Dave, Soccer Coach and Dad

I'm a lot of things... but, I'm not a soccer coach. I know the kids are there to have fun... Sometimes the parents forget that. It's not that I wouldn't want to be a coach... It's dealing with parents. That takes something special and I know I don't have it. But Dave does. I first met Dave last year during soccer. He was Miriam's soccer coach and all I can say is, I'm very glad to have him as her coach for year two. Dave has a wonderful concern for the kids to have fun, but also to learn how to compete and compete with good sportsmanship. This year will prove a bit more difficult, I think, for Dave as the girls start, "bumping" a bit more. I could tell Dave was having a difficult time trying to explain... "More bumping." He's a big guy. He has what I call, man arms. My arms are small, my wrists are like a twelve year old girl. (I never understood why my forearms never developed... I keep thinking they will, but hey, I'm 37 years old, I might want to get real) I digress. Anyhow, he's a big guy. This last week he asked me to help demonstrate the "bump." I thought, "no problem, I can take on these little girls." He wanted to demonstrate the "bump" with ME! Anyone familiar with soccer knows the bumping. No fist, no elbows, but you can force your body in position for the ball and BUMP the other player. I lost. I didn't stand a chance. I should have known I was in trouble when he told me to help and then said, "You might want to put your camera down." He must have known I had come to take his picture. Well... so it goes and it's one more good reason why I don't coach soccer. But Dave does. Out of all the things he could be doing, he coaches little girls. He plugs into his community and gives something that will shape the future of these little ladies. People like that amaze me. Someone who gives and doesn't expect anything in return. As I got to know Dave, I discovered his view on family and I learned about his strong faith in Christ. I also learned he had been injured in a work related accident in which his left eye had been pierced. He's blind in one eye. I can't imagine this. I would never want too. But Dave has taught me a new "view" on life. One that doesn't take for granted anything... especially an opportunity to volunteer... as a coach. Maybe someday soon. peace. johno~

My friend Donna

There's a few people in my life I've come across that leave me saying, "when I grow up, I want to be like them." Take a look at this picture of my friend Donna. Well? A pictures worth a thousand words and if you can't see them here, don't you wish you could? When I first met Donna, it was during church. She sits towards the back, (a place notorious for trouble makers) and as church began we had just started our conversation. Being in the back too and trying to make friends with this spicy little old lady, I said, "I have good ears for piercing... Do you think i should get my ears pierced or get a tattoo?" (side note... my wife would allow neither) I like to push buttons sometimes and my attempt with such a harsh suggestion in my attempt to raise an eyebrow backfired. Donna responded, "Well, I got a tattoo. I love bluebirds and I wanted a little bluebird on my on my forearm so I could look at one everyday... See?" There it was, a little bluebird painted on the inside of her forearm. All I could think is, "I want to party with you." Her smile never faded and I realized i was in the presence of a very joyful woman. Her life, however, has had many difficult times. Catching up for lost time? I'm not sure, but her past roads have been tough. You would never know looking at her today. You would also never know by looking at her today that her body is fighting a losing battle with cancer. She still glows with a beauty that refuses to give in to the terrible destruction within her. She lives in Christ. Death has no sting and death has no victory. What a wonderful thing. For today, I am thankful for the conversation we share and I look forward to an eternity of sharing. When I grow up, I want to have a piece of Donna's spirit... I think I already do. peace. johno~

Adrienne

Every baby comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with man. ~Rabindranath Tagore I love kids. Children are a gift from God and I'm amazed He trusts us enough to take on this responsibility. Just over a year ago, I was asked to perform the marriage of Adrienne's parents, Dustin and Samantha. Dustin was a student in my youth group and he and I often share in photo trips around Wenatchee. Not to say anything about me... BUT, I picked the day and almost the exact time Adrienne would be born. Among the neigh-sayers, I held my ground and did a little dance when I found out she was coming. I'm not a grandpa, that will come much later, but I am related. I'm not sure Adrienne is ready for this or not, but it's here. What will you bring to this world? I can only imagine that it will be something that makes a difference for someone. Dream today... Rest. The Lord has mighty things prepared for you. He has place you in this spot at this time so you may someday reach out and grab the Masters hand. For me, it is a reminder to be like a child, trusting in the Father so that I might sleep and dream about the future and holding the Masters hand peace. johno~

Eric

I struggled with this picture... Backs of heads, more than one person in the shot. Does this qualify as a POTW shot. Then I thought... my project, my rules, my final decision. ERIC. Eric is a native American who lives and works in Tuba City. He is a boarding school teacher for the Navajo children in his town. Eric is one of those guys who has the gift of story telling. It would be great to pen all the words of the time he tried running away from his grand mother who, while riding a horse bareback, "roped" him as a form of discipline, but I'm afraid I would leave out the best details. It was a great story. Eric has a love for his culture, his people and his Lord. He spent many hours giving and never asking for anything in return. He just served. He watched and listened to us. He wanted to know us and our stories. I wondered where he got the energy to keep up. Early in the morning till late at night he was there. He plans to marry in a few short days. A young man who has overcome the oppression of the past with the love and forgiveness of the ages. He is a mighty warrior peace. johno~