Say "hi" to Uncle Rick

Sweetheart,

A few weeks ago, I told one of my closest friends, Rick, about how I planned to adopt and prayed hard about it, then God gave me peace that he had you waiting for me in Heaven, an answer like hannah got with Samuel; in fact, I started to realize what happened when my prayers for a child turned to God putting in my heart about praying like Hannah did to dedicate Samuel to the Lord.

By now you've met Rick. I'll reminisce about him some here, but - partly for a testimony to those around the world who may read this after losing someone - I'll share what happened first. He fought cancer for several years and beat it twice before this third one came back with a vengeance - in fact, he was only given about a 30% chance of surviving the second one in his liver, but with surgery he did without even needing chemo (would have started it but had an infection for a long while so they couldn't.) He was cancer free after that.

Of course, I say "Uncle Rick" because I like that way of referring to close friends of the parents as aunts and uncles, though ours was okay with just calling the friends by name. It's especially meaningful for one so close because I did love him like a brother. We'd only known each other for 23 years, so only since I was a young adult, but it was still so special - his whole family was always so nice, and he was such a kind, caring considerate person.

Most importantly, of course, he knew Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, which is why he's up there, he'd called on Jesus to forgive him and save him from his sins, believing that He'd taken the punishment for his sins when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. Whereas Jesus took that punishment for you and since you never got the chance to live, instead of being adopted by me you went straight to heaven.

We'll spend time reminiscing about all the fun we had with Rick when we all get together. there were so many great things, so much laughter and good times that helps remind us of him. But, nothing compares to the joy up there.

It's hard to say whether we remember good times the same way we do here on Earth up there - and i know it doesn't pay to ask you becasue I'll get that little voice in my mind saying, "It's a surprise, Daddy." I did kid him that he's got a dog named Nitschke after the Packers' linebacker and one day soon he's going to have the real Ray Nitschke greeting him since the guy was saved and rick was such a huge Packer fan. I wonder

It's neat how I don't have to say I wish you could have met him, because now you have. Friendship is so important. The right kinds of friends, that is. A friend that is closer than a brother, one you can rely on for anything and who will always care about you. And, that's what Rick was. Rick was the nicest guy, I felt comfortable with him right away when I started going to Canton Baptist Temple. He accepted and shared my goofy sense of humor, and we always had a great time together. It was so easy to laugh about such silly things. He understood how to be a Godly person and have fun as a Christian.

Of course, Rick was dedicated to the Lord. He put God first in his life. However, he wasn't afraid to have fun with his love of the Packers, and no he had clearly dedicated that love to God and how the Lord richly blessed him through his love for the Packers. The visit of Hall of Famer Dave Robinson in Rick's last week's was just one of the many ways God used the Packers to bless him. And, of course, God used him to bless many other people too. It's amazing how many people considered him their best friend.

Rick knew that the main purpose of life was to show God's grace, but while he shared the gospel he generally just used his life to display God's grace. He was always looking out for others, always caring about other people and being friendly. There were a couple times a guy got saved who had been in our singles class after months of going there and he remarked that we have lost focus because we had gotten too interested in the phone and not as much and making sure the people spiritual lives were okay. He was so excited to see people falling the word and knowing where they would spend eternity. One time when he and I went to Green Bay in 2000 I had prayed beforehand that someone get saved on our trip and lo and behold, we gave a tract to someone where we were eating lunch there and the fellow came over 15 minutes later and thank the saying he had gotten saved. We were both so excited, and now Rick knows just what became of that man, named Josiah.

As noted, of course, most of our memories of him revolve around the fun times we had together because he knew the wonderful good clean fun that Christians could have. He reveled in it, Whether joking about tickling oneself like he did with me or telling really wild stories of things that really happened in this family, or just making jokes, he was full of life. It's so wonderful to know that he is again full of life up there, and probably having so much fun playing with you and getting to know you.

