A personal journey lead by the Spirit

Happy Birthday to me and my midlife crisis.

2008-05-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

38... THIRTY-EIGHT!

Well, another year down and one day closer to dying. I know that doesn't sound fun but, it's true.

This morning I got up around 5:10 AM grabbed my camera and headed to the mountains. After a short conversation and a kiss to my wife, I was driving down the highway. I really had no idea where I was going, but I thought I might find something up the Tumwater canyon.

I tried to keep it simple since I realized no one really knew my exact location, and a fall from a mountain resulting in injury or death would have had people searching for months.

As I exited my car and left the tune, "Beautiful Day," I grabbed my cameras and headed out... alone. What a peaceful time. Sounds of rushing water, birds and other critters I could only hear, singing, "Happy Birthday to YOU!" How nice.

I got down and dirty getting up close to some glacier lilies and some other flowers I have yet to identify. I wish I had my book with me, but alas, homework for later.

Anyhow, I really didn't want to talk about my birthday but rather, my midlife crisis...

It's hard to say this here, but I've given it a lot of thought and feel now is the time to let everyone know... I've been cheating on the side and I can't stay here anymore... There, it's out... Finally!

Since I first started with Blogger in September of 2005, I didn't know what kind of relationship blogger and I would have... I love blogs and the communities therein... However, I've worked around ridged blogger approved templates and longed to bring more of my personality to blogland. I had seen others using garbage like "myspace" "facebook" blah, blah, blah... But one caught my eye... WordPress. She wasn't perfect, but then neither was I. I heard that you could host WordPress on your site and with some modification you could really stretch your creativity and not look so much like everyone else.

I think Blogger, found out I was looking, because she made several changes. However, the changes she made, made me more confused that I was before. Don't get me wrong... I love blogger. I cut my teeth on blogger. But, now it's time for me to take the next step.

If you come to this site via http://road2gaza.blogspot.com/ , you'll continue to see this same old post, over and over again.

However, if you visit this spot via, http://www.johnathanthomas.com , you'll be pointed to the new site, that looks a lot like this site, just easier for me to manage.

The OFFICIAL SITE IS:
http://blog.johno.org

So, there you have it... My mid life crisis.

I love you blogger. We will always be friends, but it's time for me to go.

goodbye.
johno~

hear O Israel... Part 3

2008-04-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

(Panorama taken from the top of Mt. Tabor)

It has yet to cease in it's amazement the fury and pace of my time in Israel. I have had more thoughts and questions, insights and renewed conviction than ever before in my life. I think it's what draws this story line out. It seems to be more and more a part of my daily life.

Photos do tell a story. I guess that's why I love photography. Jesus told word pictures called parables... "The Kingdom of heaven is like..." a man who... a woman who... a mustard seed... a treasure... a net... king... a landowner... Jesus had a way of drawing the crowd into a physical thing to reveal a spiritual thing.

I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

What an image... Children? hmm.

In Israel, things are very physical. I know that sounds like a stupid statement and it probably is. However, growing up in a protestant/restorationist movement, I was always taught physical wasn't the point. We don't worship idols or anything physical because God is spirit and we only worship in spirit and truth. It was the scripture that said, "you believe because you've seen, blessed are those who believe but have never seen." So for me the physical Israel vs. the Spiritual Israel, started to clash in my system... and I had been in Israel less than 24 hours. Everything that I had read about, that I believed about I was seeing. My photos and my eyes began to capture glimpses of the kingdom of heaven.

After leaving Nazareth, Nir and I headed further north to Mt. Tabor.

Mt. Tabor sits at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, 11 miles (17 km) west of the Sea of Galilee. Its elevation at the summit is 1,843 feet (575 m) high and believe me, it seems higher. It is used in Scripture as a symbol of majesty. Jeremiah 46:18 (NASB) “‘As I live,’ declares the King Whose name is the Lord of hosts, ‘Surely one shall come who looms up like Tabor among the mountains, Or like Carmel by the sea’” It is majestic.

As we made the climb, in our vehicle not with our legs, I was amazed at the view. It is no wonder early church fathers would have considered this to be a place of importance and claimed it for the majesty of Christ's Transfiguration. And that is what lies at the top of this mountain, the Basilica of the Transfiguration.

The date of the earliest churches on Mt. Tabor is unknown. The Anonymous Pilgrim of Piacenza saw three basilicas in 570. Willibald, 8th Century, mentions only one church dedicated to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. The current church was built in 1924 and belongs to the Franciscans.

There were a few pilgrims there... some were re-reading the accounts from their bibles Matthew chapter 17 or perhaps Mark 9, and I found myself having a hard time relating. My mind and my teaching was screaming, "THIS IS NOT THE PLACE!" "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

My spiritual instruction taught:
Mt. Tabor is probably not the location for the Transfiguration: 1) Jesus and his disciples are in the region of Caesarea Philippi just prior to the Transfiguration. 2) The general location of the mountain is not isolated. Much traffic passed by through the Jezreel Valley below. 3) A military fort was located on top of the mountain and was clearly in use during the Hasmonean period and the time of the Jewish Revolt, and likely would have been in Jesus' day as well. Lastly, we just don't know.

For a moment it felt like I was standing on a mental soapbox screaming, Christmas is not Jesus' birthday... We don't know when he was born." instead of embracing the memory of Peters words, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here."

As I stepped into the church, it seemed to be more simple than I would have thought.

The monk was eyeing Nir and I... I was scared that he might tell us to stop shooting pictures. However, he never said a word.

I noticed a room set off in the back of the church, almost hiding... I'm not sure what the room was for but it's contents were simple.

a small cross atop a table. What struck me was the simple physical presence of the cross, almost begging me to come and sit at the table.

As I left the room, I found a back pew with a bench for kneeling in prayer. (side note, why don't we have those in our churches today?) I knelt down and asked for forgiveness and grace.

Christ was 100% man, physical and 100% God. I cannot embrace only half of that message.

I'm still not sure if this is the place we read about in the bible... most likely it is not. However, it is holy ground. "For where two or three come together in my name," Jesus says, "there I am with them."

As we went down the mountain, I know Nir wondered my thoughts... He asked several times. It seems like I could never really express them because I was overwhelmed at so many points. I hope the times I spoke were clear enough. I remember a question he asked often, "Is this an important place to you?" His hospitality on a scale of 1-10 was 11+.

As we made our trek into Tiberius we arrived at the sea of Galilee for the night. I was low on laundry and needed to drop them by the cleaners. Nir's unfailing GPS "girlfriend" got so mad at us she stopped talking and led us into empty back ally ways. she kept telling us to turn right. "Yamina" I'm sure I've misspelled it. a few phone calls later, my laundry was in the proper hands.

We had a wonderful dinner and returned to the YMCA hostel for a good nights rest.

The sun came early, the weather was wonderful and a new day was about to begin.

peace.
johno~

For my friend Jason and his dog Sinopah.

2008-04-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

Once again, I found a video, most likely seen by everyone but me. I had to post this video for my friend Jason and any others who enjoy having a family dog.

peace.
johno~

Hear O Israel... Part 2

2008-04-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine it's been three months since my trip. So much has taken place since then. What seems to have been so near, now seems so far away. As I revisit my photographical journey, I seem to have more questions, thoughts, joys and some regrets. Regrets in only that I could have done more, asked more or said more. Ever have that feeling?

Again, much thanks and love to friend, Nir and his family. Without their contribution and generosity none of this would have happened.

As I arrived in Israel, I new I was not in Kansas. I gathered my luggage and before I could walk through the exit, a plain clothed man approached me and said something in hebrew... (Oh if only I had taken hebrew in college and not ancient greek)

He soon realized, I guess by the dumbfound look on my face and my response of, "what?" that english was my primary language. He then asked what I had in my luggage create, where I was traveling from and a few other things... of which I was still trying to think of all the gifts I had brought from Africa... "Gifts, dolls, baskets, headlamp, water bottles... I was going down the list trying to be as detailed as possible, until he said, "OK GO!" I think he must have thought, "This guys to stupid to be a threat."

As I exited into the arrival terminal, I was eagerly looking for a face that I had only seen via the internet. Do you every remember the first time you met someone and saw them for the first time?

This is the view from my friend Nir... I can only wonder what he was thinking as he fired away with his camera. What a joy it was to see a familiar face.

As we made our way out of the airport in the early morning, I knew the journey of a lifetime was taking place... and I knew I needed coffee.

We drove north to Galilee talking about my time in Africa and the discussing the detailed itinerary Nir had worked so hard on. Nir was very thoughtful about making sure I got to see everything I wanted to see. The truth is... Had I only had a short layover and had coffee with my friend, I would have had everything I needed. SO, everything else was a bonus.

As we drove north, we saw the sign for Megiddo, known to Christians as Armageddon. Why not. How many times in ones life do they get to visit the final battle ground between good and evil. Although I have a bit of a different take on the writing of the apostle John than most premillinialist, I still thought it would be nice to see.

Ruins of Megiddo

View facing Nazareth. City on left side hilltop

a tunnel that led to water, which kept Megiddo strong while under siege."

reconstructed map room of Megiddo

In all a very impressive location. What really struck me was the beauty of the surrounding area. I didn't think of war or battles, I thought of peace.

As we made our way further north we drove to Nazareth.

I kept thinking of the story of Philip and Nathanael, John 1:43-50

Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, "We've found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It's Jesus, Joseph's son, the one from Nazareth!" Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding."

- the Message

I've always wondered about that verse. Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Nazareth? You've got to be kidding. The funny thing is, the first thing I really saw was a KFC. You've got to be kidding. The stomping grounds of Jesus' youth... KFC. Not only KFC but a Toys 'R' Us. It was getting worse as we drove further into the city.

But the faithful guide that I had, led me not to fast food chains or Junk '4' Them, rather, he took me to the ruins of "Mary's" home which has a church built around it.

"Basilica of the Annunciation"

WOW! my first old "church" building. Now, as a "restoration" kid, one who has tried to eliminate 2000 years of human intervention and legal tradition of Christendom, a church building is just a building. The people make it holy. As I took in the sites and firing away with my camera...

