Giving Thanks

It is so easy to reflect on your current situation and think "Woe is me". But when taking the time to reflect on the past twelve months of my life I am really overwhelmed with emotion. Emotion that floods out any negative thought that tries to creep into my mind. The prayers, support, love and generosity of others are simply a reflection of an amazing God pouring out His blessing on His un-deserving children.

It was this time last year that I was simply exhausted and drained both mentally and physically. I had a job that allowed me to see our great nation from coast to coast yet required a huge sacrifice of my family and myself. I traveled four and five days a week allowing myself limited time to be the husband and father that I longed for. I also was involved and committed to the vision of our church in Springfield, Life Fellowship Church. I never wavered in my commitment to my job or the church yet inside I knew something had to change as I was wearing down. My employer at the time approached me about considering another position within the company that would take me off the road and allow me to be home all of the time. The only thing was that it would require me to move my family to Omaha, Nebraska. While I have never been fearful of change it would affect not only me but lots of people. I immediately went to the men that I worked alongside with at the church and shared with them my heart and desire to quit travelling and be home with my family. They agreed to pray and seek God and His will for what should happen. As a family we agreed to pursue the offer regarding Omaha and see if this was something we could do. We visited the area, looked at housing and the whole nine yards. We continued to pray as did the men at church that I confided in. Long story short, we heard the Lord tell us it was time to move..........back to Amarillo. I shared what I believed God was doing with the men at church and they confirmed that they felt peace in their hearts that we were doing exactly what God wanted for us.

I will forever be THANKFUL to those men at Life Fellowship Church for not only serving together with me, but selflessly praying and supporting what God was doing in our lives. Those men are Kary Kingsland, Ken Hebden, Rick Taylor, Pastor Jeff Baird and Skipp Phipps.

I don't want to ramble on with the blog, but my time in Missouri is a time that I will never forget. As a family we miss Missouri so bad that it hurts. We know we are where God wants us and are grateful to have such a wonderful memory of our friends that eventually became our family in Missouri. I am THANKFUL for the hole in my heart as we miss Missouri because if it weren't for the hurt I couldn't grasp and understand the true love that our Missouri family has for us and that we have for them.

As we have now lived in Amarillo for eight months it has been quite an adjustment time for us. I took a job that God provided and it has been a huge blessing to us. While I took a significant pay cut, it has been just what I needed. I longed for an opportunity to have a job that was "low stress" and allowed me time to rest and focus on my personal health. Not only did God give me that very job He also made provision through my employer as they financially support what has been a huge transformation thus far concerning my health. I am THANKFUL for Diversified Industrial Service Companies for providing a job that not only allows me to be home every night with my family, they also pay for me to train four days a week with a personal trainer and I have lost approximately SIXTY pounds in five months. I feel great, am more active in the lives of my wife and son and I am on my way to full restoration of my health.

I mentioned that I took a significant pay cut when I moved to Amarillo. It was simply a step of faith and if God don't provide then on paper we simply can't afford the change we made. With that being said I am THANKFUL for my best friend of 22 years whom I consider my brother, Shane Passmore. Shane and I grew up together at a place called Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and have remained in touch every day for 22 years. Shane is the owner of Texas Investigations and as his business has grown he has allowed me to learn and work for his business. God has used Shane miraculously to be a source for our family to financially be able to make it. I am blessed to have him in my life.

Finally, when we left Missouri we left LOTS of friends that became dear to our hearts. To say this has been a sometimes lonely transition would be an understatement. But as you can read above God is in the business of taking care of His children. Today I am THANKFUL for our awesome neighbors Chad and Kyla Beedy. Chad and Kyla reached out to us as their neighbors just when we needed it. They possess that Texas southern hospitality that we all read and hear about. They simply have loved us and been a support and they probably don't even realize the impact they have made on our lives and how much they have blessed us. Today Angel is the nanny to their precious daughter Ansley. While it is a financial blessing to have that responsibility, the friendship that has developed over the past 8 months is priceless. We truly have the best neighbors ever that we dearly love.

I realize this has been long and if you struggled to read through it, that is okay. But it helps me to reflect back on how AWESOME our God has been and reveal to me that I live a very blessed life and am highly favored in His eyes.

