As A Reminder:

 Recently, someone shared a story with me about a tragic event that occurred in their life... It got me thinking and I thought that I would share my response to them with you all because I was very encouraged by what they said. I hope you will be encouraged as well:

I know that everyone has problems and trails they face everyday in their lives and that my family and I are not the only ones suffering. It seems that whenever I get down, God shows me that even though times are hard, that I am still blessed. Just the other day I was thinking about everything I have been through and was having a crying fest/pity party while driving down the road. I was asking God why it has to be so hard... Just as I came around a corner I saw a girl about my age, knelt down on her knees, crying hysterically in front of a side road cross. As I passed her, our eyes met. I have never in my life seen eyes so sad.... I believe it was God's way of reminding me that even though times are hard, they could always be worse. I know that even though it seems like forever, one day my family will be reunited again; I haven't truly lost my dad, I just have to wait a while to have him home again. Everyday since, when I get down on life, that poor girls face floods my mind and I remember what God's word tells us; living as one of his children will not make life easier, it will merely give us hope and faith in knowing that the trails of this world will just make Heaven all the more wonderful. It isn't always easy to remember, but I can not tell you how glad I am that I do have the hope of beautiful eternity with no pain, suffering, or tears.
The thing about being broken at the bottom is that you can only look one way, up. And sometimes we need to do just that in order to look up and see God reaching down to give us a mighty hand. I am not implying that the days ahead will be any easier or less painful for my family, I am just simply reminding myself as well as, all of you, that God is always there,; even when we feel like He is a million miles from us, He is always just a prayer away.
Thank you all for being supportive and helping me, my dad, and our family lean on your strength and kind words to help get us through. Again, if any of you is seeking prayer, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for all you do.




Love in Christ,

Shekinah

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!!

Days Day

Hello all.

Well, me, mom, and Nanny went to see dad this past weekend for our three day holiday visit. Friday (which was Veterans Day) was one of the best visit's that we have ever had with dad. Hardly anyone one was there visiting and it was a wonderful relaxed environment. However, Saturday we did run into a little trouble with one of the guards. Guys, I can not tell you how bad some of the guards treat not only dad but us (and all of the visitors) when we come to see our loved ones. Some of the guards are nice but most of them are just awful. They treat us like children and do everything they can to make our visiting time near impossible to enjoy. We are in the process of seeing what we can do to get things changed but from what we hear from others who have been visiting in this particular prison for years, say it is almost a loss cause. The guards there know that there is nothing dad or any of the inmates can do because they can not stand up to them without getting in trouble. The guards do not follow the rules of the BOP and they make our visits as stressful as they can. You all know we drive almost 500 miles to see dad and another 500 miles back home. It is a tiring and costly trip (that we love to make to see dad for the brief time we can) just to have these terribly mean guards do everything they can to ruin it. We are allowed to see dad from 8:15am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays and Federal Holidays (although with money so tight, we can't afford to go nearly as much as we'd like). We have to wait in line (outside; rain, heat, cold, etc.) with all the others who are there to see their loved ones, for hours, to ensure that we can get in to see him for the full time; and if the visiting room fills up, they make us leave before our allowed time is up. The thing is, they have 1600 inmates there and a visiting room only big enough to hold 200 people. So if  the room fills up at any time in our visit, they kick people out who got there first to make room for more people. About an hour after we had one of the guards get on to me for having my foot under my leg in my own plastic chair (which is not against the rules, he was just being hateful to me and threatened to end my visit if I didn't sit with both feet on the floor, facing the front of the room) we were thrown out of visiting and our time was cut in half; and there is no arguing with the guards.Trust me I tried to voice my rights and they laughed at me (literally). And if we try too hard and argue with them too much, they can be mean to dad on the inside. These evil people completely run this place any way they want because they know there is nothing we can do to stop them.
I can not express to you all how horrible this place is. It is a dark place full of evil people and as we all know, dad does not deserve to be there. My reason for telling you all this is so that you know the terror this government is putting on (not just our family but) the families of so many prisoners. As we grow up we are taught that if you break the law you get put in jail, we all know that even with situations like dads, that is simply not always the case. A lot of these inmates don't deserve to be there and even those who do, should not be treated like dogs....

Everyone, please, remember to keep dad in your prayers. These are dark times for our family and dad is exposed to many dark things everyday. Prayer is crucial and we know there is power in numbers. I can not thank you all enough for all the prayers you have already sent on dad's behalf. Just please don't forget that God can still do miracles in even the most impossible situations; and a miracle is exactly what dad needs. Again thank you for all you do. Dad is so appreciative of every thought you send his way. I love you all and can't thank you enough.

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love in Christ,

Shekinah

Breif Update

Hello all.