I could share a multitude of funny stories. Depending on how much one remembers of those good times, he probably has already shared many of them. The time he went to a gas station dressed as a revolutionary war soldier, for instance, because he was going to a party, and someone look at him and said that guy goes way back. Or the time he went to Green Bay and he and his friends were decked out in Packers stuff and Ohio State Buckeyes stuff and someone in the crowd said that just isn't right. And so many other things. 

Of course, what matters is that he is completely whole. He is healthy and full of life with no pain, no suffering, it is so wonderful to know. Just like you are safe from all those problems.

The even more wonderful thing, i know is that when i do finally see you, to be absent from the body is the be present with the Lord.

However, I remain down here becasue there are so many who aren't saved. Rick knew that. he wanted the Gospel preached at his funeral so people would hear, and it was, and 12 people (at least) raised their hands to indicate they'd prayed to receive Christ as Saviour, from what the minister said. That is so exciting! He also had reason to celebrate because I left his calling hours early and in my ministry class got to lead a girl to Christ. I pray he'll be able to celebrate others getting saved who are without Jesus, just as I know you will, and I hope all reading this will pray for those same people.

Until we have great great, joyous celebration together with all our friends and loved ones who know the Lord, I'm glad you're in a place that doesn't have anything bad in it, where there's no pain, no suffering, no sorrow, no sin. As I explained that that girl that night, it's impossible to sin up there, but since we all have sin in us, we need a SAviour. Thankfully, Jesus Christ, God in flesh, died to take the punishment for our sins and rose from the dead, and all one has to do is call on Him to forgive and save them and turn from their sin and make them new inside. A person can do that reading this right now, in fact. Just like that fellow who read that tract.

Enjoy it up there. I'll keep serving the Lord down here because I'm encouraged by you and great examples like Rick, but the real reason is because of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. I owe it all to Him, and I do it all for Him. Sure, i fail sometimes, because I'm human, but I have His promise of forgiveness and salvation. Just like you.

till we meet.

Love, Daddy.

On Gifts I'd Have Liked To Have Given

Hi, Sweetheart,

I was just thinking, what would you like on television? Do you have any shows you actually watch up there?

Yeah, I know you'd say, "Silly Daddy, I'm in Heaven, why would I watch TV?" I was just pondering stuff that I've been interested in and it makes me think.

We love because we want to, just as I wanted to adopt you. After praying for a little one for quite a while God seemed to say in my heart that He had one for me but that He wanted to see if I would dedicate you the same way Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord. And, I said I would.

I know God has a bigger plan, a perfect one, it is one that made me sad but I know I will see you someday where we will celebrate for ever. In the meantime, I think about how you would have enjoyed talk of the "Full House" book Universe vs. TV Universe - and now we have NetU. There is so much fun with the chronology some online friends and I did, which any readers of this can see here under "the show". There was so much fun fanfiction with stories I've done and that a good online friend did which I helped with.; his stuff is also there under fanfiction, under Paul Austin.

Anyway, "Full House" is such a wonderful, sweet family show, just perfect for my tastes in how they always show such unconditional love. With the Chronology in a way it is as if I did raise you because of how much I visualize everything I say and do and even my writing. I know it's not the same, but maybe with my handicaps it's more of the same than it would be for some people. (And, I much prefer the Book Universe with D.J. as a proactive mother figure and much more giving.)

It would have been hard since I never had the money, but I got some "Full House" books that I did because I enjoyed putting together the chronology and the Lord used Full House for other things, too. Because of it, a fellow half a world away saw an example of Jesus Christ that I tried to be where he wouldn't have otherwise. You'll get to meet him, too, as while because of various things it's hard for him to come out and say it, the Lord has given me peace through a few things that he has trusted Jesus Christ to save him from his sin, which anyone can do, we're each only a single, sincere prayer of repentance to Jesus away from eternal life, as shown here.

I would have had such fun telling you how God uses many little things in our lives to help us. I don't know if you'd have been like book Stephanie or who you would have been like. (I know you are very unique, but sometimes those templates help me to understand things and people a little.) But, then again, maybe you wouldn't have even enjoyed Full House as much as you would have playing baseball or something. I don't know if we'd have written things together, though I like to think that we'd have shared in some of what I've written. (TV Unvierse and Book Unvierse stories of mine are also up on that site I linked to earlier.)

