. I have said it before. "Things are wild and crazy!" Kids are everywhere, I'm everywhere... Dogs and cats living together! But then I went to the zoo on vacation and saw something different. I love the zoo... I love seeing the animals. However, for some odd reason, most of the animals I see, while visiting the zoo, are just, well... laying around... Doing nothing. Some walk in circles, some hide, many animals just turn their backs to you. They eat and do other things that make small children say "EWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEE!" But, wild? Crazy? I don't think so. Being a zoo creature is living a life broken, contained and boring.

I say, "Stop the ZOO LIFE!" I don't want to live captive behind walls designed to keep me in. I don't want to spend my day eating, sleeping and EWWWWWEEEEEEEEEing." My life is not a zoo, it is so much more. I have been set free!

-Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
-Psalm 118:5
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.
-John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
-Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (behind the zoo walls)

What would this little guy be like unleashed? I don't know. I saw him walk in a few circles and then back to his den.

"And I have no compass
And I have no map
And I have no reasons
No reasons to get back

And I have no religion
And I don't know what's what
And I don't know the limit
The limit of what we've got"
-Zooropa, U2

Being what God created us to be is a wonderful thing. It is life and life abundant. Set free.

STOP LIVING THE ZOO LIFE! LIVE FREE!

peace.
johno~

It's been a long day. I never thought I would live to be 30 and here I sit, at the end of the day, 36.
So here's a list of 36 things in my wonderful life.

1. God
2. Mom
3. Sisters
4. Music
5. Children's Hospital
6. Big Don Williams
7. Star Wars
8. Lassie (my dog)
9. BMX bike
10. Indiana Jones
11. Baptism
12. Running
13. Northwest
14. Philippians 4:4
15. U2
16. Datsun B210
17.120 M.P.H.
18. City of Children, Mexico
19. Chelan Co. Fire Dept.
20. Columbia Christian College
21. Dawnette Cardwell, a.k.a. Dawnette Thomas
22. Wedding Vows
23. Photography
24. Cascade College
25. Hannah
26. Zellerbach
27. Metro church of Christ
28. King's Orchard church of Christ
29. Miriam
30. Coffee
31. 911
32. Caleb
33. Jesus
34. Uganda, Africa
35. Adam
36. Grace

Peace.
johno~

That's what my son says when he's in need of something he can't do or figure out himself. It's kind of funny the way he says it, but the truth is, he needs help.

Have you ever sat in a Sunday Worship with a child? Most of us have and do weekly. What do you do when someone steps up to lead the congregation in prayer? I interpret.

Have you ever tried to interpret a prayer up front to a child sitting next to you? My son has never said it, but I can see the look on his face... "Need a little help here!"

Next time you find yourself next to a small child while a prayer is being lead, lean over and interpret the prayer being said with words a child can understand. It helps you think about what is being said, plus, how you might communicate those "Big Church Words" to those not-yet-Christians.

I enjoy the special prayer time in church with my kids... I know they understand what's being said and that this prayer is for them, and from them to their heavenly Father.

peace.
johno~

I was about 14 and sitting in a church pew when the preacher told us to close our eyes and picture the scene of Jesus on the cross. He said, "How many of you see a hill far away with a cross silhouette on top?" I wasn't sure if we were suppose to raise our hands or not and I'm not sure if anyone did so, but the minister said, "A few of you... OK." Next he said, "How many of you see the cross a bit closer with more detail as if standing in the crowd. You can see Jesus, his wounds, perhaps his tears? Some more hands." Both of these images had been my own view of the cross at one time or another in my life. It was typical of many images I had see growing up. Yet, there was one more view I would be given that day that I had never seen or even thought of... He continued, "How many of you, when you close your eyes and view the cross, see it from the foot of the cross. So close you can touch the rough carving of the wood, smell the sweat, and hear His last words, His final breath. Can you touch the dirt, soaked with His blood?" I opened my eyes, “What kind of view is this?” I thought. It was that moment I realized that the cross of Christ was not a distant cross, not a distant silhouette, but rather a personal cross, one that could be touched.

The cross is a lot bigger up close than I thought. It's solid wood and heavier than it looks. It's rough and course, full of imperfections. It's porous and stained. It's a terrible tool yet simply crafted to fulfill it's designed. It holds nails without splitting. It takes the weight of a man without breaking. It offers no relief and it’s not possible to escape it’s hold… at least on your own. It's a wicked awful way to die.