"mosaic image at the Basilica of the Annunciation church"

a man approached us, speaking quickly and in a angry tone and of course, not in english. Nir approached him and listened. Returning to me, Nir's first words were, "OK, this man was very rude, and..." Great! My first interaction with a church person and he's rude. We were told we could not bring in our "big" cameras and if we wanted to take pictures we could only use small point and shoot's. What the? He didn't even ask our names, he didn't say welcome or praise the Lord you are here. He assumed, demanded and was rude. None of which I find in the "fruit of the Spirit." Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self Control. What really hurt was this, my friend Nir respects my faith, but it is not his belief. He's taken time away from his family to show me some "holy" sites and this is the message the church gives to strangers. I was ashamed.

Now this is why this story comes in so many parts. I've struggled with questions of how we in the US, treat people who step on our holy ground. Not just in our building, but in our lives. Have they been close to the presence of the Messiah, the one who lives in you, only to be shut down or shut up? My feeling is that we have been guilty of the same assumptions in the church. Not church buildings but the church people... the body, the community of believers. Where is our repenting? Where is our memory of salvation and grace in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us?

As we entered into the "church building" it seemed that mass was taking place. Knowing what I do know, I'm surprised they even let us in during communion. This is what I saw:

silent angel

Mass behind closed gates

an elegant building with empty pews

a small window to heaven

I'm not sure if you are thinking the same thoughts that are running though my head. But it was not anything like the Jesus I had read about or the church that I've read about.

people on the outside not sure if they could come in. I guess that's why Jesus went out to the mountainside... to find people.

Of course you may note, we did use our cameras inside when no one was looking. My apologizes to the owner.

As we left, I realized I want to be less critical and more loving. Love God, Love your neighbor.

I want to stop making it hard for people to meet Jesus.

bars above the gate to the church

Peace.
johno~

Happy 9th Birthday Miriam!

2008-04-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

:full slideshow here:

Yesterday was a GREAT day. Miriam celebrated her 9th birthday on April 9th. When your age matches your birth date, it's a special time. GOLDEN.

I hope you never forget the wonderful day you had... I love you.

Papa.

Hear O Israel... Part 1

2008-03-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

The long awaited story begins...

It's been a while since my last post. Yes, I still need to share about my trip to Uganda, however, I want to start with Israel.

The Talmud teaches that “Ten measures of beauty descended on the world—nine were taken by Jerusalem, one by the rest of the world. There is no beauty like the beauty of Jerusalem.

“The sights are too many. They swarm about you at every step; no single foot of ground in all Jerusalem or within its neighborhood seems to be without a stirring and important history of its own.”

-Mark Twain

This is just how I feel about all of Israel. I cannot count the blessings I have had poured out on me during the last months. If I could share completely with you what has taken place in my life, you would understand my absence in blogger land. So, dust off those RSS readers or at least add mine back to your list and I will try to pick up this thing called blogging again.

Every life is a story. I would ask you, "what's yours?" but that would be something for your blog. Mine is an adventure. It is abundant and overflowing. Thank you Lord.

About 4 years ago, I had entered a picture into Kodak Picture of the Day. I had learned about the POTD through dgrin, a photographers forum sponsored by Smugmug. Through that forum, I met many wonderful people... Andy, who took a picture of my picture displayed in Time Square, Ginger, a wonderful lady and photographer who passed away summer of 2007... The list goes on and on.

But there is one more... Nir Alon.

Nir and I first started our conversation over an article he had written on Ein-Karem, the traditional birth place of John the Baptist. One email lead to another and another and another. An internet friendship was born.

It's funny... Meeting Nir's wife, Dorit, for the first time, she said she had a hard time explaining to her friends that her husband was spending three days in northern Israel with a man he met on the internet. (I still laugh every time I share that) I apologize Dorit.

Anyhow, an internet friendship was born. The truth is this, I would not have made my trip to Israel such a priority had it not been for the friendship developed with Nir and his family.

Nir is a very talented photographer of which he will disagree because he is also humble. He has highly recognized by his community through projects like "In Spite Of" and his current project, Malkis Legacy. On top of all this, he is a Husband and father of three. Although his oldest, Uri is out of the house serving in the Navy, his two daughters, Tamar (17?) and Hila (13) are keeping him on his toes.

It was a wonderful time. Although Nir and I have different views on Faith, it didn't stop our conversation. It was a joy to share my perspective on faith in his land and also to hear of his perspective on the state of Israel. (So many have given their lives for Israel... It's a beautiful place because the cost is high). Meeting Nir and spending time with him on the "road" fulfilled more than both he or I could ever know.

My blog title is "road to gaza" which Nir tells me, "Gaza could be interpreted as 'Hell.'" Nice, the "Road to Hell" Never thought about it that way. I of course took the name from the book of Acts and the story of Philip and the Ethiopian conversion. The point was inspired by people you meet on the road not the destination. (Although, having said that, I meet a lot of people who's lives are a road leading to hell... They are harassed, helpless and without hope) Nir and I traveled a road... not to Gaza, which is a good thing since the time I was there, conflict was heavy and still is as of the writing of this blog.

No, our road led to different places...

Jerusalem, City of Gold and the home of Nir Alon. I'm not sure what seeds fell, where they fell or how much yield will come from the crop of our journey together. I only know what has started to grow in my life because of my friendship and my life is changed for the better.

As I continue to share in future parts of this story, you will hear my questions and thoughts about the physical vs. the spiritual, the traditional vs. the mystery and the humanity vs. the humanity. It was a lot to take in. I only know I missed most of it. Yet, what I did manage to capture will stay with me forever. Some are photos, some are thoughts... all of it is heart.

peace.
johno~

The Pearl of Africa

2008-01-31T11:50:00.001-08:00

I've uploaded my first set of photos from my trip to Uganda. These are the few I thought made the "cut."
I do have a few more from the G9 I haven't gotten to yet. I'll let you know when those are up.

Here's the "SLIDESHOW"

Here's the "GALLERY"

I have others that didn't make the "5 Star" cut and I also have the game park and Israel pictures to post.

More to come.

peace.
johno~

Home

2008-01-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

It's been one week since my return home and I guess I should post something before everyone thinks I've died. I'm alive and well. It's taken about a week to get my self back on track. Jet lag... you've got to love it.

Anyhow, As I get back into the swing of things, I hope to start my new year of blogging with some changes. My plan is to combine the many blogs I have into one SUPERBLOG! I would love to continue a photo project... (I still have to complete last years. I have it, I just have to finish it) and I would love to continue to write about the great things regarding my personal journey lead by the Spirit. However, it just might have a different name and site. Some have told me to switch to Wordpress, others have told me to stay with Blogger... I don't know where I will end up, however, www.johnathanthomas.com should get you there wherever that might be.

As far as the trip goes... I really don't think I could do justice with my limited vocabulary and the time I have for now... SO... It was Amazing. Of course my time in Africa was a wonderful experience and I have much to share... but, my journey also lead me to Israel where I was able to spend some time with a great friend and his family.

Many thoughts and stories to come later... I promise.

Until then I am working on some of the 6500 photo I took on my month trip away. It looks like 10% will be keepers. Verdict is still out.

So until then, I've chosen my favorite picture from the entire trip to share until I get the rest posted at www.lightexposure.org.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.

peace.
johno~

Ready or Not

2007-12-27T00:44:00.001-08:00

I sit here on a sofa, up to late typing my final words before I take off on a trip around the world.

I look forward to this adventure and all the stories.

peace.
johno~

Ebola, Tanks and Peace

2007-12-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

A crazy two more weeks before I leave for Uganda and from there to Israel. I am keeping my eyes wide and my heart open. What will God put before me to see, witness and touch? What attacks from the "enemy" are coming my way?

God is most powerful and to be trusted... however, that doesn't mean it all works out the way "I" want.

In the last few weeks, I can see God saying, "Trust me."

Recently, there has been an Ebola virus outbreak in Bundibugyo... not to far from Fort Portal... and in Israel, tanks have pushed the boarders in the Gaza Strip.

Both situations, significant to an American on a short term mission trip... yet, everyday to those living beyond the boarders of a culture to self centered.

Still I find peace.

Peace that passes all understanding and a peace beyond all doubt.

Keeping up with Dr. Myhres blog, regarding the Ebola virus, I found one reflection that really touched me.

My mind keeps reaching back to some words of the Psalms which I can’t place, though a thousand have fallen at my side, yet I will trust.
We feel the falling of Jonah so acutely, we were both on the same front line of the same battle fighting side by side, yet he went down and we have not.
I know I can’t trust in anything other than God . . . Certainly not in not dying, which is not guaranteed, as Jonah shows. If we make it through this then what about the next tragedy? Safety is not the basis of trust. Instead our trust needs to be in God, inexplicable God, dangerous God, other-than-us God, who does not order this world according to our will, but knows more than we do and loves more deeply.

As viruses are contained and peace talks resume, I think of the next tragedy... and I trust.

I admire a faith that finds itself writing such powerful words as those above. Complete trust. It's where I want to be... It's where I am going.

peace.
johno~

look at my thoughts

2007-11-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

To all my friends following my ramblings...

Many of you received an email from me or have read my past blog outlining a project which would teach photography to students during my short stay in Uganda. After talking with the local missionaries, they feel, and I agree, that the timing is not right for such a project as previously described.

My heart is broke only because of the foothold the enemy has on so many African lives. Pray for Light. Jesus will win.

So where from here?

Look at my thoughts spins from other active organizations such as Cameras for healing and Kids with cameras - Zambia. However, it's purpose, as stated, is not only about photos, social awareness or learning a trade... It's life in Christ.

In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.

Giving children the chance to share where they see God working in the world and in the lives around them through the lens.

Right now I'm trying to re-work some "holes" in this project. Unrealistic ideas and tasks need to be visited. A sensitivity for culture needs to be in place and last but not least, financing.

