Back in the swing.....

Wow am I hurting today after 3 games of r'ball yesterday. It is funny how fast one slips when we are not continuing to keep up. My brain yesterday knew what to do but as I get older - my body has different speeds even if I know what is coming and what to do. In the next few weeks I am sure I will be again back up to speed. That is what training is all about - to continue to press through sticking points, to hang in there and keep it up so that eventually, you will get to where you are wanting to go.
Yesterday, I was very proud of Carol. She has joined with a few girl friends of hers to become healthier this 2009 year. She has accountablility people around her now and I am sure this is going to be a great thing and I am sure there will be some rewards to come. Carol, you and your lady peeps have all my encouragment! Proud of each of you~
As 2009 is getting underway - I can't help but to think about folks who are really turning the page to change with the turning of the calendar. So many of us are walking around with heavy things on our shoulders, past hurts, some in the PIT of life right now and see no way out but I am here to tell you there is a way. All the answers in life lead to Jesus.
This past Sunday, Pastor Jimmy spoke such a great message. I heard a few folks talking afterwards and were really moved by what he shared Sunday from Gods word. Are these reminders for us? Or is this the first time you have heard a message like that? We are all in different places in our spiritual journey. We are at different levels of understanding. There is nothing more exciting than to be around a person who is just on "Fire" for God. They just ooze the excitement and trust me - it rubs off on the people around them. Babies need baby food and milk when they are young. It would make a baby very sick if you fed them steak and icecream. They cannot handle solid food. Many of us have been in church for years and have experienced Gods grace and love many times over those years - but are still on baby food. I pray this is the year that we step up in our faith and trust in God and seek solid food. We start living out our Sunday mornings through the rest of the week. We start surrounding ourselves with God loving people who can encourage us and lift us up in prayer. People that drag you down all the time and just need all the time will suck the life out of you!
I pray this year the messages that you hear, the things you learn by spending time with God and reading His word - move you to new places and with action! Don't let another year go by and just stay where you are. Summer school when I was a kid was a place where you went over and over what you did not learn during the school year. Image how painful that is when the rest of your friends are out having fun - its summer! Here we are go over and over the those same things that we should have already moved on from. I pray this year Gods word opens your eyes and opens your heart.
~When having lunch at school with your son or daughter - don't let the chance of giving a child lunch money when you have $2 in your pocket and they have nothing to eat.
~Don't let that family down the street, who do not know Jesus go from your heart - keep inviting and asking them to come even if its been 2 years.
~Don't let the opportunity to serve someone at the grocery store who really looks like they need a hand or a word of encouragement - offer to get their tab or help them put their stuff in the car.
~Don't let that friend go through a life changing event in their life alone. Call them and TELL them what you are going to do to help - no more waiting on them to call and ask because most of the time - they won't.
~Sit with your children and listen to them. Take time to teach them - take control of their friends, music and internet connection. If you don't - someone else will. If you stick your head in the sand for those teenagers - there is only one word for you to learn - Grandparent.
~Step up and serve at church. Come off the sidelines and get your talents and passions tuned in to what God is doing in our communities. He is changing lives, families and restoring hearts all around us. You can't see it when you are in this for yourself. Focus on others and not your problems.

God will draw close to you if you draw close to God. That is also by serving others with great compassion. You were CALLED to care. Someone you know right now needs you.

Get back in the swing loved ones.......... and let God Rock your 2009!
Love leaves a significant mark....... leave it and make it YOUR mark.

My morning time this morning:
Collosians 1:
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[g] in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

Lonnie~