I don't really have a whole lot to say today. Just wanted to let everyone know that dad is doing okay. He has been down on his back for the past few weeks but he says it is slowly getting better. He has some extra minutes this months so he will be able to call my sister and myself a few times; which is always a treat because he is only given so many minutes a month and usually only gets to call mom once a day. I am going with mom and Nanny to see him next weekend and because it is a Federal Holiday Friday, we will get to see him for three days instead of just the two. All in all, everything is going alright. Things are still hard for our family and with the holidays coming up we are all struggling a bit more then usual. Please just remember to keep dad in your prayers and close in your hearts. I know he misses everyone so very much and we are all counting down the seconds until he gets to come home. Just remember, that our God is still the same God He has always been; which means that there is still a chance of a miracle happening. We can never lose faith or hope that God will one day soon see fit to bring dad back home to us.
Again, thank you for all your prayers.

Love in Christ
Shekinah

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!!

Dad's Day 5

Hello everyone.

Just wanted to send a quick update about dad to all of you who love and miss him.
First of all, dad wanted me to tell everyone hello and that he misses all of you very much.
Curtis, Raven, mom, and I went to see him last weekend. It was a very good visit. Dad was very happy to see Raven. I know he loves to see his family but it is good for him to see friends as well.
Guys, please remember dad when you say your prayers. He is fighting a battle not of flesh and blood but of spirit, and his spirit is weak. We all know that God has a plan, it is not knowing what that plan is or why God chose him, that is breaking us. Any little prayer does not go unheard. God is never to busy to listen.

Again, if any one else needs prayer from me, please do not hesitate to ask. We are prayer warriors and we can fight more than one battle at a time. Thank you all so much for all the prayers you have already sent on dad's behalf. It means the world to him and well as our family. I love you all and thank you.

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!!

Love in Christ,
Shekinah

A Little Prayer Goes A Long Way

Hey everyone. Well, first I want to say thank you again for all the support you have given the family. Dad is okay. He is very home sick and home isn't the same without him. I wanted to tell you guys a little bit about what I have been up to the past couple of days:

I have been spending any spare time I have writing to my congressmen and senators... they are reviewing passing a law stating that any federal (nonviolent) CP crime time be reduced to 65% mandatory servitude. I've started a campaign within my campaign to research what this means not only for dad but for others like him. They have viewed this bill for the past 3 years and it has never passed but I am hoping by getting people to write congress (as I myself have, my family and even my dad) that this law will pass.

***Every person (with the exception of a small, small %) in federal prison with a CP charge has never done anything violent to a child, minor, etc. They did something on the computer/internet.... it is NOT fair that these people never get anything less than a 5 year sentence when people who brutally "R" small children can get time as little as one year. I am doing everything I can to help this law pass.

** If any of you are from the US and want to contribute to my cause, I can give you the basic out line of what needs to be mailed to your congressmen. It needs to be sent in by Friday, September 1st. You can research it yourself if you please. Our government is constantly complaining about prison over crowding and this would not only help get nonviolent prisoners out early, but would be a great way to cut down on the cost of thousands of dollars it takes each month to house just one prisoner. I would really appreciate any help anyone offers. Keep in mind, not only will this law passing bring justice to a lot a people who deserve a little break but also reduce my dad's sentence by HALF! For all others, your prayers are much welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you again for all you do.

Shekinah

Keep Jeff Pierson in you prayers!!!

Dad's Day 4

Hello everyone. Well, I went to see dad last weekend, as well as, the weekend before that (fathers day). The visits were all very much the same as before. Dad is trying to adjust to this new life and we are still trying to get him home. Part of me is always holding on to the hope that God will do a miracle and bring dad home soon so please keep praying, but if it is God's will for dad to stay.... he will need prayers for strength and for wisdom. I find myself asking God 'why' more than anything, however, God has not seen it fit to answer my pleas just yet. I fear that as time goes on, more and more people will move on and forget about the injustice that has happened to my dad. I don't blame anyone for it, I just pray that he stays in the prayers of those who love him.
With that said, mom and Nanny are on their way to spend the 4th will dad now. As bad as I wish I could join them, I have duties to tend to at home this weekend.

Dad, you are always in my heart, on my mind, and the center of my prayers. We all love you so much and I will never give up hope in God's power. I am praying everyday that you can home form that terrible place, where you do not deserve to be. I love you.

As time goes on, please try to remember to keep dad in your prayers. Also know, that if you have anything you would like for me to pray about for you, I would be more than happy. We are prayer warriors and we can pray for more than one thing at a time.  That is the beauty of this gift God has given us. Also, be praying for dad's cell mates. He is trying to bring them into the Christian family so that they can share a part of God's glory. Thanks so much for every prayer.

