Jan 20

Today was packed. I spent the night in Bentonville last night in order to make a meeting this morning at 7:45 AM, so I headed to the Doubletree last night after getting back from my Aunt Holly's funeral. We had her service on Saturday afternoon in a very busy day. It was a beautiful funeral and I told my mom Holly and watching with a smile along with Granny and Papa. Having your parents and only sibling die in less than 2 years is a hard thing. It was so beautiful seeing so much support from the extended family, Holly's real estate network, and church friends.
I worked out this afternoon after working a bit longer. One awesome thing to see tonight was the 2 puppies of my good friend Lindsey Mocky. She kept talking to them in a mommy voice, which was cute. I'm glad she has those puppies- she seems to be in good spirits and is enjoying 2014 so far!

I don't have a lot of coherent thoughts right now. I'm all over the place, so just bear with me. Its been a long, tiring day.

I've been looking at some of my friends' old blog posts the past hour. There are some really funny and memorable posts in there. I really do enjoy getting into the minds of some of my friends through the written word. i want to get in a time machine and go back to some of those experiences. I thumbed through Lindey's blog that she printed out from 2013, and it was darn near the size of an encyclopedia. Pretty cool all those thoughts in there.

I weighed in about 208.6 today. That seems high for the fact I've been eating pretty healthy and trying to work out. Maybe its just fluctuation. Who knows. It was kind of depressing honestly....demotivating. I am needing to really start training for the Bearathon on March 22. I heard another one of my friends from Baylor will be running with us, so that will be fun.

On Feb 9th, I'll have worked 10 years at IBM....yeah! Bonus is I now get 4 weeks of vacation instead of 3. I remember starting in 2003 with 13 people in my class. I think there are 3 of us left. Thankful for great bosses, tons of places I've seen, and consistent pay.

I'm overdue for a Sam and Ella's run. Its about the best pizza place in the country in Talequah- an hour away. We tried to go there for Kyle's birthday but it was too snowy. I passed by the exit on the way back home today. Lindsey's dogs, who I met tonight, are named Sam and Ella after that restaurant. These constant reminders make me hungry and want to go there. Who wants to go with me in the next couple of weeks????

I received kindness, generosity and demonstrations of Christian love from people who I hold most dear to me in the past several days as I traveled home to Dallas and came back to Tulsa. These people have encouraged me, spent time with me, sent nice texts and even gave me a couple of gifts. I'm beyond thankful. Its so nice when you feel like friends and loved ones reciproate the feelings you have for them. I seek the opportunity bless those who bless me. I hope that chance comes soon.

Soon I'll post my very brief 2014 goals and a review of what I was able to meet in 2013.
Good night!!!!

My Five Favorite Places in Tulsa

 This was in my draft folder from early 2012 and never published it....so here you go. Kind of fun to look back on a time stamp. I'd add in 2013 that I love the Brady District (Guthrie Green, Chimera, Rusty Crane, etc) but this is kind of fun.

I've lived in Tulsa for over 3 years now, and have discovered some great places that have become a part of my whole Tulsa experience. So, here are my five favorite places in Tulsa in no particular order. They are:

1) Drinking a grasshopper at Shades of Brown. My comfort blanket. I went here probably 4 nights a week when I lived over on Brookside. I used to get vanilla lattes, but now I've switched over to grasshoppers. I have many cherished memories from times spent with friends talking about life, playing games, or just wanting to be somewhere with people around. Some of my most valued friendships I have blossomed at Shades. I've always seen people there that I know at Shades.

2) Cafe Ole in Brookside- If ever a way to enjoy and evening (or lunch) on a patio, its at Cafe Ole. They have mouth-watering fajitas, creme-cheese queso, drinks, and ambiance. Their patio has a fireplace that's on in the fall and winter. I lived one block from the place, so had easy access. I went there many times alone my first year in Tulsa. About a year ago, I went there for my birthday with friends, and it has been an almost weekly staple from then on.

3) Walking around the Fairgrounds at the flea market.

4) In the Raw Sushi- Sushi is a new love. It started when I lived in Grapevine when my neighbors invited me to join them for sushi one night. It was good, but my craving for sushi really took off in Tulsa. I first started going to Fuji, but In the Raw is now my favorite.

5) The Mayo Hotel- I've always been interested in restored buildings, and the Mayo is an old world hotel that makes you feel like you are staying in Chicago or New York, not in Oklahoma. I've walked through and sat in the lobby many times thinking about how it would have been in the 1920's when it was built. One of the treasures is its ballroom on the 16th floor. It has spectacular views of downtown, and a nice place to take a date. They have a coffee shop and nice restaurant in there as well. I'm glad I ran into it.

