Conversation @ Tres Amigos

We had lunch @ Tres Amigos to talk about hoops. Greg, Jeff and Devon were there. We talked about the blog and what Gail is saying to us even now.

We need to keep going guys.....

We can do it and Devon will be shouting out the means and power with which we will do so.

the Father's Love

Hello,

Lauren, Gail's niece sent this to us today. What a wonderful gift.

There are banner ads that may be distracting, please, just focus on the video.

It, to me, is powerful. Thanks Lauren. This is comforting to us.

Please watch and pass along as you see fit.

Love,

Jon and Devon




http://www.godtube.com/view_video?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Keep Going...

The following words I believe is what Gail has been saying to Devon and I and to each person that she knew and knew her.....

Keep going.......don't give up.
I'm cheering you on.
We're cheering you on.
We've got your back.
I'm ok.
You don't need to worry about me, I've got it good.
Keep on keeping on, but don't do it by yourself.
If you need help, ask for it.
Don't go it alone.
No, it won't be easy. but you were made to be blessed and to be a blessing.
Don't trust in Jesus, just because I told you. And I never told you.
I left that to you to ask and discover.
I'm happy at what I see.......

I love you and I will see you again.....

What's it gonna be?

Shine

A few thoughts, feelings and observations

I realized that I haven't journaled much in February, and there is a lack because of it. I had made a commitment to write a sentence of praise at the beginning of the day and another at the end of the day. Haven't done it. Ever make a commitment and not keep it? Instead of using energy to get down, I want to use it to write that ONE SENTENCE. pray for that.

Devon and I discussed the fact that the name Devon, means 'Poet.' He likes to busta rhyme. This came to mind as he grapples with content. I think that he might end up writing rhymes in his journal and it will be set to beats to uplift, challenge and bless his generation. Please pray for that.

I attend BSF, but haven't been putting much into it. I'm losing out. I'm showing up, but I need so much more than that. Please pray for: 'Be Still and Know that I am God.' time. Good together time with the Father.

Buddy Stewart shared His Story with family and friends last week. Cool.

At Mariners we are planning a period of Rest, Reflection and Renewal for both our pastor and for the church. The theme will be personal renewal, relational renewal and missional renewal.
My heart and vision for this time is:

1. That each person that is in relationship with the Mariners community will have shared at least one prayer request, have that prayer request prayed for, and know that that the prayer request was prayed for and have a means to share how the God who loves us met that request.
2. That each person that is in relationship with the Mariners community will have blessed another person wherever that might be, in their family, school, workplace, pilates, Le Petit Baleen, @ Safeway, Peet's, Happy Taco or wherever and have a means to share how the God that loves us blessed.

We want to experience the love of God in a 'hands on' way. Please pray for us.
We want the community to taste and see that the Lord, He is good.

Just watched a video from March 2007 from Rick Warren, on Personal, Relational, Missional, Structural and Cultural Renewal. Good stuff.

My work at Bay City is evolving and moving more into the area of my gifting. I have been asked to develop and spearhead a wellness program at the company. This is new stuff. This is cool to be able to do this in the marketplace. The wellness goes way beyond physical wellness. Relational wellness, personal wellness come to mind. Actually it's similar to what my heart is for Mariners as well. I'm being both freed up and released.

Uncle Steve has been working with Devon on his next swag at the Math Exit exam which will be taken in May. Thanks for your continuing prayers. Devon's grades have dropped off significantly since the semester. We're not panicking, but are concerned. This is redeemable.

Memorial Day @ June Lake. If you are planning to come this year, please let me know as soon as possible. Last year was such a celebration as we celebrated the goodness of God together in community. It was a blessing to pray for Kenji. Family was there. It was sweet. A memorable send off for Gail. I weep as I write this, but it's true.

My Aunt Liz sent me a verse this week. She said that she was led to send a verse about not losing heart. Pray 2 Second Corinthians 4 for us.

I'm thankful that Devon was able to stay with Grandma this week and spend time with family. I'm sure that this was good all around.

