Notes to Alexa Jade

Doubt

2010-12-13T04:24:00.000-08:00

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....

2010-09-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-06-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-06-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

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.

The good things around us

2009-10-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Alexa,

Yesterday you left St. Louis to head home with your mom and dad (and Nani, too). We had a great week together. You are such a beautiful girl, and you turn heads wherever you go. I love you so much.

One of the things we did was to go to Grant's Farm. It is a wildlife preserve right here in the middle of St. Louis. We saw all kinds of animals, including deer, elephants, zebras, birds, and goats. In fact, you got to feed and pet the goats. You were so brave.

I have been thinking about the fact that Nani and I have lived here in St. Louis almost two years and we had not yet gone out to Grant's Farm. All those animals and all that fun is within 15 minutes from our home and we had not seen it.

That has me wondering how many other good things are right around me that I haven't noticed or that I have not taken the time to experience. I have made a promise to myself: I am going to live the rest of my life with my eyes wide open and looking for all the goodness that is around me.

I am sure that I will find it in the places and in the people that I see everyday. I want you to do the same thing.

I love you.

Pawpaw (that is what you have been calling me lately)

God loves the world ... through us

2009-09-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Beautiful Girl,

One week from today you are coming to see Nannie and me in St. Louis, and we are very excited. You will get to meet Champ in person -- our new dog. As you have seen through Skype, he is TEN TIMES bigger than Bella! You are going to love him; he loves to be petted and to cuddle.

You will also see how many people here in St. Louis stop to talk to us because of Champ. They ask questions about him, or they make a comment about how crazy it is to see such a big dog and a little dog walking together. We then get to become their friends, and that gives God a chance to love them through us.

I tell you all this to say that God has a way of using every part of our lives, and so many different things. And He wants to use your life to show his love to the world. It doesn't matter if you are little bitty like Bella, or big and scary looking like Champ, God can and will use you if you let him.

You might be wondering why God would use Bella, and Champ, and me, and Nannie, and you, to love the world.....why so many different ways? I think it is because He loves the world SO MUCH that he finds every way he can to express that love.

And we get to do it with him.

See you next week.

Pops

Proud of your mom

2009-08-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

I know that I have said this before, and I know that I will say it again: I am proud of your mom, and I am proud to be your mom's dad.

She made a very difficult decision this week. She decided to withdraw from the dental hygienist program. There were a lot of reasons that led to her choice, and you were one of the biggest. I know from our conversations that she does not want to miss any more of your life and growing up than is necessary.

You are a very fortunate girl to have a mom as great as yours. Watch her live her life and do as she does; you will not be sorry.

You just left yesterday

2009-07-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hey beautiful girl,
You and your dad and your mom came and spent three days with us here in St. Louis. It was great having you here. You are a delight and you get more beautiful every time I see you.
The best part of having you guys here is that we get to share our lives and our city with you. We went to the City Market, to Ted Drewes, to Pho Grand, and to Blues City Deli. You and I and your dad took some long walks with our dogs, and we watched Yo Gabba Gabba and Dora together. It is wonderful spending time with you.
You also met our new dog, Stasha. She is what is called a Rescue Dog - meaning that she was locked up at the City Dog Shelter and if no one adopted her she would have to be destroyed. We love Stasha, but because she was treated very badly, she doesn't really know how to act right in a family. She acts very mean at times, and it is kinda scary. Mostly I think she is scared so she acts out. Anyway, we are trying to decide what to do with her.
Life is sometimes filled with hard decisions. And making those decisions is what life is all about....except if you're still a kid. When you are a kid, it is other people's job to make those decisions. And that is good and bad, all at the same time. It's good because as a kid, you don't have to figure everything out and make the hard choices. Someone else does that. It's bad because if you don't have someone who loves you, or knows how to love you, or if the people making the decisions don't love Jesus and know his way of doing things, then they don't usually make the best decisions.
You, young lady, are very fortunate having a mom and dad who not only love you, but who know how to love you, and who love Jesus and know his ways. You are going to hear that a lot - that you are "lucky" - and you will probably get tired of hearing it.
I mostly wanted to tell you to enjoy being a kid and not having to make all the hard choices yet. That time will come; don't be in too big a hurry, and enjoy having people around you who can make the best choices for you.

