The boy who would be King

This one has run out of space, and the interface leaves something to be desired so I have started a new blog over at blogger. I'm keeping this one as a links to the past. I'd like to figure out how to archive this and even combine this one wiht the new one...mmmm. Any thoughts?

 Check out my new blog here.

 http://toafk.blogspot.com/

Can you believe the last time I posted was one year ago today?

 Not intentional, I assure you.

There will be much more to come. I have the urge to write again....

jojo

A short time ago, my mom asked if I knew of a family in need. Her company wanted to “adopt” a family for the holidays.

One family came instantly to mind. They had been going to our church for some time. It was obvious that their means were not as great as some. They attended regularly and were well liked. I guess now, looking back, that no one really understood the depth of their problems, except for our pastor. Even of him, they had asked for very little help.

When I asked my pastor about adopting them, he shared with me how tough it was for them. I had no idea how desperate their situation was and that on top of everything, it was December, and they had no power. I lay in my bed that night, and I worried that they were cold.

That threw me into high gear. I began writing emails and making phone calls. Although all of the details still were not clear, these folks needed help. As more details came in, we realized these folks were in need of more help than we thought we could muster. I could not help think of the children every day, and try to image what it would be like for my own child. No money, no electricity. Mom making dinner on a propane camp stove. Dad working against the odds, making minimum wage, in an effort that would never get them caught up, only keep them hanging on. I imagined kneeling down in front of my own small child and trying to find a way to explain that our beloved pet, which had been a family member before they were born, would have to go. It was an image that hurt my heart.

Then it happened.

Christmas came. It wasn’t angels caroling. It wasn’t in a sleigh. It wasn’t even December 25^th, but it came. It came in 5 and 10-dollar increments. It came in a package wrapped for a child; it came in another gift card, it came in a better job for the dad.

It came in a phone call that said, “Jojo, I think we have enough.”

Christmas came to this family and to me, from you. Thank you. Each of you that gave a little, or a lot, a toy, your time, or a prayer, has made Christmas for us. You have given a family hope and light. That first day, when I asked for your help, you gave it. Many of you gave what you had, then worked hard to find more. Thank you.

Because of the help of so many of you, in the next couple of days, the lights will get turned on. We raised a little more than we needed, which will be used as a credit on their account, giving them a slight cushion for next month. Thank you.

Because of your help, the children have many brightly wrapped new toys to open on Christmas day. They have a tree to put them under, and decorations, and stocking to hang. Thank you.

Because of your help, Dad has a chance at a better job, and mom has new hope. Thank you.

Yep, I'm happy with this one!

11/01/05 Weight-in
168 lbs

11/01/05 Weight-in
168 lbs