I know this, though. I love you, even though we have not yet met. Those gifts that I would have given you have gone to help someone else now; i sent them a couple weeks ago. But, who knows, maybe God will have someone for me someday. Or, maybe I will just wait until I am caught up in the air and we celebrate as we gather around the throne. Either way, even if I had the money and I suddenly adopted 10 kids, you will always be special to me. Because I know God has used you, too, in ways that are hard to describe, and in some ways specific to the types of challenges I was born with.

I still have my old toys and books and all the stuffed animals that I had when I was little, and I have given them to the Lord as well to use as He knows is best. I trust God because I know He is perfect love, wisdom, etc.. If you couldn't be with me, I know you are with the best sitter possible, and while I still miss you I am so glad you don't have to deal with the turmoil of this world. I'm so glad that God loved me enough many years ago to save me from my sins when I called on Him by faith to save and forgive me.

It is because of Jesus I know that I'm going to Heaven. And, because of Jesus I know you are safe and I will see you someday.

So, whether or not you'd havebeen a fan of "Full House," whether or not we'd have written stuff together, no matter what, I know that now, you probably look down on me with all these silly little things and laugh, becasue nothing in this world compares to the glory which is to come. As the Bible says, eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has entered into the heart of man the wonders that await us.

So, since it's all a bit silly to you anyway, I'm sure you understand your silly Daddy following some of this stuff on Twitter and just presuming that maybe you could have been a huge fan. that maybe you'd hve kept the books and enjoyed them, or watched the show and had fun little discussions, on your level at whatever age you were, about how the books are different and how on TV D.J.had to step in realistically and reacted but was proactive in books, and so on. I giggle as I picture you going to school - well, church, the way things are now you'd be homeschooled - and telling all your little friends how we only see 1/33th of a person's lives in a sitcom and stuff's not over in 30 minutes like other people say, and all those other little things.

Yes, I know you understand. Because your silly Daddy has other little nuances that are just part of what makes each of us unique, and little failings that are part of what shows we each need Christ's redemptive work on the cross to save us. And, tough I can't reach out and hug you tonight, I know you see in my heart how much I care, and somehow the Lord gives me peace that feels like a great big hug Himself. Because, that's what I always said when i was little, that Heaven was like a great big hug that lasts forever.

I'm glad you can enjoy that now, not becasue of anything but that Jesus Christ died for your sins, too, and rose from the dead,a nd since you died before you could understand that need to trust Him by faith and call on Him to save you, He saved you and you are covered by the blood of the Lamb of God.

Till we meet and enjoy that blessedness together.

Love,
Daddy

On celebrities, fictional worlds, and role models for kids

Hi, Sweetheart,

I talked before about various sports. I wonder if you keep track of Hollywood's stars. I think of all the fun and exciting things that happen and I figure you would have enjoyed it here on Earth. Who knows; perhaps you'd have been one of the few who has enough talent to make it in local commercials if not out there.

Of course even if you weren't, you're still a superstar in my eyes. Silly grammar, I know. Still, it fits since you died before I ever knew you, let alone before I could have begun to adopt you. The Lord led me to step out in faith and look into adoption despite my handicaps and my financial problems, and then led me to pray like Hannah did with Samuel dedicating him to the Lord and then letting him serve in the temple and live there. And now, I know I have a precious child in Heaven - you - waiting for me.

It's funny. I knew about a few, but I never followed celebrities before the internet - especially not before the last few years with YouTube and Twitter and the like. I was always more interested in the imaginary worlds created in which they performed their roles. So, for instance, I cared much more about the universe of a sitcom like Full House or the Mary Tyler Moore Show and what resulted from it than any of the performers. I could tell from things like changing clothing that TV shows took place over several days or more, not 30 minutes. I got involved considering what might happen between scenes and before and after episodes.

