HoneyMoon Adventures Part 4

It amazes me how people can come together for a common desire and out of it make friends in such a short time. It gives me hope for our world and a joy that we can and will rejoice no matter the situations we all face. The 3 days we spent with Barrett were some of the best I've ever known in all my 30 years (opps! 31, today is my B-Day!!!). Knowing this Beki and I have started our honeymoon off with a bang and each day seems to be getting better and Day 4 was no exception.

Like every great vacation one must know exactly where the nearest Wal-Mart is in order to survive. Unfortunately we were unable to locate one anywhere within a 10 mile vicinity. So we took to the highway (actually, Old Hwy 40, the same one Barrett will be walking come the end of August! Check him out: http://www.gowalkamerica.org/) in search of our basic survival necessities. The Rockies are most definitely not like the Midwest where Wal-Mart has monopolized every city block because it took us almost an hour to find one where as in K.C. it only takes 2 minutes before you're at another.

We decided to start day 4 off with a mountain bike trek with the bikes Jake and Amy Glover so graciously loaned us. But like every great ADD'r Beki and I were side tracked with the sign: Alpine Slide. Oh yeah, we had to go. And go we did, racing down the mountain was a blast - every bit worth the 8 bucks. After some cordial conversation with an Indian Medicine man we made our way to what he called the Rattle Snake infested Apex Trail.

The Apex (and I failed to mention this to Beki - I mean, come on, the rattle snake talk from the Native American almost made her cancel the whole thing - but the Apex is rated "Difficult" and they give it 3 out of 4 stars for intense trails) was a beautiful, fun ride - at least going down any way. But we survived and I was nearly attacked by only one rattle snake when I had seen a rock face I couldn't resist climbing. Beki was totally hard core through the whole thing. It was funny because I was so so focused on helping her not biting it, but I ate rock and dirt twice - nothing major, just some cuts and a sore shoulder.

Later we decided to play putt putt golf and then go watch a movie. We had to pick the movie because I wanted to go dancing but there wasn't any place open on Monday night except a gay line dancing club. Not that I would turn away because it was gay - they are the best clubs to cut a rug at - but because it was line dancing and I forgot my crap kickers and belt buckle!

HoneyMoon Journey Part 3

Day 3

We talked Chad into rising at 4 this morning and heading off for a 10 mile walk with Ben Boone. So as the coffee percolated we stood in the kitchen with swelled eyes and talked about tattoos and FFA. We met Ben in Grainfield where we left off the day before and thus began our walk.

This morning’s walk was exceptional because it was 5 men sharing in God’s love and bonding in Christ. Our stories were told and our hearts were laid open as we shed insecurities and told our stories to one another free of judgment and criticism. No doubt my spiritual batteries were recharged as I had a glimpse of Christ pass through in all 4 of the men I was blessed to walk alongside this beautiful Kansas morning.

We ended our journey and headed back to Chad and DesiRea’s for a warm breakfast and more fellowship enjoying the new bond we all shared in such a brief moment. After breakfast it was on to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

While at Mt. Pleasant we shared our stories with the Sunday School Class and we were given such a warm welcome by these fine country folks. We had the honor of witnessing two baptisms, one by a young man not much older than 20 years – those are my favorites because there is so much experienced before coming to faith! Barrett spoke about the awareness Christians must have to their calling and how we all can help others – he gave a great representation of what Christ desires of him in this journey. What inspired me the most was his call to each one of us to pray fervently for what God is calling us to do and do it no matter how impossible it may seem.  

After church we had times of prayer and tearful good byes as Beki and I headed off to Golden, CO and the start of our honeymoon. Barrett will spend the rest of the day walking and Kent will be in support. And Beki and I will continue on in our journey looking for more ways to serve God in our time away from home.

Our arrival to Colorado came and went without a hitch. I couldn’t talk Beki into heading off for a round of 9 so instead she decided to spend a little of our wedding money for some much needed clothes (after all, I have been away for awhile so my clothes were out of date).

The Hampton Dad set us up in is amazing. We’re in the mountains of Golden and the amenities are abundant. I’m amazed at the amount of things to do. So in course we’ll seek to have as much fun as possible.

HoneyMoon Adventure Part 2

Day 2

Day two began with Jake and I strapping he and Amy’s mountain bikes to Beki’s car. He insisted we take them to save ourselves the high cost of rentals. I didn’t refuse and we both knew it was a ploy to see one another again.

