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~

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~