The Dudeling’s Cyber Habitat

Name: Zachary Aaron Poonen

Born: February 05, 2006

Height at Birth: 21”

Weight at Birth: 6 lbs 5 oz

Parents: Sunil & Anugrah Poonen

Holla!

 

 ‘Sup peeps. I am the ‘Dudeling’. You can call me that or Zachary Aaron if you’re not into the whole brevity thing. ‘Dudeling’ is a Latin word that means ‘Little Dude’, I’m told.

 

A little history about myself… I completed my 9 month voyage to the Third Rock on Super Sunday February 5th, 2006 at 1818hrs (6:18pm for those of you who can’t interpret that) during the fourth quarter of Superbowl XL. Being the curious explorer that I am, I popped out with my eyes wide open. My mom had the TV on in the delivery room so that she could watch the Steelers and Seahawks go at it as a distraction between contractions.

This is a fascinating planet I have arrived upon. Everyone here treats me like a King. When I wake up, I just utter a single sound and at least 3 attendants run to me and attend to my every beck and call. But it gets better. I get the kind of treatment even Kings would be envious of. When I poop, at least a couple of attendants are on hand to clean me up. So fresh and so clean, clean. What a life! I guess I am definitely here to stay, as long as they continue to treat me like royalty!

My parents are way cool. Closer than my peeps they are to me. The Dude (my Dad) tells me that my birth (and the week following it) has been the most life-changing mind-blowing experience for him. Dad also says that this experience has brought him so much closer to God as well as so much closer and much more in love with his beloved wife. Mom says that I will grow up to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and that God has a specific purpose for me on this planet that no other human can fulfill. I have yet to discover that purpose, but like my exciting 9 month voyage here, I am already excited to discover that purpose during my voyage of Life, in the years ahead…

 

A few more pertinent details about my appellation:

 

Zachary

Meaning: “The Lord Remembers”

Named after the following:

1)           Most importantly, my paternal grandfather, Zac Poonen, whom my Dad considers a hero of his. He has been a role model and an example to my Dad in numerous ways, but most importantly, as a God-fearing father who raised his four sons in the fear of the Lord. Besides his primary responsibility of fatherhood, Dude’s dad also preached a little on the side. It’s too bad that most of the world, (except for a few of us), know him more as a famous preacher, instead of what he was even better at – a model father.

2)           A prophet who proclaimed an encouraging word of assurance to a demoralized people (Book of Zachariah).

3)           A high priest who was filled with the Holy Spirit and who prophesied (Luke 1:67) and whose seed would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:5-23).

4)           Another high priest on whom the Holy Spirit of God rested (2 Chronicles 24:20).

5)           Yet another priest who was musically gifted and who used that gift in the Lord’s house (1 Chronicles 15:17-24).

6)           A gatekeeper in the Lord’s house (1 Chronicles 9:21).

 

Aaron

Meaning: “Enlightened”

Named after the following:

1)           Most importantly, my maternal grandfather, who also has been a role-model as a father in raising his four daughters in the way of the Lord, so that when they grew up they did not depart from it (especially seeing the way Mom turned out). He has been especially an example to my parents in his transparently visible, immense love and affection for his children.

2)           The first high priest (Exodus 28:1), who also was an eloquent speaker (Exodus 4:14)

 

So… what does this all mean? To me it means that the Lord has remembered me and will enlighten me in the years ahead! How thrilling! I guess it also means that I am called to be a ‘High Priest’ for God, to serve in the house of the Lord, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to be encouraging and prophetic, perhaps musically gifted for the Lord’s purposes, perhaps even an eloquent speaker. I’d also rather be a gatekeeper in the house of the Lord (like my namesake), than dwell in the tents of the wicked (Psalm 84:10). One thing is for certain: If I have the kind of upbringing that my parents had by their parents (and their fathers whom I have been named after), then I will turn out just fine.

 

I can’t wait to grow up. Mom says I’m going to be a Triple H when I grow up – a Handsome Heartthrob Hunk. Well, I guess if I’ve got her good looks (instead of Dad’s lack thereof), then she’s probably right;)

The Dudeling Abides.