One of the greatest gifts.......

Got back a little while ago from having lunch with Kyle. His class has a substitute in and I greeted him as soon as the kids got to the table and asked him - "When are you going to land a spot here?" - He is a great teacher and the kids love him. I had the freedom today to walk around the tables and sit with the kids and really talk with them. Carol brought in some cup cakes for Halloween and other parents for other classes did the same. It was great seeing some of the other parents there also. The kids are all excited about today - about going trick or treating and all the fun time that brings. But that is not always the case..... not everyone gets to have a fond memory as some will be going to stay with dad or they have a sick parent at home - maybe they have parents who are split up right now and things at home are very tense. You can see it on the faces of those kids .... It really shows.

I think one of the greatest things I could ever give Kyle is that I love his mother. It is one of the most important things I can ever do. He does not have to worry about chosing a parent, where to live (mom or dads) or taking sides (step moms or step dads). He has a family that sticks together and he is being provided an example of what marriage takes. A commitment still means something. I think about all the kids who don't have a parent - the dad who has walked away and left and the hole that it has left in the family. I think about the parent who lives far away and only gets to see his kids once in awhile. I think about the relationships that are forever hurt, forever damaged without that parent being in the home. I think about that son who has lost his courage and example of what it means to be a dad - what it means to lead a family. I think about that father/daughter relationship that is supposed to be so special and how when a daughter grows up she should fall in love with someone like her dad - who will be there no matter what, who will love them regardless and will always be there for them. A guy like dad who gave security and when dating begins - an honest man and with appropriate intentions.

There are a lot of hurting families and the devil is having his way with us today by pulling apart the very fabric of the family. Many of you know Carol and I have lots of kids at the house each week. Some, Carol helping out a parent who is working late or is just letting their kids hang with us. I love the days when I get home from work and there are 2-3 kids at the house. I don't care about their background or where they have come from - all I care about is that they see a family unit working. That they see us pray before the meal. God being centered in the family home and that they are welcomed no matter what or when. Somehow we need to get the core values back in our families.... it has taken a generation or 2 to get to this point and it may take that many to get it back.

My greatest gift to Kyle is loving his mother. I love you Carol~
May God continue to be our center piece in our home and in our family.
Lonnie~

Spooky Friday~

I got to leave work a little early last night and headed to the voting booth. Got through the line in a little over an hour. I am glad and honored to do such a thing even if it took some time. I did have my Ipod with me and caught up on a sermon from Pastor Perry Noble from NewSpring Church. It was great listening to him, learning something from him and also laughing a few times outloud and everyone turning to look at me. Oh well... they should be listening too~

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope everyone has a safe and fun time tonight. I hope that everyone has someone to trick or treat with because that even makes tonights activities even more fun. I know with having a 5th grader - its all about the friends syndrom is kicking in. Hey I can dig it... I love Kyles friends!

This week has pretty much been a blur and this weekend will prove to be nothing but the same. Busy Busy- Looking forward to it though as we have a party tomorrow night and my family reunion on Sunday in Ararat VA. Looking forward to some country home cooking and there will be PLENTY to eat! I also look forward to seeing many of my cousins, aunts and uncles and a message from my great Uncle Homer. He always leads the family in prayer and a message of how blessed we are as a family. Uncle Homer pastored a church for MANY years and is now blind but continues to share the love of Jesus through his message and example. I always leave pumped after hearing him. The awesome thing I will NEVER forget is walking up to him, shaking his hand and giving him a hug and saying "Hey Uncle Homer" and he knows my voice. How flippin awesome is that?

I have gotten a lot from my quiet time this week~

1 Thessalonians 5
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

There is such need in our communities today. Pray with me and ask the Lord to lead you to serve someone, a family, a shelter, or a child - through a meal, a need, a friendship or some other way. Together we can make a difference.

Peace to you all,
Lonnie~

Prayers......

Will you pray with me today? I know there is something that is dear to your heart, something that you are struggling with, someone to be thankful for and God wants to hear your voice.

Prayers matter and its the foundation of our faith in Jesus. Talk to Him today and tell Him what is on your mind and heart.

Some words to encourage:

~Pray an Let God worry
~Some people pray just to pray & some pray to know God
~When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles
~When he stops studying Gods word, the devil laughs
~If you Can't pray a door open, don't pry it open yourself
~Gods answers are wiser than our prayers
~In Prayer, its better to have a heart without words, than words without heart
~The value of consistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will hear Him
~Rejoice always
~Pray without ceasing
~In everything give thanks

Colossians 4
An Encouragement for Prayer
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive[a] so that you will have the right response for everyone.

It is amazing to me...

That my wife puts up with me at times. No I am not the kind of fella that hangs out at bars, attends the local keg party at the University frat house, or stays out every evening participating in the latest recreational thing. I am the kind of guy that is passionate about things. All too often I find myself down the road filling the need of a family or walking a hard road with a friend and I look up and I am alone. Where is the help? Like my mom, I dig my chin in and carry the load myself. I have never been one for asking for help. If there is something to do or a project to carry out - I dredge through it and get it done. Sometimes that is good and sometimes not. My wife puts up with all of that and I am thankful for her as she reels me back in.
After my illness back in 1999 and living through the pain of the loss of my mom and my father n law ... I think my compassion for people has really increased big time. I feel more than I used to. I used to just worry about myself and my direct family but now - I feel the weight of those I am walking with. How can I make things better, improve the situation or even help them to a better place? How can I shine for Jesus so that they see Him and not so much me? I don't want to be that person who someone comes to and spills their heart and asks for prayer and just tell them I am praying for them. Maybe I do or maybe I don't. I want to see the change that God can do! I believe with all my heart that prayer matters and God answers those prayers - even if it is not what we had in mind or the results that we wanted. There is a reason for everything and we must learn something in everything. Look through our tough things the way God seems them and not what we see or feel.
For that family who is struggling - You keep me up at night.
For the dad who is trying to lead his family by following Jesus - You keep me up at night.
For the single parent who is raising their family alone - You keep me up at night.
For the friend who is looking for a real friend to walk with them - You keep me up at night.
For that child who is in need of a male role model - You keep me up at night.
For the child who goes to bed hungry or is embarrased by free lunch @school and is being made fun of - You keep me up at night.
For that person who lost a loved one and has never recovered - You keep me up at night.

Faith is not just prayer - Faith is getting behind the wheel and doing something with it. The hungry and the homeless in our communities need Faith shared with them that has action behind it. Our country is pretty devided these days - back stabbing on all the commercials - half the country Democrat the other Republican. You want real change in this country... you want to see real people stop hurting and their situations get better ~ Put some action behind your faith and get out there. There is always someone hurting more than you are. Awesome things can happen when Gods people get motivated and put into action. This Christmas and holiday season ahead sure will be a tough one for many..... but it doesn't have to be that way or hurt that much.

My morning time the last 2 mornings:
Colossians 3
He Is Your Life
1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
5-8And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
9-11Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Thank you Carol for walking with me and always having my back - thank you Donna for your email yesterday ... thank You Jesus for understanding me more than I understand myself.
Peace today,
Lon~

Whew - its been a busy few days. Sorry I have not had time to post anything but that doesn't mean my feet are still.

Yesterday I spent most of the day fighting with our web server here at work. Its still running and that is a good thing. It was a busy weekend with 2 parties on Saturday, church setup/breakdown and serving in k-5 on Sunday. I will share a picture of the halloween party that we went to... its been so long since I had hair ... I forgot what it was like. No wonder I am always cold - hair keeps your head warm! I look like something from Dr. Seuss right? It was a great party!

