Doubt

Hey hey, beautiful girl,

I miss you. It has been almost four weeks since I have gotten to see you, and that is too long. I look forward to Christmas and getting to come see you. Seeing you makes everything better.

Remind me later on in life to talk to you about doubt. Doubt means you aren't completely certain or sure, that you have questions for which you don't have all the answers.

And life can be full of doubt at times, and this includes a life that is following and believing in Jesus. All that I will say at this point about doubt and Jesus is this: don't be afraid of doubt, and don't be afraid to explore your doubts. I guarantee you that Jesus is who he claimed to be, that he is not intimidated by your doubts, and that he welcomes your doubts and will use them as a means show you himself in fresh and new ways.

I'll save the rest of the conversation about doubt for a time when we can sit face to face and talk about specific questions and doubts. That will be more fun than reading about it.

Promise me this....

Hey Super Bird --

I have been thinking about your Uncle Paulie lately (mostly because he is getting married next weekend) and about how much I admire him. So, I thought I'd let you know why.

Your Uncle Paulie is who he is. I know that either sounds very simple or very confusing. When I say that he is who he is I mean that he has taken the time to search out what he believes and what he loves, and now he lives his life based on his beliefs and passions.

Most people that I run into live their lives based on what others think and what other people want. That is pretty much a waste of life, in my opinion. God has given each one of us life so that we can be us - not what others want or think we should be.

So, promise me this: that you will be who you are, just like Uncle Paule is who he is.

Much love,
Papa

Nowhere Safer

Bird,

I really miss you today. Your Nani has been staying at your house for the past three days because she has been working at the hospital. I always miss you more when I am in St Louis (or Loulos, as you call it) and Nani gets to come to see you.

I don't ever worry about you, I just miss you. I don't worry about because I know that your dad takes good care of you. That's the thing about having a good dad - there is nowhere safer than in your father's arms.

Sometimes, like at the swimming pool, being in your dad's arms is for the purpose of him getting ready to launch you out. And that is usually a mixture of something very exciting and most of the time kinda scary. Just always remember that as long as it is your dad launching you out, there is nowhere safer.

As you get older, I think you will find that your Heavenly Father is a lot like your dad. He will launch you out into things that are perhaps scary and difficult, but there is nowhere safer than being in your father's arms, or allowing Him to launch you out from His arms into His purposes.

I love you,
Papa

My Grandpa - the first PaPa

Hey Cutest Girl in the world,

I bought a new BBQ grill...actually it is smoker that you put all kinds of meat in and let it cook all day and out comes goodness. The first thing I cooked in my new smoker was ribs - my favorite!

But, I didn't choose ribs because they were my favorite, I choose ribs in honor of my grandpa, who I called "Papa" (just like you call me). My Papa meant the world to me, and because of him, I gave my life to Jesus - forever and ever.

My Papa passed away 30 years ago this month - that means he died and went to be with Jesus in heaven where I will see him again some day. Anyway, at his funeral I heard how much Jesus loved Papa and how much Jesus loves me - and my life has never been the same.

It was my love for my Papa that opened up my heart to believe in and love Jesus.

I hope my life makes as big a difference in your life as my Papa's life made in mine.

I love you dearly.
Your Papa

You Cast a Shadow

Hey Sweetness....

I took this picture of you when you were here visiting Nani and me. When I saw the picture, the first thing I noticed was your shadow and it got me thinking about shadows.

Shadows only come when we are standing in the light. You can't cast a shadow in a dark room. The opposite is also true: you can't NOT cast a shadow in the light! It just happens.

And that got me thinking about Jesus (like most things do). You cast a shadow for people to see as you live your life in the light of knowing Jesus. His light hits your life and the result is something that the world can see.

Kinda cool, huh?

Countdown

Bird Girl....

Two days, or about 60 hours, or about 3600 minutes, or about 216,000 seconds, until I get to see you....and I am counting down!