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Shekinah

So Good To Hear Your Voice

Hello everyone!

Well, mom, Brit, and Grandad are in LA visiting dad this weekend. They are lucky because a holiday falls on Monday so they get to stay for three days instead of two. Of course, I have to work, so regretably I couldn't go this time. However, I will let you know how the trip went when they get home.
But since they are there dad has been able to call me on the phone for the past two nights! It is so good to hear his voice. He sounds okay. Dad is finding ways to see God and in these circumstances, that is more than we can ask. It is still very hard for him since Esteban has left but we have not forgotten him in our prayers. In the begining he was an answered prayer, we are still praying for him where ever he may be. We also have gotten some (seemingly) good news. We are always praying God finds a way to get dad out early and we don't want to get our hopes up to high or prevent the Lord from doing something wonderful but be praying that this good news does not leave us high and dry. Our God is an awesome God who has the power to change any situation, we do not doubt that. We know that God has His reasons and we have already seen a few. The prision has already had a revival a few weeks ago which ended with 100 prisioners becoming part of the Christian family! So we know that dad has not left in vain, yet we still have a hole in our hearts. So please,

Keep Jeff Pierson in Your Prayers!!

We need him home. And according to God's word (Mark 10:9 What God has joined together, let no man seperate) our family should be together. Please keep praying and thank you so much for the prayers already being prayed! It means more than you know!

Love,

Shekinah

Dad's Day 3

Hello everyone!


Well, the weekend of May 15-16 me, mom, Brit, and Gran dad went to see dad. The first day was very emotional for him, as well as, us because his good friend and cell mate, Esteban, was moved. Now, I know I've told you all a little bit about Esteban, but he was dad's closest friend and helper there. Having him leave has been very, very hard on dad. The only thing that made this a little easier for all of us was knowing that dad had Esteban there with him. So we have all been really upset over this. We don't understand why God would take Esteban and we don't know where he was moved, but dad thinks that Esteban might have been sent home. He had a 18 year sentence and was in his 9th year, so if he did get sent home, it would be a miracle. Even though we are all upset over his leaving, please be praying that God let him go home. We know he will do great things for God. Aside from the heart tear we had, it was a wonderful visit. Anytime we get to see dad and he gets to see us, it is a wonderful thing. Dad says that it makes time go by faster when he has visitors. So don't forget to send in your visitation form and go and see him when you get a chance. He misses everyone very much.
I know that for most everyone, this thing with dad is just a bad feeling or thought that crosses your mind every now and then, and we all understand that no one is as impacted by this as us, but every time he does cross your mind, please send up a prayer for him to come home soon. We can't endure this for 5 years. We need dad back. The smallest prayers are heard, so please,

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love,

Shekinah

When Two Or More Are Gathered

Hello everyone.

Well, Mom, Nanny(Dad's mom), and Maw-Maw(Mom's mom) are in LA with dad this weekend. Britiany and I couldn't go this trip. Brit, I believe, is going next weekend and I am going back in a few weeks. I talked to mom after her visit this morning and she said dad is doing ok, as usual.
Everyone, every time dad crosses your mind, please send up a silent prayer for God to bring him home. As time goes on (and I believe I am speaking for the whole family on this) it doesn't get easier; not for dad, not for us. We learn how to live with it, days goes by, and life does go on; but our spirits are broken, our hearts are hurting, and faith is shattered. We need dad home. We know that the only thing that is going to get him here sooner is a lot of prayer. We all know that there is power in numbers and thats what we need; as many people praying as possible. I thank you all so much for all the prayers you have already sent, but please don't forget about dad over time. We need your help. Dad needs your prayers.
I love you all so very much and dad does too. Just please, don't forget to

Keep Jeff Pierson in you prayers!

Thank you for all you do,
Love,

Shekinah

Dad's Day 2

Jeff Pierson


Hey everyone. Mom, Grandad, Britiany, Chessie, and I all went to see dad again this past weekend. As I said in the last "Dad's Day" post, we had to wait and get processed for about forty-five minutes before we actually got to go in. When dad came in the visiting room his face lit up like a kid in an amusement park. He was so excited to see us, as we were him. He cut his hair that morning and he looked a lot better this visit. We also got to get our picture taken with him! He said he will send us a copy as soon as he can and I will post it. He told us about his job there (he is serving in the kitchen, so he is pretty much a cafeteria lady :] ). He said it is very fast paced and that it is just OK. Overall, he seemed alright. I mean, he is as good as he can be, but he is really finding God in a lot of ways he didn't expect. Please just remember to keep praying for him and for a miracle to get him out of there. He loves all of the letters you guys are all sending him so please keep those coming too. I know that God is in control, as always, but don' stop praying!

Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love,
Shekinah

Letters

Hey! Well a lot of people have been asking about dad's address. The complete address is on http://www.bop.gov/ but dad's number is:
Jeff Pierson #26251-001

Be sure to read the rules on what you can send. If  you're sending anything besides paper or a picture make sure they will let him have it. Anything that is not accepted will be sent back to you and they use his money to send it. Remember, he is allowed so much money a month. If you have anymore questions about what you can and cannot mail, just comment in this post! Thanks guys!


Keep Jeff Pierson in your prayers!

Love,
Shekinah

A Day With Dad

'Jeff Pierson'

Hey everyone. Well it has been a crazy week at school so I haven't had a chance to update about our visit. Over all, everything went well. We got to the prison at eight am and we had to wait outside for about 40 minutes. There was a line and they only let fifteen people in at a time. Trust me, the guards were in no hurry to get anybody in. When our group was called, we went into the front and we all had to sign a visitor form and wait for them to again, call our group. They made us take off our shoes, jackets, jewelry, etc. and put the into a bucket while we walked through a metal detector. Then we had to wait for them to let us into the prison. When we got inside they took us to the "visiting" room. It was basically a 35x60 foot room filled with rows of chair sitting back to back; no tables. There were windows, but they had bars on them and there were vending machines (they had a microwave for food from the machines like hamburgers and hot wings). It only took dad about five minutes to come in after we were the waiting 9but he said sometimes we could have to wait a very long time; until the guards tell him we are there). Seeing dad was great! Although, we didn't get to hug him for as long as we would have liked. It was also very, very loud and hard to hear because there were so many people there (but dad said only about 5% of inmates even get visitors ever). The guards were nice and generally didn't pay to much attention to us. About every three hours they would make the inn mates stand up for a head count. Dad's hair was so long! He's also lost a good bit of weight. He seemed..... okay. He told us that the guards are pretty mean and that there are so many rules to learn. Rules not just enforced by the guards, but also "inmate" rules as well. He told us all about his "bunk mate", Esteban. who is a Mexican and a brother in Christ. He and dad do Bible studies together everyday and dad is very thankful for him. And when you pray for dad, keep Esteban in your prayers as well.
Leaving him Sunday was once again the hardest thing I ever had to do. I can't wait until the day he gets to walk out of that stupid place with us. If you want to visit dad, please get with me, mom, or Brit. I know dad misses you all very much and he told us to tell you all he loves you.
Please keep, Jeff Pierson, in your prayers.
-Shekinah

visit update

promise im gonna post all the details from our visit with dad soon. Ive just got a super full schedule at the beginning of this week, but as soon as i get a free minute im on it. PROMISE!!!

2 weeks and 3 days...it's finally time to see him!!!

Well, tomorrow is the day we have been waiting 2 weeks for. We finally get to visit dad. Anita, Kinah and Nanny are going to head out late tonite, it's an 8+ hour drive for them. Im going to head out around 4 in the morning, it's about a 5.5 hr drive for me. Hopefully we will all have uneventful trips. I know we are all counting down the seconds until we get to hug him and see for ourselves that he is ok. I dont know about anyone else, but im nervous too. Prison is such a scary place and I dont know what to expect. Visitation hours are 8:15- 3:00 sat and sun. I wont be there until about 10:30, but Anita and the rest of them should be there as soon as they open. Im sure there are alot of yall that would like to go see him, or at least I hope yall do. After we talk to him tomorrw im sure we will have alot more info to give everyone. I dont know much about visitation, except what i've read in the handbook. (if you're interested in reading it you can find it at http://www.bop.gov/ . just search for FCI oakdale and then on the right side of the screen there are some adobe files what you can open and read.) I know that the dress code is SUPER strict and that if we leave the visitation room for any reason that we can't go back in for the day. They have vending machines that we are allowed to take change for, but other than that I doubt there is lunch or anything. We can go get food after we visit, but i wonder what my dad will do if he has to miss his lunch time to visit with us. I guess we'll find out soon enough. Ok, I just wanted to update yall a little. Im not great at this blog thing so bear with me! I will for sure write and let yall know how tomorrow and sunday go! Please pray that we will all have safe trips there and that we will be able to stay awake with no problem. Talk to you soon!

Matthew 11:28

Brit

Talked to dad:

I talked to dad today. He said that mom, Britiany, Nanny, Curtis, and I get to come and see him this weekend. We are all very excitedand can't wait to let you know how it went!

To begin:

Hello everyone. It's Shekinah,
This blog page is decicated to dad.
Basically, my sister and I are going to post updates, letters, what happened on phone calls and visits with dad on here to keep everyone informed. I know everyone has a lot of questions and wants to know how he is doing, so please, blog with us and we will keep you all up-to-date!
God bless!