Dad,
The big five-zero. Way to go; you officially made it to level five of Jumanji. This is where it all gets interesting…
No, not really. You are continuing to step into the adventures that God has for you, and let's be honest, there are days it feels like a Jumanji film. But, it's amazing how God continues to show up every day, proving himself repeatedly to be who He claims to be.
One of the things I spoke to Grandpa about in his birthday text was his choice to begin to break the generational bondage our family lived under before him. He fought for you and your sibling's hearts for you to continue into freedom. He didn't do it perfectly, but where your dad fell short, you have learned to seek strength. You remain in the fight for our family even still. You are aware of our family sins and how Satan has used our story against us. You use that awareness to fight against all the enemies we face. Rob, Linsley, Judah, Seth, and all of us have found freedom we never thought possible.
Years ago, you answered the call to adventure and stepped into a new way of living. You left behind the legalism of the religious, and you stepped into the wilderness with no real plan. Fast forward, and our family is better for it. You let God father you in places Grandpa fell short, and from being fathered, you have fathered us and others in ways that will ripple across the Kingdom for GENERATIONS. God gave you five talents, and from listening and following, God has and will make those talents a thousandfold.
At 50, you are more of a sage than most men I know at 70. You have something to offer that is unique to who you are. No one I know tells the story of the prodigal son like you do. No one. Your passion and eyes for what that story truly means help fathers and sons and men to know what the Father's love really is. It is beautiful beyond comparison. I believe God has given you insight into that story that very few have received. I love your passion for it and your passion for others to receive that love.
As you step further up and into the role of a king and even sage, you have so much more to offer than even you realize. Seek it in your Father. He has good gifts for you to RECEIVE. You are doing well, and the way is laid before you. It's not easy, but damn if it's good. I am always here. You are my earthly dad, but you are also my brother. I am with you, dad, and I am fighting for you in prayer. I am always here for you.
Also, I know you wanted a design for El Escondido, so I decided to design a logo for you for your birthday. If you hate it, I will change it (haha), but I think you will like it. There are two. The first is a cleaner line logo, and the second is a barbed wire looking logo. Let me know which you like, and I am going to order you some fun stuff. I love you, dad. Happy Birthday, Padre!!