This coming Friday night we are headed to a friends house for Halloween. Tony will be hooking up the trailer to the 4wheeler - so this should be a fun time by all! Glad Kyle is still into it......

This coming Sunday will be our first missed church service in many months. I am already feeling guilty and looking forward to the following Sunday. We have our family reunion this coming Sunday in Ararat VA. I look forward to seeing everyone - Angie.... hope you and the family can make it!

I got a chance to watch some of the world series the last 2 nights. I have not watched much baseball since the Mets didn't make the playoffs but I am a baseball fan by heart so I tune in no matter who is playing. It has me thinking about a few things with the players. Tampa Bay had the worst record in baseball last year - this year they are playing in the world series. I wonder what that will do to their payroll next year - win or lose - I bet it goes up! I think about these baseball players and all the kids that look up to them as role models - especially now they are in the shining light of the world series. These guys have such influence over their young fans that they don't even realize how deep they influence them. Their actions on the field play out just as much as their actions off the field. Too often we read about this player messing up or making a bad decision and often times it ruins them or they fall from their fans pedestal. I am in a role model role being at church and in the lives of the folks I am doing life with. I have a big heart and God has blessed me with opening my eyes to many folks ~My heart is so about others and not myself now because of Jesus. - especially all the kids. Kids I am doing life with in my small group, the lives of many of Kyles friends and many in Sunday School. Some won't even come into Sunday School unless I am there. I take this role very seriously and I ask God daily to make my intentions His intentions. I ask Him to show what He wants me to do next. I can't change the lives of everyone but if I can shine for Jesus - He can change their lives. Its not about me at all.......

Being a role model should not replace the role model in the family unit. As a parent, we should be the role model for our children. When things happen and times get tough it is not the outside the family role model that influences - it is the parent role model that influences.

Reggie White was a preacher of the Gospel. He played NFL football and was the leader in more ways than one on the field. He was a leader off the field as well, speaking to congregations in churches, benefits, and often times right in the communities where people are hurting. He spoke truth into the lives of children and to remind them of the importance of who they are in God and that they CAN go to college and they can do something with their lives. Yes life is hard at times and yes - we don't know what the future holds.... we often make decisions in life by what we are seeing and feeling right now. God is bigger than all that we see and what we are feeling right now. He should be the role model in our lives ... a role model in our decisions.... and a role model in how we treat others.

Many of you know the story of my illness a few years back. I often think back to that time and then realize where I am today. I am blessed beyond measure and thankful for where the Lord has taken me. I am thankful for the folks He has placed in my life and for my family. I want to be that friend who needs a friend. I want to be that male role model for a child who doesn't have one. I want to be that encouragement for someone who needs a little encouragement. A reminder for someone who needs a little reminder.

Life is short - it can end in an instant, heart attack, the drive home from work, the doctor calls with news or a fall down the office steps. Live now and live large ... give God the glory and the praise in all you do and serve Him with everything you have. That is what I am focused on. Relationships matter ... Love leaves a permanent mark and I hope I am leaving a mark on many and maybe, just maybe along the way, they see Jesus through me above all else and not for what I am doing or giving.... Its all about Him!

Struggling today.......

Lonnie~

TGIF~

WOW - Finally Friday.... and it feels like a Friday. Relaxed and excited for the weekend. I can't recall a Friday in the recent past that I have been glad to see it. I do my best to live life moment and by moment - good and bad - its all good....... Find God in everything and things always seem to be more than what I am feeling or seeing. God raises the bar a few notches doesn't He?

Got to deliver a meal last night to a dear family who needs a helping hand. That was an awesome experience and blessed to be able to do that. Carol got an email from our Pastor at church - a family is living in their car and needs a place and needs things. They came from Texas after Hurricane Ike - 2 little daughters - Our garage has stuff now to give them because of the generosity of those around us. Its pretty cool to say the least and I love it when the church steps up and delivers for someone in need... it is what we are supposed to as followers of Jesus. Saturday our middle school girls in Project 252 will be making candy bags to give to the families at the womens shelter while working @the Patch .... awesome!

After work today I am stopping to get one of "MyKids" - she is spending the night with us and I look forward to a movie tonight along with some of Kyles other peeps staying the night also. Should be a great evening full of fun and smiles - its cold here in NC and will be raining tonight ... so a fire is order. Love this time of year just to curl up and enjoy each others company. Tomorrow we have a birthday party to go to and a halloween party. Should be exciting at both places and feel very blessed by both of these families. Excited for Sunday, church, serving and Rock Group Sunday night.... should be a great lesson !!
I am hoping for a good night sleep tonight..... something I just have not been able to do lately but feeling relaxed today ...... Kenny Chesney's new album playing in the background.... awesome!

Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. 2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. 5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. 8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.

What an honor to be serving our Lord Jesus...... Stay motivated loved ones,
TGIF everyone~
Lon~

A Journey ....

I have some things that have been heavy on my heart the last week that I want to share today but have not a clue as to share it. Let me begin with a journey that on Feb 23rd will be 3 years. The journey actually began before that because God was working on me before then but the biggest part has been since that day - the day my mom left to be with Jesus. Its a day that I am sure she did not want to see - at least not yet. I am sure she had plans to do and go and be so much more than what she was or did but she had to leave. There have been a lot of changes in me and my family since this day and every day there is a little bit of healing that takes place. I often wonder if there will ever be complete healing but I am ok with the fact that each day a little bit more happens. Some days are easier than others and each day brings its own challenges and its own heartache.
But let me share this now loved ones, every time I share a story like this, I heal a little more. Every time I break down and share something I wrote like I did 2 Sundays ago with my Rock Group - I heal a little more. Every time I open myself up to someone close to me that I truly love and am doing this life with - I heal a little more. Every time I spend time with "MyKids" - I heal a little more. Every Sunday at church and hearing Gods word and being around my church family - I heal a little more. Every time I invest something extra that I did not have to do by serving someone - I heal a little more. Every time I am able to spend a little time with someone and talk about some hard thing that is taking place in their life and I can speak truth to them and offer encouragement to them - I heal a little more. When I see many of my close friends experiencing life change because of Jesus - I heal a little more. When I connect someone new at church who is new to serving but HUNGRY for being plugged in and ready to do what ever is asked of them to serve Jesus - I heal a little more.
Sure there are days that I look at people and really feel their hurts, the past continues to haunt them and worry is taking them over - they carry themselves with their heads down and defeated ..... when I talk with one of "MyKids" and they are struggling in life and home is not what it should be. There is news of a sickness and it ripples across us like a never ending wave of sadness. I often wake in the middle of the night in prayer asking God to take over and to let them know we are in this together.
I often used to tell myself that God would not give me what I couldn't handle. I can shoulder it, I can do it no matter what the cost or how hard the task even if failure was probably going to happen. I don't agree with that anymore. He does give us things we can't handle so that we do go to Him and to those around us so that we CAN handle them. We are not islands - we are not made to do this life alone or to struggle through things by ourselves. I know the importance of a dear friend or loved one who stand with you no matter what, do whatever you need and pray for you in all cases. They get you through those tough hard places but yes its YOUR personal walk but you are not walking alone.
There is hope for someone because of the walk we are leading loved ones.... sometimes we need encouragement and sometimes we give it ...and in time those things will be reversed .... we will give more than we receive. Isn't that so like Jesus?
It's a journey that is full of experiences and full of healing - just a little at a time ... I have learned over the years the difference between folks saying - "Let me know if there is something we can do" or "Let me know if there is something we can do" - action is usually followed up on one of them and those are the folks who understand and willing to serve and walk with you no matter what - no matter how dirty, how yucky and how difficult it may be.