Only with the advent of Twitter have I really begun to follow Hollywood people. Even there, I am much more apt to follow young talent  such as from YouTube. One celebrity I enjoy the most is a happy, fun-loving singer and actress named Kacey Fifield. I started following her because of the Kids React series. Were you here with me, I can imagine she would be one of your favorites, too.

I grew up after the era of Shirley Temple, but with only three TV networks and no internet there were still very few opportunities for performers. Now, however, there is much more opportunity for someone to really get noticed. And, I pray for performers like Kacey, that she and others know the Lord Jesus Christ personally as Saviour and that they stay away from the many temptations in Hollywood. I pray they continue to use the great talents they have been given to glorify God and how they act and how they treat others. In other words, they make the world a better place like Jesus says in Matthew 5 about letting your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in Heaven.

So, even there, I like to give more than I take; I prefer to encourage and build people up, not just to let others entertain me. Which is a huge reason why I'm a fan of Kacey. She likes encouraging others, too, and is always so kind and considerate, from what I've read. The way I know I'd have helped you to be.

It's funny. I just realized this. Through my writing, my reading, my imagination, etc., as well as times with family and serving the Lord, God has given me the chance to do as much as ll I would have as a parent, just not in chronological order. Perhaps the Lord led me to get introduced to Kids React in part because He not only wanted to give me more to pray for and encourage, but also because it would be another little part of that.collage of non-chronological experiences where I can say I had a part like a parent. A few times I even disciplined one really ornery cousin or defiant niece, each time in a kind, caring way that showed I love them. So, of course, following young talent has a twofold purpose - two watch someone else grow and become successful but more importantly a great example of Jesus Christ, but also to imagine how you might enjoy following such stars. After all, I've seen my cousins, nieces, and nephews do all those great things and been excited to have watched that.

A fellow church member encouraged his boy that he'd "chosen a good one" when I informed them his son's favorite player, Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates, is a Christian. And, in the same way, I feel like I could encourage you that you've chosen good ones by the ones I see who are great examples. But, that's just me "being a silly Daddy", as you would say, because you are in Heaven with the greatest of all, Jesus Christ.

Still, it is lots of fun 2 imagine you getting the same joy I do out of things. Some of them may be silly, just like I am sometimes, but it is still great fun.

I don't need to think of such things all the time, in fact I don't need to very often comma but it is still fun when I do. Because it helps me to know that God has given me wonderful gifts, some of which I experience here on Earth in my own life, some I simply enjoy following and celebrating with them, anthem - many in fact - I will enjoy when I get to Heaven.

And, I know I'll be in Heaven because I have put my trust in Jesus Christ to save me from my sins, calling on him by faith to forgive me and make me new inside. And then, we will meet and celebrate together.

Till we meet.

Love, Daddy

WElcoming loved ones and reunions

Hi, Sweetheart,

By the time this is posted, you'll have greeted a 95-year-old great uncle. As I write, he has rallied some, perhaps waiting for his daughter to make it to see him once more.

God had other plans, though, because I finished that paragraph and by the time I got back here he had gone home to heaven. And, there's a little something fun that happened that, well, you and I can share together. See, my uncle said he would chip in on the flowers and instead of just his name he wanted his last name and the family, my mom remarried as you know and so their family name is different too, so I said just put my last name and the word family too. So, in that little way, it is sort of like you were in on this too.

That wasn't the original reason I started this post. But, it's kind of cool how that worked out.

 Back to the original intent, I read somewhere in a search looking for what people experience near death of a family that had this little girl who had been there to welcome quite a few of the members and be with them as they entered the spiritual realm fully.(As opposed to partly, which is what those who are dying experience their last days.) The family didn't know who she was - I kind of wonder if she was someone from a few hundred years ago who was perhaps a stillborn child or something. It's hard to say.

I jsut know reunions are so much fun, and he is there celebrating with his loved ones who went before him who knew Christ as Saviour - and, of course, those who die before the age when they can understand the need for it.