Skipp Phipps.....I love you so much and miss you every single day. I know that God put us together for a reason and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our friendship is for a lifetime. I am so THANKFUL for you.

Shane Passmore....You are simply the best. No one knows me inside and out like you do. Twenty two years is not a coincidence it is a destiny and a covenant friendship. I love you brother. I can't imagine life without you.

Angel...My wonderful wife and ultimate best friend. You have supported and stood by my side for sixteen years. I would not be where I am today without you. You have believed in me when no one else would. You have been the "rock" in my life. I can't put into words how THANKFUL I am for you every single day. You make life worth living. I love you!

I don't want to leave out my awesome family in Amarillo as I am so THANKFUL to each and every one of you. You all supported us without hesitation when we took on the task of moving to Missouri and you welcomed us home with open arms. I love you so much and it is all of you that make up the foundation that we build on and go through life with. Thank you Mom, Granny, Pop, Eugene, Debbie, Brandee, Candee and Jeremy. I love you all so much!

I love you all....thank you for a great past twelve months. I am THANKFUL for my life to date and look forward to the opportunities and change that lie ahead for us.

Blessings......Jared

ARE WE READY?

John 14:6 says, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".

I have witnessed and/or participated in the reading of or posting of information about Obama being the anti-christ, his new world order and the relentless attacks on how the democrats are killing our county. Quite frankly it really only boils down to one thing...do we have a relationship with Jesus Christ? If we do then WE WIN...if we don't WE LOSE. Everything else is irrelavent. The antichrist will be revealed someday and the only thing that will matter at that point is whether we have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Everything we see happening around us is not because of Obama or because of the democratic party or because of congress. It was prophesied and documented in the Bible thousands of years ago how everything would end.

It's coming people...the end...new world order...antichrist....common currency. There is NOTHING we can do or say that will alter what is coming. The only thing that we should ask ourselves is:

ARE WE READY?

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Unmasking the Truth that Lies Behind Halloween

Below is an article that Gateway Church of Dallas publishes every year and I wanted to share:

The holiday of Halloween is generally observed on the evening of October 31 throughout most of North America and in some areas of Western Europe. As it quickly approaches this year, our concern is that many families, whether through innocence or a lack of understanding, will participate in this holiday in a way that is not beneficial to them. The Bible tells us that we are engaged in a spiritual battle between good and evil; between the spiritual forces of God and Satan.

Although many view Halloween as merely a fun time to put on costumes and exchange candy, in reality this holiday has deep spiritual roots. At its core, Halloween is a celebration that focuses on the forces of darkness. It was originally a pagan festival of the dead. The festivities of Halloween are based on folk-beliefs about supernatural forces and spirits of the dead. These beliefs are often depicted through the various symbols associated with Halloween, and most of these directly relate to death in some shape or manner. Traditional Halloween decorations feature imagery associated with supernatural beings such as witches, werewolves, vampires and ghosts. They also include images which symbolize bad omens—such as black cats, bats and spiders.

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient religious practices of the Druids (Celtic priests). The Druids were members of a pagan order spread throughout Britain, Ireland and Gaul. They generally performed ritual blood sacrifices with animals but often with humans as well. In fact, the word bonfire is derived from the words “bone” and “fire” because the Druids would pile bones of sacrificed animals or humans in a field filled with timber and set them ablaze. To the Celts, bonfires represented the sun and could be used by Druids to aid in their fight against the dark powers. They believed their sacrifices would placate the gods, thus warding off evil spirits and ensuring that the sun would return after winter.

The Celts also believed that the eve of their new year, which they called Samhain, was the supreme night of demonic jubilation. Spirits of the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside trying to return to homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers would try to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. This is how the present day practice of "trick-or-treat" came into being.

Eventually Christianity began spreading rapidly throughout Europe, and rather than abolishing the pagan customs of Halloween, people tried to incorporate ideas into it which reflected a Christian worldview. This is why Halloween has evolved into such a confusing mixture of traditions from both the Christian and pagan cultures. Take the jack-o-lantern for example. A jack-o-lantern is a pumpkin carved with faces representing demons and illuminated from within. It is considered to be the “festival light” of Halloween because it was the ancient symbol of a damned soul and people believed that jack-o-lanterns could frighten away evil spirits. Other popular symbols of Halloween like bats, owls and other nocturnal animals were originally feared because people believed these creatures could communicate with the spirits of the dead. People during the Middle Ages also believed that witches could turn themselves into black cats. Whenever a black cat was spotted, people automatically assumed it was a witch in disguise.