Being at the foot of the cross for the first time let me see one more thing that I had missed by being so far back… This was my cross. Oh God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Psalm 51:1
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

The cross to me is death. There's no way around it. However, Jesus on the cross to me is life. It is Jesus, Yeshua, that makes the cross powerful; it is not the cross that makes Yeshua powerful.

Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Jesus was life and He would come so that we could have living to the fullest. Each Child held, every blind man who saw, every crippled person who would walk, every thirsty woman filled and every tear that has been wiped away is the foundation of the Messiah’s cross that brings life and defeats death.

Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

In 1707, Isaac Watts wrote “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” for a communion service. Many songs at the time were repetition of Psalms and doctrines. This song, by Watts, is the first known hymn to be written in the first person, introducing a personal Christ experience rather than limiting itself to doctrine. Isaac Watts penned his final thoughts on communion as one who has seen the cross of Christ. It’s a perspective that’s a wonderful reminder to me… when I close my eyes.

“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Peace.
Johno~

I wanted to update everyone on Adam... Today he went back to the doctors and weighed in at 7lbs. 11oz. Still not at his birth weight, but getting close.

It has been a busy time. We host a very special program this time of the year called "Night at the Cross." It has kept my schedule full and my blogging down. I also had to send my NEW camera back to Canon. Soft pics. Don't know if it's the lens or the camera. We'll see if it's the operator. I hope they can fix him if he's the problem.

Right now, I am "DOG" tired and must sleep.

Again, PRAISE GOD! Thanks for the prayers.

peace.
johno~

I would like to ask anyone who visits this page, to please pray for our newborn son Adam.
Adam has not gained weight since his birth. He was born at 8lbs. 1oz. and today was 7lbs. 4oz. This is below 10% of his birth weight, which is not what doctors like to see, so our doctor ordered blood work. The results came back fine... That still leaves the mystery of why Adam is losing and not gaining.

Thank you for your prayers.

peace.
johno~

How many people have you shared Jesus with? What happened in the end? Do you know? Is it OK not to know?

I love Hebrews chapter 11 because of the story of faith. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

I have always tried to share Jesus with people I know and love and those who are strangers. Be it Whitney on the road to Slidell, Bob, the guy at the end of the off ramp in Hood River I bought lunch for or Hannah, my oldest daughter. I just believe I should share Christ.

Last summer, I had a conversation with Donny at a summer camp waaaaaay up north. I had a "feeling" that I should take some time to talk to him about how he was doing and how he was growing in the Lord. The conversation went well... He had some doubts and had stopped going to church all together. I told him he needed to reconnect. In the end, I shared with him about a wonderful church plant in his neighborhood and told him to check it out. This guy has some real God talent. When I got back I called the minister who leads this group and told him to "watch for this guy." Well, Donny never showed up and months went by and things moved on. and... I forgot.

In October of last year I saw this Donny in Portland and asked how things were going... He said well and that he had just visited Renovatus. I said, "good." I wasn't sure what that meant, but that's OK. It was good to hear he was finally went. I called the ministry leader, Kevin, and told him about his visitor... However, Kevin was out of town and missed meeting him. :-( And so it goes. It doesn't matter who we are or what we think we are... It's who God is and what He is and what He has planned.

This last week out of the near blue I received this email. It is a wonderful testimony and encouragement so I asked Donny's permission if I could share this email.

Hey I wanted to stop and write to you, thanking you
for putting me in a position to at least think about
going to church again. I'm going to be honest with
you that I didn't ever contact Kevin about going to
Renovatus. I actually was invited by a friend and
from that point on I've been going regularly.
Looking back I remember what my emotional state was
and it was looking pretty dismal. I was very negative
and bitter towards many things in my life and not just
my spirituality. I wrote myself a letter in late
September describing all the things that were negative
in my life and some of my thought processes and I'll
tell you now that it isn't pretty. The letter was
sort of a self-examination/self-reflective discussion
that I had going on in my head and one of the things I
wrote down was: "My spirituality is none-existent, not
because I don't believe that God is real or that He
loves me, but because I don't care. I go to church
occasionally and to Monday night devo at Cascade only
because it's what people want to see and not because
of any desire to be there. I find it easier to live
the lifestyle that says either 'God doesn't exist', or
'I don't care'. This is probably why I'm so angry and
bitter and depressed."
That was in September of last year. Shortly after
that is when I started going to Renovatus and I can
honestly say that it truly has changed my life.
Lately I've gone through another one of those
self-examination/self-reflective discussions and I
asked myself the same questions I asked before.
Questions like, "Why am I in Vancouver? Do I belong
here? What is the purpose of all this? and Why am I
in the situation that I'm in at this moment?" Back in
September the answer was a bitter, costic, "I don't
know and I really don't care." Now the answer is, "I
don't know and I'm ok with that." My attitude about
life in general has changed dramatically and when
people ask how I'm doing I can honestly say that I'm
doing great; I'm doing just fine. And the answer to
this change is the church that I'm involved in.