A little bit of healing.....a little at a time .... that even comes through here on "The Walk" ~
I often think during those nights I am awake struggling with something or I get up early to have quiet time - I vision Jesus waiting on me in the living room next to my chair - sitting there on the couch waiting for me. Ready to talk, ready to share and ready to listen. The seat remains empty when I don't show up even though He is there. I hide my face when I disappoint and I know the prayers I would have lifted up go unheard .... but those times when we are together.... A little bit of healing takes place. My quiet time this morning :)
Ephesians 4
Unity in the Body of Christ
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Tears are a good thing -like right now..... healing is taking place~
Lonnie~

My quiet time ....

I am rested today after a decent night sleep. I have not been sleeping all that well lately and not sure why. I go for a few days with just unsettled sleep and then a good night or 2 .... but last night was a good night. I am thankful for that......My quiet time this morning was spent in
Galatians 6
Doing Good to All
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.

There are 2 things that really speak to me in these passages. Over the last week, I have sat with some folks who have just shared some personal and deep things. I am blessed to have this opportunity to be there for them, to speak truth to them and do my best to be God's witness for them. I don't have the answers but together - we carry the load and in so many ways it gives us both strength and courage. It gives us motivation to stay in Gods word and to learn what the issues mean and why they are there. God doesn't let teachable moments pass by.

My family and I are also doing life with another family who has a daughter and its her birthday party this coming weekend. She made the decision to not accept gifts this year but to collect items for the local womens shelter. What a gift from God this child has. Giving when normal children are receiving - especially at such a young age. SO proud of her :) - I am all about helping this cause and I came into work this morning and fired off an email asking for help in her collection. I have called it "Birthday Give" and many have emailed me back telling me they will drop things off in my office this week for me to take to her. I am especially excited about this not because I love this child - I really do! - but I am excited that as a follower of Jesus, we are providing an incredible example for her to follow. We are to be helping carry the load of others. Are our intentions right in line with Gods intentions when we help others? Are we helping for a reason other than for Gods glory?
We must always examine "WHY" we are doing something and make sure it is for the right reasons. I ask the Lord daily to keep my intentions in line with His - especially when it comes to "MyKids". Help me take the right paths, Show me what I need to do - there are so many other kids that are dear to my heart and I want to help, I want to walk with them, I want to encourage them, I want to invite them to church - but God has not opened those doors for me yet. He may when the time comes but then again He may not so that I can continue investing in the ones He has trusted with me today. I do pour my heart into them .....

We have the pumpkin patch tonight. Looking forward to that time as I am sure the Patch will be busy. I also like hanging out with our peeps! Got to have lunch with a few of "MyKids" today at lunch and they are all doing well. That especially makes me happy when all is well in the lives of "MyKids". Prayers for Carol as she will surely be sore from being at the dentist - she is having some work done and this is the first of a few visits.

My heart is encouraged today and I am thankful for that.
Enjoying the sun and 68 outside..... thinking of a cup of coffee on the porch right now.

Psalm 4: 6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day 7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together.

Thank You Lord for where You have me today. May You continue to bless me in the things You are calling me to do - its all for You glory Lord and for Your purposes. I pray You keep my intentions Lord in line with Your Intentions. May I continue to reach out to those around me, to those hurting and those who need just a little helping hand and encouragement. I pray for those opportunities Lord and for me to recognize them so that I don't miss anything! Thank You for the people You have surrounded me with Lord to do this life together. I pray for our friendships and our journey together following You. I thank You for "MyKids" and placing them on my heart with a passion to be a good example for them. Lord You continue to show me and teach me amazing things every day. Thank You for loving me and showing me Your amazing patience with me. I am Yours Lord, forever more, because of Your son Jesus and its in His name I pray,
Amen

Out of it......

I can't even begin to describe the weekend. A quick "refresher of the mind and soul" trip to the cabin Friday night and most of Saturday. Spending some time on the boat and letting Kyle do a little fishing. Finishing up the last pages of "The Shack" and then yesterday.... yesterday was unbelievable. This morning I slept in till almost 8 and came into work a little late - I don't do that very often! I needed just a little extra rest time and I can feel that it did me good. Yesterdays service on the land was just awesome. You can feel the excitement in everyone as we worshiped God on the church property. It is just a small taste of things to come. I pray for all the new folks that came out yesterday ~ the new kids leaving with smiles on their faces with decorated pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch. Our land where our church campus will be was once destined for town homes ... just another development... but God will use this property to build His kingdom. I am excited to think about all the families and the playgrounds that will touch the lives of children for generations to come.

Yesterday after church Carol, Kyle and I and 2 of "MyKids" went and grabbed lunch and then a trip to Lowes Foods to get some things for Rock Group last night. Our Rock Group gathered for some fun time and it was movie night and everyone was invited to wear their pajamas. It was indeed a special night. I just love these moments when we are all together - investing in each other, raising each other up with encouragement and our children building lasting friendships. There is so much more going on than we realize and God continues to amaze me!
Last nights movie was - "Facing the Giants". A high school football team on the brink of disaster. Going win less yet again for another season. Players leaving the team to play for other teams - coaches in secret meetings to fire the coach - kids walking around defeated before the team even walks on the field - a coach and his wife desperate for a child but for years has not conceived. How big is your God?
No matter win or lose - no matter if things turn out the way we want them to or not - give God the glory - Give Him YOUR BEST. Give him the praise in all situations and thank Him for the blessings in your life. Your life may be facing tough odds.... you may see no way out or things getting better...
...but isn't like God to set things up in life so He can intervene?

Many times its the only way we really get to a point in life where we CAN see Him. When we are hurting and have lost all hope. We walk around in life carrying the loss and disappointment - we are defeated before we even get out of bed in the morning..... We have Giants loved ones that we face every single day. Do you walk away from them or face them? Our deepest test of our faith is when we feel like God has abandoned us. Just like the scene in the movie - DON'T QUIT - DON'T QUIT - DON'T QUIT!
So many times we just give up - Expect God to do the impossible! God wants us to live our lives in total reliance of Him. There is something incredible when we kneel before Him and accept the situation we are in but no matter what ... He doesn't leave us where we are.
People heard about Jesus coming to their town - they walked for days to stand on the side of the road to just get to see Him ... Jesus often times stopped and healed folks. He didn't leave them where they were...... He will do the same for you.
As the movie was playing last night, I paused and looked around the room. I am so blessed to be doing life with some awesome people. If I was left to myself - like I was a few years back - I would not even know a single person that was there last night. God continues to blow me away.

We serve a God who opens doors that no man can shut. Examine your vision loved ones and line it up to Gods vision. See what He sees ........ and prepare for the rain.
God deserves praise because of WHO He is and not for what He does......