When you take a close look at the symbols that make up Halloween, it is impossible to deny their evil nature since they primarily consist of witches, monsters, ogres, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, goblins and demons. In fact, Halloween is widely recognized as the ultimate day of celebration for Satanists. Those who oppose Christianity have been known to organize on this day to observe satanic rituals, cast spells, come against churches and families, perform sacrilegious acts and even offer blood sacrifices to Satan. In light of these facts, believers have a responsibility to carefully consider our participation in this holiday. God’s Word encourages us to avoid participating in pagan activities and incorporating religious pagan practices in worship (see Leviticus 18:24-30 and Deuteronomy 18:9). In Ephesians Paul warns followers of Christ to “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). We need to be cautious about associating with works of darkness, because we don’t live in darkness anymore. As believers we now live in the light through our faith in Jesus.

Some parents don’t see a problem with allowing their children to celebrate Halloween. These parents celebrated it themselves when they were young and believe Halloween is both completely harmless and fun. Understand that God is not opposed to fun. He’s all about it, in fact, and so are we. However, Halloween is deeply rooted in evil. When we participate in Halloween, we can often send a subtle message to others that there’s no need to seriously consider the spirit realm. Even the types of costumes in which we dress our children can have an effect on our witness for Christ. Worse still, our participation can send a message to our children that witchcraft, demonic practices, Satanism and the occult are all harmless, entertaining and fun.

If you have a desire to celebrate the season, we suggest celebrating it through an event not associated with Halloween. Our participation in any kind of celebration should always emphasize the light of Christ. We must be proactive in our faith and resist all the works of the enemy. The Bible tells you to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Here are some suggestions on steps you can take with your family:

1.Do some personal research on Halloween.
2.Pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to do this Halloween.
3.Consider attending a Christ centered fall festival sponsored by various churches in your city.
4.Start a new tradition, rooted in God and family, on Halloween.

A Song For David

When David was a baby my favorite thing to do was hold him and rock him to sleep at bedtime. I came up with a song for him and sang it to him everynight as baby and sang it to him as recent as last night. It still comforts him and he is able to relax and fall asleep. I thought I would share it with you. I hope you enjoy.

I Love You David Jamall

I love you, I love you, David Jamall
I love you, I love you, my precious baby doll

I love you in the morning
I love you by noon
I love you in the evening son, I pray blessings over you

I'll be your shelter, I'll be your best friend
I'll stand right beside you til the very end
because I love you, I love you, David Jamall
I love you, I love you, my precious baby doll

I'll be there for you
From a child to a man
Just remember one thing my son
Keep God in you plan

Because HE love you, HE loves you, David Jamall
HE loves you, HE loves you, you're HIS precious baby doll

HE loves you in the morning
HE loves you by noon
HE loves you in the evening son, HE'S THE BLESSING OVER YOU!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Jesus You Rein
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You're Lord Of Everything


I firmly believe the Lord gave this song to me to not only provide comfort to David, but to exhalt him as the ultimate Comforter. Ask God to give you a song that comforts and exhalts Him today.

Be blessed!

Is Home Where Your Heart Is? - A Message For Men

Is Home Where Your Heart Is?


“Your heart will be where your treasure is” Matt 6:21 NCV

Most people confuse this with “Where your heart is there will your treasure be also”. What is the difference?

The difference is people can’t see our heart and identify with our treasure; however they can see our treasure and the time invested in something and easily see that is where our heart is.

Hobbies – Golf, basketball, video games, cars, fishing, etc.
Church
Work
Home??

• Ephesians 5:25-30 NLT

25 And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word.* 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife. 29 No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church. 30 And we are his body.

>When you are in need as a family, are you seeking God for his guidance and assistance? Does he show up?
>When you are at church seeking a touch from God does He make his presence known?
>Nowhere in the scripture above are there any conditions that are to be met by our spouses.
I.e. Only love when she is in a good mood….only love if she told me she loved me first…..only love if she bought me a gift, and etc.