So I wanted to drop a line saying thank you for at
least pointing me in the right direction. I don't
think I would've stayed there if I didn't sort of
already know about it. So, thank you.

God says, "Have faith..." I say, "What if I die never seeing the promise?" His response, "It doesn't matter, just have faith." And that's it. Share Christ and His promise in everyway. If someone comes back to say thanks, take the blessing and be convicted to press on and continue to share your faith because you are just part of the story. Tell people about Jesus. Let Him do the work. God never promised you would know the end of the story with everyone you've talked to.

Donny's story is wonderful and convicting. It's about God and His unending pursuit of this young man... It has everything to do with me and yet, NOTHING to do with me... Isn't that GREAT! How many other stories are there? I may die never knowing everyone, but that's OK, God never promised I would. So I press on in faith what is promised to me... Live my life and let God shine!

Listen to the Spirit. Who are you talking to today?

peace.
johno~

Things are going well here at the Thomas house. We had Adam's doctor appointment today. He was born at 8lbs. 1oz. and went down to about 7lbs. 3oz.. That's more than 10% of his body weight. Today he came in at 7lbs. 6oz. Good sign. He also failed his hearing test the first 3 times. We were told this is normal. They performed a different hearing test on him which he passed.

The first night he was up every hour... ;-( Dawnette stayed home on Sunday and rested, I took the other Thomas clan to church. Last night Adam started out fussy but ended up sleeping four hours. What a blessing.

Anyhow, I thought I would let everyone know where to check our pictures of the kiddos. I will try to keep them updated. You can download them and print them if you like. They are here, (Thomas Kids Photos) on my smugmug account. You can bookmark it and check it later. If you have RSS feeder you can set it as a feed site. I will still post shots here on this blog, but not as many as my photo account.

My children help me see where the Spirit of God is working in my life. It is a constant reminder of how much God loves me.

Thanks everyone for the prayers and the encouragement.

peace.

I knew this child would be a boy. I tried to fight it but I couldn't. Here's how I knew.

Before Hannah was born, we had a boy name but no girl name until the final days.
Before Miriam was born, we had a boy name but no girl name, until the final days.
Before Caleb, girl name no boy name.
As soon as I found out we were going to have another child I knew the name would be Grace... And Grace is not a boys name... or is it?

I'm on a "second journey" in my life. The rediscovery of God's grace and how beautiful and simple it is. I am not sure I understand grace, but, as I love my children and as I watch them grow, I see a quality of my Creator in me as a father. If I, though I am evil, know how to provide, how to love and how to forgive my children, how much more will God provide, love and forgive me? The answer? Amazing Grace!

Naming a child is a difficult thing. I know a lot of people. I'm not sure if you have ever known someone and you told yourself, I'll never name my kid that... They might grow up to be that person. Of course that says a lot about how shallow I am or shall I say we are. Think about it, how many children do you know with the name Judas? Someone does something that seals the fate of ever using that name again. Needless to say, knowing a lot of people with names, my list of names for boys was and is short. I wanted it to be biblical, so that eliminates a few, but what Bible names have not been used? Obadiah? I started a list. Levi... Judah... Israel... Isaiah... Jeremiah... Elijah... Adam. (This is not the entire list)
I found a plus and minus for each name. But none of them captured the point of Grace I was seeking in a name. Until one quiet time in which I found it. Words I've read many times before, yet, this time I read something I had missed in the past.

Psalm 103
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

When you google the meaning for the name Adam, you get 17,900,000 hits. A common theme is, "Adam, This is the Hebrew word for "man". It could be ultimately derived from Hebrew Adam meaning "to be red." Thus, most baby namer sites give the meaning "Red Dirt" or "Red Earth" But I wonder... "For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust."

God remembers how He made man and THAT He made man and chose us.
4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
-Ephesians 1:4-6

God knew, before He formed man and breathed life into him, that He would save Adam in Christ to have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. Grace!

Grace defined is:

2. (Theol.) The divine favor toward man; the mercy of God, as
distinguished from His justice; also, any benefits His
mercy imparts; divine love or pardon; a state of
acceptance with God; enjoyment of the divine favor.