Love you all,
Lonnie~

It has been an interesting day today. I have had a few sit downs with some close peeps today. One young person had a lot on their plate and needed to talk through some things. I am happy about that and hope I gave some direction and comfort. She is still on the fence about God -we have talked a little about it and I am praying that the practical love of Jesus is shining in almost everything I am doing so that she may notice Him.....
I had a great dinner last night with one of my new close buds. It was so great - time flew by and we did not even notice. I had 4 children come over to our table and one just walked up and hugged me. She told me her family was at church 2 weeks ago and the oldest daughter recognized me and begged her daddy to let them come over and say hi. I asked her name and made sure she knew about our awesome service this Sunday on the land. Their dad came over and we shook hangs and welcomed him and shared the church service info for this coming Sunday. It was a great moment.... it is weird being called a Sunday school Pastor .... I am not sure how I feel about the title... I am just doing what God has given to me and enjoying it like I don't even have words for. Both my new bud and I sat there afterwards with our jaw dropped in what God is doing in my life and in his. It was a great evening.........

Carol, Kyle and I are headed to the cabin tonight until tomorrow. We wont be able to get back up there for a few weeks. We have the place rented out to some of our friends - I pray God gives them the peace that we do when we run there on weekends and experience. No matter how long the stay is ... it is worth that morning cup of coffee on the porch in the quiet fresh mountain air. Peaceful ~~~~ A time to pause life for awhile~~~~ A little piece of heaven for sure.......

I have not heard from my friend concerning her tests ... I am at peace with it after a few tough days but God is giving me direction and calming my nerves. Its all in His hands anyways and I am praying that He will guide me what I need to do and make everything right with her and her family. I love this family dearly .... continue prayers for them please....

Church Sunday - on the land - under the big tent..... I can't bleeping wait.... Rock Group movie night Sunday night .... can't wait for that too~ Can't wait to see my Rock Family....

Life is good ..... New Kenny Chesney on ITunes...... Its time to roll out of here.

Peace loved ones,
Lon~

A little bit "D"~

A few weeks back a couple friends of mine from church blogged about a letter - giving words that begin with their letter and I have been thinking over that a little since yesterday. So here is my take on "A little bit D" and in no particular order.

Delighted ~ I am delighted to be living a life that brings honor and praise to our heavenly Father. My life of old is nothing compared to what it is now and I am delighted that I have taken a step in faith to trust my life in the hands of God. I don't have all the answers nor do I do everything right and I am delighted to know God loves me any way and forgives me when I mess up. Those moments where I know God is smiling for something I have done, said or served someone - is such a delightful experience. Job well done! Those are sweet words.......

Devoted ~ I spoke last week with our Rock Group family how we need to be Devoted to each other in order to take our relationships and our understanding of our Faith in Jesus to the next level. In order to grow we have to be Devoted to each other as well as to Gods teaching. No matter what we go through in life and struggle with - we have to be devoted to one another - to help one another and to pray for one another. That also means that in times of strife or conflict - we have to devoted to make things right with each other. Leaving things hanging and not dealing with hurt feelings or whatever the case, will build a wedge between those relationships and even hurt our relationship with our Heavenly Father. If our relationships are not right with those around us - it directly affects our relationship with God. Take your children for example ... if they are fighting and not getting along - it puts strain on the relationship with the parent. I do believe God is no different with that. Be devoted to those around you and those whom you love. Let nothing come between you and serve each other before yourself.

Dangerous ~ Following Gods word is dangerous in parts of the world but it can also be dangerous right here in our daily walk in life. The holy word of God is being pushed out of our government, our schools and even in our places of work. Many times speaking out for our Lord and taking a stand for him is almost like being in the underground. We have to hide our faith in order not to get in trouble or looked/treated differently in our places of work. There is nothing better than to be having lunch with one of "MyKids" and they grab my arm and ask me to bow my head and I get to listen to them pray and thank God for their lunch and for me coming to visit them ~ in the school. I feel so incredibly proud during those moments but I also feel as though there will come a time when someone questions me on this.... but it is who I am and won't stray from who God made me. We can also feel this at our places of work. We may be passed over on a promotion or even fired for sharing Jesus with a coworker. People preach tolerance until they actually have to show it - then its another ball game.

Defense ~ They say the best offense is a great defense. So often we are attacked by non-religious people because of our faith. We have to take a stand for our faith and defend it. We also when asking our friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers to church, many times they want to know more about being a Christian. They often times have negative thoughts and feelings towards the church. Some may have a real reason to feel this way. We have to be able to defend the Gospel and share with them the truth of who Jesus is. The Bible is not a set of rules and God is not this big guy just ready to smash us when we mess up. The Bible paints a wonderful picture of WHO Jesus really is. We have to share our relationship with Him to others by what we do, what we say and how we live. Most often we fall short of the level God wants us to be but even then, He loves us and forgives us. Defending Gods word does not have to be in your face and harsh - it must be defended lovingly, kindly and in soft warm ways so that others may see the gentleness and kindness of Jesus.

Deep - Our walk with the Lord has its seasons. There is a season of learning when everything we are doing God is providing the way. He is teaching us things left and right and through every situation, relationship and teachable moments. There are also other times when our faith seems to have fallen off a little. Its this season we are being tested. God often times tests us with what He has given us so that we can prove to Him that we are ready for more. This deepens our faith and our Trust in God... our level of understanding deepens so that we may reach further for doing Gods work.

Daughter ~ Wow this is an emotional one. I have a wonderful son. I look at him sometimes and smile because I know God has wonderful plans for his life. I wonder the direction he will take as he follows Jesus and how his life will be spring boarded so much further than my own. As a dad ... I really believe all dads want to have a daughter. There is something special about a Father/Daughter relationship. God has not blessed me with a daughter but He has blessed me with many who I love like a daughter. So in many ways deep in my heart and in my soul, I have many daughters. I thank God for them and their trusting parents for letting me be a part of their lives. I continue to pray for our relationship and that they may see Jesus inside of me above all else. I look at them and smile - the journey they will take in life because they have Jesus. I am honored to be doing life with them and their families. This all comes with great responsibility and one that I don't take lightly. To my daughters: I love you!

Desperate ~ Often times we feel desperate in our lives. We have something big that is taking place in our life and we lift that to God. We pray about it and pray about it. God where are you? I need an answer by Friday!!! Friday comes and we take it back...... then do what we need to do with it. Then it blows up in our face, a relationship falls apart, you go further into debt ... what ever it is - often times we don't wait long enough for God to answer us. We don't really trust Him with what we give Him because we are desperate. My question is - How big is YOUR GOD? If something is that important to you, you need to pray about it and pray often. We can't expect the Lord to answer us when we just ask Him once. Just like our children - they often ask for something today and then 2 days from now... its something else and that original thing is forgotten. It was not that important in the first place. Maybe that thing you are waiting on is NOT really what God thinks is best. Hey, He knows best. He has something better! So He does not answer your prayers and gives you what you are asking because He has something better and in doing so He is teaching you something. Patience, resilience, and determination.(Just naming a few) Proverbs 3:5 tells us perfectly - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Let God pass those blessings along in your life through your prayers and lining them up according to His will and not yours.

Darling ~ Its a word that is not used much these days - unless your an older generation like me. My wife is my darling and she is way over my head. She is my life partner and perfectly matched for me. We make a great team serving the Lord, raising a family, serving those around us and enjoying the things in life. I wonder if we will be married in heaven? I hope so .... I love you Carol. You will always be my darling.......