BUT, I have to make sure that I don't miss all the fun and good things that might happen during the time I am waiting to get to see you. That would be terrible.

YET, many people do just that....they miss the good things of today waiting for tomorrow to come. Or, they miss good things happening in their lives now because they are looking forward to something in the future.

Here's a couple of examples: a boy who misses the fun of baseball season because he is just waiting on football season to start, and, a girl who misses the great things about middle school because she can't wait to get to high school.

It is great to look forward to things (like me getting to see you in 2 days), but don't just sit in a chair, missing out on life waiting - live every day to the fullest.

Another Gift: Background People

Alexa,

There are people in your life that you will maybe not notice or be aware of all the time, but, trust me, they are there. I call these precious people, "background people."

Even though they are not always out in the front of the action, these are people that you can depend on no matter what. They will be there for you. They are people of integrity, faithfulness and strength.

The background people in your life at this time are people that are in your mom's and dad's lives, that love your mom and dad, and that love you. But as you grow up and live your life under God's care and direction, He will always make sure these people are there. The important thing is to identify them and honor them. They are truly a gift from God.

If you want to know who one of them is, look closely at the picture; one is in the reflection in the glass (I made the picture big so you could see him). Even though he is standing in the background, he is there; always will be.....because that's how background people are. And this guys is the best.

A Great Gift

Super Girl,

Our memory is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. And like all gifts, we should appreciate it. But what does it mean to appreciate the gift of memory?

I think it means to use this gift in the best ways to help us in our relationship with God. So with that in mind, I want to challenge you to use your memory to plant God's Word in you mind and in your heart. It is the greatest thing that you can do.

Your mom and dad grew up being a part of something called Bible Quiz (ask them about it) in which they spent a lot of time memorizing Scripture verses, and sometimes entire books of the Bible.

When you get old enough to get involved, Bible Quiz may still be around. If it is, then make sure your parents help you get involved. If it is not, make sure your parents help you find some way that you are actively memorizing passages of Scripture. If they don't, tell your Grammi, she'll take care of them.

Nothing can substitute for God's Word in your heart and mind.

Can't wait to see you next week (you guys are coming to StL to see Wicked).
Pops

While the World Sleeps

Alexa Bird,

I think my favorite time of the day is morning time, when it is really quiet and it seems like the world is asleep. I like it I guess because it seems like if the world is asleep, then God would be paying attention to me more than maybe he would if the world were awake and having his attention also.

Now when I really think about it, I know that God's attention to me is not limited in any way, no matter how many people or things also have his attention.

SO, I guess maybe I like mornings because when the world is asleep God has more of my attention. All the noise and activity that gets going later on in the day isn't there to take my attention away from God and his thoughts to me.

Make sure to find times in your days and in your weeks that it is quiet, and that it is just you and God. I think you will like it.

I love you more than you know.
Pops

What's More Important?

Hey Beautiful Girl,

I have a question for you today. What's more important, winning at a game or having a good name? Now that may sound like a funny question, or like those two things don't really go together. But they do.

Yesterday I was working with a bunch of kids at the city recreation center by our house. The director was playing a game with them kinda like "Simon Says." In the game, a person gets called "out" when they don't follow the leaders instructions just right. The game started with about 50 kids playing, and one by one they got out. They would get called "out" when the leader saw them goof up in following the instructions.

But I saw some kids make a mistake and the leader didn't catch them. The kids would look around to see if they had been caught. If they weren't caught, they stayed in the game - even though they shouldn't have. They cheated because they wanted to win.

My question to you is this: is it more important to win, or is it more important to be known as someone who is honest even when no one is watching you or catches you - even if it means you lose a game?

I hope that you will always live your life so that when people think of the name Alexa Jayde Brown, words like honest, trustworthy, good and kind will come to their mind.

I love you.

It's All About The Dream

Sweetheart,

There is an opposite to everything in this world. Remember when I wrote you about how important it is for you to find people who can give you a hand up, helping you realize your potential? Well, there is another type of hand - an opposite one.