Currently, I am working with a few other potential groups for 2008:
Portland, Central Washington and kids from the Navajo reservation in Arizona.

If you would like to volunteer your skill or if you know of a community that could be blessed by this project, please feel free to contact me.

peace.
johno~

"Images of our thoughts"

2007-10-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

To my friends and family,

A picture is worth a thousand words...

It has the power to freeze a moment, capture attention and strike emotion.

Photography isn't a "fixed" medium. It's an invitation for people to see the world through the eyes of another soul. A transparent look at someone's hurts, hopes, fears and dreams.

Dreams not only for America, but also an African dream.

A picture is worth a thousand words. It tells a story, shares lives and gives images of something more than self. It can be done, but most photographers don't take pictures of themselves... It's a bit awkward. The camera is not designed to be inward, it's purpose is outward, yet, it gives "images of their thoughts." The Gospel is also meant to be outward.

One of the greatest troubles in Africa today is the idea of a "prosperity gospel" which is no gospel at all. The idea that, "if I believe in God, he will bless me." "My goats won't die, my wife will have sons and I'll have clothes on my back." No one thinks, love my neighbor, instead it's, "love me, bless me... me... me." This thought must be defeated with Truth.

On December 27th, 2007 I will be heading to Uganda, Africa for a short term mission trip. I will be working with a youth camp started five years ago during our first trip. Among the many things on our list of "to do's", it is my goal to pull aside several leader students who will be willing to join the adventure of giving their lives through photography.

Several leaders will be chosen by local missionaries to take part in a 12 month photo training project. During my short term stay, I will be teaching stage one: photography skills to students and discussing photography techniques and biblical principles that will help leaders share a new Way of Life to their communities.

My hope is to teach the basic foundation that fulfills all the law and the prophets... Love God and love your neighbor.

Stage two will be under the oversight of local missionaries (Andrew Martin and Jeff Cash) providing film and film development for students during the year. Negatives will be mailed to me and I will review and comment via email on subjects, themes, etc. Students will continue to share moments of life in their communities through their pictures. Stories will be told. Lives will be shared. Memories made. Love God, love your neighbor.

What we need to do the job is camera equipment, batteries and portable printing capabilities.

If done right, I estimate $3000 needed for this project to be sustained for one year. This would be purchasing equipment and supplies needed for one year, including printing. My hope is a paradigm shift for leaders in their giving and receiving. With this, “Images of our thoughts” project will begin January 2008.

Many of us have a picture of our families. What joy those images bring. Will you share in giving that opportunity to an African dream?

First, pray. Our images of Africa have been ones of sadness, loss and hopelessness. Pray that God is enough and that we might see new images of Life.

Second, I'm asking for your financial support. Please pray about how you might be able to give financially to this effort. Do you have an extra 35mm film camera you would like to donate? We could use it. Film? Batteries? Digital cameras (5mp or higher)

The picture above was displayed in Time Square, New York on March 11th 2005. This little girl, the one photo has touch millions of hearts... I hope to find her again... She has changed my life.

Peace.
Johnathan Thomas

http:www.johnathanthomas.com
http:www.johno.org

Donations:
King's Orchard church of Christ
attn: Johnathan Thomas / Photography
PO Box 1019
Wenatchee, WA 98807

Never Run Alone

2007-10-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine asked me to consider something I might not ever have considered in my life... Running in a marathon. As I thought about it, I thought, "There are many who will never have the chance to run something like this." I, myself, struggled with asthma as a child and was unable to run free like many other children my age. Spared from having the same health condition now as in my childhood, I can run today without an attack that leaves me fighting for breath.

As I shared this task with another friend, he told me to watch a video... Team Hoyt.

It might take some time... however, I will run... but not alone.

peace.
johno~

Christian Rock

2007-09-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

Well, after my last post, which I know has been a while, I thought it would be nice to get things back on the road with a story and pictures from special treat the Thomas family took tonight. Believe it or not, Todd Agnew and Rush of Fools were here in Wenatchee. So I picked up some tickets for a chance to relive my youthful concert days. However, this was a little bit different concert than the ones I use to go to as a teen.

Rush of Fools are a group of kids who have some great talent to start with. I expect to see more of them in the future.

Todd Agnew was great. With the place to ourselves we had a great talk... I will add more on him later. Hint. Hint.

So here are a few pics of the Thomas kids at the end of their night

Rush of Fools and the Thomas kids

Todd Agnew and the Thomas kids

It was a wonderful family evening.

peace.
Johno~

U2

2007-08-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

Music is and will always be a part of my life. U2 has been the one rock band that I've enjoyed from my teen years to current. This music video, I found on youtube is one of my favorite U2 song and one of the best music videos I've ever seen on MTV... when MTV played music videos. It was 1987... I was 17... I can't believe it's been 20 years.

Ah! The Memories.

peace.
Johno~

Catching up with the Thomas kids

2007-08-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but... This summer has flown by. Most of the summers past I've been able to spend some time taking the kids to the park, swimming in the back or just chasing them around taking their pictures. It's August and it's cold. Today might break 90... the day we schedule dentist appointment at 3 PM for all the kiddos. Bummer.

Anyhow, I pulled out my camera and chased them all down. CLICK-A-TY, CLICK, CLICK.

Adam before his haircut

and after his haircut

Caleb was the hardest to pin down... can you tell?

Miriam always loves to pose for me... my little model.

Hannah... well, she's twelve and just thinks I'm a nut. Funny, she's just like me in so many ways. Look out world.

I love being a Papa. These are my gems. They are my life. I love each of them very much.

peace.
johno~

9 years today.

2007-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I realized after my last post, that today is August 15. This is my ninth year full-time ministry. I only promised five years and somehow, here I still remain.

I remember jumping on board to being the best youth minister I could be... As a teen, I wanted to be better that... Jeff Walling. I read all the books, ordered all the best curriculum from Willow Creek and other mega church groups. I remember my first Bible study with a family who after hearing all the "right" answers, said, "thanks for sharing... we'll think about it." WHA?

I remember the group of teens I "adopted." Teens anchored to church via activities and bribes. It was both fun and difficult. I entered this work in August with a remaining budget of $16 dollars and some change.

In the beginning teens didn't like to sing. One student told me we sing to much and it would be nice if we could play more games. I remember Sunday morning Bible classes. Key word would be "BIBLE" and most of the teens not showing up with BIbles. I started giving away Bibles the church owned. Better in a kids hands than on a shelf six days a week. I thought it was important to bring Bibles to Bible study class. After visiting with one of my mentors, Big Don Williams, I had an idea... It was gentler than his. It was called the "Bible Policy" by many. I just thought is was something to get active Christian students to bring a Bible to Bible class.

Needless to say... Some left because of this idea of "forcing children to bring "Bibles to Bible class" and sending them to class with their parents if they didn't. I have a 4 inch sealed envelope which contains many letters for and against my idea, including my response to the church leaders and families.

Dirt flew and all I could do was stand. I ask God why he made me come here? WHAT HAVE I DONE? I'LL NEVER LAST.

When the dirt settled I looked around and my enemy was gone. New families stepped up for the first time. From the ashes new birth began. The teens were no longer in charge.

I spent my time focusing on a mission statement, (which I cannot remember... I have had several over the years. However I think I will stick with the current mission statement... LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR) deciding what and where I would be going.

I continued to meet with the family I had first met with and a few short weeks later they gave their lives to Christ. Darren Coy is one of my closet friends today. I've never known a servant like Darren. He has so much to give and he gives more.

I also met a man named Steve Novak. He was a new Christian and not to involved... It was suggested to me I try to hook up with him and play golf. Golf? Could golf be a ministry? YES IT CAN. (although I suck at playing the game) Steve Novak and I would share a great journey. I will say that next to the "Bible Policy" thing, my journey with Steve has been a difficult journey.

I love Steve and I am so proud of him. It was hell to go through his divorce with him. I know most will still say, "it's not your fault" and "you don't really understand." I don't think anyone will understand the difficult time I went though watching my friend hurt like that. I am so glad to have watched him grow from that horrible battle and become stronger for the Lord.

After Steve's drama, I thought I might not make it though the year. This wasn't how ministry was suppose to go. I was hurt, I felt alone, I felt that I had failed.

It's funny the lies youth ministers believe. 1) Numbers count... the bigger the group, the better the ministry. (or the youth minister) 2) I'm strong, I teach Bible class, I know this stuff, I don't need to read the Bible for me... the Bible is me. 3) My relationship is great with my wife... I don't need to be accountable... it will never happen to me. (in 9 years, nine youth ministers have broken their vow and have been unfaithful to their spouse. Several more have abandoned their ministry jobs for a way of life that run contrary to even a worldly moral belief... let alone a Christ follower) 4) I give so much time to the church, I'm tired, they ask so much of me and I can't do everything. (Truth, many mismanage time, waiting until the last minute, bringing added stress and failure) I dare continue to write these lies. I only write what I know.

But the years move on and I met Dan. This may or may not be right, however... I have always called myself a "Jew". I am not a cultural Jew but a religious Jew, in the sense that I grew up knowing God. I was chosen. I grew up with the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I knew all the rules/law, the 10 commandments. I knew what was expected. I knew who was chosen and who was not. I was religious since diapers and I knew Jesus. (in reality, Jesus' rules are way harder to follow... it's because they are not rules but a Way of life)

Dan was and is great for me. It's because he is a gentile. (I dare write nice things about Dan because I know he reads this blog) When I was first told about Dan, he was described as "bizzaro johno" like bizzaro superman, everything that superman was, bizzaro superman was not. Everything Johno was"bizzaro johno, Dan" was not. We were the same but opposite.

Dan and I have many great conversation. Over 9 years of ministry, his baptism is still at the top of my most beautiful moments. Since that time, Dan has offered conversation that took me out of my "religious shell" and showed me God to the gentile. He has a wonderful spirit which is the Lord in him and he allows that to be used. I have so many great thoughts about Dan, I wish I could share them all in detail. (I might include them in my book)

It's funny that my greatest relationships have not been with teens, but the fathers of teens, like Don Wheeler.

