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~

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~

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~

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~