An awesome display ....

Monday already. How did that happen so fast? I guess time speeds up somehow when you are having fun. The last 4 days sure did go fast. I have to say that I fully enjoyed some down time and unplugging from things but also plugging IN to some people. I turned my phone off until last night, I unplugged the computer until last night and I pretty much didn't watch much tv - even with football on yesterday. I did watch a little of the Chargers game before CBS turned it to another game. Why do they do that? Anyways, time at the cabin was awesome. Cold nights and warm sunny days all spent with family and extended family. I wish in a way that the cabin could be a little bigger only because that would mean more room to invite more but I am not complaining because it is such a blessing to have a place and to open it up to others to enjoy. We sure had some laughs and I fully enjoyed spending some time with "MyKids". One of the big things for me in my life and in my walk is to always have a place out front for the Lord to do His thing. I let Him lead, I let Him shine and I pray all the time for Him to be able to use me and by Him using me it shows in those around me. I love it when the opportunity is opened for me to really talk with others - especially "MyKids" or their parents. I love it when the light bulb goes off and they get something they wouldn't otherwise get if God was not revealed. Maybe its a conversation, maybe its an example that was provided, maybe it was such a random thing that took place like eating breakfast at waffle house - but God was clearly in focus. It is all this extra pouring into that I know that I am living in the overflow that God has given me. I am not keeping it for myself.... no way - it is too sweet to keep for myself. I want to make a difference in those around me. I tell them all the time I love them not because I like sharing my heart - which I do - but because no one knows when our time will come and I want them to know - they come before me... they matter to me, I care about them and they have my full attention. What the bleep am I trying to say here..... I think I am chasing a rabbit but I do know that its such a wonderful experience when someone you have been pouring so much into and praying so hard for, finally makes the efforts so worth it. When they in turn reach out and realize what is going on.... God is behind it all. I wish I could have a bigger impact - especially some others who are close to me but yet have yet to see what I am all about.
There is a verse in a song by Mercy Me - "In the blink of an eye"
Sometimes I feel disappointed
By the way I spend my time
How can I further Your kingdom
When I'm so wrapped up in mine

This morning I woke up with a passage on my heart. I got up and went to look it up because to be honest, I didn't know what it was - I have to say that my memory is not the greatest...so I won't be blasting out scripture but give me a few minutes....
Romans 1:11
8-12I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That's first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God's gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don't think I'm not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.

You know what is amazing about this scripture? I shared this Saturday night during our movie time - not word for word just the part that - Above all else, I value our friendship and the fact that I can do my best to show them Jesus but also because they show me Jesus.
I so much value the fact that I am there for them, to lead them, encourage them, to be the best role model I can be, to show them Jesus through my heart but I in return get encouraged, often times are lead by them, are there for me in SO many ways and more importantly - they show me Jesus.
I fully believe this is what we all should be doing. There is so much to learn through each other and when God is at the center of our lives, our relationships, our thoughts and actions ... God reveals himself in the details.
I continue to pray that He uses me to impact those around me with His intentions and with His heart. I''ll share more about the 3C's over the next few days.
With all my heart loved ones ...
Lonnie~

What a great night last night. 55+ students, friends and family members packed into AMC Concord Mills last to see "The Blind Side". What a grea time together as parents were excited to see a good movie, students together hanging out and a great message to boot. Already looking forward to the next movie outing in January. Hope to make that even a bigger event and time well spent.
We are headed to the cabin tonight until Sunday. Looking forward to some down time for sure. I probably wont be posting much here at "TheWalk" but hopefully filling up in other areas. I should be able to finish the current book I am reading...Simple Youth Ministry as well as get a good chunk done in Think Orange.
Looking forward to our extended family and "MyKids" to come Thursday evening. Really excited about it all ...so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Be safe and more importantly - be blessed.

In peace and love,
Lonnie~

The Blind Side....