Don grew up like me. Religious. He and I meet for coffee each Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM to share, listen and pray. I love his desire to explore God anew. I think Don is the one who can best relate to me and my background. We both find ourselves saying, "AH HA!" and things like, "you know, it really doesn't say that in the Bible." and "I've never looked at it that way before." Our journey is not over yet, I believe it's just getting started.

It's funny to think back when all I really wanted to do was make "SPIRITUAL GIANTS" out of the teens. I really don't know what that means today. What I desire and have experienced with these teens and these fathers is honesty.

Since I've been here there is another father I've come to know. He is at the top of close friends. He may not know how much he has caused me to search the scripture, pray and listen but my friend Nir, who lives in Jerusalem, has given me so much. An entire friendship via the internet. I would have never thought. (Nir, the stories you have shared with me about your son and daughters, you wife. You have given me an important image of the word father. You may not like it and we might not always agree, yet in all of this the Lord has worked through you to minister to me... and that's ok with me)

Though these men, God has worked. They each have challenged me in ways that have allowed me to see ministry differently.

To be honest, I really don't think I am very good at youth ministry. Actually, I surprised it's still a title on my business card. (I make my own business cards, so i guess it's my fault) As I get older I have a hard time keeping up with all the new music, movies, what's in and what's out. Clothes in fashion and those out. The latest lingo I'm afraid to use because I'm still not sure if "fo Shizzle" is a cuss word.

I do love teens, I can't see myself doing anything else. (although the opportunities always show their faces) I want to die working with teens... which could be sooner that later it I attempt anymore world record slip-n-slides or champion dodge ball tournaments.

I love students who are radical, irresistible and revolutionary. God started youth ministry in Numbers chapter 14.

26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. 30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected.

Nineteen and younger. God became a youth minister.

I've not made it to the end so the verdict is still out... However, it's been a God thing for nine years. Even in my rebellion against the things of God he placed certain men around me and the people who I came to serve, they served me. Never before had I thought of youth ministry being a father thing... (I had never had a biological father around) I'm thankful for the father ministry I've been a part of.

Luke 1 quotes Malachi:

16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

To make ready a people prepared for the Lord... It helps when the hearts of the father turn to their children.

Deuteronomy 6

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 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.

I'm not sure where the Lord will lead me beyond this point. I hope I am obedient to listen. (I'm very selfish and stubborn. Jonah 1:15)

I suppose this is what happens when you yield to post for two months. Call this post my "Peter Jackson" post... EPIC (Jas, you are not void in this story... your dirty paw prints are in every paragraph)

peace.
johno~

Trying to figure this out and live it

2007-08-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

~Proverbs 30:8-9

peace.
johno~

15

2007-06-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

What do you do with all that video shot at your wedding? Edit it together and give it to your wife.

To my wife, my lover, my friend...
I love you more then ever before. Happy 15th anniversary.

Always and forever.
Johnathan~

Nicknames

2007-06-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about nicknames... I've had mine since high school... (Johno) Anyone else have a nickname that's lasted as long as mine? 20 years?

I think I received mine by default by hanging out with a guy named Dean... We called him Deano. Together Deano and I had a DJ group with two other high school friends, Darryl and Jeff. Darrylo and Jeffo didn't really click, but Deano and Johno somehow did. I kind of wish it had more of a story. Something with flair.

So, when do you out grow them? Is it OK if you want to keep it? Would it be bad to have it on your tombstone?

Anyhow, I was just curious about others who have nicknames... What's yours and how did you get it?

btw, my wife doesn't call me johno, she calls me JT, and when I'm in trouble she calls me Johnathan Matthew.

peace.
johno~

Innovative Help Desk

2007-05-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

I, sometimes, get behind on good "youtube" videos. (I just wish I had the time) I'm sure many of you have seen this one already. It's just fitting for me as our church is moving forward with some innovative ideas. Thank goodness for the "Help Desk."

Hope you enjoy.
peace.
johno~

Chasing the fields of hills turned green

2007-05-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Breaking free, ready to fly
Head down, on the ground tethered by my side
Don’t they know I want to be free
Look through my eyes, you might just see

I'm Chasing the field of hills turned green
Open to the things unseen
Redemption red, winter white
She Lights my darkness and helps me fly

“Ending poverty” they say, is just a lie
Dying in a dirt street, hear little children cry
One man opened up the door
Giving more than bread crumbs off the floor

To those chasing the field of hills turned green
Open to the things unseen
Redemption red, winter white
She Lights their darkness and helps them fly

One step doesn’t make you walk
One word doesn’t make you talk
It’s the child who gets up again
And the child who’s life is in your hands

Who am I to think I AM
I’m just a beggar with a secret plan
Crawling on a old wood floor
With a map to find an open door

To the fields of hill turned green
Seeing all the things unseen
Redemption red like winter white
No more darkness only Light

Ready to fly

peace.
johno~

Road to Gaza (part 5) Conclusion

2007-05-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, God chose the Jewish nation to proclaim His name; announce Him to the world. He could have picked a stronger nation like Egypt or Rome or someone else, but He didn’t. God has always taken the less the smaller to show His power. Now the Peace has come. Funny, it really didn’t look like what we thought it would look like. However, the promise still came in a lowly manger.

The Promise came in the lowest form, with all odds against it and by the power of God became flesh. God would come to where we are and rescue us with His power not ours. This is what we were made for. It’s the “Mitzvah”, the command given to us long ago never to forget.

These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.

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 upon 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.

Some of you may remember one of my first blog entries, On the road. It was my turn to listen to the Spirit. I will let you re-read the story If you like.

In short, Whitney was from the South, Texas. She was broke. She was an un-wed mother who just gave up her child to adoption. She knew God, but was losing hope because she didn’t know “who” He was talking about. Am I stretching this? Very contrasting to the Ethiopian eunuch, yet, the spirit led me to her to remind her of the LORD and his promise. He met her where she was… on a street curb.

Jesus said this, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Mitzvah, which means commandment or Mitzvot [plural] which means commandments.

How would our world be changed it we lived by these two Mitzvot? I’d like to find out.
I believe God placed “certain people in certain place at certain times so that they might reach out for Him and grab hold of Him because He is not far from each one of us.” We all travel the road everyday; are we listening to the spirit? Do we share the Mitzvah along the road? Do we live the Mitzvah?

The “Road to Gaza” describes, for me, the story of God meeting a man right where he is. What is my response everyday as I listen to the spirit?

Each person I meet, wherever I am, is the commandments [mitzvot] to love the LORD and proclaim his promises in the Messiah and love my neighbor so that we might have fellowship with the LORD someday in heaven. It gives me hope and builds strength even when I don’t know the final out come, I know what it looks like because of faith.

I grew up alone as a child. No father around, mother working all the time I felt alone. However, many people met me on the road to show me something about the LORD’S love for me.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [the temple] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commandments [mitzvot] and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

One of the men who walked with me on the “road” told me this good news, and when I ask him, "what do I do now?" he said, “share this with someone else.” He left, to Texas, and I went away, to college, rejoicing. Well, I wasn't happy about school work... you know what I mean. Rejoicing about not being an orphan boy, a bastard child. Rather, a true child of God the Father.

The “Road to Gaza” is my journey following and listening to the Spirit of the LORD. It is not about simple nods and greetings along the road as you pass by people. It is walking 140km or farther alongside one another telling the story of the new covenant. Some will leave rejoicing. Other might choose to take another road. That’s ok, I’ll still be walking and I'm sure I'll meet some more people along the road.

I hope this answers the question, “Why the Road to Gaza?’” It is not a short answer. Sorry. However, it’s an honest answer. It may also answer why my blog entries drop off here and there. It's me asking myself the question, “am I listening to the Spirit?” Empty spaces reveal a transparent answer.

I do desire more accountability. I want to listen and see more. It’s one of the reasons I started my 52 people photo blog. Who are the people I’m walking with? It makes you stop and look around. Daily being lead by the Spirit.

To my friend who asked this question, thank you. You know me a little better now. Maybe more than you ever wanted too. You are one of my best friends though we have never met face to face. When the day comes, if we are not to old, I would love to literally walk this road with you.

Peace.
Johno~

Road to Gaza (part 4)

2007-05-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

(I hope to conclude this in one more part. It's a long road... about 140km)
The Ethiopian asks, “Who is this man talking about? Himself or someone else?” It’s with this scripture Philip shares the “Good News” of Jesus. What did Philip say? What story of Jesus came out? As I look at the relationship of Isaiah 53 to what took place in Jesus’ life, I can see there are many similarities to his “sacrifice”. If this scripture does refers to Jesus as the Messiah, then he [Jesus] is the atonement sacrifice for our sins that was promised. God is keeping his covenant with His people to rescue them.

As I explore this story in Isaiah, as a father, I’ve come to look at things a bit different. If any of my children were hurt or lost, believe me, I would never stop looking for them. Some of you reading this have lost your children in the shopping mall or somewhere else and know what I mean. If someone tried to harm my children, I would take any the abuse or pain that I could to save them. Sometimes they do get hurt or sick and I wish I could take it all away or transfer it to myself. If I could, I would. If someone took something that belonged to them and wouldn’t give it back, I might get it back for them or give them something better. That’s how much I love them. This is what I believe to be the "Nature of God" and the "Image of God" that I am "made in." That God, as a father, would desire all of the above for me… That’s good news.

So I wanted to know what “good news” was in Isaiah for this Ethiopian eunuch and here are some of the things I found in Isaiah 53, 54, 55 that connect well with the message of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven:

who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.

He was pierced for our transgressions.

The LORD makes His life a guilt offering.

He poured out His life until death.

For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my unfailing kindnesses promised to David.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.

Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor."

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

Truly, many of these words speak of a wonderful Creator [Elohim] who desires relationship. A Father [Abba} who has the best in mind for his children even when they do not understand His ways. But, what’s the deal with the Ethiopian eunuch? How does any of this relate? I would read the story in the book of Acts, then jump over into Isaiah 53 to confirm this testimony, then back to Acts to see the final statements.

