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~

Son

This last week my friend, nir, attended his son's "ceremony honoring his graduation of the advanced stage of naval officers course" in Israel. Last week I was called home in the middle of the day to attend my childrens home performance of "Pirates Of The Caribbean." I was told to close my eyes and sit down. On the count of three, my eyes opened and all I could do was laugh. Caleb Jack Sparrow. Caleb. I'll never forget the day you were born. When they said, "it's a boy," I had a overwhelming sense of joy that brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud. I will always charish that moment. You are a strong young man. Your name gives witness to that. Twelve Israel spies went into the promise land, ten were bad and two were good. Joshua and Caleb. It was Caleb who would speak up against the entire nation and call them to obey God. You're a leader, you're a hero, you're a Thomas kid and you're a child of God. I look forward to the wonderful adventures you will bring in my life. Peace. Papa~

Lion Of God

There are many people in my life. I am very blessed and that I have so many around me and around the world. Even better, as life moves and changes season, I have also had the opportunity to meet "new" friends, brand new people, new arrivals to the planet earth. Rabindranath Tagore said, "Every baby comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with man." I LOVE that statement and I would like to think children are the truest sign of hope in what sometimes seems to be a hopeless world. Little Ariel is the daughter of my good friends Robert and Pearl. At only 4 months old, I wonder if she knows she has to be my friend. I wonder if she knows how loved she is. I wonder if she will call me "crazy uncle Johno." It doesn't matter, I'll take it. Little Ariel, I can't wait to watch you grow. I can't wait to hear your little voice break out in song. I can't wait to see how you will change this world. You are a Lion of God. peace. johno~