It's All Down Hill From Here

Hello!

Well it's been a while since I've posted on here. I've been super busy and to be honest, I don't know who all follows this blog anymore since it's been 4 years since dad left. But for those of you who do keep a check, here's a quick update;

We've been trying to get dad on home confinement for "up to" the last 6 months of his time. It's a fairly new alternative to halfway house time for those who don't qualify for halfway house time, like dad. Anyway, we've sent off all the paperwork and now, we're just waiting to hear if he's been approved or not... his approval would be the difference in him coming home in July vs. him not coming home until January 2016. What a blessing it would be! So we are all praying super hard on this end! We know God will put him where ever He needs him, but we are praying that the place he is needed most, is back home with his family.

Dad has gotten really good with his leather work! The stuff he is making now is amazing! 

He has also been witnessing to several other guys there. He's been able to lead several men to the Lord. It's been amazing watching God use him for His glory. Dad has grown so much over the last few years. I've seen God change him in so many wonderful ways. Not that he wasn't amazing before... God just made him shine a little brighter. 

We are still visiting dad a least once a month. We would go more but money has gotten harder to come by. The trip is long and expensive... but we always do go see him at least once a month. 

Back in February I started doing prison ministries with my church! I now go to a women's prison every few Sunday's and fellowship with the ladies there. 

It's pretty amazing looking back over these last 4 years and seeing how far this family has come. What the devil intended for evil, God had another plan for... He is using what was a heart breaking family separation, and transforming it into something far more beautiful than any of us ever dreamed was ever possible. My families situation hasn't changed, our circumstances haven't changed, but our hearts have changed. And because of that, we are able to reach other families and other prisoners and help lead them to Jesus! Who would have ever thought?!?! My family has stood together and we are all stronger today then any of us ever dreamed...  God can take the darkest, most hopeless circumstances and make them awe inspiring. 

My family is going to be just fine. We are on the down hill slope of what was a very tiring and difficult up hill battle. We can all see the light at the end now. And that light is brighter than we thought it could be. Never give up hope. Never lose faith. You never know what awesome things God has planned for you. 

Love,

Shekinah

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

We're half way there...

Hello everyone!
Well, we've reached the half way mark! Half of this horrible time is behind us... pretty soon we'll be able to start counting down...

I wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who has been so faithful to us... those who've driven all the hard miles to see dad, those who've written him, those who've stayed updated through the blog, and those who've been praying for him and our family. I cannot express how much it means to all of us and dad. You guys have been so great. Thank you.

Romans 8:38---------------->


So, not really a whole lot to update on... things have been a little crazier at visits lately. The guards are doing everything they can to make visits as short and cheerless as they can. They've changed how we wait in line (which may not seem like much, but trust me, it's a disaster). Some of the guards are nice and understand what we all go through and they are a blessing to us, but so many of them try to do anything and everything they can to make visiting time as miserable as possible... we're working on getting things done but all we can really do is write letters and that doesn't seem to be getting us too far.
What people don't realize in situations like these, is how the family suffers... but then again, most people don't care either. And I don't blame them. I'm sure if I hadn't grown up in this crazy life, I'd probably be the same as the rest of the world. Maybe I'd even be like the guards... I'm struggling with not holding a grudge... God has forgiven me for so many wrongs I've done, I know I have to find it in my heart to forgive those who wrong me...
<--------------Matthew 6:12 , 14


 But other than that, dad is doing okay. Again, time is passing, and that is a blessing indeed. He's been spending a lot of time in the leather shop and he's made some really beautiful things! I've attached a couple of pictures of purses and key rings he's made me.


<--------------One is called a patch purse (used from patches of scrap leather)





The other is an Alabama football purse he made me for my birthday.

--------------->
It's helping him pass time... it's just very expensive and since mom and dad can't afford it, Brit and I are paying for the leather. It makes him happy to have something to do he enjoys and he makes things to give us which makes him feel better too because he feels like it's something he can give back to us.




Me, mom, Grandad, and Brit are going to see him this weekend. Please say a quick prayer that the visit goes better this time than the last one... Again thank you for all you do...

 Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love,
Shekinah

Here's a few more things he's made:

 

Hebrews 11:1

Hello everyone

I know it has been a while since my last post and I am sorry for that. I have been so busy with work lately it's taking up most of my free time. I also just wasn't very sure how much traffic my blog was receiving and became slightly discouraged. However, I have recently found out how helpful this blog has seemed to be for some and I will be sure to make time to update more frequently.

So, for those of you who don't know, March 9th marked 2 years since dad has been gone. Gosh, it feels like it has been so much longer. Yes, it has gotten easier but in the same light its gotten more difficult realizing that for now, this is our life. Over the past few months I have had some very difficult struggles... mainly with my faith. At one point, I thought I'd all but lost my faith altogether. But I found it was difficult to remain in my struggles when I had dad constantly remind me God has not forrgotten or forsaken us. Sometimes I tend to forget that I am not alone in this. None of us are, even when it feels that way sometimes.

Dad is doing really well (outside of the obvious). Throughout the first year of him being gone, it seemed all we talked about was trying to get him home... with each failed attempt, dad grew more and more weary. We all did really. And now I often find dad talking about the day he comes home (3 more years) and all the things our family will do again one day. We laugh very much during visits. Leaving on Sundays is always hard, but it too in its own way has become eaiser. We've all accepted this life for now. Monday dad started leather classes. He will learn to make and engrave all kinds of things out of leather (belts, shoes, purses, etc.). We've seen some of the things others had made and they are absoulutly beautiful! I know he will enjoy it and it's something he can use when he gets home. All things considered, we are all doing alright. Mom is good. Now that I have graduated college, received my degree, and am working full time, I've been able to help out with cost of trips to go see dad. Me, mom, Brit, Curtis (my husband) and Grandad are going to see dad next weekend for my monthly visit. (mom goes at least 2 times a month). I am very excited to see him.. as always.

Dad has recently been able to email!! We get to talk everyday now! It has made everything a lot easier. I get to tell him little things about my day and how I'm doing... it is truly a blessing! If anyone is interested in emailing with him please let me know. It is very simple and free of charge.

Times are hard, but we serve a God of greatness. Our God is great! We can never doubt. We can never be fearful. We can never do anything but be thankful because God is love. And He loves us all more than we can even begin to understand. We are never alone. We are never unheard. And we are never unloved. We live in a evil word with trials that seem alomost unbearable, but we are all truly blessed. Most people can not understand our life. They can't imagine the things we've seen and they may judge us, but God does not judge. He forgives and loves. And though no of us deserve His love, He continues to give it to us freely. Yes, we are blessed.

If anyone is in need of prayer, please let me know. There is power in prayer. Thank you all so very much for the prayers you have given.

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!!

Love,
Your sister in Christ
Shekinah

Finding reasons to smile...

                                   Hello everyone!

Well, there really isn't much to update you all on, I just wanted to post a quick message letting everyone know that dad is doing okay. The ninth was 19 months since dads been gone and it feels like 19 years.
It's crazy how long it feels like it's taking... sometimes it feels like time has stopped all together... but time is passing and we are still believing that God is in control...

Oh yeah! I'm not sure if I told you all this but for the prisoners who didn't receive a high school diploma before going inside, are required to take classes and get a GED. So a few months ago dad had to "go back to school" and try to relearn the basics... he was very worried he wasn't going to pass the big test and have to take the classes all over again... however, he passed his GED exam! And he is getting to do a cap and gown walk with the others inside who passed too!! Of course, no visitors or family members will be allowed to participate or go, but we are still so very excited for him! He said they will take two pictures of him in his cap and gown and send them to us though! So maybe I'll get to post one of those pics on here. :)
So, next weekend me, mom, Curtis, Matt, and Kayla are going to see dad. It should be a good trip.:) Matt and Kayla are getting to share with dad there big news that Kayla is 9 weeks pregnant! I know dad will be just beside himself happy for them. Kayla was really wanting to tell dad in person so I know she's excited too. I've been sending dad's new celly (the one who just got saved) a few different "bible" books. Things like "how to study your bible", "Holy Bible crossword puzzles", and "bible promise books". Dad said he got them all and was very excited about them. Dad is very thrilled to have a roommate whom he can share the Word of God with. It is truly a blessing for both of them and we thank the Lord everyday for that very wonderful miracle! (See last blog post)

I'm not sure when the next time I will get to go and visit dad again will be. Of course I always go at least once a month but not sure when next month I'll be able to go... money is getting tight for mom and the 1000 mile trips are getting harder on her. So please keep her in your prayers as well... Although, no matter what,I know God will always help us find a way to spend time with dad. But even still, your prayers are very much welcomed and we are very thankful for them.