Deception ~ Often times we hide from things, from other people and even ourselves. Many of us don't even like ourselves. We deceive the very people in our lives and keep them at a distance. We pretend to be something we are not. We pretend to be bigger than we really are. The world is full of people just trying to make a statement - to stand out from the crowd - to draw attention to themselves. We are often times ashamed of where we have been and what we have done. God our Father knows all and there is no deceiving Him. Often times Jesus hid from people so that He could pray in private. Our personal time with Jesus is in prayer and is not for show or for others to see us. God knows your true heart and what bothers you. He knows what you're struggling with right now. Deception is for people - God knows the real you.... You know you have "real/true" friendships when the real/true you starts to come out. This is the place where healing begins, recovery starts to happen, your faith deepens and you know you are not walking alone because you have others with you to shoulder the weight that this life brings. Deception has no real place in real/true relationships.

Decision ~ Life is full of decisions. They can be good ones and bad ones. Often times they are big enough to change the course of your life and even the lives of those around you. I often tell "MyKids" - "good decisions" when I am leaving the schools. One of our biggest decisions in life will be to follow Jesus or not. Another would be who we would marry. Decisions should be prayed about before acting upon! There are so many paths in life and many as Jesus told us lead to destruction. I pray hard for our children and the things they face today. Raising a child takes a village - a Rock Group - a church family and parents. As parents our decisions will reflect on our children. If we are making bad choices, they will learn those bad choices. The good road is hard to find and is narrow...... make good decisions! Proverbs 3:6 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Dunkin Donuts ~ Well I am thankful the Lord gave us coffee! And put a great donut with it and its heavenly. There is not a DD that is close to the house so when we do find a DD, my family and I often times don't really care what time it is ... we stop! They have the best coffee going.... sorry Starbucks. I will drink your coffee if it was free or someone else is buying :) - I think DD will be in heaven......

Love you all -
Lonnie~

~Festival of Friends~

Enjoy the poem - it really touched me this AM.......

Some of us live and some of us die
Someday God's going to tell us why
Open your heart and grow with what life sends
We'll meet again at the festival of friends.


... Bruce Cockburn

Colors of the Soul...

I understand now why the passage yesterday morning in Philippians was so clear to me during my quiet time and so heart heavy. I was up early this morning - WAY early and eagerly went to sit and have some time with our Lord. Yesterday was a tough day and a day that I really felt God speak to me concerning some things.... and I accept His will over my own or anyone elses. If I can be a part of His plan, then that is what I am going to do.
Loved ones, you may be struggling with some things that are really hard right now in your life. There are others who have harder and tougher struggles though they may be different than yours. I am here to shoulder the pain and burdons you are carrying. Together we can serve Our Lord and also each other, learning to love each other like Christ loves us. We each have emotions that color our souls. My emotions seem to come out easily these days and I know that is for a good reason and purpose- it helps me love and care more for those around me and keeps me humble and thankful. The more I live in the TRUTH, the more my emotions help me to see clearly.

It is true that relationships are a whole lot messier than rules, but rules will never give you answers to the deep questions of the heart and they will never love you back. God is the living answer and only through a relationship with Him does this life make any sense at all. The Bible doesn't teach us to follow rules - it paints a picture of Jesus - Life and living is in Him and no other. He does all things with a plan and a purpose even if we cannot see it now -

Philippians 4: 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

God is already in your next moment.... meet Him there and put your trust and faith in Him. Expect God to deliver and let your faith meter rise to new levels of understanding.

Love you all,
Lonnie~

A little time ....

Set aside this morning for the Lord. I woke this morning, kid you not, 5 minutes before the alarm went off. I was in the middle of a prayer when I woke up. 3 people on my heart and mind this morning.... and I thank the Lord for them as I lift them in prayer.
This morning in my quiet time - I am in Philippians 1:
Paul’s Life for Christ
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

Paul give us a perfect example of taking up his cross for the Lord fully knowing that being with Jesus would be above all else - he accepts that Gods will is not done yet in his life.
The past few visits to the schools to have lunch with some of "MyKids" have really impressed some things on my heart. The kids are SO excited to see me, but I look at it as, they have a visitor. Some children never get a visitor and that really hurts me but that visitor can be anyone they know just as long as they have someone special to eat lunch with. Lots of comments from the other classmates ... makes the visit that much more special to them. Being introduced to the teachers is always a little scary since there is some caution with a new person coming to the lunch room. Once introduced as their Sunday school teacher and then as a friend, really makes me feel good that what I do, what Carol and I do and so many others, ~ We are making a difference. Even if it is one child at a time ... it is worth all the effort and struggle to continue on for these children. A recent visit brought me 3 children while waiting outside of the lunch room that knew me from church. Excited to see me and tell me about their week and the last Sunday school lesson 2 weeks before ... and they are only visiting our church! They were so happy I recognized them! Don't tell me these children don't go home and tell there parents that their Sunday School teacher was at school today. Will that have an impact of where their Sunday mornings will be? I think so, I hope so and I pray it does!
I read somewhere yesterday that only 4% of the kids graduating high school today know Jesus. That is sad, especially with the direction this country is taking ... imagine when these 96% are old enough to be running this country and making our decisions! God has placed these kids on my heart in such a way that it really hurts. I want to fight the battles with them and do whatever I can to make a difference in their life. I don't care if they come from money, have parents who can't afford lunch for their child, from a divorced home or have everything! - All I care about is if they know Jesus and they are seeing Him through me. Maybe by my investments, my prayers for them and my heart - they will see Jesus through all this and follow Him in their lives.
How awesome it is to be thanked by the teachers and to get an email or phone call from a parent. Sometimes I need that encouragment to keep going... things don't happen over night but they may in "A Little Time"....

Listen all my young ones, want to make a difference in school, You want to be different, You want to not be like everyone else, you want to find out who you really are? - then follow Jesus and let Him be your uniqueness & that one thing that makes you stand out from the crowd.

... I am nothing without You Lord. May all my intentions and motives be Your intentions and motives. May I have the courage and strength to continue to carry my cross for You as I reach out to these kids. Even if it is one at a time Lord, use me to deliver the practical love of Your son Jesus to them. Help me fight the good fight and not listen to the things others say, like I am wasting my time or that child has parents who wont take them to church. I pray that You provide a way Lord. Open the doors that need to be opened. Help our church continue to reach the young ones Lord and instill in them a safety and a security in You. May You lead them and protect them. I pray my visits are welcome and that I can continue this ministry that You have placed on me for as long as You need me. I thank You for each of the kids, their parents who see value in the investment I am making and for showing me something I never knew I had in me. May the life I am living Lord be just a fraction of Pauls life - living for You. For You be all the glory and praise... Amen

From "The Shack"

God works incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies and that doesn't mean that He orchestrates those tragedies. Don't ever assume that by using something bad or mean that God caused it or that He needs it to accomplish His purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about God.
Grace doesn't depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors.

