Family and Doctors

It doesn’t seem to be that long ago I first met Dr. David Cook. I first took note of him in the delivery room at the birth of our second child, Miriam. Before Miriam was born we were looking for a pediatrician for Hannah. New to the area, it seemed that we chose the one Dr. that no one in our circle knew and now he stood ready to handle our new little baby. From the start I could tell he was more than a doctor. He was a father. As his gentle hands worked over this new life, he watched and listened. I stood next to him waiting for his assessment about this little Thomas child not realizing how significant his role, in my family, would be from here on out. He would become our children’s physician. As the years passed, he would be there for the well child check-ups, fevers, colds and coughs. As we waited in a small room, we knew the “doctor” would soon be in for the exam. “Knock, knock.” Clunking clogs would tap the floor and the aroma of some type of tea would fill the air as Dr. Cook entered the room. Once more, I would find myself standing and waiting to hear from our physician the outcome we should take. In 2003, Caleb was born and Dr. Cook was there. It was funny to watch him use my son as a… “squirt gun” on the nurses standing by. I think I even heard him laugh with joy as he did this, but I’m not sure. Needless to say, it is one of my fondest memories. I was glad to have him there. Last year, in March, we had our son Adam. As I entered the room I was looking at many things I had grown familiar with, however, one thing was missing… our children’s physician. There were just a couple of nurses. NURSES?! Where’s our children’s doctor? Their reply, “Insurance doesn’t allow that any more.” What does insurance know about family? Even though they wouldn’t let him in the operating room, he was there shortly after the birth to welcome Adam into the world. But I have to say it was different. I missed his presence in the operating room. I’m thankful for this father who is a great pediatrician. It’s nice to not just have a “doctors visit” but friendship. I love to hear of his children’s studies, weddings and all about vacation time. It is positive and encouraging to me as a father. I can’t imagine the number of children he has helped. I imagine God only knows that. Yet, this gentle healer’s hands have touched the future through the lives of the little ones he has cared for. What more could anyone ask for? Peace. Johno~

my friend Dano

How long have I known Dan? I don't know. It's been within my eight years of living in Wenatchee, but it seems longer. Not in a bad way, but a good way of course. I guess the first time I met Dan was on a visit to a youth staff at her work place. Dan was her boss. Her words were, "you both are so much alike, it's just that Dan is the 'bizarro johno'." Huh? (If I only knew the true meaning of that statement at the time). It was then a friendship began. God had placed each of us at a certain place and a certain time. I've learned a lot about myself through Dan and even more about God. I remember golfing one time with Dan, I was left with about a 3 foot putt for par... easy enough. Then Dan, who by the way had not said much until hole number 7, said, "I know Christ died, but tell me how Christ died for ME?" Did I mention I was just about to putt that 3 footer? I looked up at him and said... JERK! I'M ABOUT TO MAKE MY FIRST PAR WITH THIS 3 FOOT PUTT AND YOU WAIT UNTIL NOW TO ASK ME A QUESTION LIKE THAT? UNFAIR AND UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE!... I missed the putt so I tried to answer the question. It has been a great journey walking with Dan and seeing him ask, listen and respond to books I would suggest and walking through the story of Jesus, God who came to earth. I will never forget him saying, "I'm ready to be baptized." We set up a time went down to the Columbia river and responded to the question asked on the months before on the golf course. Christ died for you so that you might LIVE. (That's the short version) Dan and his wife were both baptized that day and their embrace is not only captured on film, but in my life. Dan, is a true friend and he is a true servent. He is so... Gentile. It messes with me sometimes but that's ok. He is a family man, a strong husband, a great father. He wears a set of lenses that allows him to see things in a way that many cannot. I love that. It is a gift. He's creating a legacy, he is growing his family tree in a way that has never been done before. It is solid, it is built on Christ. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. -Psalm 1 Every tree needs a trunk... Dan is that trunk. peace. johno~

Coach

What does it take to be a great coach? I know we look at the greats who have led major teams, both professional and college, to record breaking success. However, there are those who coached the teams who who have never made a story in Sports Illustrated or been interviewed by ESPN, but have been forefront leaders in small communities around the world. It is the coach that lives in a small town who is responsible for the young men and women who have boosted the fame of those we read about or see on TV. Coach Preston it that kind of coach and his success as a coach has left a trail of business men, construction workers, caretakers and a list of others who have learned that there is no "I" in the word "TEAM." He is a man of heart. He has poured his heart out so much it has now left him with several uncertain moments in the emergency room. Yet, his determination, his heart, presses on. This is what makes a coach. One who can teach, listen, discipline, hope, win, lose, share, receive, dream and love. He takes seriously this thing called "Family." He is a family man. Not to many people can do that. Not to many people have what it takes to be a family man. I heard him say once, "I love the song, 'Amazing Grace.' It's amazing how God just opens his blessings on us." It was after a practice on Sunday and the clouds broke and the sun was bright. God has placed this man in the lives of many. Many would choose to serve themselves... Paul Preston chose to become a coach. peace johno~

Woods

If I were to think back on the people who helped me “out of the woods” in my life, I would say Greg Woods was one of the men who shared with me a map of life’s journey. Aside of being a master ELK hunter, Greg was the youth minister who taught me how to dream big, do the impossible and teach God to teens. Greg truly seeks to serve the Lord. It is his life calling. I love how he always gives credit where credit is really due. Whenever you tell him, “good job” he says, “praise God.” Not too many people would say that. Most of us just say, “thanks” and keep the credit for ourselves. Not Greg. Greg also is great about seeing God in others and letting them and those around them see and hear the story of God working in their lives. He has a wonderful gift of making the presence of God present. In his effort to listen and be used by God, his ministry has covered the globe. Many lives have crossed Greg and each one has several lives that touched them. He’s like a spiritual grandpa with many children and grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren. All I can say is this, if you know me, your life has been touched by Greg Woods… You may not know it, but that’s OK neither does Greg. Greg shows what it is like when you serve and let God take care of the rest. Around 10 years ago, Greg stepped out of youth ministry to work in Family ministry. Recent events called him back into the trenches of youth ministry and back he went. He’s a bit out of touch with the current top 20 rock songs, his bones are a bit more frail and now he battles diabetes; however age has not slowed down his heart. In the eternal sense he is just a child and it is in Christ that his weakness is made strong. Greg and I have shared many adventures together including a trip to Uganda, Africa. God willing we shall take that trip again this year. I am honored to serve as a youth minister with him in the Northwest. Oh! One last thing. For those of you who have ever made it to my office and have wondered, “how in the world can you find anything?” just know this, Greg taught me that too. Peace. Johno~