As I was in a funk this week. I was feeling so sorry for myself, God met me. I was doing some serious lamenting with no comfort. I was just too restless. He quieted me down enough to direct my lamenting to Him. I was feeling broken and he met me. I went to the bathroom of all places and there was a booklet of stories written to reach out to 2nd generation Japanese Americans who are dying off. God used one story in that booklet to speak to me. It was written by Caryn. It was about Kiku who wanted to go to Fedco, and not to Target, she went to Target against her wishes and met a longtime friend that had just lost a husband. Kiku herself had lost a husband and would write letters to other widows and widowers. ( I received such a letter from Kiku) Kiku and her friend went to Burger King and her friend poured out her heart about her grief.

The Lord used that story in my bathroom to send a message, is that He, like Kiku forsake his own life to make it possible for me to receive his comfort ane new life. I was able to find both comfort and refuge in Jesus because in that true story, I saw the comfort of God shining through.

Is life easy? Easily no. I have been finding that He is so faithful because my life is putting him to the test in real time.

I am finding that I am grateful, fearful, hopeful, thankful all at the same time. How can that be? And yet I'm not a basket case.

I'm thankful that Devon continues to repeat the following verse almost daily at the most opportune times. 'It's not by might, nor by power, but by my Holy Spirit says the Lord God Almighty'

What's Goin On...

It was my birthday on January 27th. Birthdays at our age were no big deal. We'd usually got out to dinner and that's about it. It came on a Sunday. Devon was funny and he asked on the day before, 'Dad, what do you want to do for your birthday?' I told him, 'Nothing'. And I meant it.

We went to church and our worship team 'happened' to play two songs that they did for Gail's memorial service in Half Moon Bay. Wow. And on my birthday. The two songs were: 1) Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin and 2) Yesterday, Today and Forever. Those songs were such a gift to me. And as I was sitting with no one next to me, I felt Gail's presence beside me. I can't remember this happening before. It was like she was saying, 'I am with you, and always will be....since, I feel more connected with her....I find myself talking to her and I sense a calm reassurance, especially when I am anxious and fearful....

I'm thankful to the Lord for his kindness and goodness for giving me this on my birthday.

It didn't stop there. Devon told a few of my friends after church that it was my birthday and one of them, asked what I was doing for dinner and I said, 'nothing'. Devon and I and two other families went to Spanish Town, (mexican, what else) and had a flan with a candle on it. From one friend, I received 2 pounds of Peet's Major D, and another a moleskine journal and a nice card. Another welcome surprise straight from my good Dad in heaven.

I'm thankful that Devon passed all his classes on the semester. Thanks for your support and prayers through this. They matter and are making a difference in our lives. Devon got a C in Algebra, A's in Independent Study, Chorus and US History, a B in English and a C in Physical Science. We're all happy about this. He has a lot of sticktuativeness in his studies. Uncle Steve Yahata is working with him to prep for the Math Exit exam which is happening again in May.

Devon and I are both continuing in the counseling. Some weeks I have no idea what I am going to say, but the Lord always gives us something to discuss that is meaningful. One issue that was especially helpful, was when my counselor helped me to see that I don't have to look very far at all to determine how I can bless Gail's memory. I can just continue what we were doing together.

We have a Sunday School class that meets @ 10:30 @ Mariners. Gail picked up the class and I took over the teaching about a year ago and for the last few months we are sharing our stories. We are asking others to come in a walk with us to La Di Da coffee house to share with one another. The class is growing! More students are coming! We are having fun together and are blessed to hear each other's stories.

Gail was in admin for our hoops teams, Devon played, and I coach. Devon and I are continuing this, and other mom's and parents have stepped in. There is expansion.

I keep hearing Isaiah 54 in my head about picking up the stakes and expanding the tent. I have felt on an off that i should be folding the tent, or pulling in, instead of expanding. But the Lord seems to be bringing more and more students and families. We're thankful.

Devon and I are continuing to walk. This is a rich time of sharing and listening to one another and affirming our relationship.

My Mom and Dad are here. They are so good. I have been discussing the Sabbatical that we are helping to plan for our pastor Paul for May. They are so wise and encouraging. Plus my mom ironed a lot of my shirts. 'Thanks Mom!'

A friend and I get together about once a month. The last time that we got together, I was telling her about the book the 'Essential Wooden' and how Devon had used it for his book report. I suggested that she and I read that book because it has a lot of lessons in leadership. This will be fun and I'm looking forward to it.

We are still mourning of course. There is a certain sadness/space in our life now. We are so blessed to be lifted in prayer and thought. We are so grateful.

Love,

Jon and Devon

Beautiful One

Nothing changes the fact that He's beautiful.