That is worth sharing this evening..... busy day tomorrow~
Peace,
Lon

I have to say - yesterday God was stretching me. I was up at the crack of dawn to serve with one of our new Sunday leaders for setup and breakdown. I loved having the chance to sit with him and speak from my heart about the passion of plugging people in and getting them connected in church - in our church family. I do believe that our new Sunday leader is a great fit and I think God will be using him in ways he doesn't even imagine yet.
I got to address 50+ kids in project 252 yesterday. It has been a long time since speaking in front of that many kids but I was not nervous at all for some reason. Maybe because what I had to say came from a place that really loves those kids. I am thankful for the leaders in our youth group - they are amazing people and willing to tackle those complex things that our youth is really fighting with these days. Our youth Pastor told me yesterday that they had 4 kids yesterday give their lives to Christ! That is what it is all about ...that is why all of us serve the way we do. Together - we are making a difference! If one part of the body fails - or doesn't do what it is supposed to do - or continues to drop the ball - we could end up losing the entire body. It takes each piece of the church to make it work - for someone to come to know Christ.
In K-5 yesterday, Carol was leading the lesson. With 4 assistants - it was all we could do to keep the flow going. Our lesson was on tything and God asks for 10% of our fruit. Give Him our best - so the last few days we saved up some half eaten pizza slices and we crushed up some gold fish and flat half empty soda bottles. We then told the kids we loved them and we brought them food in. Once they got there eyes on the pizza - it was nuts. We again told them we love them and we dropped the pizza box on the table. Man, you should have seen their faces when they opened the box and didn't see a pizza - but just the pieces. That is how we treat God when we don't give Him our firsts, our best and His share in our lives. So many times we just give Him our leftovers. Do you think God will bless that? It was a great lesson - Carol - you did an awesome job with it!!

Rock group started at 4:30 for me. I had the kids meeting at "The Way" at the pumpkin patch. This is our k-5 kids that get together once a month and have some fun. We have 2 great leaders running that ministry and yesterday - there were lots of new faces! After the patch - we then ran home for Rock Group. It was a great meeting with lots of good things shared and discussed. I ended the meeting with a prayer that I found while cleaning out my computer. I broke down a few times and had to regroup as it was hard for me to finish it because it was written at a time in my life - being a new baby Christian but also at a time that was really hard. I think we have a few folks in our RG that are in those same places - tough places and their faith really being tested. I pray that it spoke to someone in some way. I prayed that prayer for almost the entire week........and it was an honor to share it with my peeps.

Its fall break here at work the next few days. Enjoying the peace and quiet - getting a chance to work on some stuff we don't normall get to work on. Nice change of pace..... change is good sometimes right?
Hope everyone has a great Monday~
Lon~

Friday night.....

Finally a nite at the cabin. It is nice here with some of the poplars turning color. Should be nice tomorrow to get out on the lake for a bit. Sad the season is coming to an end and at the end of the months the plans are to pull the boat out for the winter. Looking forward to return trips already .... along with some of "MyKids".
Had a great day in school today. Carol and I went in to do working lunch while the teacher has her grade class meetings. It is a great time to bond with the kids and really get to know them. Also got to hang a little with a child from last year, miss Jasmine is such a sweet child. We are still working on getting that lunch time in at the parent table. I was all smiles today when she told me she has lunch covered for the year. That makes me happy because at the end of the year last year, there were a couple times she did not have anything for lunch, Carol and I provided lunch for her for the rest of the year.
Our friend Leigh fell this morning while at work. She is doing ok after surgery on her wrist and elbow. Brian her husband was doing good while we waited for the news. It will be a recovery for her but I have $5 she will be in Sunday School on Sunday morning :) - Love you Leigh and Brian!
Also needed are prayers for our friend Lynn. She and her family live in NJ and they are having some family things taking place. Continue to pray for them during this time. Carol and I both love this family dearly ....... and only miles are in between our life long friendship.
Looking forward to tomorrow, coffee on the porch, finishing "the shack" and getting some water time on.....
As Kenny Chesney would say - "Nowhere to go and nowhere to be" - I can hear it big time....

One love,
Lonnie~

Its great when.....

A parent emails me and thanks me for having lunch at school with their child. "It has been a tough week and with my job being that I can't go and have lunch with my son/daughter and knowing he/she is being visited by someone who truely cares for them - is priceless".

Words cannot fully comprehend what this parent is telling me. I am honored to go to the schools and invest my time in them. I love all the smiles, hugs, waves, and even love those tough conversations where a child tells me they don't have icecream money or even lunch money. It is about making a difference. I am looking forward to working lunch tomorrow and sitting with the kids. Today I was invited to a halloween party, horse back riding show and 4-5 thumb wrestle matches.
Looking forward to tonight hanging with the Lymans. Its a family we are doing life with and are very much family to us.
Got my flu shot this morning. The lovely lady who gave me my shot was very nice and we made small talk before giving me the big needle. I thanked her and told her to have a blessed day. She said "I have been waiting for someone to tell me that this morning - thank you and you have a thankful day". She then pulled out a big bag of candy and opened it - full of snicker bars and other such goodies.... It was awesome being the only one in the place to be enjoying my candy bar! My shoulder hurts but its better than the flu...... I would have missed that candy bar today without that small talk. :)

Talk tomorrow,
Lonnie~

Where are you today....

It is quiet here today. Odd..... but I am enjoying it. We have had some rain showers move through the area and its cool here in NC. Perfect day to finish up "The Shack" tonight. I tried to watch the debate last night but couldn't watch the bobbleheads talk anymore. Its frustrating to hear 2 people just bash each other and not really have a clue what its like to be the average american person today. They speak in trillions of dollors and most of us are just trying to make mortgage payments, pay taxes and keep the family intact. Anyways - no matter what, it will take more than 4 years to get us out from where we are currently standing.

Question for you today ~

Where do you spend most of your time in your mind? When you think of things, like days like this when its quiet and peaceful, do you spend your time thinking in the present, the past or in the future?

Your answer will show you which direction you are going in - in life.

~If you are constantly thinking in the past, maybe you have lost a loved one and you stay there to always remember and remind yourself of days past. Maybe afraid to move forward and moving on with your life especially now alone or uncertain. You're afraid of the quiet and always have the tv on, music playing or something to keep it from being quiet. Maybe your wondering where your faith is or if you ever really had it in the first place.... maybe you are mad at God right now for where you are living in your mind and heart...
~If you are constantly thinking in the present, maybe you are worried about something that continues to bog you down. Maybe a relationship is not right or your son or daughter is struggling with something or making bad choices. Maybe there has been some big change in the family structure or employment. You are stuck in the present unable to move forward or go back and make a wrong a right. Your faith is dull and has little life of its own... you are wondering "God where are you?" Why are you quiet and not answering my prayers....
~If you are constantly in the future, maybe you are thinking of retirement or the next vacation or like me, just some down time to unwind. Maybe you are thinking of your 401k and how bad it has taken a hit the last year? Maybe you are in school and working hard to move to a new career..... you are struggling with some things and you are learning to give them to God. Trust is growing and your faith is moving forward.... you are wondering what God is going to teach you next, you are ready and willing to follow His next command.....

No matter where you are right now - God can handle your past, He is with you in the present, and He is your future. He can erase those painful things of your past ... he can move you forward to the present. He can walk with you in the present and help you with your struggles, your worries and calm your fears so you won't stay in the present but move you to the future. Your future is bright with Him and as you look forward, you look for opportunities to serve Him, you pray for opportunities to serve others, you become a giver instead of a taker, your fear is erased, your feet begin to move, your heart hurts for others, your love increases because He gives you the ability to love and He is the example of love, your compassion increases because God has compassion on His children, the majority of the things you speak of is making a difference, what can we do together as a family to serve, how do we include our families and friends and the people we care most about in our walk with the Lord .....

You are on the right track, my friends. So where are you today?

A step back a year or so....