I was up early this morning in excitement. I have been waiting on this movie for the past few months now to come to the movie screens. It is not something I do often with waiting for a movie to open but this one is different. View the trailer on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khtBvQdxta4

Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw are the big names in the film and should draw a lot of viewers. I hear nothing but good things about it. Our Student ministry, The Flood, from Rocky River Church will be out big tonight. 7pm AMC Concord Mills. Its not a closed event which means - INVITE YOUR PEEPS!! All are welcome to come and enjoy some time together and watch a great film .... and eat some popcorn!

I love the title of the movie - the blind side - because in football - this position is one of the most regarded positions on the field next to the QB. See this guy has the job of protecting his QB because its the side that the QB can't see the hit coming. Its the one that if the assignment is not executed ... serious bad things happen. Life is much like that - our blind side. We don't see it coming... that sickness, layoff or whatever it may be.

Can't wait for this evening.... come join us!
Lonnie~

A few days to reflect....

This past weekend has been an amazing one for sure. Friday night a lot of folks from church got together and had a bonfire from all the woods signs and stuff from the pumpkin patch and haunted trails. It for sure was a great time to hang out and enjoy some outside time. Saturday, after the gym I got to spend some special moments with one of "MyKids" over a muffin and a Diet Dr. Pepper. We got to enjoy some talk and shared a few things as we sat trying to be "Fancy" while we ate with our pinkies out. We then made a batch of cookies of a local family and 5 of us delivered it to them Sat afternoon. We then found out how desperate this family was and we went into action. She was in tears and said she did not know where else to turn to. We showed up in Gods perfect timing. I got to see 4 almost teenagers and myself shovel a barn full of wasted hay, horse crap and who knows what else.... to make a clean stall for their 2 horses. We then went and got some McDonalds and then brough back the 4 kids happy meals. The awesome part of all this is not watching these kids put their faith into action, which is SO flipping cool, but to see them invite this family to church the next morning and them walking through the doors yesterday. That is illuminating a light to the dark places in our world. That is the sharing of Gods love in practical ways. It was awesome yesterday in youth group as I asked them to stand and share a little of their experience. We will be serving this family again very soon. Yesterday had a great day at church. Awesome message in being thankful in everything. We all got together after church for our Thankgiving meal. Great meal was put together for sure! Enjoyed the conversations and smiles. Last night our rock group got together and got in our pj's and watched "Saving God." Awesome movie for sure... a big twist at the end that was unexpected and some tears were flowing. I do have to say we can eat some popcorn!! Awesome time together for sure.....Tomorrow night we should have a huge turnout for movie night - Our student ministry is headed to see "Blind Faith". Should be a great time together with a movie that has a great message! Totally pumped for this time together.

So whats up with the picture? Yes that is me and my momma. I was like 15 maybe ... dork huh? yeah well ... I guess we all get better looking with age. Funny seeing me with hair.... but figuring I could share a picture of mom and I when I was small and all but leading students ... well maybe they can relate better to a picture of me when I was their age. I have so much I would make time to talk to mom about today. I would wear the porch swing out for sure with all we could talk about. I know there are things in life that only mom would understand. I miss those moments. I miss her little things... her laugh, her biscuits and gravy, I miss her always serving example to others. I guess in many ways YEARS of watching her serve others has rubbed off on me. It reminds me that even if those in my life that dont get it... maybe they dont get me so much ... maybe that is right now and one day maybe they will. Some do though...... and thats enough to keep pouring out and doing what each of us are called to do as a follower of Jesus. I am thankful for my moms example. Even though then I didn't understand it like I do now.... It is all in perfect timing. This is a week of reflecting for me.... being thankful and grateful in all things.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have in life to enough.

I want to share Psalm 107 today. It is wonderfully written and puts everything into perspective.