Until one day I walked the journey, [read] long enough to travel [the road] into Isaiah chapter 56. I had, many times before, stopped reading this prophecy of Isaiah at chapter 55, but not this time.

Isaiah 56

Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people." And let not any eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree."
For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

“Who is this man talking about, himself or someone else?” He's talking of the Messiah and he's talking to YOU! It is the message of God to a chosen people let loose. God would come into the world to save the world. Whoever could keep his commands, they would find themselves inside the gate. God’s love is for all men, all nations. His rescue would be so that all could come to the holy mountain. A new kingdom come.

I can’t imagine what was going on in this Ethiopians mind as these words came up. According to the law he would not be able to enter the temple courts and offer a sacrifice but this prophecy changes everything when you include the story of Jesus.

“God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who would believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

“The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

“Jesus came so we might have life and have it abundantly.”

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

“Then the teachers demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"
Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."
The teachers replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"

“He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Philip was telling “good news” to this devout man of God. When Jesus was crucified and gave up his spirit, the "Temple curtain tore in two from top to bottom." God would no longer be confined by a building made man, rather, He would dwell in the “temple” of His [God’s] creation, man. Finally.

If I could sacrifice myself in place of my children to set them free, as a father, I would... However, God did.

peace.
johno~

Road to Gaza (part 3)

2007-04-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

(As I continue this journey of thoughts and words, I almost feel as if the end of this story may be, somewhat, anti-climatic or leave many readers fogged in mystery, thinking to themselves, “Huh?” At this point, I would like to say this is my “Epiphany” for better words. As I break for the weekend to rest, I want everyone to know I am still walking this journey. If it sheds any Light, that's a good thing... at least for me and maybe the reader).

Based on several ancient text, there are a few different thoughts about the man named Philip in the above account. Some readers of this “travelers” story consider Philip to be the “Apostle” Philip. Others believe he was a lesser man, Philip the “evangelist” chosen by the “Apostles” to fulfill the duties of a servant in assisting widows and distribution of food freeing up the Apostles to teach. Two different men or just one man could be debated, I’m sure, until the end of time. Yet, Philip the Apostle according to the testimony of John, was a man who knew the law of Moses and the Prophets.

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.

-John 1:43-46

Whichever Philip this was, he knew something about the sacred text, the law, the prophets and the good news of Jesus. He had just finished teaching and preaching Jesus when the Spirit of the LORD told him to head South on a certain road the desert road. I’m not sure how the Spirit communicated this but I doubt he could have ignored it. In listening he ended up on the “road to Gaza” and met another man. Not just any old man, he was a foreigner, wealthy, a eunuch and a Jew.

What I know about this Ethiopian man is this:

A foreigner:
He was also “an important official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.” A friend of mine, Nir Alon, in Israel wrote a wonderful piece with incredible photos about the Ethiopian Jewish faith and culture here. This story helped me realize more about this man who Philip encountered from another country. He was no accidental Jewish believer. Nir's story helped give flesh to this man for the first time in my life.

Wealthy:
In charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He owned a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. The very fact that he owns his own scripture is a sign of wealth. Without the printing press, hand written scrolls were a luxury which many at the time never had. He also had servants and a chariot.

Eunuch:
Another strange thing included was, well he was… a eunuch. YIKES! Some form of this mutilation in ancient times included the removal of one or both lower male genital parts.) I must assume he was a VERY loyal servant to the queen before she became queen and that she trusted him very much with the wealth of her country.

Jew:
TRAIN WRECK!
This wealthy Jewish foreign man travels from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to the Holy city to worship God and make his sacrifice at the Holy Temple and is now on his way home via the road to Gaza. Run on sentence I know, but there is a problem… This was a Holy set apart place. The worship of the Lord in the temple had rules. The Temple mount is even well guarded today and there is no Temple.

According to the Torah, Deuteronomy 23:1, “No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the Lord.” also, any "alien who wishes to take part in the passover must be circumcised."

How could this man find his way into the promises of the Lord? How could this covenant be fulfilled with him since the law set him apart?

I can’t help wonder what was going on in this Ethiopian eunuchs mind when he traveled all this way to Jerusalem to present his offering and his pilgrimage ended with a sign that said, “NO EUNUCHS!” Well, there may not have been a sign but the fact of the matter is, Jewish law excluded him from the assembly of the Lord. So after a long journey of seeing the Temple but not being allowed into it, he makes his way home back to Ethiopia. Was he sad? Mad? What was going on in his head? “So close and yet so far.” “How can I ever get into the assembly of the Lord as a man emasculated?” "What kind of loving God would make such a rule?" “My place will always be outside the temple assembly.” "What good is all of this?"

So he heads home on a long journey with scrolls in hand and reads out loud the Prophet Isaiah.

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

-Isaiah 53

peace.
johno~

Road to Gaza (part 2)

2007-04-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Now enter a story about a two travelers who inspired me.

Acts 8:26-39
Philip and the Ethiopian
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: (Isaiah 53) "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,  and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants?   For his life was taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

It’s a fairly simple story, (spared over time, delivered by the Spirit), but it most likely would not rate in the top 100 best known documented stories of this new beginning movement which was sometimes called, “the Way.”

However, it’s in this story I found the name “Road to Gaza.” It’s a simple story of two men, two worlds, two men listening to one God and lastly, a mysterious unknown ending. When I first took the time to really read this story, I would end up asking, “What just happened here?” I'm not sure if I really "got" it the first few times reading it. I guess I would have to say it took several years. Yet, It challenged me to listen, watch and eventually I would act. It is a story that is larger than the recorded words on one page could fill. As I read this story over and over again, I’ve come to see a bigger picture of God’s everlasting story and the LORDS enduring story in my life, because of these two men who met on the road to Gaza.

So the journey continues and soon to follow will be more of my thoughts.

peace.
johno~

Road to Gaza (part 1)

2007-04-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

(This story is a part of who I am. It has help me in my search for myself and how I live and see others. It is also a very long thought. I have decided to make this several parts to keep readers from being bored to tears.)

Not to long ago, one of my dedicated readers sent me a note asking, "Why the 'Road to Gaza?'" I was eager to answer, however, my feelings or passion to get myself into these words, I knew, would take some time. Time. Some days I have it and some days I don't. That is a personal struggle and I ask for your prayers not your criticism.

It does seem funny, I suppose from an outsiders view, for a 37 year old, white male American to name his personal weblog, (blog) Road2Gaza. I mean, I’ve never been to Israel or touched foot on any “holy” land in my life. More so, a land called “holy” yet carries generation upon generation of bloodshed and persecution. How could this land be called “holy” set apart. “the land of milk and honey?”

Yet, out of all this, the road to Gaza, out of all the roads to choose from this one road that travels South down from Jerusalem to Gaza would find it’s way in my life.

To give a bit of history regarding this road here is a bit of information regarding Gaza.

Strategically located on the Mediterranean coastal route, ancient Gaza was a prosperous trade center and a stop on the caravan route between Egypt and Syria. The city was occupied by Egypt around the 15th century BCE. Philistines settled the area several hundred years later, and Gaza became one of their chief cities.
In 145 BCE Gaza was conquered by Jonathan the Hasmonean (Brother of Judah the Maccabee). There was a prospering Jewish presence in Gaza until the Roman ruler Gavinius expelled them in 61 CE as part of the First Jewish-Roman War. In the times of the Mishnah and the Talmud there was a large Jewish community in Gaza, and on one of the pillars of the Great Mosque of Gaza there was a Greek inscription which read "Hananiah bar Yaakov" (a Hebrew name) with a menorah carved above it. This column was originally part of a Byzantine-era synagogue, destroyed at an unknown date…

-wikipedia

In short, it was a stop between travels. The "road" to Gaza in any direction would be people coming and going to and from their homes for many reasons… It was a travelers road. It is not about Gaza itself, but the travelers road and those who travel on it.

peace.
johno~

First Birthday... ONE!

2007-03-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's here. Adam Ronald Thomas has turned one. Can you believe it? What a year. We've had a bit of a stuggle with Adam's weight gain. Today, he came in at 16lbs 1oz. A bit short from where his doctor wanted him, however, the doctor said, "he's growing at his own rate."

It's tough to think a year has gone by. I just blinked and WHAM! One. Time flies and I have loved every minute of this Thomas kids life. Children are a blessing from God.

I am blessed.

My little Adam, Happy birthday. You're ONE year old today and you have given so much to our family in one short year. I love your smile, I love your eyes, I love your crazy reddish blond hair and I love your little voice when you say, "Papa."

So today I want to remind you of this:
You are Adam, made by God, loved by God and redeemed by God. In the beginning, formed out of dirt, the breath of life, י‎ (yodh) ה‎ (heh) ו‎ (vav) ה‎ (heh), breathed into man. Your name bares witness to the one who walked with God in the Garden. Your name also tells the story of God's grace to redeem a fallen people. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Before the world and before Adam, God chose us and you.

So hear these words my dear son, live by them, never forget them.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.

I love you.
Papa~

Out of "Blogger" prison

2007-03-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry to everyone for not keeping up-to-date with this site as I've done in the past. I'm even behind in my POTW project. However, I have been under "house arrest" in blogger land. It seems as if the "Blogger Robot Police" thought my page was a SPAM page and it blocked it until I could notify them. I had to wait for the "real person" Blogger Police to review and unlock my account.

Now I'm free, free at last.

The kids are well. Adam will be one next week. Many of your prayers have been well received and again I thank each of you for your thoughts.

As for me... Well, I'm on a journey. I'm not sure where it will lead me so I'm just listening carefully. I don't really wish to share my thoughts here yet, but they will come soon.

Until that time comes I'll leave you with some great looking kids.

peace.
johno~

All is well that can be well...

