Traditions

Christmas traditions...culture would have us spend too much, eat too much, drink too much and make it all about Santa and eggnog. We really don't do a lot at our house but the few things we do are special. Christmas eve we bake and decorate cookies, my baby girl....now 23.... and I have done this together since she was old enough. We have 20 or so years of baking and cookie pictures. This year we we have actually planned our grand son's first Christmas so they will be here Christmas eve and we can have our tradition. More recently, I would say for the past 7 years we have a new tradition. We have a spike about 6 inches long that hangs from a red ribbon. It represents the nails that hung Jesus on the cross. When we first put up the tree, before anything else is done, we hang the nail on a limb close to the trunk in remembrance of what Christmas is all about.
Peace and Love
Jeff

A Moment in Time

As I ponder this weeks blog........... it has me looking back at many"Moments in Time." The death of my father, mom re-married, the birth of my daughter, the day of my sobriety, my first real marriage, the day I was ordained, surgeries, the day I realized my stable career was over, G.E.D. graduation, starting college, the birth of my grandson; all of these are "mile stones" or moments in time that changed my life. All of these have had a major influence on my life.If I have to pick one moment that surpasses the next it would be unfair and very difficult. The one thing I do know for sure......in February 2002 when I decided to turn my will and my life back over to Jesus was the day everything changed and transformation began. That small moment of clarity that surpassed everything else when I realized Jeff's way wouldn't work and His way was the only way....That's my true "Moment in Time." All of my past moment's and all of my future moment's are dependent on Jesus truly being Lord of my life...........not me; as I often still try to make it !!! Looking through my Jesus glasses all my past,present and future moments are beautiful....
Peace and Love
Jeff

Enemy

One thing about what we do is for sure....not everyone will receive the truth without being offended. When we speak the truth in love we are bound to encounter some enemies. I have past "friends" that do not like me just because I don't do what I used to do. I have heard through the grapevine that people have said I was hateful to them because of what I said. All I can say is sometimes the truth hurts......but the truth also shall set you free. Most of us are so lost and lacking maturity that we get offended when we hear the truth....at first. My prayer is that when we do finally get something, that person who offended us will come to mind and we can forgive them realizing they were speaking the truth all along. Past enemies will become friends.
Peace and Love
Jeff

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