Snow and such

Christmas season is in full swing in Tulsa. We have had a blanket of snow on the ground the past several days and more snow was falling as I came home from hanging out with a friend tonight. With Christmas music blaring in the car, it felt festive indeed.  I've always been a winter guy. I'd take 25 degrees over 95 degrees any day, although I still get really cold sometimes.  I came home tonight after being outside and ran into my bed and hid under the covers for 30 minutes trying to warm up.

I enjoyed a nice weekend. I got to celebrate one of my favorite people in the whole world... Tall Kyle. His birthday is on the 15th, but we went out early to celebrate since he has family coming in town next weekend. I have always admired this guy- humble, soft spoken, genuine and wise. We desperately need more Kyles in this world.  I've traveled to Europe with him and am just blessed to have known him since that first trip to Pops with him back in 2011 (April I think). We met him at Red Rock Canyon Grill, the de facto birthday place to celebrate. He had chosen 4 guys that are his close friends to join him. We dined on ribs and chicken and had a Luger's Bavarian cake to celebrate. Afterward, we went over to Lindsey's house to hang out a bit. On Saturday, Kelly and I went to downtown to eat at Hey Mambo. We had delicious pear, honey, walnut and a cured ham pizza. After that, we walked around Guthrie Green and looked at the Christmas lights- so pretty. We walked over to Chimera after that and had a cozy latte. It was a very fun night indeed, especially after just watching Baylor win the Big 12!

One random side note- something I've been wanting to do for a long time and not doing it for an excuse after excuse reason was memorize scripture. On Sunday, I got to celebrate learning 25 new verses by heart. Our goal is to learn 52 verses in one year, so its cool to being halfway there. I have found so much value in being able to quote scripture in my head. Some of the verses that convict me the most often are "set your mind on things above, not on earthly things" - Colossians 3:2 and Romans 1:16- "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to those who believe, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Great reminders!

OK- I've been trying to get up to do some cardio by myself in the mornings to keep as much fat off as possible as the holiday season "rolls" on. I've been able to do some 5Ks but there is no comparison to going to a spin class.  I'm going to try to get out of bed to go see my favorite instructor Ann. 5:45 is early but it will be worth it!

Camping!

This past weekend I went camping with some “missions” friends that I have made over the last few months. After work on Friday, I headed 3 hours east near Ponca, AR on the Buffalo River to meet 7 friends. Libby and Katie, who are two twin sisters, along with Brittne from my China travels and Jarod Townsend, Luke and a couple of new friends made a campfire quite cozy on Friday evening. I arrived a little late, and lucky for me, the tents were set up and the fire was blazing. Set right on the Buffalo River, I knew we would be in for a treat when the sun came up. You could see the granite cliffs rising above the river in the moonlight.

Everyone was so inviting and genuine to me throughout the weekend. I was the only one who doesn’t attend Mercyview with them, but they treated me as one of their own. We chatted around the fire, ate smores and toasted bananas, and laughed a lot. We encouraged each other and just enjoyed one another’s’ company.

Saturday morning, I woke up to Luke and Mitch making “pourover” coffee, which takes way more science and measuring than I realized. It’s a funnel that flows into a beaker like object. You pour boiling water over hand-ground beans and it slowly trickles into the glass. Very strong and very good. We had a divine breakfast of Katie’s scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits cooked in a dutch oven over a fire. Yum! With our stomachs full, we headed out for a hike in the mountain wilderness. This 3 mile hike did not disappoint. We meandered through woods, then eventually hugged the side of a mountain that had a several hundred foot drop. Lots of sitting, pondering and pictures followed. I wish I had some to post but hopefully soon. The leaves were mostly off the trees, but the silence of the Ozarks was really cool, broken up by the occasional eagle flying over the valley below. I came back to Tulsa Saturday afternoon, but the rest of the group stayed through Sunday. It sounds like the weekend continued to entertain after I left.

Its always good to get away for a time of refreshment. On my drive to and from camping, I got a chance to spend time talking with the Father. I’m really trying to be thankful for all he has provided for me, especially during this time of the year. He has been so gracious to me- providing me employment, putting people in my life who truly care and love me, giving me challenges for growth, and forgiving me when I fail Him. I’m thankful for this year- the good and the bad. In looking back on what I wanted to accomplish in 2013, many things have been done. Some haven’t but there is still time. Just like the river below our tents, I yearn to always be flowing and never stagnant. Being stagnant causes water to lose its vitality and life. Things stop moving in a river that stops flowing. I don’t want to be stagnant or lukewarm.  Rather, I want to be challenged daily to live for him and show what “living water” is like- refreshing, purifying and nourishing. To a great weekend!