2007-02-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

I feel guilty for not keeping up-to-date with everyone on how life is for the Thomas family. All is fine. Adam is doing very well. If you take a look at my POTW you will see chunky cheek Adam getting his first haircut. I don't think he was ready for it. It's not a great photo, however, it shows a very "normal" child.

It seems as if Caleb has caught yet another cold and Miriam is trying her best to catch it too. Hannah, just wants the spring to start so she can play softball.

Dawnette, well D is still breaking records as super woman. I'm still not sure why she picked me to have offspring with but I'm not complaining.

Myself... well, I'm learning that I don't know much of anything. I'm not trying to put myself down, I'm just in a "revisit" everything mode. I have new question and new answers... Many of which I struggle with.

On the photo side of things, football season is here. I still have a lot to learn. I'm really not that great at photography. SO MUCH TO LEARN. I'm trying.

Well, to the many that read this, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

peace.
johno~

A difficult day

2007-01-21T01:01:00.000-08:00

What a week. I learned that a missionary friend, age 30, in Uganda was killed in auto accident and one of my former students father, age 52, died from a massive stroke. What a week.

Today was the memorial service for Nicks father. Nick was one of those students I worked with who either was going to be a minister or in prison. I know, I sat in court with him one time. However, prison was not where Nick would end up. There is a God... He is alive.

Seeing Nick today made me feel proud of what this young man has accomplished. However, today, he would bury his father. Fifty-two is to young. It breaks my heart that Nick will be married in 3 weeks and his father will not be there.

Nicks father was an awesome man. I heard it from many.

It made me think. Listening to Nick speak about his father, hearing co-workers sharing about Dale and his employee of the month award which he received for the month of January 2007. All stories of a man who cared for others, laughed and loved life. It made me think...

What will my children say about me? Who will share at my memorial the life they saw me live? How do I live as seen from others? Do I know? Could I stand up and say a few words myself? (of course if I did that would be freaky but pretty cool).

All I know is... There is no promise of tomorrow on this earth. I'm not even guaranteed today but I do have an eternity. What will I leave my family, my friends to hold on to until we meet again? Again? What a blessed thought. Until we meet again.

I hope my legacy is a life of Grace received by a Father who rescued me. He came looking for me when I was hurt and alone.

I'm not sure what I'll leave behind, or what people will think, but I hope it was a message of salvation that lives beyond this lowly shadowland.

peace.
johno~

Missed

2007-01-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Just an update on our storm situation... The storm front was "deflated" and our "2nd" wind storm turned into a breeze storm. A true blessing. There are still around 7000 families without power. Many have loss and some lack insurance. I came across this terrible scene... A single mom and her daughter went shopping... when they returned home they found their car destroyed. When I spoke to her she had already been without power for 24 hours. It was warmer outside than in her house, she told me.

It's amazing. May none of us ever forget how a life can be changed in a moments notice.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.

For those of you who have been praying for my friend Nir and his daughter... Thank you. I have to say I misread what had happened to Tamar, Nir's daughter. Today, however, she was in her second major surgery for her ankle which was the only thing physically injured in her accident.

Lift her up today, please. Ask God to give her a strong spirit and a body which heals quickly. It is a true blessing she is surrounded by a family who loves her.

Wind Storm

2007-01-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

If you live in the NW, you might have been a part of the major storm that moved through on Sunday. Here in Central Washington, we had the worst storm since I've been here.

Wind gust up to 73 MPH for 7 hours. As I drove around today, I thought I was back in Louisiana doing Katrina relief work. I have never seen so many trees and fences blown away.

Our home is surrounded by 7 larger trees of which 7 still stand. Amazing. Many others didn't fare so well. Thank you Lord for protecting our home.

We received another report that a similar storm will be here tomorrow. We are stocking water and getting out the candles. Large parts of the city are without power. Again, I'm blessed to be writing this. After the storm, tempatures are said to be dropping low into the single digits. Not good for those of us who rely on electric for our heat. (Note to self... get blankets ready.)

I've included a few shots from my outing today. Most of these shots are from a park near by where I take the kids. Looks like there will be little shade this summer. It's terrible to see so many wonderful large trees destroyed.

Keep us in your prayers.

peace.

The end of 52

2006-12-27T23:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

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

peace.
johno~

Home Studio

2006-12-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

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~

Found

2006-12-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

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.

A new post is coming soon.

2006-12-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

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~

Weighting on Adam part 2

2006-11-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

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~

Weighting on Adam

2006-10-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

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~

Photo of the week Runner Up!

2006-10-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

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~

Another prayer for Adam

2006-09-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

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~

One Year Old

2006-09-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

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~

Peace

2006-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

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 will never forget...

2006-09-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

I Promise.

peace.
johno~

TAG? I didn't know we were playing tag.

2006-09-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

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~

Still alive!

2006-09-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

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~

Tuba City day 3

2006-08-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

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.

2006-08-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Seasons

2006-07-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

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.

An American Dream

2006-07-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

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~

Land of the free

2006-07-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

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~

Lost and found

2006-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

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.

All because two people fell in love

2006-06-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Can you hear me now? Part 2

2006-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me now?

2006-06-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

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.

It's a gift

2006-06-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

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.

My Domain.

2006-06-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

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~

Hannah

2006-05-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Lord of the Dance

2006-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

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~

Does photography capture the soul?

2006-05-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

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.

My life's a Zoo!?

2006-05-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

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~

36

2006-05-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

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~

Need a little help here!

2006-04-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

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~

When I survey...

2006-04-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

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~

Thanks you all for your prayers

2006-04-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

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~

A small prayer request.

2006-04-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

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~

You never know... but that's still OK.

2006-04-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

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~

Update on Adam

2006-03-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

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.

What's in a name?

2006-03-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

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~

Adam Ronald Thomas

2006-03-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

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~

What everyone has been waiting for.

2006-03-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Anytime now

2006-03-21T13:58:00.000-08:00

Leaving for the hospital

2006-03-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

So long Grandpa Walt... I'll see you later.

2006-03-20T11:23:00.001-08:00

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~

My dog Tanner

2006-03-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

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 Ã· 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~

Joyous Lament

2006-03-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

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

Remember when?

2006-02-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

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~

Lead by the Spirit... Seeing the Spirit

2006-02-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

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~

Let the countdown begin

2006-02-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

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.

It's not the healthy who need a doctor...

2006-02-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

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

peace.

Rough week, but worth it.

2006-02-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

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, "AgapÃ© 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.

A simple, personal, exercise.

2006-02-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

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~

Jesus loves me and Jesus loves U2

2006-02-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

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~

Watching from the shadows

2006-02-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been told by someone to "behave" because you never know who's watching you? I have always tried to be the same if someone is looking or not. If I have a bad day or if I am a JERK to my wife, kids or many others, as I sometimes am, I really try not to "hide" anything. If someone is watching me, I can never fake it. The best thing I can do is let others see how much I need God's grace and theirs.

I guess the flip side of this topic is, If someone is watching you... who are you watching?

This last weekend I was blessed to be in a service which anointed Pastors to lead a body of believers here in the northwest. There were eleven men who were selected by their community to stand in the gap as shepherds.

Among them was a man who 13 years ago was an enemy of the Cross. I remember him well. Not because of who he was, it was his wife and kids and their persistence. I remember, his wife and children were at church and youth group most of the time. I remember his wife kept asking the body to pray for him. It seemed an impossible prayer because we could see the hurt in this woman and his kids. Yet, she never stopped asking for prayers and we never stopped praying.

I am not sure of the exact date, but, I will never forget the Sunday HE walked down the center aisle in tears, broken and ready to give his full life to Christ. I thought he kinda looked like Willie Nelson, beard, pony tail and a t-shirt. I will never forget when he came to church the first time with "short" hair. I didn't think he needed to cut his long hair, but I guess he did. I guess he knew he was changed in every way.

Years later, I remember when he became a deacon. He wasn't just a deacon who locked up the building, he served and assisted the Pastors of the church. He has given a lifetime of service, lost in youth but reclaimed as a child of the Cross.

As time went by God called me to the mission field, a place called Wenatchee. Though my home was elsewhere, I have always tried to keep tabs on my family south of me. I watched from the shadows. I believe it was almost six years ago... Maybe four when I heard that Mike would serve as an Elder. WOW! What God has done to you Mike... Would you have ever have guessed? It was awesome.

I have been watching Mike for many years and this weekend as he was re-instated as a Pastor I went to him and told Him... I have been watching you Mike.

"Mike, I will never forget your story. I have used it to declare the power and faithfulness of Jesus Christ to many that believe change is not possible. I am proud of you. Your service to the kingdom is a wonderful example to many who are watching. Your testimony of Christ has shaped me to see the limitless grace God has for all people." I was glad to tell him that he has pastored me.

He said, "Thank you." A tear formed in his eye. "If I ever blow it," he said, "will you tell me?" I said, "You bet Mike. I will always be watching and I will always be there for you... I promise."

As I walked away, I disappeared into the crowds and down the hall... However, I had stepped out of the shadows to share with Mike and I realized, I can never go back. He knows my name. It's a freedom I cannot explain. Mike knows he is not alone.

I will always be watching, but not from the shadows.

peace.
johno~

The Joy of being a MAN.

2006-01-28T22:38:00.000-08:00

Well, today was one of those historic days for me. I thought about keeping this moment to myself and not sharing it with the two or three others who happen across this page by hitting the "next blog" button at the top right of the screen. A joyful bonding of a moment between father and son. Today my son went "potty" how a man is suppose to... Standing up. I had nothing to do with it. I just opened the door and said, "put the lid down." He said, "No, I want to stand up." The lid stayed up and the pants went down... to the ankles. (We'll work on that one later) He took aim and "fired" away.

I must say his aim was very accurate for a three year old. At least 90% or more. It really didn't matter, the fact was my son had arrived. In the early days it was easier to teach him sitting down. I wondered when the "day" would come. I had worried that having trained two girls I might somehow get it wrong... They still sit down. Not my son. Soon he will discover the limitless possibilities of where, "when nature calls," he can find relief.

Today I checked my Calvin and Hobbes RSS comic feed...

