The Principal

When I was in high school, I remember a saying introduced to me by one of my instructors... "If you think you can or can't, you're right." Education. It's more than books, papers and essays. It's learning, growing and life. Mike Hill is a good friend who shares a passion with me... education. Mike is the newly appointed principal for Cascade High School and he's the best man for the job. I only wish I had someone like Mike in my years of schooling. He takes the time to listen. He wants to know what you think. He's great with complements and fast with a encouraging critique. Mike also serves as an elder (shepherd) at the church I work with. In short, he's one of four men who serve as... my boss. He offers so much to the Kingdom here in central Washington. He brings to our community ears that listen in a time when so many wish to be heard. I admire that. How many men in the world actually serve like this? He gives wisdom and knowledge and grace, in Christ, to many hurting people. Encouragement. He's raised three sons who bring honor to his name. He loves football... (maybe a little to much) and his dream is to work with the congregation of believers near his college alum, Washington State University. I know he will... someday. But for today, he leads as good leaders do... Not in screams nor crazy hand gestures... rather, he walks beside you, holding your hand, if need be, and with an encouraging voice he pushes you out of the nest... so you can fly. peace. johno~

Adam

Adam technically means, "Dirt Man" I have another theory on the meaning however... Grace. It took grace from the Creator to do something of which he knew would cause Him pain. Yet, He did it anyway. God created man... In His own image. My Adam is a reminder to me of God's grace. A friend of ours gave us a drawing of Jesus and a lamb. It hangs on the wall near Adams bed. When he wakes from a nap or is startled and starts to cry, I go into his room and pick him up and hold him close. As I hold my son, I turn to see the drawing on the wall and I'm reminded of a Fathers love for His children. Jesus says, "If you've seen me, then you've seen the Father." As Adam lays his head on my shoulder and I embrace him, I see the image of Jesus embracing the little lamb. It's there I catch a glimpse of grace. God want's to embrace me like I embrace my son. Adam is growing well, although he is still under 20 pounds at 20 Months. He love to call out to his "brodher," (Caleb) "sissy," (Miriam) and "Nannah." (Hannah) Oh, and Tanner our dog, which sounds a lot like "Nannah" We can only tell the difference because of the "woof" that comes at the end. He's good at throwing baby tantrums... Although they come mostly when he's ready for nap time. He has learned the words, "PLEASE!" when he wants something and "MINE!" when he wants something. At the dinner table he bows his head and says "AMEN!" He's not a perfect child, but he's mine. I'm so blessed to have Adam. If he was lost, I would give anything and everything to have him back. An interesting thought (for me) from someone created in the image of God... Because of Adam the Love of a Father looks very different to me today and forever. Isaiah 43 (The Message) But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: "Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. "So don't be afraid: I'm with you. I'll round up all your scattered children, pull them in from east and west. I'll send orders north and south: 'Send them back. Return my sons from distant lands, my daughters from faraway places. I want them back, every last one who bears my name, every man, woman, and child Whom I created for my glory, yes, personally formed and made each one.'" I love him peace. johno~

Gabe

It's been about a year since I first met Gabe. It was at my Thursday morning prayer time with several youth dudes in the valley. Gabe showed up to the first meeting of the year, of which we had around 20 or more youth pastors and volunteers. However, next week came and only a small handful returned. Gabe was one those who returned. Brand new into youth ministry then, he now has a season under his belt and he's still going. It's hard for me to think he's not been doing ministry longer. He has great ideas and wonderful insight, yet, he still wonders and has questions for the small band of brothers... and one sister who meet early Thursday morning. He and his wife are currently seeking to adopt. I can't wait until they get kids... It'll be a whole new Gabe. I do admire his commitment. If he is this strong at this age, I know he will be a pillar for the church from generation to generation. peace. johno~

Ike

Ike Graul... Musical Genius. That's the only way I know how to say it. Ike has been a long time friend of mine from college. I'm trying to recount the stories to share, however, I think if I were to actually type them out, they could be used against us both in a court of law. For the last several, several years Ike has been working at the pump church in Portland, Oregon. I suggest you take a look at it if you're not familiar with urban ministries. His time working there has been a fruitful for the northwest. PUMP has offered a lot to the church in the suburbs. Ike is a... Prophet. (not really, but really) I love our talks. He tells you what God is saying and he really doesn't care if you don't like what he just said. He just tells it like it is. He is one to never just let you "get by" with junk. He teaches by example and he learns by example. I'm lucky to have him on my back and by my side. This image of Ike is a small glimpse of a great man. His sandals, with socks, are his common foot ware. He is passionate about vanagons... check out his blog page .:trinisonic:.if you haven't already. If you were going to plot to take over the world, you would want Ike on your team. peace. johno~