Happy B-Day Joshua & the Love of the Father

People who know me best know that I am crazy about my children and my role as dad. Those who know me personally and those at newhope who watch my ministry and life know that God and family ALWAYS come before ministry and my role as a pastor. Sorry if that disappoints you but that it just the way it is in my calling. If you are looking for a pastor to put church work over family, I "ain't" your man." :-)

When you have 5 kids, you seem to always be celebrating a birthday. If we have a few more, and time these puppies just right, we might be able to have all 12 months covered with at least one Birthday party! Well, tonight and tomorrow we are celebrating our youngest. He turns three and his name is Joshua Hunter Kelley.



He has the most amazing personality and sweet spirit. Truthfully, he is his mother all over. He is the most tactile kid of all five. He loves to touch. He loves to hug. He loves to cuddle. Last night, as he was about to go to sleep, I walked into his room to say "nite - nite." Caleb his brother was already asleep so it was just the two of us. With Christmas lights casting a soft glow on our faces, and very few words, we laid face to face in one of those most tender moments, and he just softly rubbed my face for about 10 minutes. It was one of those times if you know what I mean.

Joshua wanted to know every detail of my face. He longed to look deep into the eyes of his dad. He loved the fact that I was right there with him, up close and personal!



As Christmas rolls around, you have to know that is the message of this season. God the Father so wanted us to know Him, up close and personal, that He sent Jesus. The creator of the universe so longed to have you look into His face, into His eyes and experience a divine moment that will carry you even into eternity. That longing was at the heart of why He sent the Baby Jesus! The Bible puts it like this:

“Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?” Romans 8:32 (NLT)

Like Joshua, may you find that time with your dad, your Heavenly Father, and may that touch and experience be rich with Emmanuel - God with us!

We just dropped Joshua off at hopekids preschool. I can't wait until he gets home later today and we can celebrate his 3 years of life. I can't wait to see him light up and long to look into my eyes and feel my touch. And then later, when he is asleep or preoccupied, I can't wait to have my own time with my Father. I hope I am as sensitive and passionate about His touch as Joshua is about mine.

Happy Birthday Joshua!