Psalm 107 1-3 Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. 4-9 Some of you wandered for years in the desert, looking but not finding a good place to live, Half-starved and parched with thirst, staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion. Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God. He got you out in the nick of time; He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. He poured great draughts of water down parched throats; the starved and hungry got plenty to eat. 10-16 Some of you were locked in a dark cell, cruelly confined behind bars, Punished for defying God's Word, for turning your back on the High God's counsel— A hard sentence, and your hearts so heavy, and not a soul in sight to help. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He led you out of your dark, dark cell, broke open the jail and led you out. So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves; He shattered the heavy jailhouse doors, he snapped the prison bars like matchsticks! 17-22 Some of you were sick because you'd lived a bad life, your bodies feeling the effects of your sin; You couldn't stand the sight of food, so miserable you thought you'd be better off dead. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death. So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves; Offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what he's done—sing it out! 23-32 Some of you set sail in big ships; you put to sea to do business in faraway ports. Out at sea you saw God in action, saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean: With a word he called up the wind— an ocean storm, towering waves! You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out; your hearts were stuck in your throats. You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk, you didn't know which end was up. Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves. And you were so glad when the storm died down, and he led you safely back to harbor. So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. Lift high your praises when the people assemble, shout Hallelujah when the elders meet! 33-41 God turned rivers into wasteland, springs of water into sunbaked mud; Luscious orchards became alkali flats because of the evil of the people who lived there. Then he changed wasteland into fresh pools of water, arid earth into springs of water, Brought in the hungry and settled them there; they moved in—what a great place to live! They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest. He blessed them and they prospered greatly; their herds of cattle never decreased. But abuse and evil and trouble declined as he heaped scorn on princes and sent them away. He gave the poor a safe place to live, treated their clans like well-cared-for sheep. 42-43 Good people see this and are glad; bad people are speechless, stopped in their tracks. If you are really wise, you'll think this over— it's time you appreciated God's deep love.

Did you mean me?

The last few days this song has really spoken to me. I reflect on so much these days - I guess that is what people do when they start getting older or maybe its just what I am doing and can't believe what is happening to me. All in a good way because I never thought I would be doing what I do and putting my time, energy and passion into something so much bigger than myself and so much more important. I mean come on, God using me like this? It was a special moment last night when Kyle HAD to go to bible study last night. It was a special moment when one of "MyKids" asked me to take her to school for a team building function and "PLEEEEASE" in that little tone came out... man those are special moments indeed.



Todd Agnew - "Did you mean me?"

I've heard these stories all my life

Every Sunday morning I met Jesus at the feltboard

I've heard these stories so many times

Of how and why You died And how I can live

But You said all sins can be forgiven

But when You said that did You mean me? Did You mean me?



You said that we could be more like You

But did you know what I'd do How I'd fall so short?

And You said confession leads to healing

Do you see I'm here and kneeling And I'm still not well

But You said that faith can move a mountain

But when You said that did You mean me? Did You mean me

When You said we were made in Your image?'

Cause I don't see much of You in this reflection

Did you mean me

When you said we would do even greater things?'

Cause I don't see anything that I have to offer You

Did You mean me?



Yes He meant you.... He meant me. On purpose and intentional. The last week or so I have been reading the word "Illuminate" a lot. Its a great word with a great meaning. One that means to bring light to a dark place. I tell "MyKids" every chance they get to shine ...cause for some and they know who they are, are really bright these days. Proud of them as they take their faith and shine into their dark world. This past Sunday I challenged our students with a list of things they could do to serve others. In small ways to help experience God and not wait for the big event like camp and Christmas and all. Every day ... exercise their belief, the God they say they trust in and experience Him in their daily walk. I can't wait to hear some of their stories. I know Kyle is checking off his list every day with such excitement. He told me last night I should do this again with a different set of ideas. I think I may just do that..... :)
Busy couple of days ahead. Going to see on of "MyKids" wrestle his first match this afternoon. I did that for many years so it will be exciting as I relive my own wrestling matches. Panthers game tonight, tomorrow YCI at the middle school - Carol is coming this week so that will be cool for her to experience what God is doing on Friday mornings with those students and the leaders there. Tomorrow night we are going to the bonfire on the church land. Saturday morning I am taking 2 of "MyKids" to a neighbor that we helped over the summer during Thirst Camp. We are going to check in with her and see if there is anything we could do for her before the Christmas holiday. Hope she has a good list for us to tackle...... Then it will be count down for Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Lonnie~

A simple post....