I love you Roo,
Pops

Skype!!

2009-06-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

A.J......

I am glad that we live in a day and time that I can see you every day even though we live over 250 miles away via the internet. I am patiently waiting for you to be able to have conversations with us when we Skype.

You are so very beautiful, even though many times when we "talk" you are very grumpy because it is kinda late. But I will take talking to a grumpy grand daughter over not getting to talk at all!

I am also looking forward to you being old enough to come to our home in St. Louis and spend a week at a time, or just to come for a weekend. I promise you that you will have the time of your life. I am a great date -- just ask you mom.

Till then, we will just have to keep on Skyping....

I love you so very much,

Pops.

Fourth Anniversary

2009-06-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

A.J.,
Yesterday was your mom and dad's fourth anniversary. This time last year, you were less than a week old and had stolen everyone's heart. However, even though their world was turned upside down by your arrival, your dad still made your mom feel special as they celebrated their third anniversary.
Please, watch how your dad treats your mom, how he cherishes her and how he takes care of her. And then, as you grow up, you will have an idea of how a husband is supposed to treat and take care of his wife.
And don't you ever settle for less than the best that God has in store for you. He is out there. How do I know? Because I (and many others) have been praying for you and for him since before you were born. Plus, it worked for your mom!
I love you and hope to see you next week at youth camp.
-- Pops

Your first birthday

2009-06-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Roo -

We just came home to St. Louis after being in KC for your first birthday party. It was amazing. There were over 50 people there and so much work went into the party. I hope you realize that some people go their whole lifetime and never have a party as great as that!

You looked so cute and you were so happy. It was a joy to see all the love that was put into the event.

There were friends of your mom, and friends of your dad, family on your mom's side and your dad's side, friends of your family... aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas and grandpas, greatgrandma and greatgrandpa... even Bella was there! It was amazing.

And all for you -- I hope that you see in this report how valuable you are to the people around you.

I love you more than you know...

Pops.

Mother's Day tomorrow

2009-05-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Cutie,
Tomorrow is your very first Mother's Day, so I thought I would remind you of something that I am sure you are already very aware of.....you have a great mom.
I want to ask you to spend time a few weeks before Mother's Day each year and come up with way to honor your mom and make her feel special.
If you need help, just ask me...together we can let her know how valuable she is.

Palm Surfing

2009-05-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Beautiful Girl,

Last week your grandma and I were in KC for your great uncle's funeral (Great Grandpa Bob's brother), and I got to hang out with you a little while.

It was wonderful to see you and hug you and squeeze you. But more than anything else, it was wonderful to get in a little palm surfing. And I must say, that you are one of the best palm surfers I have ever seen.

You are at just the right age and size to be a champion. Right now you are trying to learn to walk, and you are getting good at locking your knees and standing straight and stiff. Your feet are at just the right size to fit into my palm. You have just enough balance to work with me ... you have the makings of a champion.

I hope to get some video footage next time I am in KC, if it is not too late. You see, there is only a very short window of time in your palm surfing career. When you get too big and when you learn to walk, you career will be over. This is one of the reasons I am in no hurry to see you get bigger, to learn to walk, to grow up. I want to enjoy this season of your life while it lasts.

Life is a lot like this. Seasons come and seasons go. I find a lot of people who live their lives thinking about the next season, wanting to get to the next season, and missing the good things in the season that they are in.

Every season of your life will have certain things tied to it that will pass when the season ends. There are certain things about life in high school that will only be a part of your life while you are in high school. When you get out and go into the next season, those things will pass. Same thing is true in the different jobs you may have, places you may live, etc.