It's Amazing Grace that before Adam, God's grace was in place. God knew man would sin, that His only Son would be crucified and yet God still created Adam. Grace allowed the creation Adam, Adam created in the image of God and formed from dirt by Gods hand. Adam was created with Gods Grace in mind.

It might be a long shot. I might need a good editor or I might be up to late typing these thoughts, but, if there was a boy name that best fits the word Grace, I would say it's Adam.

peace.
johno~

Here are some shots of our new baby boy.

8lbs. 1oz. 20 1/4 inches






Thank you all for your prayers. I will tell more later... I just wanted to get some pics up.

peace.
johno~

Not long ago I blogged about a friend of mine Walt Hamilton. An incredible man of God who lived 94 years and two weeks to the day.

Last night in our youth devotional we sang a song we don't often sing:

There's a stirring deep within me
could it be my time has come?
When I'll see my gracious savior
face to face when all is done.

Is that His voice I am hearing?
Come away my precious one.
Is he calling me?
Is he calling me?

I will rise up, rise up
and bow down
and lay my crown
at his wounded feet

Last night my friend, brother, Grandpa Walt would take the lyrics above and fulfill them as he stepped into eternity to meet the Lord. Walt was not perfect, he never tried to be. Walt was forgiven, he was redeemed by the blood of the lamb. He never told me what to do or how to do it. He wasn't a jerk. He was a simple faithful man.

When Walt was a kid, he grew up in Goldendale, WA on a farm. The farm sits on highway 97 and if you ever travel on hwy 97 just north of the Oregon, Washington boarder, you'll pass the Hamilton farm on the west side of the road. When Walt told me about the farm and his childhood before the war, he asked, "If you don't mind, could you give a salute when you pass by the farm?" I told him I wouldn't mind honoring this simple request.

I have kept that promise faithfully and plan to do so until we meet again.

Thanks for the memories.
Walt Hamilton - March 5, 1912 - 2006

peace.
johno~

I wanted to create this post for all the dog lovers out there and to my dog, Tanner.

As a child, we didn't have a whole lot of money. I remember one time my mom had just gone grocery shopping and purchased a MEGA pack of hot dogs... not the ball park plump when you cook 'em, but the MEGA pack. They were half as big and came 30 to a pack. I think they even cost the same as Ball Parks. Anyhow, that next day as my mother slaved to make wages to feed three kids and the ends meet, I decided to have a block party with all my neighborhood friends... Guess what we had... of course, MEGA hotdogs. Needless to say, I didn't realize the math. 30 Hotdogs ÷ 3 kids = 10 dogs per kid for one pay period of 15 days exclude weekends when mom was home which 0.909090909091 hotdogs per day... EACH.

Was my mother mad at me for feeding the hungry? Well, she encouraged me not to do it again unless I asked.

Two weeks later and another shopping trip landed MEGA hotdogs in our fridge. DON"T FEED THE KIDS! DON'T FEED THE KIDS! OK, I get it. That next day, I didn't feed any kids hotdogs. However, across the street there was this cute little puppy. Yap! YAP! YAPAPYAP! Poor thing looks hungry. I guess I don't have to tell the rest of that story. And no I didn't give the dog 30 hotdogs... all at once.

The little dog followed me home and stayed; living a life of luxury and ONE or 0.909 hotdogs per day for two weeks. Well everyone knows what Pavlov's dog did when food was involved, and so did this little dog, she wouldn't leave. I begged my mom to let us keep her, I had given her a name already, Lassie. Give me a break, I watched a lot of TV as a kid. BTW, she looked nothing like Lassie the movie star. She was a mutt.

I'm not sure what happened or when it happened, but on our next trip to the grocery store, into the cart went a bag of dog food. :-) I had my first dog in 1977. Lassie and I did everything a boy and his dog should do. Walks, wrestling, adventures around the city block, play fetch, and snoozes together in the shade of summer afternoons. It's funny, I never had to put her on a leash. She was always there. She was my dog until we moved to Washington in 1983. It was difficult to leave her behind but we were leaving California. We sold or gave everything away except for the personal things that would fit into our 1978 Datsun B210 Hatchback. So we gave Lassie to a nice family we knew at church. It was the last dog I would own as a kid.

In the fall of 1988 I moved to Portland to attend college. At an area wide church service, TLC, I saw a man who looked very familiar... It was Daniel, the man we gave Lassie to. He and his family moved to the Portland area and had brought Lassie with them. He told me he changed her name to Lady. "I just couldn't call her Lassie." Whatever. He also told me after we left she had twelve puppies. OOPS!