The opposite of the people who can help you reach your dreams are the people in the world who will keep you from your dreams. And while it will be up to you to find those who will give you a hand up, those who will drag you down will always seem to find you. So be on the lookout. Sometimes they are hard to recognize, and other times you will know them instantly. Here's how to tell the difference: any relationship that takes you closer to your dream, or brings out your true potential, is a hand up - and any relationship or friendship that causes you to drift away from your dreams or diminishes your potential is a hand pulling you down.

It's all about the dream.

A Helping Hand

Alexa Jayde, beautiful lady,

Do you know the best way to reach the top? Find someone who can take you by the hand, someone who believes in you and loves you, and who knows the way to the top. Listen to them and learn from them.

We weren't meant to reach our goals by ourselves. God made us to need people and to connect with people in order to reach our potential. Find the right people, work hard, and trust God - you will reach the top.

Swimming

Hey Bird,

I was just thinking today about something, and it made me kind of sad. I was thinking about swimming. Not just any old kind of swimming, I was thinking about you swimming.

I see pictures that your mom and dad post on Facebook, and other pictures that your mom sends to my phone, of you swimming and having a great time. I do love the pictures, but the part that makes me sad is that so far I have only seen pictures of you swimming. I have never been with you when you were swimming. Pictures are great, but they are no substitute for being present.

Know two things. I miss you very, very much, and God is present with you at all times. My hope for you is that you will believe to the point of knowing and experiencing the truth that you have a Heavenly Father who is present with you at every moment, and who loves you perfectly at all times.

Truly believing this will shape your life like few other things will.

You're Two!!!

Alexa,

Two years ago today you were five days old. From the moment you arrived you were beautiful and brought such joy to all of us. It is amazing to me that before you were born, the world seemed complete; but, now that you are here, the world would not be complete without you.

One of the things that this tells me is that God is still creating the world!!! He is still making the world into the place that He wants it to be - and you are a big part of that world. As He helps you to live your life, and as you obey His heart as you grow up, God will be creating His world through you.

I don't know about you, but this sounds like the most exciting life possible.

Last Thought -- 'til Next Time

Alexa,

I put you and Nani on the MegaBus two days ago headed for Kansas City. You spent three days with us all by yourself. This was the first time you have done that!!!

My hope for the next year of your life, and for your whole life, is that it will be filled with "first times." I hope yours is a life of adventures and opportunities that will allow you to see and experience this incredible world that God has created.

Don't back down or shy away from the "first times" that come your way. Some may be a little scary, and some may even be boring. But jump in!!!

It may be the chance to go to a new place, try a new food, read a new book, meet a new person. Whatever it is, be watching for the chance to do something for the first time.

I trust that God will be the one (along with your mom and dad) that will be keeping an eye on the "first times" that come your way. There is a lot of evil in this world, but He (and they) will be there with you to help you see and know the difference between the good opportunities and the bad. Trust them.

And when they give you the go ahead, the green light, the thumbs up, then jump in! Experience and enjoy life to the full.

Be careful

Hey SuperGirl,

I thought of you this morning (actually I think about you all the time). I was reading in Matthew 7 and one verse stood out in my mind:
⁶"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

This verse can have a number of applications, but only one meaning. The meaning is that we must guard the valuable things in life, being careful how we put them out to the world around us. We must always be honest, genuine and authentic; however, who we trust with the the most valuable things of our lives must be guarded somewhat.

When I think of you, and the most valuable things of your life, I think about your heart and emotions, your dreams and goals, and your commitments.

So, I guess I just want to tell you to be careful about who you share the deep and secret things of your heart with, and about who you let in on your dreams. Also, go slow in making commitments, being sure that those you connect with are worthy in character of your trust and allegiance.

I know this sounds pretty negative, but I don't want to see you hurt. Your dad is pretty sharp about knowing people - who to trust and invest in - so talk to him about this stuff. He won't steer you wrong.