And yet, God gives us abundant life here, too, as the linked site discusses along with presenting that plan of salvation. that abundance isn't always physical blessings. This man was a child of the Great Depression, fought in World War Two and saw much bloodshed there, and lost a child himself at a young age. And yet, he had an abundant lie because he knew there was something better, and more important, Jesus Christ wasn't just his 'Savioiur. This great uncle had realized he was a sinner, believed that Jesus Christ - God in flesh - had died to take the punishment for his sins and risen from the dead, and called on Jesus to save him and get him to Heaven. However, Jesus was much more to him. He was a comforter, guide, helper, friend, and so much more.

We are all called to be servants, to help others. that girl, somehow was appointed by God, perhaps as a prayer of hers after a wonderful if very short life, to helping to comfort others. But God ultimately is the one who uses her, just as He has done a few little things like what I mentioned to help me know you're there waiting for me someday. (I don't even know where that thread or even message board is now, but you can tell that girl i said "hello." :-) )

God is personal. He wants a relationship with each of us. He desires to help us through all the problems of life. He is just waiting for us to come to Him and to trust Him to help us instead of trying to do it all ourselves. Then, He will give us all we need. Not all that we want, but all we need when we need it. So, we we don't have it, we must not need it.

Even with something as final in this life as death, however, God gives us grace and strength to get through it in a wonderful way. Soemtimes with little reminders of that loved one, sometimes in other ways.

So, when you see that fellow up there, and you show him around, who knows. he might provide you with some memories of how God helped him with the loss of his son decads ago. I'm curious to know if he knows who you are right away; I think I did mention in a Christmas card or birthday card a couple years ago about my faith that I had a child in haven.

But, I know one thing for sure. I can jsut imagine your sweet voice insisting whenever I wonder that, "It's a surprise, Daddy." Just another of those little things God gives me - easier by far becasue of my being sucha  visual thinker.

So, have a wonderful time greeting him and everyone else in my family, and I look forward to that great reunion we who know Christ as Saviour will have someday. Including with all those who - because I post this - have read and have been comforted and perhaps even trusted Christ as Sviour because of this. I'm sure there will be some. And, because of that, you - like that other girl - are blessing people even though you never had a chance to live yourself on this earth.

Till we meet in Heaven.

Love,

Daddy

Fun dream, what Heaven will be like

Hi, sweetheart. I know you will say "It's a surprise Daddy," but I wonder what you would enjoy sportswise. Would you be a big baseball fan? I imagine you doing stuff I like, but I was thinking about it with the World Series. Of course, it's possible that eventually you would like things a lot different than I do. Or at least different teams.

It's hard to know why some people like some things and not others. I know that I have enjoyed following whatever you did because it was something you loved. And, that's the way I would want any guy who fell in love with you to be. Someone who thought you so precious, so wonderful and caring, that he would always give himself for you. After all, a relationship is supposed to be about giving.

Jesus showed us the perfect example of that when he, God in flesh, came to this world to die for our sins and rise from the dead. He took each of our punishments, and all someone has to do is call on Him by faith to forgive and save them from their sins - anyone can visit Jesus2020.com to see more - it's just that you died below the age of accountability, likely before you were even born for me to adopt. So, you celebrate up there, and watch things like the World Series, if you're interested, and make you wonder if the Cubs will ever win another pennant.

I think about this dream I had, too. I was in something like Heaven with a large grassy field. I knew was a dream and somehow that you might be there for a moment. You were running by in your bare feet and a white robe like the Bible tells us the saints will be in Heaven when we celebrate. Then, I hugged you and we laughed together for a moment so joyfullyjust as I know we'll celebrate for real someday.

I know it wasn't really you in that dream, but, it's so nice to know that God gives us little gifts like that when we trust him, when he knows we need a little encouragement and strength to make it through. Just like at times I will have the image of you cheering me on as I try to get through this life where people sometimes don't care about others the way they should, and only care about money and don't try to help the little guy. You may not realize it but even so you weren't born for me to adopt, God is using you. Just as he can use any of us when we make ourselves available.