I set up a time to visit Dan and his family, but most of all, Lassie. Would she still remember me? What would she look like? I arrived at Dan's home and as I entered, I heard the protective bark of a dog. What a good dog. As she approached me, I greeted her like anyone greeting a dog should and that was hold out my hand. She gave a sniff, and then another sniff. Her head tilted a bit as she looked at me. If I were a dog whisperer, I would have thought she said, I remember you, but your bigger than I last remember. It was boy and dog together again. I threw the ball, but she was not as quick or interested in fetching. That's OK. All I really wanted was to know she had a good life. I know she did. She died about a year later. What a special gift she was.

Four years ago our family rescued a Chocolate Lab. He has a few issues but he's a wonderful dog. His name is Tanner.

He sits, rolls over, fetches, eats, poops, digs holes and loves my kids. He is everything a family dog should be. I hope my kids are having as much fun with Tanner as I had with Lassie.

Peace.
johno~

Found a computer... You have to add a title later in the edit. Who Knew?
Peace.
johno~

Was it that long ago when you could spin and spin and spin and spin and not get sick? I'm not sure what's happened to me but I find my spirit is willing but my body says, "Don't even THINK about it or I'll make you puke."

I remember as a child spinning around under the stars and flopping on the ground and looking to the skies... it was a free roller coaster. Now if I see a commercial on TV that move to quickly I change the channel or turn my head. What's happening to me? Does anyone know?

I don't want to grow up.

peace.
johno~

This blog was intended to keep me watchful of how the Spirit is working in my life. It has been fun. I expect that this year will be filled with joy, laughter, and sorrow... but I still want to see the Spirit in it all so I keep my eyes open as best I can.

Tonight was a night that reminds me to watch.

Dawnette and I we planning on a double date to see the movie "The End of the Spear," however, it fell through because the double in our date had forgotten his wife had made plans... It's not his fault, it's mine for not planning sooner. Anyway, Dawnette and I still had plans for a babysitter so we thought we would do some "grown-up" things.

A quick trip to the store it was off to dinner... just the two of us. We told ourselves we would go to a place our kids didn't like. We were on our way to Mc Glenns when Dawnette thought about a BBQ place just out of town. GREAT! BBQ! What a wonderful woman. I had just driven by it earlier that day. So we did a 180 and headed to "Country Boys BBQ"

We spent the time talking about the baby's arrival, thing to buy and things to do. Then the conversation turned to my Summer camp job. As we went down the list of things Dawnette suggested we invite a couple that could focus on watching and praying with the campers. We thought of "Papa John" who serves at Faith Quest and is a real encouragement to the teens.

Who... Who. It would be great if it were an Elder and his wife. We thought of Elders from several congregations that we have worked with and went down the list of our Shepherds.

"Jim and Connie Aker," I said. Jim is a Shepherd at our congregation and both he and his wife would serve well. I was excited to ask them to be "prayerful" about their summer plans the following day.

My back was to the door and Dawnette said, "Look, there's Mike and Linda," friends of Jim and Connie, "and there's Jim and Connie." "WHAT!" I turned around and ran up to them and said, "We were just talking about you guys." We sat with them at their table, though Dawnette and I had finished our dinner, we had a great time.

Coincidence? I don't think so. Movie... NO! Dinner at the soup place? NO! Dinner at the BBQ place YES! Talking about Camp and thinking of Jim and Connie... YES! Jim and Connie walk in to have dinner in the same restaurant that Dawnette and I are in... SPIRIT! It really wasn't even dinner time anymore.

This might be a stretch, but I think God works like this all the time. It's just we don't see it or we are not looking for it.

Even if Jim and Connie can't make it this summer, relationships were built and the body was given strength. Praise God for that.

So, what have YOU seen the Spirit of God do today?

peace.
johno~

It's hard to believe, but the time has come for a countdown. Thanks to my friends Zak and Kathy I have added a countdown to the next Thomas child.

FOUR! Well, it's one way to grow your youth ministry.

So much has happend and so much has been learned over the last 10+ years of being a father. Boy or girl, it doesn't matter to me. The other day someone asked Caleb what the boy name was... He didn't know, so they asked him what the girls name was and he said, "We're not having TWO babies." I think he's praying extra hard for a brother.