Please don't be in a hurry to get to "tomorrow." Look around and think: what is going on in life right now that may not be a part of life in the future. Enjoy those things.

I love you..... and, surf's up!

Pops

What will it look like?

2009-02-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

A.J.,
I was think of you today as I was thinking about the seminary class that I am beginning. The class is about the mission (purpose) of God in this world, and the place that the church plays in God's plans.
As my mind began to wander (and it always does, and quite often to thoughts of you), I began to wonder what "church" will look like by the time you become a young adult. I am not certain, but I feel that it will be somewhat different than it has looked in the past.
I find that very exciting, mostly because I have become a little bored with the way that we have done church in the past. One person said it this way: we need to stop "doing church" and start "being the church." And by "church" I mean the body of Christ here on the earth. We are supposed to be (and to have been being, if that makes sense) the hands and feet of Jesus, going to and touching the people of the world with the love, power and purpose of God.
My hope for you is that you will be on the leading edge of what God is doing in and through your generation to reach the world with the love and the message of Jesus. Trust me, it is the greatest endeavor that you can ever connect with on this planet.

Your Teeth

2009-01-27T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Beautiful Girl,

We just left your house a few days ago after spending four days with you. I wanted you to know that at this time you have the two smallest little bitty teeth that I have ever seen....and they are so cute! In fact everything about you is so cute, and put together results in the most beautiful girl in the world.

I tell you this, and want you to remember it, because there will certainly be days when you don't feel beautiful or valuable or loved. So remember this: even when you don't feel all these things, you still are all these things...... I hope that makes sense.

Love you,

Pops

Thanks for coming...

2009-01-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Beautiful Girl,

You came to St. Louis earlier this week (you came with your mom, riding with your Grandma and me as we were returning from Wichita, KS). You were a good girl the whole time, and you actually started to play with Bella a little - very little, but it's a start.

I am writing this to tell you that I am looking forward to your visits in the future when you can come by yourself and just hang out. There are a lot of things I want to talk to you about that I don't want anyone else to hear or read about (mostly your parents). I have stories about your mom and dad that they will never tell you (remind me to tell you about the time we played musical chairs at your mom's 5th birthday party), and secrets about life that are too powerful to let out in public.

Anyway, I look forward to those times with you.

As always, I love you.

Pops

Spoiled is what you're supposed to be

2008-12-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

Alexa,

Someone has to tell you this, so I may as well be the one. So here goes: you are spoiled.

But I want you to know that that is OK; in fact, that is the way it is supposed to be, the way God wants it to be. God delights in spoiling His children, as do your parents.

The problem is that being spoiled can lead to being a brat, and that's not the way it is supposed to be.

What is the difference between being spoiled and being a brat you ask. Simple: thankfulness. As you exerience the goodness of the heart of your mom and dad (and of God), you MUST be thankful...consciously, verbally, extravagantly thankful. Gratitude is one of the most powerful attitudes that you can develop.

Think about it. When you give someone a gift, or do them a favor, and they go out of their way to express their thankfulness and show their appreciation, what does it make you want to do? To help them or give to them again. BUT, if you give to someone and they take it for granted, how motivated are you to do it again? Not very.

SO, know you are spoiled and don't be ashamed of it -- be thankful for it. But never allow yourself to become a brat. (I actually believe that when we allow ourselves to become brats we tie the hands of God from blessing us -- after all, He doesn't want a bunch of brats for as His kids).

Changing....

2008-12-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

Alexa....

Tonight I had the honor of changing your VERY poopy diaper. I won't take the time to describe it in detail, but just know that it was a work of art.

It also made me think about something........there are only two times in life when someone wears diapers: when they are very young and very old. I plan on living to be very old.

And remember - I changed your diaper when you needed it.

'Nough said.

What will the world be like....?