I love you so much, sweetheart, but I love Jesus even more. Because whether it's that or the image of a batter patiently waiting for a pitch or whatever it is, he knows each of us and what we need most.

It can be so frustrating and disheartening to never have the money, to see it be so expensive to adopt and to have problems that I just can't avoid, and prices keep going up, but I know I have you waiting for me no matter what. And, through serving Jesus I have rewards that cannot be taken away. Yet even if I didn't have those I would serve Him because of how much He has done for me.

Anyway, it was special, and I wonder if that large, grassy field with beautiful scenery around and clear blue sky was like what Heaven is like. I do imagien you just running and playing in your spiritual body - till the Rapture when you'll get your new body that has no sin - all day, so filled with joy, the way a childhood should be. There are so many  who don't have that, but I try to pray for them, as hard as it is with how overwhelming it is , somethign made worse with how my brain processes things. And, of course, you're also so excited to have Jesus around.

It's interesting, the new Jerusalem Revelation 21 and 22 talk about doesn't describe the earth except there is "no more sea," but I can imagine it being so wonderful, with such blissful scenery taht we can celebrate as God's creationt he way we were meant to.

But, before, the Millennial Kingdom? What will the kids do who rule and reign with Jesus? It will be so much fun to see. Maybe you'll be playmates for the kids born in the Kingdom who will still need to trust Christ as Sviour. Maybe you'll be encouraging us, too.

Whatever it is, it's more wonderful than we can imagine. And, I can see why you like to say (in my imagination) "It's a surprise, Daddy." Because, it is better than any dream we can have. I don't know why I asked the Lord a few tiems for one like that to see you, except that i guess being such a visual thinker sometimes that helps a lot more. But, hving had that dream, I realize it's just something more to praise God for, as in His goodness He realizes we are so fragile and have so much trouble in this life. So, when we trust Him and realize we can't do it ourselves, He gives us whatever help we need - and He knows better than us what we need when we need it. His wisdom and ways are perfect.

But, I know that's no surprise to you up there. You get to see Jesus face tof ace, as I will someday.

Till that special time, I will make it down here because I know the Lord is guiding me with His unconditional love. And, i pray others who read this are similarly encouraged to trust Him with all their heart.

Till we meet,

Love,

Daddy

Till the Lord returns, plus something for those reading if millions vanish

Hi, Wweetheart,

Yes, it's your silly daddy again. I actually had one ready I forgot to post so there's a post right below this, too. I don't know how much you can follow of this world, or want to, given the problems of this world. Indeed, it's gotten so bad some say the Lord will return for us.

Indeed, some people might read this after millions have disappeared all at once, including children. If so, we'll be together with Jesus in the air, and those young enough will be there with us as God protects them from His wrath, just as I know while you weren't born, at least you were protected from this world's problems.

I pray after such vanishings people will read this - also, among good links at that blog, this video will help people know what will happen in the end times and how to trust Jesus to save them from their sins, as I discuss elsewhere here. I don't know when that'll happen, but I pray the above URLs will be copied so people are able to find them when the last of the End Times come - the Tribulation.

Back to the present, I've been considering how different our family is. Genetically there is something that makes us so much more easy going, more well behaved and not as rebellious. Of course, we are saved by grace through faith in God's gift. We must each trust Christ as Saviour on our own and not our own works. But, it is easier for some to resist temptation than others.

Anyway, I wonder. What would you have been like. I know that, when adopting, I'd have had the chance to choose some qualities. But depending on how old you were it might have been hard to say what you would have been like.

Of course, I'd have loved you no matter what you were like. I had templates in my mind of how to handle different situations, what different kids were like, so I knew how to handle a lot of different things. With how I process things, I even practice in my mind and out loud. It helps people with the type of brain I have to practice. And yet, I'd have gone with however I had to handle things with you very easily, too, because I knew the Lord would be the one guiding me.