I have seen God's grace more in my life as I raise kids. It's amazing how many times I ask God, "What can I do to be your child?" I realize it's as silly a question as if my kids asked me how they could more my kids. They're my kids. They can't do anything to be more my child. What they do, is sleep in peace under my wing. They Drink from the water that I provide. They Listen to my words to bring them the fullest life. They love their family... There is nothing they can do to make me love them more. I LOVE THEM. Even when they walk away from me. I will love them.

What a picture of Grace.

Children are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

I am so excited to meet this new Thomas kid. The clock is counting down.

peace.

I might get in trouble for this, but... watch this video and remember, it's the "injured bad" who need a doctor.

peace.

Well, it's been a rough week. I've been fighting a cold for over a week now and have been very busy with work. I have a fraction of my smell back, but I'm still stuffy and short about 15 hours of sleep. BTW, do you know what coffee tastes like when you can't smell? Like dirty water. It makes you wonder?

Anyhow, we finished this week, tonight, with a wonderful fellowship dinner, "Agapé Feast."

We built four sections of the world: Asia, Africa, Italy, and Spain in our multi-purpose room. It took us over a month to put it together, but we did it. I know it seems like a lot of work, however, I don't believe we should sell it short when it comes to kingdom work. Dinners to visits to mission fields. Why do we spend a month working hard for a three hour dinner? Because we can. We build great fellowship and the chance for outreach. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, so why not? ALL THINGS. Don't get me on a soap box

We had about a 135 members and guests plus our servers. One of our students who comes on his own invited his mom and dad...They came. It was GREAT!

It's great to get Christians and not-yet-Christians gathered together in Jesus' name. We watched chapter 9 from Matthew, The Visual Bible. Take a look at that chapter and count how many people and groups of people come into contact with Jesus in one day. Count each group as one.

What number did you get? What are your thoughts? I'm curious.

peace.

Johnathan, how could I give you up?
My heart turns against it.
When Johnathan was a child I loved him,
I myself taught him to walk,
I took him in my arms;
Yet he has not understood that I was the one looking after him.
I led him with reins of kindness,
with leading-strings of love.
I was like someone who lifts an infant close against his cheek;
stooping down to him I gave him his food.
How could I treat you like Admah,
or deal with you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils from it,
my whole being trembles at the thought.
I will not give reign to my fierce anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again,
For I am God, not man;
I am the holy one in your midst
and have no wish to destroy.

Hosea 11:1a, 3-4, 8c-9

(An exercise from Brennan Manning's book, The Ragamuffin Gospel)

peace.
johno~

I remember the 80's very well. Most of it was tied to music for me. I remember getting my first "boom box" for my birthday and one of my first cassette tapes was a band called U2. The album was The Unforgettable Fire released in 1984 and I have been a fan ever since.

I know some of you have a hard time understanding this... Jason and Dan... That's OK, keep trying.

Recently Bono was chosen by Time magazine a person of the year. If you can find a copy, check it out. Even more recent, Bono (lead singer for the band U2), was invited by President Bush to speak at he National Prayer breakfast in Washington, Feb 2. If you have 20 minutes check it out here.

Bono is a "Ragamuffin" Christian. He's rough, very rough around the edges. Although I cannot subscribe to eveything he says, I can't subscribe to everything "I" say. One thing Bono shared was this:

"A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life -- in countless ways, big and small. I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I - I'd be saying, "Look, I've got a new song...Would you look out [for it]. I have a family; I'm going away on tour -- please look after them. I have this crazy idea. Could I have a blessing on it."

And this wise man asked me to stop. He said, "Stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Get involved in what God is doing -- because it’s already blessed. Well, let's get involved in what God is doing. God, as I say, is always with the poor. That's what God is doing. That's what He’s calling us to do."

My friend Jeff Cash shares a wonderful story about the difference that can be made when we get involved in what God is doing. Samuel is a wonderful young man who has been blessed as have many others throught the missionary efforts of the Cash family. They are not alone. They need your prayers and support.

Samuel is a blessed story. Others in his family have not faired as well. Others in his village never got the chance for anything. I believe Jesus provided a way for Jeff to pass by this once small boy who would have died if it were not for the efforts of Jeff and other Christians...

"It’s not a coincidence that in the Scriptures, poverty is mentioned more than 2,100 times. It’s not an accident. That’s a lot of air time. You know, the only time Jesus Christ is judgmental is on the subject of the poor. "As you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." [I] believe that's Matthew 25:40."
-Bono, in his National Prayer Breakfast address,

Get involved with what God is doing because it's already blessed.

Preach it Bono!

peace.
johno~