THE FREEDOM! It's beautiful.

I never shared this moment with my father. I'm glad to have shared it with my son.

Now I need to teach him to write his name... Oh the joy of being a man.

peace.
johno~

When we all get to heaven...

2006-01-22T00:22:00.000-08:00

Getting together with other Christians in Jesus' name is one of the best things I get to do. Tonight we hosted our "New Christians" dinner and handed out Bibles with their names and date of "spiritual" birth.

They come from all walks of life. Pam is a daughter of one of our members. She was so excited to get her own Bible. It was wonderful to see her smile.

Robert walked into our building one Sunday morning because he had slept in late and missed Catholic Mass. Last year he lost his wife to cancer and has been overcoming deep hurt and loss. I can only say he came to us via God's Holy Spirit. Robert started attending our meetings and one of our mens small group. He gave his life fully to Christ 12/31/2005. Robert is on the right

Another follower of Christ was not able to attend our dinner... Instead, he now sits at the masters table. Jerry Fox was not the kind of guy you would think would want to hear about Jesus. He was dressed in an all Camo outfit when I first met him. He didn't have a job and he didn't have a home. He was just "driven through". However, he was driving through during an evangelism workshop our church was hosting.

Jerry and his wife Carrie had just met with a Pastor on the westside of the cascades and had accepted Christ as their personal savior. However, the Pastor had not shared the gift of baptism and the unity found in Christ death, burial and resurrection. "It pisses me off" Jerry said. Of course I was taken back by his choice of wording, but I realized he might not know any other words to use. (Considering what else he could have said, I was thankful he used what he did) He said the pastor had "lied" to them. He wanted to receive the gift of salvation and baptism.

Jerry seemed to have trouble staying out of trouble. He was high maintenance. Always needing something. All I could do was listen and share encouragement in Christ and His words. I tried to always be honest with him because he was honest with me.
Because of his honesty, his rough edges, some folks didn't like him. They thought he was lazy and a bum. I guess they were right, but it still didn't help Jerry change into the life Christ offered. It was then I realized that we as Christ followers need to stop telling people what they are and telling them what they can be in Christ.

last Sunday morning at the age of 39, Jerry had a massive heart attack and passed away. Jerry had a hard past life full of drugs and alcohol and only two years of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

There are so many lives with stories of how God reached out and grabbed them. It's a good thing Heaven is for an eternity... It will take a while to share the stories of how God brought victory to the saints in Jesus.

Of course the day is coming, and I am one day closer, when we'll sing and shout the victory.

Peace.
johno~

to the 99

2006-01-15T23:16:00.000-08:00

I sometimes wonder what the 99 sheep did while the Shepherd went out to find the one that was lost. Did they even notice the Shepherds absence? Did they care? Did the Shepherd provide so much comfort they didn't realize the one that had been lost? Perhaps they were just stupid.

In the past, I have talked about the opportunities we have when we are being lead by the Spirit. Tonight was a night like that. The funny thing is, I almost missed it. During our teen small group, we focused on lifting our lives to Jesus in song. In the final moments, I asked the students in attendance to break into two prayer groups. I told them to pray for friends, family or perhaps, personal spiritual needs. I tried to remind them of the Spirit who placed the seed of the Salvation in the belly of a young Jewish girl also offers Salvation to live inside us.

Having a wife, currently pregnant, I hear her grunts when the child inside her "kicks" or "spins". Sometimes it's a hand or a foot, sometimes it's the butt. I know it's not pleasant, however, I sometimes envy this. To have life inside you... I can only imagine.

Yet, I do have life in me. I do feel the kicks to my gut. I do feel the hands pressing against my insides and revealing something. It is Christ in me. ALIVE.

During our prayer time, the Spirit lead my friend, Steve, to that opportunity with his stepdaughter.

Though it has been a difficult battle for him and his family, tonight the enemy lost one and Christ found one. I was one of the ninety nine. I was gathered with the other sheep. To tell the truth, the grass was pretty good. The spot where I was laying was warm and I have to admit I was feeling unaware of my surroundings but taken care of while the Spirit reached out to the fallen lamb.

Her cry to Jesus was answered and she lost her life to death and gained her life in Christ. I was able to witness her death, burial and resurrection in Christ. It was great to once again find reassurance in the hands of the Saints of a living Savior. Thank you Jesus.

So to the ninety nine, one was lost, but now she's been found. Thought you might want to know.

Pray for her this week. Her name is Lindsey.

peace.
johno~

The Name of God.

2006-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

I love the movie, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Indy has been one of my heros since I was a boy. In the Last Crusade, Indy comes face to face with his own spiritual journey in his efforts to save his dad. Remember?

Professor Henry Jones: The Word of God.
Marcus Brody: No, Henry. Try not to talk.
Professor Henry Jones: The Name of God.
Indiana Jones: The Name of God. Jehovah.
Professor Henry Jones: But in the Latin alphabet, "Jehovah" begins with an "I".
Indiana Jones: J-... (Steps on the wrong letter block and almost falls to his death.)
Indiana Jones: IDIOT! In the Latin, "Jehovah" begins with an "I"

IDIOT! I sometimes forget like Indy and have almost fallen to my death. I was just encouraged today by my friend Adam to consider what name do I really give God.

Here are some I have had to struggle through and be reminded of.

He is YAHWEH not "MYWAY"
He is I AM not "I THINK"
He is ADONAI not "ADD MORE FOR I"
He is EL OLAM not "PLEASE HOLD ON"
He is EVERLASTING not "THE LAST THING"

It's hard to write truth. I am guilty of missing the Name of God. Father fogive me. I do seek to speak and live the name of God in my life.
What will you call Him today? What name will others hear you call Him?

peace.
johno~

Holding the hands of Saints

2006-01-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

What a day. It's been a while since I've been in the office. Not since last year... Ha! OK, not funny, however, today will be one of those life changing moments for me. It is the "being lead by the Spirit" days.

I received a call shortly after arriving at work today, one I'm not accustom to receiving. It was a call that would have gone to the Minister, not the "youthdude," had our minister been in town and not in Texas working on his Dmin at ACU. So, any calls default to the guy who wears a t-shirt that says, "These ARE my church clothes."

It was a call from a wonderful Christian lady who wanted me meet her at the care center where her mother-in-law had slipped into a coma and was looking at the end of her faithful service to the kingdom here on earth.

I arrived within 20 minutes, which would have been sooner had I known where I was going... Who knew how big these care centers could be. Anyway, upon arriving, I found Betty at the side of Bernice's bed speaking gentle words. Marlon, Bernice's son was in the room also. I arrived in my "church" clothes and took off my hat and stood near the bed.

Bernice looked peaceful... Had I just been passing by I would have thought it was afternoon nap time. Marlon had told me that she had gone to sleep Sunday and had not awoken nor had she had anything to eat.

Betty asked me to take her place on the bedside next to her mother-in-law. I started to talk to Bernice. I told her who I was and that I had come to pray with her. As I spoke to her of her faithfulness to Jesus and how encouraging that had been to me. Her eyes fluttered, but they did not open. As I continued, I sensed she wanted to say something so badly but couldn't get the words out. I placed my hand on her shoulder and prayed with her and I prayed for her.

When I finished my prayer, both of her hands slowly went up in the air! I put my hand in hers and she grabbed it and gave it a nice firm grip. She didn't let go. Marlon, her son, grabbed the other hand and held it. For a moment I thought she was going to wake up and open her eyes. However, a few moments later, Marlon placed her hand back on her stomach. I couldn't let go, her grip was still to great. I truly felt unworthy to be holding this faithful Christian woman's hand in her last moments. It should be one of her children, not me. Yet, I didn't let go.

I finally asked Betty to come hold her hand. Her grip gave away shortly after.

As I left the care center, Marlon told me the doctors guess her passing to be soon. I got in my car and sat for a moment and thought, "what a gift." I held the hand of a Saint who will soon hold the hands of Jesus. I am not sure if I have ever felt that physically close to my savior. I wanted to return to Bernice and whisper in her ear, "give Him a hug for me."

I can understand Paul when he penned, "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

That afternoon, I met with a student who will turn 18 on Monday. He shared his struggles of not yielding his life completely over to Jesus. He said, "I just feel like, like I'm going to say yes to Jesus and then do something worse that will blow it." I told him in Christ there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. That is the beauty of the love of God. Grace. Reach out for Him and grab hold of Him because He is not far from you. Always.

When we returned to the building to pick up his car, I prayed and asked him if he wanted to pray, he did. I asked him if he needed to give his life fully to Christ tonight and die to self. He said yes. We called his parents, some family friends and my family to join in the commitment he would make to God through Christ. The small group gathered as Curt went into a watery grave and was raised up new in Christ. I could hear the echos of heaven and the shouts of victory from the Saints on the other side.

As our tradition, we closed in prayer... in a circle... holding hands. I realize, even more, how close Christ is... It is evident in the hands of the Saints.

Peace.
johno~

First post this year.

2006-01-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I know it has been a while since my last post, but believe me, I have not given up. As a matter of fact I have started a fun blogsite which will highlight one photo per week this year. Great challenge. You can see it at photography52

Well, I just returned from Nashville, TN. I was there attending the National conference on Youth Ministry and also had the chance to visit my sister and her father. What a great time. I was asked several months ago if I would teach a round table at NCYM and after much prayer decided to obey the Masters call. The round table was on ethics in youth ministry. As you guessed, not many attended my round table. As a matter of fact, my first session was me and my computer.

Anywho, one special moment came when I was browsing the vender booths... I came across "children's Christian Homes" out of Abilene. I was thrilled to visit this booth and share a special story. (If you would like to know the full story, you can look in my October archives "Stories from the road"

For those of you who remember Whitney, I was able to tell the story of Whitney to one of the key staff persons at the children's home. She told me she knew Whitney and was thrilled to hear how God was chasing her. She told me she would share this story with Whitney's case worker when she returned.

The time of sharing we had gave me a sense that this story is not over yet. God is best... All the time.

