Joey and Kids

One of the many great characteristics of Joey that I really like is his love for kids. He is just naturally comfortable around them and is so loving with the kids (just like his parents). Below is one of the photos from their (he and Rachel) trip.

In Matthew 18:4-6, Jesus invites us to come to Him
“like little children” and says
“whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

This one below was taken at Pukalani. Notice how children re happily coming up to him. The verses with these 2 photos are sweet reminders that Joey's love for kids made Jesus happy :)

Matthew 1:14 Jesus says,

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!
For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

I was reading some posts on "Remembering Joey" group at Facebook and Debbie Ascraft's post stood out. "Taking to Joey", she said:

Things I've recently learned from you, Joey... Have fun and just go for it! Don't forget to hug everyone in sight! You can't have too many friends. You can't play too many instruments! Truly love and thank those closest to you often. When you travel, don't forget the duct tape! Honesty really is the best policy. Play a lot, laugh a lot, love a lot, stay close to God and live out loud! Mahalo Joey!! We all love you and miss you...

P.S. At your memorial there was the cutest little girl a couple rows in front of me and she was having a blast making a hat out of your service program. Her mom kept scolding her and I thought...you would so totally be making a hat right along with her! So, you also reminded me that the ultimate way to play with kids is to be one right along with them! Thanks

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Speaking of kids, Joey is a wonderful "Unkie" to Chase, Bailey, Claire, Izzy and Aiden. Photos of them coming up. If you have any special memories of Unkie JJ and kids, or if you have a special photo you like of them, please e-mail them to me.