I am running out of space on my laptop so yesterday afternoon - I began the task of cleaning out old files, archiving what I could and deleting the stuff I just don't need anymore. BUT - by doing so, I came across some things from a few years ago - things I have written or copied to keep as a reminder of a difficult season in life.
Our current Rock Group series "Why" fits perfectly with this. God often times is waiting on us to do something. He waits for us to take the first step and does not in anyway put His will on someone who does not want it. He never asked His children to act like robots but to have a relationship with Him and to do our lives with Him. If you are struggling with something today and God seems quiet and still - Ask yourself, What am I supposed to be doing?

Hope it means something to someone today. Enjoy the quick but powerful read....

When God waits
There are a lot of why questions that we lift up to God. Every day people are looking to heaven and crying out in frustration, "Lord, why aren't you doing something about this? Why is this happening to me?" We saturate the airwaves with the why questions of life. I'm convinced that God has one answer for almost every one of those questions. He says, I'm just waiting on you. When Moses and the Israelites stood on the edge of the Red Sea watching the Egyptian army close in on them, they cried out to God in fear. They began praying that God would somehow rescue them. And look what God said: "Tell the people to get moving!" (Exodus 14:15). To paraphrase, "I'm just waiting for you." Too often we spend our days waiting for a miracle. When trouble comes, we cry out to God for help. When things don't move fast enough, we blame God for taking his time. And all the while God is saying to us, I haven't gone anywhere. I'm just waiting on you. And what is it that God is waiting for? Often he is waiting for us to lay aside our own agenda and trust him.…Whenever God waits, he waits for a purpose. And when we finally come to our senses and do the thing that we know he wants us to do, he moves with a vengeance. The Red Sea parts, and things start to happen.

Love you all - time to head to lunch now with "MyKids" and invest in them. Its a special part of my day.... May the Lord be with them today with good decisions, home situations ok and I find "MyKids" happy and healthy.

Peace,
Lon~

Why do the weekends go SO fast? Saturday, Carol and I attended Brandon and Aprils wedding. Pastor Jimmy did a great job with the service. I especially will not soon forget the look on Brandons face when April first came walking down the isle. It was all he could do to keep from breaking down and his face showed the emotions and the overflow of his love for her. The sweetest moment came during one of their songs and Brandon and April were kneeling facing each other holding hands. Brandon then April - sat and prayed probably the most awesome prayers anyone has ever heard. It was an awesome moment to witness. God is very much a part of their marriage and that spoke volumes as we all witnessed them raising each other and their marriage to God. They are an awesome example of a relationship that is honoring Gods word.
Saturday night, we got to hang with one of "MyKids". It was great sitting in my chair with her and just talking and sharing things. She is such an amazing kid and I love her dearly. Sunday came with its own blessings to be thankful for. Pastor Jimmy delivered an awesome message and one that it took all I had to hold it together. As he preached on death and how death is for the living.... we all will die in our earthly bodies but only some will live in our heavenly bodies. He taught us about the judgment that we will all face, regardless if we believe in Jesus or not, and what our good deeds brings us in heaven. What we think about eternity determines how we live in today. I reflected upon my father-n-laws last words on this earth. John 3:16 -"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Walt had always thought he was good enough, always being a good person and raising a family the best he knew how.... he had questions about heaven and hell. Sometimes he would believe and other times not. In the end, he put his trust in Jesus and for that I am thankful for.
Rock Group was special last night. We tackled some hard questions concerning "Why?" Why God answers us at times and at other times He seems quiet. Why we feel Him walking with us and at other times He feels distant. If we seek our Heavenly Father, we will find Him. So many times we are looking for the WOW ME affect. God still does those things but many times He is in the smaller things we often over look. As we pass on opportunities to serve someone or doing what He is asking us to do ... we miss out on the sweetness and softness of God. What in your life are you not doing that God is asking you to do? Is he asking you give someone some money for gas, making a meal to help a family through a tough time or maybe just asking them - WHAT is it that I can pray for you for? When we pass on those little whispers that God is wanting us to do ... what are we missing out on? Maybe your life is so full of sin that there is wall between you and God. A wall can be a hard barrier to break through but if we give those sins one at a time to God He will help us get over them thus breaking down our wall. Our sins cut us off from God. Maybe you have been through a tough and trying time. You asked God for something, maybe for a loved one to be healed and that person passed away. You turned your back on God and don't trust Him anymore. Maybe you are still hurt and not sure how to get back. Maybe time has passed and your heart is little harder now. Once you are a child of God, He pursues you and is seeking you. The air is filled with radio waves. They are all around us.... different stations on different frequencies. Even with the radio off, they are still there. Maybe you have tuned God out in your life. He is there but you just can't hear Him. We often times need to adjust our thinking and the way we do things in life so that we can tune into Gods frequency.
~What changes could you make in your life to keep you better in tune to Gods presence?
~Are you honestly seeking out God in your day to day life?

My message to the kids last night comes from Mark 4. We spoke about what a parable means and explained to the kids that Jesus used parables to help us understand what it was He was teaching us. If He spoke over our heads we would miss the point entirely. I asked for examples at school when the teacher speaks over their heads and they don't have a clue to what it is the teacher is teaching. A parable puts the story at our level so we may understand. Here is the story of
Mark 4
Parable of the Sower 1(A)He began to teach again (B)by the sea And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that (C)He got into a boat in the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land.
2And He was teaching them many things in (D)parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,
3"Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow;
4as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.
5"Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.
6"And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7"Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.
8"Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
We then handed out seeds to all the kids. Lettuce and Spinach mixed together in their hands. I asked them about how we plant them. If they fall on the side those seeds may grow or may not. If the seeds are planted to shallow they may grow but soon wither in the heat and the things that life throws at us. The seeds that are planted in the weeds may grow but will soon be choked out by the weed. God has planted in us seeds and we must take our time to learn about Him and walk with Him so that when life does take a hard turn - we are like those seeds planted in good soil and that have been cared for and watered - Jesus is that perfect seed - we must share and plant other seeds as we reach out to their friends, classmates and neighbors. I asked if anyone wanted to pray as we all grabbed hands and little Wesley began to pray. His eyes shut and in a whisper - he prayed to our heavenly father. Nobody knows what he prayed for as he spoke his heart to Jesus - it was a moment that was filled with sweetness and the softness of Jesus. Blessed that we did not miss it.
Love you all~
Lonnie

A couple of thoughts for a Friday~

Friday morning..... what a week it has been. Had a great lunch yesterday with Kyle @school - got to sit with a bunch of his peeps, Marissa and Carol M. I just love them! Got to see lots of my 3rd grade kids from last year which is way cool~ Things seem to be a little more relaxed at school this year compared to last year - I am big time thankful for that. Keep up that copying Carol for 5th grade!~
I love this time of year with the cool evenings and mornings, sleeping with the windows open and no humidity! Leaves will be turning soon and I am SO looking forward to some down time at the cabin. The best outdoor days are spent up there on that mountain. At Lake Adger there have been a few reports of our bobcat in the area. It is always cool to hear the CAT doing its call... it has been a few years since we have heard one and one that you would never forget once you hear it. We have some good friends who have the cabin this weekend and hope they are enjoying our little piece of heaven.
I love it when there is a rumble amongst my peeps. The book - "Have a new kid by Friday" is sweeping through our rock group. It is awesome hearing the stories of change that is taking place in our families and especially in our kids! It just shows us even more that we are all on the same team, we are in this parenting thing together and yes ---- it takes a ROCK GROUP (village) to raise kids these days! Keep up the learning rock group peeps...... proud of us!
Last night was the VP debate. Nobody really wins with those things and I just couldn't be a debate person. I would just fly off the handle and have to just have the smack down right there. I just don't do well with it all - especially with 2 different views on looking at the same thing and both folks thinking their way is best. Here on campus this place is full of political views and they go to the extreme with things in the office, stuff hanging on doors, you would just not believe it! I have had to ask people to leave my office because they get all red faced and harsh just because I have a Bush picture on my book shelf. Hey, its a cool picture and the President signed it and it has my name on it! Hey thats cool!!!! Well no matter what people say, everyone has their right to an opinion and we have to be respectful no matter what - even if folks don't agree with each other. I walked in this morning to the office and the first thing I see missing in our department window is our McCain/Palin sticker we had. That really ticked me off..... how can someone take something that doesn't belong to them? - especially with all the political stuff around here. It is just rude for someone to come into our office for IT help, look around and then sneak it off the window and throw it in the trash ...yes its caught on video....... yes I know who it is...... that is really upsetting. Suggestions on how to handle it from here?