We parked Beki’s Yarus in Grainfield, KS and drove the van 16 miles back towards Hays – the place where Jake, Kent, and Barrett ended their all night walk that Thursday night/Friday Morning. We began our journey on the dusty road of Old Hwy 40.

Not long into the walk we got a call from Barrett’s host family for Sunday night telling us to come by the Golden Plains Bank to introduce ourselves. We detoured about 2 miles through downtown Quinter, KS to meet a lovely woman willing to open her home to some wandering strangers. Story is, Barrett met her son in some random café years prior and the guy called his mom who lives in Oakley, KS.

After a run through the high school baseball field sprinklers we continued on our way. Along the back country road we saw so many gracious people. One of them named Ben Boone. Ben was hauling a load of tree brush when he stopped to ask us what in the heck we were doing out in the heat walking like we were. After Barrett explained the goal of the Global Orphan Project Ben reached for every dollar he had on him and gave it to Barrett for a donation to buy school uniforms.

10 miles into our walk we ran out of water and were desperate for replenishment. Beki looked exhausted but was hanging on like a trooper. The sun was beating down and the temp had to be hovering around 105. Unfortunately we found ourselves in Park, KS a town empty of replinishment. That is, empty of all except the local Moose Lodge.

We walked in the door to a mass celebration and strange looks. Seems there used to be a high school in Park that closed in 1970. This celebration was for all the students Park High ever knew. So, seeing as how the school closed in 1970, our youth gave us away as not a part of the party – that or the sweat drenched clothes and the look of utter exhaustion.

As Barrett and I used our dashing good looks and overwhelming charm to get some water and to just not be kicked out, Ben Boone called. Seems Ben went back and gathered his family and wanted to come and eat a picnic with us. Natalie, Ben’s wife suggested we all simply go back to the Boone home and enjoy a great lunch at their house. We met their two boys Dylan and Jayden – two great kids with incredible manners.

We all shared in God’s love and gave our testimonies as we sat and ate some of the best fruit and squash I’ve ever had. It was a warm time of sharing in God’s love as mutual Christians, strangers but a few hours ago, who became friends and ultimately family in the span of one meal.

When we had our fill of tacos and squash we were driven back to the place we left off and continued on our journey. Beki hung in there tough and not once did she fall behind or seem fatigued. I think I fell in love with her a little more through this walk in the sweltering heat. She allowed us this journey and committed herself full on and I was impressed by how strong my hard core wife really is.

After we all loaded into the Yarus (what a sight that was!) we drove Barrett and Kent back to the mother van and drove to our host family’s place. It was tough finding but we managed to scour the back country roads to meet up with the Churchwell family just outside of Quinter. Their children, Elliot and the twin girls Afton and Gwen met us with exuberant glee in the driveway. Elliot showed off his incredible running ability (I couldn’t’ help but be impressed!) and seeing as how Gwen and Afton were but 2 they were just running wild.

We made it in for a much needed shower and sat down to DesiRea cooking us a wonderful meal that was to die for. We shared our stories of struggle, redemption and God’s continual grace in our lives. Chad’s story was similar to mine in the fact that he was angry, violent and had a rebellious heart before coming to know Christ’s redeeming love.

Our exhaustion coupled with the warm food bloating our bellies made us call it an early night.

HoneyMoon Adventure Pt 1

Day 1

Beki and I have crossed over the Flint Hills and have made it to Hays, Kansas. Not much to report on the drive; beautiful plains, rolling hills and a clear blue Kansas sky. As I write we’re in wind farm country, there are wind mill energy catchers (what is the proper name for them) all over, T. Boone Pickens would be proud of his renewable resources twirling away.

We stopped at a rest stop to take a picture and a stranger, headed to his car asked if we’d like a picture together – see, there are good people left. While at the rest stop we were taken for 4 bucks from the USA Today dispenser and a coke machine. Somehow I bet they’re set up just for such a trap! 

I’ve discovered (or only come to realize) that when you leave Kansas City, there is nothing! With wide open vastness one can get bored easy on a road trip. But I have to admit the excitement of being back in Kansas is bringing up childhood nostalgia. 

Seeing a sign for the Garden of Eden I proclaimed with freakish acclimation, “Beki, there’s the Garden of Eden! We can see a dead guy entombed there!” Not to be left out of the joy of seeing someone dead for 75 years Beki said, “We’re detouring.” Oddly I was scared by the excitement she exuded. 

The detour we took brought us to Wilson Lake in which we took some pictures of the panoramic view. The Garden of Eden museum wasn’t all I remembered it as a child; his political statements were not my cup of tea. But I had to admire the effort this man put in to all of these concrete sculptures. He was so far ahead of his day in that regard.