2008-12-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

Alexa,

Your grandma and I just got to your house for Christmas week ... and it is so wonderful to see you. Everytime I see you after having been away from you for a few weeks, you seem to have changed so much. Needless to say, you just keep getting more and more beautiful (I can't wait to see how breathtaking you are when you actually get hair!).

Watching you change as time goes by makes me think of something else that continues to change with the passing of time: the world you live in.

In many ways, the world keeps progressing in very positive ways. Advances in communication, entertainment, technology, travel, etc, make the world a much better place to live. On the other hand, the world is also progressively moving in a negative direction: away from the character and nature of the God who created it.

As I think of you and your future, I can't help but wonder what the world will be like when you become a teenager, when you get married, when you have kids, and when you have grandkids.

Although I cannot predict with any sense of accuracy what the world will be like in those various seasons of your life, I can tell you that the more your life is connected to and anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, the more the world around you will make sense. He is the only one who is truly trustworthy and faithful, he will not let you down, and he will never deceive you.

Please stay close to him. Watch your mom and dad closely, and follow them as they live their lives in relationship with the person and truth of Jesus.

I love you.

Your first Christmas

2008-12-19T15:17:00.000-08:00

Alexa,

Your first Christmas is just around the corner, and I can't wait to see you, and that reminds me of last Christmas, when I felt the same way, only different -for you were still warm in your mom's tummy.

You have brought a tremedous amount of joy since last Christmas, and our world would not been complete without you. So... I simply want to say thanks - for just being you.

I hope you realize that just the fact that "you are," brings us joy. You don't have to do anything or prove anything. Simply because you are you, the world is a better place.

Your value resides in who you are, and not in what you do.

Missing you...

2008-12-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Alexa,

You spent the day yesterday with Grandma Sherri and GreatGrandma Pat. You went shopping and out to eat (I think you went to Chic-fil-a). Your uncle Nik came by to see you also.

I miss you today as I was thinking about all the people who get to see you on a regular basis. I hope that none of them ever takes the privilege of seeing you regularly for granted.

Something I wanted you to know: I was reading in Genesis yesterday (I don't remember the chapter number at the moment) about Abraham and Sarah and Hagar (you will have to read the whole story to get the big picture). One thing stuck out to me. Hagar, a maidservant of Abraham/Sarah, had one of Abraham's kids and that caused problems and put her in a situation that she never asked to be in. She ends up running away to the desert, and there God comes to talk to her (again, read the story to get the details). After this experience, Hagar gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me."

I tell you this so that you will know that at any and every point and place in your life, God knows who you are, where you are, what you need and how to be there for you. Grandma Sherri would say it this way: "You are on God's radar screen."

So, even though I am separated across the state from you most of the time, God is right there with you -- and I know that he never takes you for granted.

P.S. I am coming to see you tomorrow....

On the road with your Pops and Grandma Sherri

2008-10-17T09:37:00.001-07:00

A.J.,
This weekend you are traveling with your mom, me and your Grandma. We are in Springfield visiting the Lombardo's. You will see them off and on throughout your life. We are on the way to Branson to meet up with your dad at the District Youth Convention.
Anyway, what I wanted to tell you was that, much like our weekend, life is a journey. And I have discovered that it is more about the trip than the destination.
So...enjoy the journey, take detours, don't be in a rush and collect friends along the way. And also take a lot of pictures!

Pictures

2008-09-06T05:34:00.000-07:00

Alexa,
It has been about three weeks since I have seen you, and I miss you a lot. I am very thankful that your mom loves me enough to be sending me pictures of you almost everyday. It is like watching a slide show of you growing up.
Now I would rather be there in person, but it is kind of cool to watch the changes that I see happening in the pictures. The down side of being with someone everyday is the likelihood to miss the subtle changes that are occuring that are too small to notice. Mostly, I am seeing your personality develop through the expressions that are on your face -- and it is a cute little face!
I look forward to watching you as you discover all that God has wrapped up inside of your heart, mind and soul.
I love you.