Make it a great day,

Jeff

Ignorance truly is bliss!

Hello friends. This week I deactivated my facebook account for a temporary hiatus. I must say that its been ultimately refreshing. Day 1 I found myself typing in facebook.com in the car when I'd come to a red light then catch myself when it asked for a password. Day 2, I thought about it less. I did a FB break a couple of years ago and it was great. I find myself, at my own fault, becoming envious, coveting, annoyed, or any other adjective you want to insert for basically playing the compare game with other people. Most of the time not anyone's issue but mine. And sometimes, you have put up guardrails against things that wear at your soul. So, I'm almost 3 days into this and I feel great! I'm choosing to spend the countless wasteful time I would spend on FB on more productive things, like praying for others. Instead of browsing on my phone at lunch, I'm trying to spend more time in the Word. A couple of guys and I are reading John 6-7 this week, so I've been trying to meditate on those scriptures more and more. Its seemed a little more distant without social media, but I think the benefits of a break far outweigh the negatives. A friend joined me in the hiatus after I told him about it, so its nice to have some accountability of not looking at it again until Jan 1 (the goal that was set).

Side note- I've been so blessed to get some texts this week with scripture that really has lifted my soul- full of encouragement.  Caleb and K- thank you! God gives us just what we need at just the right time.

Finally, Baylor is playing OU in football tomorrow night. I'm really hoping for a victory. I have some friends coming over to watch the game and enjoy some Aspen Diner sandwiches, so it should be an entertaining, laid back evening.

Make it a great Baylor day!

Jeff

Life is short.

My heart has been somewhat heavy all weekend. Yesterday morning I heard of the death of Johanna Mae, She was drivng in Sapulpa and was hit has she turned left onto 81st Street and New Sapulpa Road. She was a really kind barista who I saw 3-4 times a week at DoubleShot coffee, where I frequent for work throughout the week and on Friday mornings for coffee club. I danced with here at the Caravan and everytime I saw her, she always had such a sweet smile and so kind. I was really sad she died so suddenly and I know that her boyfriend Garth is hurting too. She was a believer, so it gives me comfort to know she is celebrating with Jesus right now. On Sunday morning, I found out that a good friend's mom I grew up with went home to the Savior this morning. My heart breaks for Dusty and his family. Gabi was always such a kind-hearted person who would always offer hospitality to us growing up. I know she leaves behind a large void in Dallas, and I'm praying for Dusty. She had a cancer that developed very quickly and spread.
These two passings have made me realize this weekend that we never know when our time on this Earth will end. It made me think about what I am doing for the Kingdom, and also to value each relationship fully, because we really will never know if its the last time we will see them. I saw Johanna Friday morning as I was leaving Doubleshot and said hi to her behind the counter. What a crazy thing that she will not be there when I return Monday. These two deaths have made me a bit somber and feeling down this weekend. To juxtapose these sad occurences, I was able to celebrate with Lance, one of Michael's (who I mentor) good friends as he was baptized today, celebrating eternal life that he will now have with the Father. I went to Life Church Broken Arrow Campus to see Lance's baptism. Michael got to help baptize his friend, who he now shepherds in his life group. Lance's family and friends (over 20) came over to my house after service for a meal of pulled pork sandwiches. We were able to celebrate the decision he made that is the MOST important he will ever make! I was so happy to see Lance proclaim his salvation in a public way, and also to see how God is using Michael to further his kingdom. Michael is sold out for the Lord, and I pray he continues to be built up and prayed for as he leads and grows his small group. What an odd weekend. It felt at times empty, sad and other times joyous. Father, let me value this week as if its my last, and depend only upon you. The world will get busy with "life", but you alone are always there for me. Let me treat others like its our last week here- with kindness, humility and generosity.  

Thirty 3!

Birthdays make you feel way more popular than you really are. But isn't it so great?  Its one day a year where you are showered with gifts, kind words and love. On Monday I turned 33. I'm happy to still say Im in my early 30s! I've had some wonderful birthdays over the years. I loved trains when I was little, and had a birthday party in a caboose at McDonalds when I was 6 or 7. When I turned 14, my mom and dad hosted a Montreal Expos birthday party(its a former pro baseball team for my non-sports friends) and got me an autographed baseball of my favorite player- Delino DeShields. When I turned 21, my parents bought me a Nokia cell phone and gave it to me at Ninfa's when I was a junior at Baylor. For several years in my 20s, I was in Europe during my birthday. On birthday 27, I visited Kathleen in Holland. I've had friends buy me a snowcone machine for my 30th birthday, which I still use today. On my 32nd birthday, I was given a surprise Justin Bieber party (if you don't know the story you haven't talked to me in a loooong time). I've also spent several birthdays in Tulsa at Cafe Ole, my favorite place in town with an amazing patio. This year, I was blessed with an incredible show of love by my friends as I celebrated 33.
The Saturday evening started with me driving to Chet and Karli's house to head over together for dinner. When I arrived, Lindsey Muecke was there with a birthday gift for me. It was the letters J-E-M made out of wood. On them were photos and quotes from the past few years.