I hope to be able to encourage more this year through the blessing of blogging. Just before I left for NCYM, I had a journey into the darkside of blogging. "MYSPACE" is very different than the wonderful things my friend Jason got me started in blogging.

One of my ex-students who left WA to return home to CA had posted a terrible site. She had lied about her age, the site was full of foul language, sexual content, and un-Godly photos. WOW! I was hit hard by this. However, I was able to get the site off the web. I emailed her aunt here in Washington and spoke to her father in CA. She is only 13. It broke my heart.

Just a reminder... Listen to your younger friends. Check out their blogs and encourage positive Godly things.

Peace to you all this New Year.
johno~

P.S. Jason, if you are out there... It's been a while.

In Jesus' name, Peace on Earth...

2005-12-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

peace.
johno~

No room for another Christmas Story

2005-12-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

The little town was filled with many travelers who had come to register for the census. Could it have been his pregnant wife and his used donkey that slowed the travel time for Joseph? How many rest stops did he have to take for his wife? How many miles does a used donkey get to the bale of hay? Whatever happened, Joseph and a pregnant Mary arrived in Bethlehem to over crowded streets and signs of “No Vacancy.”

Inn after inn, Joseph could find no shelter for the night. It wasn’t a stormy night… Shepherds were out watching their sheep in the fields. However, the greatest act of heavenly nature was on the move and there would be no avoiding it. Birthing pains announced the imminent arrival of a child who would save people from their sins.

“Sorry, I have no more room in the inn.” “Please, the time for my wife to give birth is now!” “I can't give you what I don’t have. We're full.” “We can’t sleep in the fields.” “The shepherds do.” “Are they pregnant?” “I don’t know.” “Joseph.” “Yes dear” “Please hurry!” “Keep breathing. Find your focal point” “Is she OK?” “Listen, we need a place to stay or my wife is going to have a baby right here.” “ I just cleaned the floor” “Do you know of any place we could find shelter?” “Everything is full. I only have room for your tired donkey.” “Where?” “In the stable.” “I’ll take it.” “You want to use my barn for…” “Yes.” “Well…” “JOSEPH!” “Here’s my deposit.” “Would you like one key or… Uh, sorry, there are no keys to the stable.” "That’s OK. We will manage.” “Good night”

One can only imagine that giving birth to a baby would not be different from women who give birth today. Silent night? I’m not sure. Holy night? Yes. Hours of labor would birth the hope of God showing He has not given up on His passionate pursuit of men.

“How was your night sir?” “Long.” “Did you sleep well?” “No” “Did your wife have her baby?” “Yes” “Boy or a girl?” “Boy” “Congratulations.” “Thank you” “I see you have company.” “Yes, some local shepherds.” “Will they be staying with you? I only have you down for two… Um, three.” “They are just visiting my son.” “Good.” "I would like to stay a few more days.” “Will you be having more visitors?” “Does it matter?” “This isn’t a palace you know.” “Trust me, I know.” “Listen, visitors crowd my customers out. If they don’t pay, they don’t stay.” “What are you telling me?” “If you want to show off your child, take him out to a hillside and lift him up so everyone can see him.” “Lift Him up?” “Have a nice day sir.” “Thank you.”

How can the Word become flesh and dwell among us and not be noticed? How could the innkeeper not have recognized this historic moment in time and worshiped like the shepherds? It's amazing that Glory is missed, even today, when people refuse to notice Christ.

The thought never crossed my mind before. The innkeeper missed it. He housed the Lord of lords, the King of kings in an old barn while he slept in the comforts of a full belly, a full house and a full pocketbook. He slept through the night God came to earth.

Remember, it's CHRISTMAS not Christmiss . Wake up… Stay awake… Worship Him.

Merry Christmas
johno~

Gingerbread House

2005-12-11T00:33:00.000-08:00

What a great day... Kids can be a lot of fun to watch. Today we had a "Gingerbread Factory" at our church. It was great to see kids putting more candy in their mouth than on their houses. What could you expect? Place a bucket of treats in front of a well diciplined child and he will sin. The stained outer rim the mouth is a dead give away. My son put more frosting in his mouth than on his house I think.

After reading about Peter Pan, a story of my good friend Jason Hill A.K.A. Peter Pan, how could I stop my kids from the joy of eating as much sugar as they could get in their mouth? I couldn't.

Anyhow, most of the kids had fun... Here are a few pics of the day with my new camera. I am still trying to get the hang of it. It's not a camera for stupid people. If you own a camera like this, it thinks you know what you are doing. Having this much muscle, I would like to apologize to Jason for giving him a hard time about multiple exposures. Please forgive me J.

Well, enjoy the kids. They were fun.

Peace.
johno~

A day that will live...

2005-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment of time and remember the price paid for freedom.

It's difficult to live in the shadow of such a horrific time that changed the world. War is war. Yet, today another battle is being fought for freedom. Does it matter if it's my freedom that's being fought for or not to make war just? Freedom has a price. Period.

If we are to accept the "freedom" to sling mud at our leaders then we must know that in order to do so a price must be paid. It's freedom. Choose to use your freedom to build not to destroy. Enough has been destroyed.

I never met Howard Eugene, but he paid a price for freedom. Thank you Howard.

I love the song written by William Whiting, Eternal Father, Strong to Save...

The original hymn was written by William Whiting of Winchester, England, in 1860. It was originally intended as a poem for a student of his, who was about to travel to the United States. In 1861, John B. Dykes, an Episcopalian clergyman, composed the tune "Melita" for this hymn. ("Melita" is an archaic term for Malta, the site of a shipwreck involving the Apostle Paul mentioned in Acts of the Apostles chapters 27-28.)
Like many hymns, this hymn can also be considered a prayer. source, en.wikipedia.org

What a nice prayer... Read carefully and remember the hope we have in Christ.

The original words are:

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Peace.
johno~

When I grow up...

2005-12-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

YEAH! I finally figured out how to add my own personal header. It only took several long hours of reading websites and a bit of trial and error... OK, a lot of trial and even more ERROR.

Last night was our celebration Sunday worship at church. It's a time to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. I took my camera and walked around taking some pics. My friend Kim wanted to see my camera and as she held it, in my direction, she snapped the shot above in the "new" header. With a little photoshop, taa-daaaa! New look. Thanks Kim.

Here is a shot I captured last night... Walt Hamilton.

When I first moved here to Wenatchee, I was in the office for the second day when Walt showed up to let us know his wife had passed away sometime that morning... It was a sorrowful time and not the best way to meet someone for the first time. It make you think of your future with your wife and who will have the blessing of going home first. However, the sorrow was felt. He would be going home second. He would have to sit at the table with one plate and go to an empty bed at night. I couldn't even begin to imagine.

Since that difficult time I have come to know Walt on a more personal level. Not a defeated man named Walt Hamilton, but a victorious saint and servant of the most high God. He grew up in Goldendale and his family owned a farm, that to this day still has the name "Hamilton" on a big white barn which can be seen on the westside of hwy 97.

To those of us here, he is known as Grandpa Walt and he is the kind of Christian man I want to be when I grow up.

He loves to talk to you and grab your arm so you can't run away.
He crosses icy parking lots every Sunday and Wednesday to meet with the saints
He prays in the King James language
He quotes scripture... in the KJV language
He says, "thank you"
He laughs
He cries
He fought for and loves his country
He calls my kids, all of them, peanut
He opens doors for the ladies
He takes his time
He listens... even when he can't hear you
He is a traditional believer but loves to see young people love Jesus
He says, "God bless you"
He watches TV... really loud
He makes you stop and want to visit
He wears a tie
He supports the great commission
He speaks with knowledge and authority
He says, "I don't know"
He Drives! but not fast
He tells stories of his past
He writes letters to students in Africa, through World Bible School
He is alive
He loves God
He is saved by the blood of the Lamb

I would like to be like him when I grow up.

peace.
johno~

Winter

2005-12-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

It's winter time and cold is in the air. There is a difference between having cold and nothing to show for it; and cold with lots of snow. As much as I don't really like driving in the snow, I would rather have cold and snow than just cold. It's a beautiful site.

Today we picked up our Christmas tree and the lights around the house are shining... Of course, I never took them down from last year. Last year my lights were multi-colored... This year, we have white lights around the house. OK, we have white lights on the south side of the house. The other sides are a bit faded... Some faired better than others.

I am sure there is a spiritual story in this... I'll let you think about it instead of telling you what I think.

God bless you as you focus on Him.

peace.
johno~

So Long Roses?

2005-12-01T15:31:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been a while since I've been on this road. My original thoughts of this page was to include ONLY the times I had come into contact with others and shared Christ. So the pages have been emptied for some time waiting for that moment. I've been stuck in a moment and I can't get out of it. I think I may have missed something. Daily being lead by the Spirit? Of course, everyday. It may come in the form of a man on the side of the road... It may come in a photograph of a child. It just might be in a dark closet. Wherever, the Spirit is there.

Today I can hardly see the road... It's covered in snow. But what a wonderful thing to illustrate the Spirit of the living God. He covers our sins and makes us white as snow.

I am not sure if I have met a person on the face of the earth that has not been taken back by the scene of snow covered fields. It is as beautiful a reminder to me as the rainbow is a promise of God. The Spirit is everywhere. He is leading. The question is, am I following?

I must remember, even if I don't see it, I still have a Spirit to follow. James Berry the author of Peter Pan wrote, "God gives us memory so we can have roses in December." So with the snow, the roses go, but I remember.

I must remember, not by my strength, but by the Spirit of the Lord. Everyday, in all Your ways.

peace.
johno~

With a friend.

2005-10-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

Well, today I had a chance to be encouraged by my good friend Jason Hill. He took me to the Japanese here in Portland, OR to take some pictures. So, I thought I would share a couple of shots. The first one was taken just north of Multnomah Falls and the second at the Garden. It's good to have friends. It's nice to know the the Spirit can work in so many lives and you could lifted by the same Spirit living in you but from another life.

peace.
johno~