The Secret

Hey beautiful lady,

I miss you today more than usual. I don't really know why, but I do.

As I was reading this morning in Ezekiel I found a secret. I know, if it's in the Bible it's probably not a secret, so I will call it "The Golden Key." It is found in chapter 36 --

²⁷ And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

What is the big secret, the Golden Key? It is God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit. God told Ezekiel that there was coming a day when He would put His Spirit into the hearts and minds (the souls) of people, and that would be the key to them following God.

As a believer in Jesus, the Bible tells us that we are in Him and He is in us - that we are joined together and that the Holy Spirit lives within us. His (the Spirit) desire is to influence us and lead us in our lives of pleasing and following God. That's the good news.

The more a person pays attention to the voice of the Spirit and listens for it, the more the Spirit's influence makes a difference in their life. It becomes easier and easier to follow God.

When someone begins to ignore the Spirit it is like they become deaf to His voice. It becomes easier and easier to do things that displease the heart of God and that are not good for their life.

I tell you all this so that I can ask you to do me a favor: as you grow up and live life, pay close attention to God's voice. As you do that He will lead you in a life that you will not regret.

Listen and Do

Alexa,

I was reading in the book of Ezekiel this morning during my daily Bible reading time; it was mostly kind of boring, however, in the middle of what I was reading I found something very important and wanted to share it with you.

In chapter 33, towards the end, it says this:

³¹ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. ³² Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

This reminded me of what it says in the New Testament in the book of James, chapter 1:

²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

I just wanted to tell you that throughout your life, God will be putting some very special people around you, people who He will use to teach you and guide you in your love and relationship with Him. You are a sharp girl, and you will know who they are. I want to ask you to do two things.

First of all, listen to them. Don't tune them out but take the time to really listen and think about what they are saying. God will help you to know what they are talking about and to understand what they mean.

But don't stop there. Allow what they are saying to change the way you think and to change the way you live. Put into practice the things they are trying to teach you. If you do this your life will be solid and the struggles and problems that do come your way will not be able to destroy you.

If you don't believe me (and I know you do!), then read the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27. He also is talking about listening AND doing.

You're b-e-a-utiful, and I love you muchly!!!

Papa

Coming to visit

Hey Beautiful Girl,

Nani and I are coming to see you tomorrow ... and we each have a gift for you. I hope you like them. They are for Valentine's Day, mostly because you are the cutest Valentine in the world.

We like to give you gifts, because gifts are meant to tell someone how important they are and how much they are loved.

God gives us gifts all the time. One of my favorite gifts is beauty. When I look out at the world around me and see all the beauty and beautiful things, it makes me feel alive. I think beauty is a direct reflection of the glory of God. The world is full of all kinds of beauty, made up of different shapes and sizes, colors and textures. It is like beauty is such a big thing that it takes all these different ways to express it.

I think God's glory is that way. God's glory is so much that it will take all of eternity to be revealed. That is what we have to look forward to when we leave this life and enter into the realm of Heaven. Heaven will be an ever-increasing adventure of experiencing God's glory.

God loves us and has given us the gift of beauty to show us a glimpse of Heaven. Always trust and hope in Jesus and his love for you, and then we can experience Heaven together.

I love you very much.

Papa

Skype

Alexa J.......

We have been having problems with our computer lately when we have been trying to talk to you using Skype. We can see you, but our video is not working so you can't see us.

But I guess if one was going to be working, I am glad that it is yours. We don't really change much, (unless I get a haircut), but you change every time I see you. You get bigger and prettier and smarter.

I love you so much and you make me so happy when I hear you call my name and Nani's name when you hear our voices. You are precious.

I got to thinking about how God sees us at all times, even though we don't really see him (with our eyes). This is kinda like us seeing you, but you not being able to see us. I think it thrills God's heart when we call his name even when we can't really see him.

Make sure to always call on Jesus, because he is always watching you.