 This meant so much to me! I can't wait to put them up in my house in the perfect spot. Lindsey is a special, amazing woman. I've known her for 4 years and am very thankful for her. Like many of my friends, I met her at the Caravan. Since then, I've been on many a roadtrip, Vegas vacation, concerts and ,many good talks. Her written word is one of her best strengths. Her blog is a view into her heart and mind. You can join along for the ride in a very real way through joys and challenges. She makes herself vulnerable through it, and I've been thankful to be a part of her journey.
After that, about 14 of us met at Red Rock Canyon Grill (also went there for birthday 31).


I sat looking at these friends who joined me. I loved having people from all stages of my Tulsa life there in one place. At one end sat the Hollands, my oldest tenured friends in Tulsa. I met Krista at The Gathering Church in March of 2008 and she has been a cherished friend ever since. Her home was always warm and inviting, and I was a part of her small group for a couple of years. Next to her was JPH- John Paul Holland, who I've known almost as long. He has been a friend who teaches you to be a man. I was honored to be a groomsman in their wedding. Team Holland is very special to me, and I've been very close to them.....literally. I've shared a tent with them last year on our camping trip after my tent flooded!

I saw JPH talking to the world's model citizen- Kyle Young. Kyle has traveled with me to Europe and shown true friendship and humility. I'm thankful to know a guy like him- he lives simply and cares for others without being loud about it. I looked at the other side of the table and saw Jay and Bethany. Jay is another close friend whose family I really love (especially Eden and Sawyer!). We have bonded over many shows, movies and politics. I also was so happy to see Bethany recovering and able to walk again without assistance. I've really enjoyed getting to know her the past couple of years. Many others at the table all brought me great joy. Kevin, my friend who transcends my different friend groups, to people like Kelly Hall and Jessica Lanham, who have such sweet spirits and hearts.
After dinner, we walked out to the parking lot. Thinking we were going to Palace Cafe, I was headed to the passenger seat ready for a banana boat (their specialty). Instead, Chet blindfolded me with one of Karli's scarfs and we headed off to "pick up a package". I got kind of car sick on the drive but tried to chat as best I could. We parked, and I was guided with a blindfold still on into......the Phoenix.

When I took off my blindfold, there were many friends inside of the Phoenix Coffee Shop Library to surprise me. They had rented out the library just for us. It was incredibly overwhelming to see all that was put into a birthday. There was a banner that Karli made that said "Mossman" and "Sic'em" (she is very crafty and talented). There was a Baylor football cake that said "Have a Kill Kill Killer Birthday". There were homemade smores, chocolate fondue, fruits and vegetables- it was all overwhelming. They sang to me and we got a great group picture with me being held up by my friends. Chet said one of the requirements to come was to bring a birthday note for me to read. I left with a box full of words of affirmation. There is no better gift than that.

          Afterward, we headed to the new country western dance place called "Legends" in downtown where we two stepped. I had a great time, and by 12:45, we headed home after a fun filled evening.

        I'm so thankful to Tall Kyle, Lindsey, Karli and Chet for the work they put into this for me. I know it was a financial sacrifice and a lot of work. I feel very undeserving of it, but will remember that night forever.
               The catalyst for this celebration was my best friend Chet Wilson. He coordinated all the parts of the evening, and made me feel incredibly loved by my friends. He knows me better than anyone, and has been there for me consistently since I met him in 2009 (also at the Caravan!). I was a groomsman in his wedding this past June. Chet is always a man of his word, and that is a lost characteristic in this generation. When he says he is going to do something, he does it. Spiritually, he encourages me to grow in my faith.  He challenges me to live above reproach, and is wise beyond his years.We haven't always agreed in every situation, but know we are acting in the best interest of each other no matter the outcome. 2013 has had lots of life change for both of us, but I think our friendship has grown even stronger. Thank you Chet helping make it a great 33!

             I also got in the mail a very kind letter from my grandparents, mom and dad, and the coolest wooden letters that say "Sic'em" from my dear friend Leann Boehr. I love it!
So in the quasi-words of Taylor Swift-

"I know about me.....I'm feeling thirty-three-e-e."

Make it a great year! (and Lindsey, thanks for letting me steal some of your great pictures).

Jeff