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

Being in the moment

There are a few things that irritate me about facebook, but one thing that I always roll my eyes at is when I see someone post this or something similar to this: "Is it Friday yet?"  or "Sigh....can not wait for this week to be over!". I'm guilty of this attitude occasionally, but I've tried to purposefully train my mind not to think this way anymore. What a waste! I feel like people consciously run out the clock each day, and miss the opportunity to be "present" with the countless opportunites to make a difference and do something significant with their lives or for others.

We should be living each day with fullness and zeal, making the most of every opportunity we have been given. Being present. Proactively seeking and seaching for purpose for each day.  I look back now and (this is so cliche) the days seem to be going faster and faster and faster. There are days when I'm lying in bed at night and  I have "buyers remorse" when I look back and think: "what did i do today?"  I've been convicted about using every hour given to me as an investment. What am I doing with each hour? How am I using it? Am I being a good steward of the time that work has given me to accomplish my tasks?  For myself, am I treating my body like a temple of God or am I being lazy and unproductive? Getting up earlier to work out and run has helped me feel more productive. For people in my life, did I send a note, or a text or call someone to encourage them today?Am I making a difference in someone else's life with this time or am I mind-numbingly wasting it away through mundane tv shows or even sometimes, hanging out with the wrong people? To clarify, when I mean wrong people, I'm not just talking about the "wrong crowd". I talking about people who don't build you up and make you a better person. Sadly, these can many times be believers who lull us into a pool of mediocrity. Its time to change that.

Another struggle I have had over the years is looking back too much on the past and yearning for those "better" days. That's as bad as wishing the weekend was here now or the day was just over. I miss opportunities for what God wants to do at this current time when I think this way. Isaiah 43:18-19 says to "forget the former things- do not dwell on the past (whether good or bad), for I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?" Anyone who knows me well knows this is an area I have needed to work on.

The charge to myself is that we take our uncertain amout of days given to us and treat each like a Christmas gift.  Each day is Christmas morning. We get to unwrap it, enjoy it, and hopefully be fulfilled by it.

Make it a great day!

Jeff

September 12

"Have Mercy", the basketball team I'm on with some good friends, played tonight and we ended up losing.Sad. It capped off the end of a day where I got home just drained and feeling lousy in general. It wasn't so much a physical tiredness of the game and driving to Fayetteville and back.  I felt overall frustrated and just kind of down on myself.  I hate that feeling as I consider myself a positive, glass half full kind of guy. So....I'm going to reflect on the good things happening lately or coming up in my life!

1) Its almost my birthday. I turn 33 on October 7th. October is my favorite month of the year because it signals fall, and frankly, I love getting cards/letters even more than a gift, because words of encouragement feed my soul.  I keep all things written to me and reflect upon them at different times. I'm not sure what I will do this year for my birthday. For several years, I was in Europe each October and spent my birthday solo.  Chet mentioned doing something for me this year.  I'm going to reflect more on this in a later blog.

2) Working out. I've been working out with Chet almost daily since Jan 2012, and its been great to see physical gain of muscle for both of us. I enjoy this time of day, whether its morning or afternoon, where we challenge ourserlves physically, and also catch up on the day. There is usually alot of laughing and jokes about fitness instructors but we work hard. Chet is very loyal to me and our workouts. I'm very thankful for him.

3) Roadtrips- I'm gearing up for several roadtrips to see Baylor football this fall and maybe a Rangers game. I'm hoping I can get some friends to go with me to see the games and eat at some cool local places in Manhattan, KC and Stillwater. I've asked a few people but no commitments yet.

4) I've been able to meet some new friends lately, which has been a breath of fresh air. I'm thankful God has brought me these new relationships. He is faithful.

5) I've tried to serve others as best I can over the past few months -financially, relationally, prayerfully and tangibly. Its been so rewarding to be a part of something greater than yourself.  

6) I'm running the Tulsa Route 66 Half Marathon in November. Its given me motivation to train and be in shape for the Nov 23rd date. I don't think I'm going to get a PR but it will be fun to get a medal!

7) I'm headed to Boston Sept 20-22 to see Kathleen! I haven't been there since 1999 so this will be so cool to see Harvard (she lives very close) and eat some chowder....

8) I've gotten to be a part of experiencing a cherished friend Michael as he grows in Christ. We have met every Sunday for 11 weeks and has been awesome to see him grow in his faith and Biblical knowledge. I care for him like a brother. We memorize 1 verse a week and talk about 3 chapters of a book of the Bible each week (we are in the middle of Romans now). One of Michael's best qualities is his encouragement to me.  He is always positive, generous and has a wonderful heart.His whole family is very special to me. This time together is definitely a highlight of my week.

That's it for now. And Jay, thanks for commenting on my blog. I never know who reads these. I'll work on the suggestions you gave me- all great ideas!

Make it a great night!