We came into Hays not knowing exactly what to expect, were we going to be in a hotel? A tent? A car? The van Barrett drives? The answer came by way of a beautiful home on a back road just outside of Fort Hays. 

The Glover family opened up their home to us with open arms. Jake and Amy are two beautiful Christians desiring God’s will in all they do. The first thing we noticed was the many faces of their children. Joy greeted us with a beautiful Asian smile and Hope gave us a wonderful hello with her Haitian glow. There was Isaac and his unique character and Grace their youngest who was a beauty. My favorite two were Joshua and Jacob, the two boys adopted before the earthquakes in Haiti.

The hospitality was amazing. We all ate dinner at Gillen’s diner where we discussed everything from the tragedies in Jake’s hometown of Aurora, CO to Jesus’ awesome mercy. After, we headed back to dive off the diving board and slide down the slide of Jake and Amy’s pool. We capped off the night with conversations on how to raise kids and be open and available to hear God’s will. Jake and Amy obviously are pro’s on that subject and Beki and I listened intently.

Not Home Yet

Ever feel out of place? Like you somehow don't belong in the crowd you find yourself in? Building 429 has this great song out titled, "Where I belong." The words go like this, "...I'm not home yet. Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong." Great stuff. But that's not what I'm talking about.
I've felt out of place walking out my faith in the free world thus far. It's difficult to transition. The toughest part is the lack of solid relationships like I had inside. Each day I was surrounded by Jesus Freaks who were a short walk away and no further. I didn't need to pick up the phone, only wait until the next move. Guys who, in such a confined space ensured accountability and holiness.
There was my buddy Chuck Davis who would remind us each day that God is more about grace than wrath. Earnie Eads who, when talking, you could rest assured it was about the Bible. There was Shawn Sanchez who made us all feel connected when things felt so distant. There was Tim Mills who always reminded us to enjoy life even if it had to be spent inside the walls. Ray Able who's smile was infectious even on the worst day. And there was Mario who embodied God's unfathomable forgiveness.
I'm living each day desiring that connection, yearning for the accountability groups we formed which kept us ever reminded of Who it actually was we were supposed to live for. I've only been home a little more than a week; the days are going by and I'm loving each day. Yet I have a tendency to want things yesterday. Beki said, "Oh Jeff. I understand. You should have done planted a church by now, saved a thousand people and had a successful ministry off the ground and running - you poor baby." I wish I could type sarcasm.
I know that I'm in a transition. Life is moving in the direction God wills for my life and I'm cool with that. Though it's normal to feel out of place sometimes, heck, Paul puts it beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5: 2, "Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling." That groaning for more out of our Christian lives should be the mark of everyone of us. Jesus didn't call us to settle or to be less than anything other than a game changer.
So until I'm at Home - The Home - I'll be out of place everywhere.

Calming a Sweet Tooth

Last night I had a craving for cheesecake. I mean this desire was so strong I had to brush my teeth 3 times to calm the craving. The reason is that I'm quiting sweets and going into marathon training mode. My whole diet is changing and I have a tendency to want to reach for the brownies 1 or 2 or 10 times so it's taking all the will power I have to quell those overwhelming cravings.

But the craving had me thinking this morning about my former desires. I've revealed a lot to you about my past and how I came out of addiction so you know that I used to crave some really harmful stuff that cheesecake has nothing on. I desired drugs, anger, violence, isolation, you name it.
Yet much like cheesecake at 9 o'clock at night those things did absolutely nothing beneficial for my body; they only furthered the pain and anguish I faced on a daily basis.

 In my morning studies I was reading Psalm 42:1, "As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." The Psalmist has a craving and it's not a brownie! He desires God and wants desperately for that sweet tooth to be relieved with the sweet joy of His presence.

"Why is that?" I asked as I pondered this passage. The answer to why the Psalmist has a craving, a yearning for the living God is found in vv 5&11 (which read the same), "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." There's a reason so many find God in our prison/jail systems and that is there is a brokeness and a hurting which creates a longing for something more. The Psalmist here was surrounded by enemies, alone, hurting and his prayer touches to the core of everyone struggling to make it through with a broken soul.

He says, "Put your hope in God." When times are tough, when all is bleak and you feel you cannot go on any longer, put your hope in God. Crave God like that sweet tooth screaming at you - I know you all can relate! Crave God like it is your only hope as an inmate does when he/she has been stripped of everything. Crave God like a thirsty deer. Crave God and you will have your life satisfied not with riches, good health or prosperity but rather satisfied with His presence. The message of the Psalmist is that when times get tough, run to God, put your hope in the Savior and rest assured that he will satisfily all your cravings today.

