Brad Thomas

I'm trying to write about my friend Brad Thomas and I keep erasing the words I'm writing. It's not that I don't think they are true... they are. It's just that, well, most of what I could say, I don't think he would want just anyone to know. He's a giver. I haven't known anyone who has met Brad and had any need unmet. I mean real needs. There is a story about the first century church that says everyone had everything in common, they shared their possessions and no one had any need among them. If you know Brad, you know he shares his possessions and if your with him, well, you will never starve to death. I sometimes wonder how much can one man give? If I were to share how much he has blessed my family, he might be embarrassed. Well, he doesn't get embarrassed much, but I will say, he has blessed my home. I don't know all the places he has given but I know he has and does. If you need to mow your lawn but your lawn mower is broken and you can't afford to fix it... ask Brad. Car broke? He'll let you borrow his truck. (thanks for that Brad) Need help making a budget? He knows how to do that too. He loves to hug the kids, although they sometimes run. He teaches teens and other young adults ways to seek and love God. He serves as a shepherd for our church. I will say this, he's from Texas. I know, I know. Don't let that stop you from getting to know him. He has a lot to offer. However, you have to get with him before 8:00 PM because he likes to go to bed early and get up early. Drives his wife nuts. i think that's why he does it. He's straight forward in his conversation and very rarely does he beat-around-the-bush. Take him as he is... there is no other way. I am thankful for his example. peace. johno~

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~