 I'll post again soon and let everyone know how the trip went. Sorry I don't have much more to report.


As always, if anyone needs prayer, please let me know. There is power in prayer and power in numbers:)

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love,

Shekinah

A Miracle In The Making

Hello everyone.

Brit, mom, and I went to see dad this past weekend. The visit was good (well, as good as it can be). Dad shared with us some wonderful news. Dad became friends with a new guy when he (the friend) arrived a few months ago. His friend moved into dads room last week. Well, he and his friend got to talking (along with his friend and christian brother Esteban) about the Lord. After a while of talking, Esteban and dad lead their new friend to Christ!!! He said the sinners prayer and asked God to be his savior!! All of heaven rejoiced for this lost soul that now is saved! This is such wonderful news! Anyone who can find Hope in such a dark place is truly blessed! So in our prayers for dad today, lets try to remember our new brother in our prayers as well!! I'm sure the devil will be knocking on his door and trying to attack him now that his soul is no longer in danger of hell. We all know the devil will fight to bring him down and he will need prayers of encouragement and strength. Also, lets be sure to send dad a few extra prayers in that he will be able to lead many more lost souls in God's direction.
As far as everything else goes, all is the same. Dad has been gone now for 18 months with 40 months to go. It seems like time is passing so slowly for us and even more slowly for dad. However, time is passing. We just have to keep our faith and remember that God is in control.
Thank you all again for all the prayers you send. I cannot thank you enough.

If anyone needs any prayers, please let me know so that I can send up a message for you. There is power in numbers and power in prayer!

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!!

Always,
Shekinah

Miles to go

Hello all. 

Well, we were working on a few things to get dad home early and thought that they were very promising. However, none of our plans came through. It was a let down yes, but we are still always believing that God is in control.

Dad is okay. He misses everyone like crazy... please be sure to write him if you get a chance. He has recently gotten into reading! He likes all kinds of books so if you like, please send him a paper back book to read. I know it would brighten his heart. But if you can't, please still remember to send him a quick letter. You have no idea how much it means to him to get a letter from some one he loves. It is those letters, the few phone calls he makes, the visits he gets, and the prayers we send up for him, that help keep him going. It is all he has to look forward to on a day to day basis besides knowing the each day that passes is one day closer to him coming home. Right now we have reached 3 years and 8 months until dad comes home. It still seems like forever, and it still seems like so much more time has passed, but we know that through that power of prayer God can still do a miracle. And we know that even if that miracle is dad getting home safely in 3 years and 8 months, that we can get through this because we have the love of one another.

One day, dad will be home again, and life will be right; until then,

Please keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers.

Thank you and God bless.

Shekinah

Quick Update

Hello all.

Well, the holidays are over and we are edging in on one year since dad has been gone. As you all know it has been one of the hardest years of our lives. We've had some struggles but we, as a family, have made it through this trailing time together and have only grown stronger.
We did get to see dad on Christmas Eve and a few three day weekend holiday trips the first couple weeks in January. Some of those trips (sitting outside waiting to go in and see dad) were very cold but we got to visit dad with no troubles.
Weekend before last me, mom, Brit. Charity, and Dessa went to see dad for a three day weekend holiday and it was a very wonderful visit. This weekend me, mom, Brit, Rae, and Curtis are going to see dad. It should be a very light and fun trip as well.
We are working on something now that could potentially bring dad home very soon. We are never sure of course, but we do have God on our side. So please keep praying for a wonderful miracle ending in dad's coming home early.

Again, thank you all so much for all the prayers you have already sent up for our family. We all can't thank you enough for all you do.

Thank you again.

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers,

Shekinah