So excited...

2008-08-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

Alexa,

I am so very excited about today, Monday, August 11th, 2008. Why? Because of you!

Today your grandma and I are driving from St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks...to see and spend time with you. And the reason that I am excited is that you are getting to the age where your personality is beginning to emerge. Before this, you just seemed to sleep, eat and poop (and you have shown yourself to be good at all three - two you get from your mom, and the last one probably from your dad).

This has got me thinking (the emerging personality, not the pooping). There is so much that God has knit together and wrapped up inside of you that it will take a lifetime to see it all revealed: your gifts and talents, your passions and purpose, and your ultimate beauty and glory. Time, circumstances, experiences and relationships will eventually bring these things into being.

My hope and prayer is that you will walk all the days of your life under the shadow of God's favor, so that His loving hand might gracefully unpack all that he has deposited inside of you.

I love you.

Your mom...

2008-06-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hey beautiful girl....

When you get older, ask your mom about her favorite teacher, Mr. Freeal (that is not the way to spell it, but that is how it sounds).

Your pictures

2008-06-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

A.J.
I keep going back and looking at your pictures and wondering what is going on in that cute little head of yours. I am always amazed at how beautiful you are, no matter how many times I see you.
I have been praying for the guy that you will someday marry. I realize that he may not even be born yet, but that's OK...I like getting a headstart by praying for his mom and dad, and his whole family. Always remember this: there will never be a guy that is good enough for you, so you have to work hard at finding the guy that is closest to it. And I am sure you will.

May you be...

2008-06-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

This morning sitting on the back porch I read a few chapters in Romans. Toward the end I came across a verse that made me think of you (16:19). It expresses Paul the Apostle's hope for his readers, and my hope for you: that you may be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

Being wise has to do with knowing and understanding, and being innocent has to do with action and intent. I hope you will have a deep understanding (wisdom) concerning what is good and what is evil - knowing the truth upon which good and evil are discerned (that word means to know something on the inside) and based; I also hope that you are innocent when it comes to your actions and involvement concerning evil. I don't want you to be ignorant, but innocent - and if you are wise concerning what is good, it goes without saying that you will be wise about what is evil...and if you are wise about it, you will be innocent.

Needless to say, Good and Evil, and knowing the difference, are very important. Listen to your paents and to the voice inside of you...they will not lead you wrongly.

We got news today...

2008-06-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Beautiful Girl,

Yesterday you went to see the doctor about your pesky kidney (actually your mom, dad and G-MaSh took you since you can't see over the steering wheel to drive yourself). Today the doctor called to say that you have some cysts on your left kidney. When stuff like this happens, without thinking I begin to think, "What did she do to be having this kind of stuff happening?" And the moment I thought that, the story in John 9 (I think it is chapter 9) jumped into my head --sidenote: when things "jump" into my head, it is usually the Holy Spirit.

This is the story of a man born blind. The guys following Jesus asked Him who had sinned that caused this guy to be born blind, him or his parents? Jesus response was, "Neither." Jesus told them that this situation wasn't the result of anyone's specific action or mistakes. This situation had no "cause and effect" tied to it.....it just was.

That got me thinking about how we people are always looking for an explanation for things we don't understand, and a lot of times someone to blame. We want to know what caused it. But Jesus is saying nothing caused it. It just was.

I guess what I want you to know is that a lot of life "just is." Don't waste time trying to figure out why or how it got that way. Invest your time, energy and thoughts in figuring out how to respond or react to the things you don't understand.

I tell you all of this, and at the same time I am trying to follow my own advice when I think about you and your kidney. I think that it will please God for me to trust Him with you, and to be a support to you parents.

I love you.

Why not you?

2008-06-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Alexa,

It has been said that "people are people." And while in some senses that is true, if you look around you will see that some individuals stand out in the crowd. All thoughout history there have been people who have marked their generation by the impact that their lives have made. They may have made a great contribution to the world with their ideas and talents, or maybe they have changed the world through their service and sacrifices.