I am currently in the middle of the next book I am reading. The Shack - it is blowing me away and can't wait till tonight to get back in it. Carol was making fun of me the other night because I am reading, writing and taking down notes...... she said - "Look at you, you can't even read a book without taking notes to pass along to others". Yup - thats me........ so here it is.... some of the things I am learning as I read this book - open my bible and read more on the subject and then reading some more.....
~ God wants us to keep from falling back to our religious conditioning
~ Life takes a bit of time and a LOT of relationship
~ Freedom is a process that happens inside of a relationship with Jesus
~ LOVE ALWAYS LEAVES A SIGNIFICANT MARK - I really love that one.....!
~ When all we can see is our pain, we lose sight of God
~ We often are looking for the WOW affect when looking for God but he often shows himself in the small things and we miss the sweetness and softness of Him
~ Jesus would have died on the cross just for YOU - but he didn't - it was for everyone
~ Life is not about winning and losing, its about loving and respecting
~ Relationships are never about power, they are about choosing to limit oneself to serving
~ Sin is its own punishment, devouring us from the inside

Looking forward to a great wedding tomorrow with Brandon and April and church on Sunday! I am in Sunday school at 11:00 and hoping for lots of "MyKids" being there - which means their parents are hearing about Jesus in the service! I am also pumped about our new Rock Group series "WHY" starting Sunday night - its DVD base and its a new style for me leading and for us learning ..... so hope it really takes hold in a big way! I feel cheated not having to dig in and go deep to put something together!
Have a great Friday everyone......
Peace out~
Lon~

Entourage......

Carol and I have the most awesome child - awesome in SO many ways! Early on Carol and I have spoken in great detail to him about the people he hangs out with - His Peeps. I have to say he has some great friends. Friends that bring him up a few notches and friends who walk with him and are GOOD kids. I do believe Kyle has good decision making skills and he chooses his peeps wisely! It is so easy to get into trouble and when you have some friends who take you down the bad decision paths - its always easier to go with a crew than to go alone.
Kyle will be heading to middle school next year and I pray that Carol and I have instilled in him to be a good kid, has good decision making capabilities, to be kind and caring, to help a friend in need, to be the friend the new kid in class needs, to work hard and really care for his close peeps. With so many problems in the family today it is amazing even some of our kids turn out ok. I come in contact with many kids each week and my heart breaks for so many of them. So many reach out and have been asking to have lunch with me at school - just once! I hate that I can't do that..... I love being able to get down at their level and just let them talk, let them be heard, ask how they are doing and if things are ok at home. I love being able to share my life and my family with SO many of them! It is amazing the stories and things that kids have to endure, overcome and survive. Life is hard for so many of them :(
I have someone close to me that seems to always be in trouble these days. Maybe mom and dad never came down on her or kept the punishment that was dished out and let her off easy or maybe always came to the rescue and got her OUT of trouble instead of her tasting the punishment. Maybe it is the fact that disappointment is confused with punishment and to her they mean the same thing - thus when she messes up and makes a bad choice - its disappointing someone instead of just learning right from wrong and PAYING the consequences of her actions. In many cases, these are kids just wanting to fit it... they are not leaders and just going along with the crowd. Hey thats easy to do.... but Maybe its the limelight of sticking out and being different because so many other kids look up to them, they think they are pretty or just plain cool. So this brings the opportunities to make bad decisions at every turn. They want to please people and not let ANYONE down. They want to be all to everyone - including the people they really dont care about. Why have 1678 friends on myspace? Nobody can honestly say they have or even KNOW that many people. Everyone is their friend..... BFF - BGFF whatever.......
As adults we all know that there are only a handful of people in our lives that we let speak truth to us - some of us don't even have anyone! We screen calls, look at caller ID, let the answering machine answer the phone for us....so many of us hide from people and keep people at arms length. We all need people, a close handful of people (friends and families) that can speak truth to us. Tell us when we are messing up, love on us even when we do, and walk with us no matter what. Never letting us get down that road that leads to destruction. They are willing to go to those hard places in life with us. I think this is where many young people make their mistakes, (adults too) they dont have a good handful of peeps that are grounded in Gods word. God's word sets it all apart. He wants us to aim higher and be part of something so much bigger than we are. He wants us to look beyond what we see and see what He sees. He wants us to focus on others and not on ourselves. I love watching the Project 252 kids at church - you can see right away which of these young folks HAVE IT ...and those who don't. There is such a difference between them.......
I started Judo when I was 7 years old. I studied martial arts for MANY years but the thing that has always stuck in my mind was when I started participating with the adults, I was still just a kid, is it brings a new game... we have to work that much harder. It raises your bar when the bar is WAY over your head. Our lives need to have people that we look up to. People who we think are better parents, better Christians, better leaders ... better....... get the point?
If we aim low....we will hit low. If we aim high, we will hit high. I am not doing life with people who are below me - they all have something that makes me aim higher! My Rock Group families are a perfect example and each one of them brings something extra out of me. They challenge me and in turn I hope I am doing that for them in some way.
Its the same with our kids. I am lucky that they are only smoking.... I don't buy it! Status quo is just going with the flow... doing what everyone else is doing.... you want to being authentic, to being different .... if that is what you are wanting to do ... then follow Jesus and watch your life change. Watch the others take notice that you are different - that everything about you has changed. Let your hair be the color God gave you ... plug up that low top that draws the boys off your eyes.... which is the way to a mans heart and not your well.. you know.... no need to stand out anymore because by following Jesus - you will!!!! The friends that are dragging you down who right now you think you can't do without - they can either go with you or get out of the way. ~~~This has taken place in my life not too long ago........ It even happens when your old! LOL
I am telling you this - Gods bar is way higher than our own........ aim high loved ones. AIM HIGH.
God has so much more to give you, show you and teach you than we are at currently. Open His book, think on His thoughts, capture and throw away those bad and discouraging thoughts, read His word, surround yourself with Godly people and let them bring you up a few notches. Only let a handful of peeps to speak truth and by all means - Let God be your standard....
The ditch for some of us is only a few decisions away.... who would be willing to walk with you there? Not many...... so take a look around you and really look at your ENTOURAGE -
Which direction are you headed?????? I asked my Rock Group families this time last year.... to delete someone in their cell phone because all they do is drag you down - you can't please them no matter what you do... they seem to take all your energy, even with little things.....They bring you trouble and thus keeping you from all God wants you to be.

Guess what? Its YOUR move........

Lonnie~