I think my eyelids even hurt. Dang I am sore everywhere! Yesterday I had off from work and spent a good portion of my time off yesterday taking down a tree and working on our church land taking down the giant tent that we used for our Sunday services back in October. It was time well spent investing in the right places. Last night I got to take Kyle and Morgan over to the big Y and do some swimming. We even checked out the hot tub and steam room. That I just don't get - how do you stay in that thing its like flippin as hot as the sun in there. Anyways, I couldn't even take a breath in there so I got out of there pretty fast. Kyle got to do some rock wall climbing...he is really good at that. Morgan and I got to spend some time playing some ping pong. Its been years since doing that and we had some good laughs for sure as the ball was hitting off the lights in the ceiling, the walls, pool table, and a host of other INBOUNDS objects. It has me thinking today that I am still a kid at heart. Yeah, I know I am old and serious when I need to be but how does people turn into grumpy old folks? Life is meant to be lived and having some fun along the way is awesome. It SHOULD be that way right?
My buddy Tobin who used to live in Charlotte a few years ago is a pastor in Maine for a church up there. I always thought man ... this guy is weird doing all this kid stuff and always hanging around students and investing SO much into their lives and families... and today I find myself investing in those same things. Hey T - I appreciate you man and I get it bro!
Every day I try my best to share the joy that is in my heart with others. Some days there is not much to share, or is taken the wrong way and some days there is an overflow. So many people live their lives wanting the next thing, searching and seeking for something that is fulfilling and gives them purpose. I have to tell you that for me that search has been over for a few years. Jesus has filled that in my life. If that makes me someone who raises my family with views that I am brainwashing them or misleading them - let me ask you... do you have something in your life that you have passion for? Is that some thing that you would be willing to risk everything over? Does that passion make you come alive and want to give it to others?
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
I want to give what I have in my heart to my family, their family, "MyKids" and all those around me because it is that important. It is that passion and it is worth dying for. So many today are raising their children in the ways of the world. Letting them decide right from wrong or what is acceptable or not. They let the kids decide if God is part of their life or even if He excists or not. Just grow up being good enough and it will all work out. God has clearly given us the instructions on a better, more fulfilling life with all the purpose imaginable. You matter to Him even if you dont feel you matter to anyone. Life may be hard, a loss of a parent, a divorce, or some other thing that has you feeling trapped and alone today- There is someone who cares and loves you regardless and let me be clear here loved ones - He has something to tell you about your life and your future if you let Him be a part of that. Like a baby who needs milk in the early years of life - so too does God feed you spiritually as you mature. Step by step showing you the way. Hard things are not as hard as they could be anymore. There is purpose in those hard and tough places. There is also such joy when things are great.....
Today I got to give blood at the Red Cross. Its something I have been doing for years. I especially love it when they have that machine available and I can give those special parts of my blood to cancer folks. Its a life giving thing for someone for sure. I was asked today what I did for a living while on the bus as the wonderful Red Cross lady stuck me with the needle. I told her I worked here at the university and that I have one child but many who are like "MyKids". She asked me what that meant. I told her "MyKids" are those that I lead on Sundays in our student ministry at church and those who I have the privedge to being doing life with who are like my sons and daughters. She got to tell me about her hometown church in Atlanta and that she has 2 kids. She told me that I sound like such an easy person to talk with and the kids must just adore you. Dang that makes my heart full of joy. I do ...... I do. There is no other greater calling and purpose in life than investing our time into the next generation. Especially when we are humbled enough to love them and serve them all the while helping them navigate through life regardless of where life has them right now. God has great things in store for them and will use those who give their lives to Him.
Its not all about you ........ sooner you learn that in life .. the sooner you can get busy living. Living the way we were created to live. With purpose, meaning and living ALIVE.
Yeah, I am a kid at heart.... its pretty simple because of what Jesus has done for me. I wear it everyday on my sleeve.
Lonnie~