Matthew 7:7-11 NLT Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. 9 You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Ephesians 5 tells our wives to submit to us as they would unto the Lord.

Let’s apply the above scripture to our situation at home.
o Can your wife ask you and it be given to her?
o When she asks you to take out the trash do you give her an excuse?
o When she asks you to help get the kids dressed do you give her an attitude?
o Are you responding like Jesus?
o When she knocks and keeps on knocking do you respond Christ like or do you angrily tell her to quit nagging you?
o When your wife seeks for something are you asking your heavenly Father to provide or do you just brush it off and let her lead the home?
o When our wives call upon us as husbands are we showing up?

Whereis your treasure?
>Where do you spend most of your time? Work, hobbies, buddies, serving at the church
>Where is it you invest your energy to achieve greatness and excellence?
>Does your home reflect your treasure? Is it shining with your passion, protection and unconditional love?

IS HOME WHERE YOUR HEART IS?

The Difference Between Grace and Mercy

What is the difference between grace and mercy?

Grace is what God gives that we don't deserve. Mercy is what God doesn't give that we do deserve.

For example. Suppose I was speeding on the highway and a policeman pulls me over. If he doesn't give me a ticket, then he gave me mercy. If he gives me a $100 bill, then he gave me grace.

As sinners, we deserve punishment. But, by God's mercy, He withholds judgement.

Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

We don't deserve God's goodness, but instead He has lavished grace upon us.

Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

By God's mercy, we escape hell. But by God's grace, we receive everlasting life.

Obama And Education

I must say that I am a little taken back by the negative reaction of parents in regard to our President wanting to address our children today. I am really not politically correct in my views so I will just be blunt and let you all provide your feedback.

First of all, my child attends a public elementary school. I, along with every other tax paying citizen, contribute a portion of my paycheck every month to the US Government. With that money they take care of roadways, education, social security, healthcare, business affairs, etc, etc. The public school system is a government entitity that we all support by sending our kids to public schools. We don't have a problem sending our kids to the building the government pays the bills for, nor do we mind using the books, resources and facilities that the governement provides. We also don't mind letting the government pay the salaries of those teachers that we entrust our kids to. I believe the President has every right to speak a word of encouragement over each and everyone of our kids. He even had the decency to provide each parent with a live video feed of the speech as it happened as well as post it on television an the internet following.

Teachers spend 35-40% of each waking hour of our kids lives with them. We don't have video feed, simulcast or television broadcast of what they actually say or plant in our kids minds every single day, yet we have NO problem at all trusting our children to their influence.

Personally, I didn't vote for Mr. Obama and I am concered about some issues on the forefront. There are people in my life that aren't good leaders or have some weird ideas about things but at the end of the day they are good people and would have good things to say to my child at any given moment. Mr. Obama is a human being that I don't necessarily agree with every issue on, but I do know he is a good father to his children.

If we are really concerned about how our children are being influenced, then go after the things that are making a huge impact. What influence are your children receiving from the unsupervised television programs they are watching in their bedroom while you sleep in on the weekends or watching TV in another room? What influence is your children receiving from the video games that aren't being monitored or the people chatting with him/her on X-Box Live? What influence are your children receiving from the computer websites they are visiting while no one is watching? What influence are your children receiving from the families they spend the night with? What influence are your children receiving by watching mom and dad and the way they live our their lives? What about the parents that take their kids to see Rated R movies as a family for family night?

Not to mention what message are we sending our children about honoring or respecting authority in their lives. Does you boss every give his/her opinion of influence that you don't necessarily agree with? Do you go home because of it? Authority and leadership is something our kids will deal with the rest of their lives and it is up to us to prepare them properly for it.

I'm done soap boxing for the moment. Thank you Mr. President for getting on the same level as my child and encouraging him to further his education and to work hard. I would have loved to been encourage by a President in my childhood, but they were too busy "big dogging". We were small potatoes.

Jared

I'm Officially A Blogger

There was no way I could let Skipp get too far ahead of me in the blog world. I'm looking forward to sharing some thoughts with you all. I'm not sure how often I will do this, but I can foresee some interesting topics in the near future.