Communication is so confusing sometimes. Maybe you'd have had better ideas that I would have over how to handle it.

The important thing is, I'd have kept you away from the worst, and you have been in an environment of love. & unconditional love is more vital than one can imagine.

I don't know how long it'll be till the Lord returns, the dead in Christ rise first, and will remain are caught up together to be with in the air. However, I've been thinking about what I might be doing in the Millennial Kingdom.

What does that have to do with the previous topic? Well, it's connected by this. People won't need wills and estates much, if at all, and I really don't like law like I did. I think my interest in having a steady career in a situation where the Lord was leading me was the important part. And, I see now that part of why He led me there was so I could have my own practice, have my own hours, and do so much ministry. Things haven't always been perfect in that area, but I don't need to go into detail about that.

I will, however, mention that - in addition to the radio show I co host and other ministry things - I'll need something. it would be nice to continue to work with young people. I have asked the Lord for a number of things, some of which were more rash but all of which were with the goal of letting others know of Jesus Christ's love and forgiveness.

So, while I would love to see baseball resume, and in fact think it would be great to have young people's sports as part of a ministry, I don't need it to happen. I don't need to see, for instance, in the Millennial Kingdom, instead of the national anthem a short devotional coming before every game. It would be lots of fun. But I will love just being with Jesus so much!

I just hope and pray that whatever it is, you can come with me and enjoy it as I do.

There are many things I wonder. How our mansions will be designed, weather we will have mansions neighboring those we are closest to or what, and so on. It's so much fun just imagining you - as I ask that - whispering in my ear, it's a surprise Daddy.

Still, I love to consider all of that. I'll be so excited just to see the Lord, but He promises we will rule and reign with Him, so we must be doing something there.

I can't wait to see you, and share the joyful eternity we'll have together.

Till we meet,

Love, Daddy

Joy of family, weddings, celebrating, knowing Jesus

Hi, Sweetheart,

Yes, it's your silly daddy again. I forgot to post this, but a few months ago, we had wonderful wedding for a cousin of mine. We have such a great family, and all would have been super helping you to grow when I adopted you. This one is the fourth of five to get married, land he like the others has found the most wonderful spouse. We all get along so well, because of the great love God has and how we celebrate that love.

Of course, a personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ is the most important one, and the fact that is how I am able to both speak with you through this and know that I will see you someday. I know that had other decisions been made you would have been born and available for me to adopt. I will always love and cherish you even though I couldn't adopt you here. In fact, the trust in the Lord allows me to know I will know you as your daddy and you as my child someday.

But, the relationship of a parent to that child is very special, too. It is a special one that isn't always biological, it is based on who shows that love and tenderness and mercy and the example of Jesus Christ that we should all be. The one who raises the child to love the Lord and teaches them to care because they want to and not because they have to, because it's not love if you are forced to love.

I love you, Sweetheart, and I know as I watched that wedding and the celebration afterward, I saw you in the little ones having so much fun, all the way up to the bride and groom. Because, who knows, maybe my going forward was the Lord getting me to realize the while I never had the money to adopt, had I had the money He would have had me adopting 10 to 12 years earlier then when I went forward, stepping out in faith to adopt. So, it's possible you would have been having fun with my cousins little ones, or maybe I'd be the father of a beautiful bride or fabulous groom sometime around now.

Those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ personally, who have not called on him to forgive them for their sins and make them new inside, they might go on saying that they will never know you. But, I will not do that. I know I will know you someday. At that great marriage supper of the Lamb, we will indeed celebrate together. I have known such joy and feel complete because of the Lord filling those holes in my heart just like He will fill the holes in anyone's heart. I know you didn't have had the chance to attend this wedding physically, but you were there in spirit like the grandparents mentioned and anyone else who was missed. And the important thing is, one day we will celebrate together. Till the time, God continues to remind me of His perfect love for me and how He is taking special care of you. Well I couldn't show you God's love here on earth, you know that love for yourself, and perhaps a lot more too. That is what matters.

Till we meet,
Love, Daddy