Memory Maker

On to DC for The Call

2008-08-23T20:11:00.014-05:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to Washington DC to attend The Call. It was an incredible, life changing day. It was me and 70,000 others on our face crying out to God for the ending of abortion and revival to sweep across America...12 hours of prayer, repentance and praise to our King. Even though it was a quick and exhausting trip, I felt honored to have the opportunity to intercede for God to have mercy on us and establish His righteousness and justice in our nation. Oh and since it was my first time to DC - I also hit the Capital, White House, Lincoln Memorial, etc.

The Capital

Praying with red LIFE tape for the ending of abortion in front of the Supreme Court.

Praying to the Righteous Judge, who reigns over all courts, for mercy and justice to prevail in our land.

The Capital up close.

I really think they're on to me...

Me and "W" at the White House...what you can't see him?!?

World War II Memorial

WW II Memorial with Washington Monument in the background.

Lincoln Memorial...my favorite of all the monuments.

It really is that big. His thumb is about the size of my hand.

Abe and me

The Call took place on the Washington Mall.

Breaking up to pray in small groups.

Bound4Life passed out the red LIFE tape so all 70k could place it over our mouths and pray together.

The Call stage with the Capital in the background.

2008-07-15T14:10:00.001-05:00

Do you know the Muffin Man? from Jeff Smith on Vimeo.

A Full Day of Father and Son Fun

2008-05-03T21:01:00.009-05:00

Carson and Austin on the 10 yard line at Arrowhead Stadium
for the beginning of the All Pro Dad festivities.

Arrowhead Stadium...the kids (and their Dad) thought it
was pretty cool to be on the same playing field as the Chiefs
players play on.

The boys with the Mullet and Frisbie kiddos

Dog pile!!!!!!!!!!! Don't worry, Austin was okay after he
pulled the grass out of his left ear.

Austin getting ready for his first game

He got the 3 hits...

... and scored 3 times.

Austin playing first base

A Burden on My Heart

2008-02-02T17:16:00.000-06:00

The following is a prophetic word and Biblical teaching from Lou Engle, the leader of The Call, on the Doctrine of the Shedding of Innocent Blood. I was fortunate enough to hear this message in person on New Year's Eve during The Call - KC. Even though I heard this message almost a month ago, still to this day it has shaken me to my core. I feel a deep burden in my spirit to do all that I can to make sure that as many people as possible hear this important word in this critical period of time in which we live.

The video is a little over an hour long, but I believe it is a true prophetic utterance from the heart of God. While I was listening that day, I could not help but think back to the Old Testament and wonder if this is what it must have been like to have been a firsthand witness to hear the word of the Lord from the mouth a prophet, such as Isaiah or Jeremiah.

Please be forewarned...the following is not a light-hearted or "feel-good" message, but instead it is a sobering Biblical teaching on the pending judgement on America for the shedding of innocent blood through the practice of abortion. In addition, Lou addresses what the appropriate response of the church should be (ie: cry out for mercy, vote for pro-life policy makers). May the following stir your heart to cry out for God's mercy and for His kingdom to be established in our midst.

Until He returns,

Jeff

Reflections on Austin turning 7

2008-02-02T15:17:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why, but I have been quite emotional the past few days with Austin turning 7. It might have something to do with my recent issue, it might be just that I am noticing some major changes in Austin's appearance and attitude - he no longer is just a little boy. I am so proud of young man he is becoming. They say a child's character is formed by the age of 6. If this is true, I believe Austin has a very strong foundation to live that is holy and pleasing to God.

As most of you know Tara homeschools Austin and Carson, but they do go to a school one day a week where they join other kids who are homeschooled for a day of learning. Austin's teacher sent us an email the other day stating, "that you need to be so proud of Austin, he is such a responsible, polite, good behaved boy." I am not sure my heart has ever felt more proud than it did after reading those words. Looking back, I can not imagine my life without him. He has brought so much joy and fulfillment to my heart.

Sunday

2007-09-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

... is my favorite day of the week. Hands down. I'm not so sure I would have said that ~ 25 years ago. I think when I was growing up Sunday was not so fun because it involved wearing uncomfortable clothes, taking naps (by force and not of my own free will), and knowing that the weekend was almost over. Nowadays Sunday and I are good 'ol pals. Here's why:

life seems to slow down enough to let me collect my thoughts
dedicated family time
fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ
naps
sports on tv
new mercies which allow me to start a week afresh in the morning

May you enjoy your Sundays as much as I enjoy mine.

Grace and peace!

Here today, gone tomorrow

2007-09-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Does your life ever resound with the same theme for an extended period of time? Mine sure does. It seems this year has presented me the opportunity to learn how to refocus my time, energy, and thoughts on what is truly important in life.

For example, we have recently had our grass destroyed by ferocious, white, evil, little grubs. The grubs have enjoyed my entire backyard as their own little 24 hr buffet. For most people I would imagine this might not be such a bad gig, since it would reduce the times they would have to mow. Although for me, I really enjoy and take a lot of pride in having a nice, lush, green yard. I don't necessarily like to mow, but I do like being outside and doing little landscaping projects.
So now when I look out my window and see this: it is quite disconcerting. These pesky grubs have once again revealed my ugly tendency to attempt to gain my worth from worthless things. Why oh why do I do this? Will I ever come to a place where I am able to get my identity from Christ alone? From my health to my lawn, I have learned that just about everything is here today and gone tomorrow. God Almighty and His kingdom are the only things that are worth holding onto.

First Post...

2007-09-10T22:03:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is. My first thoughts (no pause here :) on the world wide web. It feels good to finally be catching up to the 21st century. It feels like since Austin was born, 6.5 years ago, I have had to lay aside somethings in my life - including creating a blog/webiste.

I hope to use this venue to keep everyone up to date on the ins and outs of our family. Tara does such an amazing job of this by posting pictures to Snapfish, so I am hoping I can help contribute with videos and postings. The first video I will post includes home videos from this summer. Our trip to San Antonio, TX; a rare glipse into the average morning of Alexia Noel at the age of 19 months and lastly some classic video of Carson and Austin learning to ride their bikes without their training wheels.

Enjoy!

In Him,
Jeff