Audacity

Honestly the word itself has had a negative meaning most of my life. Phrases like "do you believe the audacity of......" That's the first thing I think of.  After the past couple weeks it has a new meaning. Audacity is outright boldness without regard to the norm.I believe as Spirit filled believers anytime we face difficulties without whining or complaining we show we are different than the norm. When life looks horribly negative and depressing and we shout out with joy to our Creator we are being audacious.
Clinton Trigg, after his wife of over 50 years passed away, he could be the most angry, depressed,mad at God and life old man .....and with good reason, but he is not. He has chosen to let God and His people love him and he has even gotten involved himself. He gave his life to Christ at our Iron meeting. He drives the church van. He volunteers his time. That's audacity. My wife as well, she has done his laundry every since his wife died. She feeds him at our home once a week and they go to the movies or do something together at least once a week. Most of us just start to ignore older people and hope they find something to do...not my wife....that too is audacious !!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

Just Because

I'm writing tonight just because....what a difference time can make. This weekend is the Annual AA Conference at the Civic Center....hmmm seems we were just there...anyway, seeing the "old timers" and realizing what God has done through the years through so many people is incredible. I can reflect on my thoughts 9 years ago and remember....they even have photo albums from past years. We can look at ourselves then and now but more importantly we can reflect......What amazing things God has done in our lives....I really don't seem to have the words to describe it. It's His plan in action.....Loving Him and Loving each other....just as we are, unconditionally and praying for transformation....That is what recovery programs are all about....that's what our churches should be all about. I am blessed to be a part of a church that "walks the walk"...and allows me to do what God does through the recovery community.
Peace and Love
Jeff

A Short Story

Its 1:09 am and I just got home......in the past say 10 years ago I'm sure your imagination could tell you why someone would just be getting home at 1:00 am.but tonight the story is different. I woke up this morning an ordinary Saturday, no big plans maybe go to Hamlin for the Pritchard reunion or maybe stay home and enjoy the first rain since Easter...but then the phone rang. It was John, a high school buddy asking me if I had heard about Lee's mom, Lee is another old friend. John and Lee were the first  two people I met In High School when I moved here to Abilene. Lee's mom had passed away last week and the funeral was today in Strawn.Again...... in the past I can hear myself saying...".man if I had only known before the day of I could have made plans to go," or some kind of excuse. Not today...I got ready and went.It was refreshing to be able to just go and be selfless to show up for a friend. Not to go preach or try to counsel but just to be there for someone if they needed me. God blesses us when we are unselfish. The funeral was well....a funeral. I spoke to Lee and some others and they thanked me for coming and as I was leaving I thought I am almost to Fort Worth I will go see David. It was just like an hour or so to Weatherford and David was int Ft. Worth..So as I'm driving I decide to call Juan and ask what room David was in now.....he is now at Baylor in downtown Dallas !!!! That's another 2-3 hours both ways of driving....but no excuses I kept going. It was good for my soul to see David...He is awake and alive and being David. The last time I saw him he was still in a medically induced coma. I am at a peace I have not known for a while.....God is faithful to grant us His peace when we get out of ourselves and do for others.....I'm excited about STV and everything else we have happening at church.. Chad blogged about a big happening, but is going to wait for KRBC and KTAB to air the news......maybe I can get it out of him tomorrow......I'm a little curious who it is...Its a good day to be sober
Peace and Love
Jeff.

The Past and It's Influence

Seems to be a trend here.....Chad and I both have spoke on this recently.....Our past does not define us but it does shape us. My past actually helps me in our ministry." Be transformed by the renewing of your mind"....it helps to know how others think now in order to walk with them through renewal. It's what we do...so I'm OK with my past but more importantly excited about our future !!!!!

100% vs 100

If I could get 100 people to join me in what I believe and what I am going to do the impact would be 99 times greater than what I could do alone !!! Even more than that...those people would impact others as well and so on and so on........Look what Jesus started with twelve.......imagine what we should be doing !!!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

If I Had Listened !!!

What a statement.....what if we all listened. I have heard it said Intelligence is learning from our mistakes...but true wisdom learns from others....If I had listened I would be financially secure, already owned a payed off home, had a degree or possibly a Doctorate by now ??? Who knows...what I do know is my story is my story and it allows me to do what I do now.......If I could only get my kids to listen!!!!!!!
Peace and Love
Jeff

Everyday Hero

My first thought on this one was my sponsor....In A.A.we have what we call sponsors. They are really spiritual mentors if you want to get real with it. Barry B. Has been my sponsor since 2003. Not only does he sponsor me but several others. Its a selfless act that requires a lot of time. There is no pay for being an A.A. sponsor, no frills or benefits only the God given Joy of watching Him change the lives of others through the program. The trickle affect of how it works is amazing. Someone helped and still helps him...he helps me...I help others..they help more and so on and so on...you get the picture. It's discipleship at its finest.....and it works....So Barry B. is my everyday hero...Thanks brother for all you do.......
Peace and Love
Jeff