Object Or Person??

I was talking with someone the other day. The conversation had to do with stereotypes and how certain people were bothering him because of their (stereotyped) behavior.  I listened and I must say it was really disturbing. It went something like this:
"I don't know why they want to wear their clothes like _____!"
"They talk really ____ and none of it makes sense."
"They're all just _____."
"None of them are _____"
Get the picture?
My response was similar to that of what I learned while in Prison going through the Life Connections Program. There we learned just exactly what causes wars with each other and wars within our heart. It all starts with my view of people or in this case, the view of the person who was _____.
I asked, "What's the first thing you think of when I say ______ (a noun for the individual discussed). He began to rattle of a list of descriptions that were all of a negative connotation. "So you are seeing this person as ____, Right?" I asked "What does that automatically make him to you?"
"I don't know." Was his response.
"An object!" I emphatically answered. When I begin to look at people through a lens of preconceived ideas that makes them no longer a human with different fears, different concerns, different stories, different likes/dislikes and different...well, different everything. Thus I make them an object or a stereotype and not a person.
Dealing with others it is important to first understand them as people; we all come from pasts that make us who we are - some have it better than others. Yet when we begin to assume that all people should act a certain way, live a certain way and be a certain way (that is our way) we cause wars and conflicts between one another.
In summary, I told him, "Wouldn't it be better if you went and befriended this person by talking? Why don't you try finding out who he is, ask him questions and get to know just exactly why he is the way he is. I guarantee that you'll end the conflict within your own heart and begin to build bridges to understanding one another."
That's all any of us want, right? We want to be understood and we can't be understood if we don't first understand.

Youtube links to sermon

This past Sunday I had the honor to preach before the members of Kingsville Baptist Church. I was both blessed and humbled to watch as God's message flowed through me. I am so thankful to be a part of these great men and women of Kingsville Baptist shephered by the awesome pastor John McRoy. I love you guys.
This is in 3 parts because Youtube is very difficult to deal with. Hope you enjoy God's Word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7aVB07k5xg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA1H-7RyL3c&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxmvQEHNJH8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Check Your Attitude

Paul tells us this in Philippians 2:5, "Your attitude shoudl be the same as that of Christ Jesus." If you call yourself a Christian, do you know what that means? The term, First used in Antioch, is translated "Little Christs." We are images of the one we call our Savior. That may be overwhelming for some to hear, heck, it was for me. How can little ole me ever live up to the Savior and thus even think of calling myself a "little Christ?"
The very notion that we're to be images of Jesus is almost absurd right? I mean come on, He was God! He could do things we couldn't. He calmed storms, walked on water, opened blind eyes, and you think I am supposed to live up to that?
So you're thinking, "Maybe I don't deserve to be called a 'Christian.'" Or maybe you think you could never live up to it and it's a mere formality to call ourselves Christians and God just lets us off the hook and allows us to approach this title flippiantly. Or maybe you're like me and wonder what I'm supposed to be if I call myself a Christian. I think I can catch a glimpse of it by backing up a couple of verses there in Philippians starting at 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
There it is. To be Christ like is to have an attitude that others are just as, or rather more important than yourself. That's the message of the Cross. Jesus considered His life nothing in order for us to be given the chance for salvation. He died for us so that we may live even though we did nothing for Him. In humility He considered us better than himself going to the cross unselfishly.
And look at the verse again, it doesn't have a prerequisite for who we should look out for. Paul doesn't say, "Look out for the interests of others only if they meet the following requirements: ________." Instead there is a broad assertment ensuring we know it is a blanket statement about all of humanity no matter race, creed, color, nationality, religious belief, sexual preference, political affiliation, or moral stance.
And I know some of you want to say, "But that can't be. Surely God doesn't want me to consider the person who did ______ to me be considered better than myself, can He?" Well let me just answer that with what Paul, led by the Holy Spirit told us, "You see, at just he right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anoyone die for a righteous man...But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
When we were enemies to God He died for us. When we didn't love Him, living our own way, He died for us. When we gossiped about Him, when we cursed Him, when we denied Him, when we said what He wants means nothing, He died for us. So that means we are supposed to live for each other whether we're family, friends, aquantences or strangers passing on a street. The call to be a "little Christ" isn't tough, in fact the "yoke is light," all it takes is an attitude that others deserve respect, gentleness, kindness, patience, understanding, and most of all our love.