When I have been thinking about you lately, I have been thinking, "Why not you?" Why could it not be you who stands out in your generation as someone who changed the world? Why could you not be one who marks this world for the better through your life?

And the answer is this: there is no reason that you can't be one whose life counts in ways bigger than yourself. The key is to take who you are (your gifts, ideas, talents, heart, mind, energy, etc)and line it up with who God is (his character, power, will, pleasure, purposes, ideas, etc).

Lean heavily upon the people that God puts in your life, and allow one question to always be dwelling in your heart and mind: "Why not me?"

Your First Day

2008-06-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Alexa,

Yesterday was your very first day and it was incredible to finally see you. You are so beautiful.

One thing I want you to know about today ... you have great parents.

I say this not because your mom is my daughter and your dad my best friend; I say this because of all the people that showed up to support them while they were waiting for you to arrive. So many people love your parents, and your parents love so many people.

One of my favorite people there was Gabby Murillo - she is your parents' God-daughter. She was there patiently waiting for you all because she loves your mom and dad. She talks to them about all the things going on in her life, and lets them give her advice and help. She trusts your parents.

I tell you this because I want you to know how favored you are in having the parents that you have. So many people - and a lot of them young people - value your parents' thoughts and advice. You should, too. Listen to them; talk to them; honor them. You will not be sorry.

The greatest life

2008-04-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Alexa,

The greatest life is one surrendered to God. I am not speaking about simply being a Christian, but about living a life directed by and surrendered to God.

You will have many thoughts, ideas and plans that grow in your heart and mind. They may be about your future career, school, husband, family, etc. But always remember this: God loves you, knows more than you, and is thinking about you at any/every moment. You will never regret making decisions that you know are the leading of the Holy Spirit.

And let me assure you that a life fully surrendered to God will be anything but boring. It is often uncertain, scary, insecure, crazy, exciting, confusing, but it will not be boring.

Your Great-Grandpa's

2008-03-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Your arrival means a lot to everyone, and for different reasons. I am thinking of two people specifically this morning: your great-grandfathers - Grandpa Toby and Grandpa Bob.

You coming into our family when you are catapults these two individuals into a very special category of people - Great-grandparents.

I hope that as time unfolds, you will have a lot of time and opportunities to get to experience them. They are both great men in their own ways.

Grandpa Bob has taught me throughout my life what it means to be responsible and hard working. He did this mostly by just being there. I saw in his example what it means to take care of my family. He has helped me to grow into the man that I am.

Grandpa Toby is even now helping your mom grow in many ways. You will have to ask her about that sometime.

We are praying for him

2008-03-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Who is "him," you may ask? He is the guy that you will someday marry. Your Grandma Sherri and I have been praying for him....and he may not even be born yet. We are praying that he will have parents as great as yours, and a faith in Jesus that guides his entire life.

We will continue to pray for him until the day you get married ... and then we will pray some more. We want you to know that we are looking ahead and preparing space for God to do crazy and great things in your life.

I will ask you to do one thing when it comes to choosing a husband: never settle. In fact, please do the opposite - dream strong and play the long shot. You will have to ask your mom what it means to play the long shot.

I love you.

First things first

2008-03-23T09:30:00.001-07:00

I love you. I know that I have not yet met you in person, but, I still love you. And I want that to be the first thing that you read.

I love you because you are a part of me... or rather I am a part of you.

I love you because you bring such joy to my little girl, your Mom.

I love you because you are so valuable, just because you are you.

I love you because you have allowed me to watch your dad love your mom in ways that he couldn't before you were coming along.

I love you because you are my one-and-only FIRST grand-kid I will ever have.

Mostly, I wanted you to know that you are special and that without even being here yet, you are a delight and have brought great joy to this world.

I love you.