im sure there is a way to do it, but is there a way, when handle jog mode to have (work pos) show a true x,z position to Z face measure I set?

The only way I know is to send the tool to a known position in MDI:

T101
G0 G54 X3. Z5.

Then go into Jog Mode and page down until you get to Pos. Operator

Type X3. then press Origin

Type Z5. then press Origin

Then you can jog around and know where you're at. That's the only way I found, anxious to know a better solution.