A difference~

What a difference a week makes. Was totally pumped to be at church yesterday. Pastor Jimmy preached an awesome message and in with the students - Pastor Travis delivered a great message as well. I got to open with announcements and pray for all of us before Travis took the stage but I also did something we had not done in over a year and that was pass out a bucket of candy which was a big hit with the students. I also got approval from one of our first time students yesterday to be my go to guy to pass the candy out. He personally got to say hello to everyone in the room - all 44 students. I asked him afterwards if that was ok - he said "yeah man! Can I do that next week also?" I have a feeling he may be back :) - I also had 2 of "MyKids" tell me yesterday I did a good job and that means a lot to me. Rock Group last night was also a strong message which I will share at another time but as I think about that from yesterday, I can't help but to think about all the people in my life that I would call - closer than a brother. This also means ladies too - so I will change it a little. They are closer than a brother and sister. This doesn't mean that I am not close to my brothers, I have 2 of them, one older and one younger - do I wish I was closer to them? Yes absolutely. Do I love them? Yes absolutely. I am just saying.....
I posted a question a few days ago on my FaceBook page that has really led me to a few great conversations, not only with a few of "MyKids" but also some of our students. The question I posted was - "Is it better to pick your friends or is it better to have your friends pick you?"
There have been some key points talked about for both sides of the question for sure but I will let you answer that question for yourself but I do really want to share what a friend is. The Bible has a few things to say about friendship.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 19:4Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him.
Proverbs 19:7 A poor man is shunned by all his relatives— how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
John 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
The bible is packed with examples of friendship. Jesus picked his 12 friends that He poured into. He did life with them. He took them places. They ate together. They traveled and stayed in hotels together. Well not really hotels, but places to rest, usually in the homes of friends. They went boating together. Climbed mountains together. They went to church together... they also got kicked out of places together. They shared together and shared their families together. See the big thing here is relationships. I am blessed to be doing life with some awesome families. I am blessed to be close enough to some very special to me students who I love like my own children. They breath into me and I breath into them.
I have to say that the only reason why I have so many awesome people in my life is because of the relationship I have with Jesus. It all starts with Him. If I was only calling myself a Christian or if I never knew Jesus at all - I would never be in a place to have gotten to know these wonderful people in the first place. I would never be allowed to be this close or my walls would be never to let them in. My focus would have been all about me and what my needs were and always wanting something from them. We become who we hang out with. So chances are the friends I would be hanging out with would be just like me. They would always be wanting something from me and their focus would always be on them. These things make for terrible friendships.... and ones that no matter how hard you try or what you do.. it will never be enough.
A true friend puts their needs aside and attends to your needs. A true friend comes to your side when things are falling down.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This paints a wonderful picture of what a friend really is. It means that when a friend is down - we get in the game. We are born to help and get involved. Its easy to have friends when everything is going well. Money rolling in, face with smiles out front of everything but when things start to struggle. Its your true friends that stick to your side.... ready to do whatever it is to do battle with you. I learned this a few weeks back with a very difficult decision. There is nothing more powerful than a friend reaching out in hugs, offering a shoulder, lifting prayers, and saying - I am with you where ever you go. "MyKids" are no exception there.... those words mean so much to me. What a difference a "Friend" makes in our lives. I bet you could use a few of these in our lives can't we? Build that relationship with Jesus - Start there and they will come.
In Christ,
Lonnie

Lord I thank You for your friendship. You are always there as our example in a BFF. In a day where we are all looking for instant gratification and comfort with dating someone or being seen with someone - help us to know You more personally Lord. Help us know who we really are and what You see us as. Our perfect father and our best friend. One that never changes and is always there to listen and guide us in the ways that are true and good. You have our best intentions at heart. When we can finally see, believe and live who we really are - then life will take on a new meaning. We will become different because we will know we are powerful and beautiful because that is what you created .... we are in Your image and You surely don't make junk Lord. Lord we thank You today and may we give ourselves a chance to see things and people with Your eyes Lord. Give us the strength to take a stand today - for You and show the world we are really yours. Help us understand the true meaning of friends Lord.
I pray all this in Your sons mighty and perfect name in Jesus.
Amen