Inspired Stories

Who's story has inspired you ? I couldn't decide on which of the stories posted so I will comment on two. It is really amazing how God uses an event for a turning point in all our stories. Chad had a choice....could have went either way. God used events and Chad made the right choices to go from a drug dealer to a pastor. Terry had a choice...could have gone either way.God used events and Terry made some right choices to go from an addict headed to prison who had lost his children to now being a loving father and the assistant recovery pastor. I'm feeling a trend even in my story. All of our stories are incredible. We are an unlikely staff doing unlikely ministry. God has chosen us,set us aside for His purpose. Our un-written final stories are already incredible as long as we keep making the right choices. We ask God daily for His guidance and courage to do His work for His glory. Through Faith we can continue to write our stories......I'm looking forward to the next chapters !!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

My Story

Popular,athletic, happy,spolied,lived in the swimming pool,cool bikes,skateboards,basketball,football practice....game day....big house in Houston,every event at church with Mom,pool in the backyard,basketball court,game room,pornography from someones dads magazines,sneaking alcohol and cigarettes,mandrex and weed,......Childhood memories before 1980. April 1980 I was suddenly woke up by my mom screaming for help. I ran from neighbor to neighbor for help no one answered the door,finally Mr. Anderson came running over.They gave dad CPR until the ambulance came. After they got there they made me go outside.At poolside I made DEALS with the god I thought I knew...Dad died anyway. From that day until Feb.2002 all I really remember is trying to change the way I felt. No counseling,no closure no idea how to grieve.I remember some good moments, but mostly a saturated fog of alcohol,drugs,women.I was removed from campus my second senior year. Satan's MVP sums it up. I had overdosed twice within a year, the third time I will never forget. Ask me sometime I will tell you all about it. From that moment on God placed people in my life to help me stay sober and disciple me into who I am today. For the past eight years I have done more for others than I have for myself. Since then I have worked extensively with other alcoholics and addicts,I have attended and worked numerous Emmaus functions. I have obtained my GED and currently have a 4.0 GPA working toward a degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. In March of 2009 I was ordained at The Mission in Abilene TX. where I currently serve as the Recovery Pastor and youth worship leader. I have a wonderful family and many friends all because of the unconditional Love,Mercy and Grace of our Heavenly Father.
Peace and Love
Jeff

Who believed in me ?

What a question...my first reaction is my mother...I am alive today because of the prayers of a loving and Christ centered mother. My family who never gave up on me,my sisters who fervently prayed for me throughout my "Days of less clarity." In ministry it would first have to be Doug Brown and the folks out at Elm Valley. Then; Doug Nelon,Bush Ramsey,Sammy Alcala and Fred Watson, these guys were my friends who stood beside me in the early days. They kept me going with encouragement and love for many years. Barry B. has been my spiritual advisor,accountability partner and friend for almost 7 years now. As of late in would have to be Pastor Chad and all the staff at The Mission. On paper...I am not a likely candidate for an ordained pastor. but, because of Chad and the elders at The Mission today I am an ordained pastor.I am pursuing a new career and doing more in ministry than ever before all while being on staff at The Mission. So many other people are coming to mind looking back over the years.it is easy to see how blessed I have been. God has worked and is still working through people all around me.
Peace and Love
Jeff

No Means a Better Yes

Recently we were asked to ponder the statement "You have to say no to the good things in order to say yes to the best things." Early in life this may have been confusing, not any more. I have learned the best things come to those who wait. This applies in all areas of life. Let's look at some obvious ones. A new car would be good, waiting a year and getting the same car with a few miles on it but saving 10,000 is better. Saying no to an impulse buy, just to find the same item half price later is also great. Material examples yes I know but they offer Spiritual principles. I promise you this fact....every time I say no to my flesh God blesses me in a way that is by far the best. I am not talking about sin; rather my way verses Gods way. I may think it's good but God knows what is Best. Saying no to many good things,i.e. ministry engagements, allows me to spend more quality time doing better things. Recently I have said no to some really GOOD food only to physically feel my BEST later !!!!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

Paradox

One of my favorites....among "The last shall be first," "I have to become nothing in order for God to make me something," " To become great is to become a servant." It took a long time for this one to sink in but, once it is..... there is freedom. Keeping with the favorites, one of our A.A. slogans that comes directly from this Biblical principle is "You gotta give it away to keep it." If I am not serving others I am absolutely useless. The spiritual side of our being yearns for service work. It just takes most of us a long time to realize it. There is a simple satisfaction in servant hood that is parallel with God's nature. Our journey is to become more like Christ and the very essence of Him is a servant. There is peace in God's will therefore there is peace in servant hood.
Peace and Love
Jeff

Legacy

What have I started that will live on after I am gone ? The more I have thought about this question this week the more I have to take a look at my actions. My words are empty if my actions don't line up. First, I believe in my children. As different as they are, they all have been impacted by my actions. Peaceful and easy...that's what they all have seen. Peace with God, ourselves and each other. Love like Jesus....whether YOU think they deserve it or not. Although I am starting a ministry that I believe will be part of my legacy, the reality is life is about relationships. The relationships I am forming with my guy's and the things I teach and model for them will be passed on from them to others....and so on....and so on. The young men we form relationships with through Chrysalis is another form of legacy. We get to see them grow through the years, what a blessing. So my answer would be; throughout life the relationships I form and the people I impact will be my legacy. Wherever that may take place...
Peace and Love
Jeff

Getting in Shape

Yesterday I was frustrated, I weighed before church and had gained weight. I blamed it on eating bad for one day but really was frustrated because I have been working hard. Saturday had been my hardest workout to date. Cardio in the pool for over an hour with Godot was intense...not only swimming laps but racing with my son. A little ego never hurt a workout but I have to say it was the hardest I have swam to date...LOL Anyway I weighed again this morning and have lost another 2.2 lbs. That brings my total to 11.1 lbs. I was tempted yesterday to pig out, it's Sunday....you deserve it....all the rationale's were free flowing. I was ready for a large pizza with extra everything. Something inside me would not let me do it. I had 3 slices of lean brisket and some black eyed peas. I guess the moral of this blog is not to give up. God is Faithful when we are faithful. He WILL do His part but we have our part as well. So whatever your struggling through.....stay faithful cause He is Faithful !
Peace and Love
Jeff