Friday night supper....

Happy Friday everyone. It for sure has been a LONG week but I am so thankful in it.
Lots of families still today sit down and eat dinner together. I am sad for the ones who don't, as they are missing out on this time together as a family to talk about their day, parents get to talk with their kids and see how their day was at school and in their lives, they get to talk about family matters and address anything that is not working in the family as well as they get to share hopefully a great meal! Its a time to share together and to really set a long term vision/example for the next generation to put this meal time as a priority. I can remember Carols family always having the evening meal together as a family - they waited on each other if someone was late or caught in traffic. It was that important! My family, my parents worked different shifts but on the weekends - it was family time together over a meal.
Tonight there will be some families that get to hear about my visit to school to have lunch with their child. When mom or dad asks, honey how was your day? - they will hopefully get a cool answer by telling them I was at school today and visiting them at lunch. First off, this is taking place at school and I can see the difference it can make in some kids by being there - I have been doing this for 3 years now - Hard to believe...... Some of these kids do not like school and they don't apply themselves 100% and really focus ... I challenge them and remind them how important school is and keeping up with their studies but also making sure they are acting with respect and treating their classmates correctly. I am full of encouragement for them that they can succeed no matter what... it is up to them. Kids struggle with each other, popularity issues, boy/girl issues as well as bullies and that relationship with their teachers is all big things in the life of an elementary school kid. Their time at school can either be a battle ground or a growing ground into something so much bigger.
Tonight I hope that those conversation about "MyKids" day and their answer to "How was school today" - be a starting point to good conversations and examples. I really believe in visiting these kids is making a small difference. I put a lot of energy into it even when folks are looking at me differently. Its not every day a grown man walks into a school and invests his time into these kids - SO MANY KIDS - without it setting off alarms. For me, there are times of fear and there are times that I question why I am doing this because of the people that don't get it.
I remember the smiles and the difference that lunch visit is making and I know - It is what is right.
I pray every time for the kids I will come in contact with, their families at home, their home life and situations, their teachers and praise God for the opportunity to serve Him in this capacity even before I get out of the truck to go in.......
Tonight - I pray for those dinner conversations and a little bit a difference a school lunch can make.
Gods blessings and have a great weekend everyone,
Lonnie~

Carol, Kyle and I are just very blessed to have such great friendships in our lives. We are truly doing life with these families - the good times and the hard times. As I look back over my life, I have always had a close handful of friends but it was very small. It was hard for me to open up to others and let them in for fear of really letting them see who I am. I don't have anything to hide but I guess I just didn't feel the need to let many folks get close. The last few years in my walk with Jesus, that has all changed. The leading of a Rock Group, serving at church in a leadership role and the difficult days of losing my mom and my father n law over the past few years - has really opened my eyes to what it means to really have "Friendship". See if we all look at our friends, we have folks who will stick with us no matter what. When we are hurting they come along side of us and help in anyway that they can but more importantly - in a way we will let them. See a real friend will help - they really want to help - they just need the green light and to be told how. I have learned that over the years, especially during the times of great pain such as the loss of a loved one. People want to serve each other and as a follower of Jesus - it is really important that we accept and understand this. We are the church, we are the hands of Jesus when it comes to walking along side people.
Last year in one of our Rock Group lessons, I spoke about the people in our lives who are allowed to speak truth into us. We all need them - we all have to have someone we can let in and really tell us what is going on without the issues of that friendship being on the line. A true friend has your best interest at heart. They love you and care for you - they enjoy the victories in your life just as much as you do. They also hurt just as much as you do when life is hurting. I asked everyone to hold up their cell phone - everyone has someone who has allowed that person to speak truth to them that does not need them to be. They drag us down, they use us and its always an emotional ride because its all about them. I asked everyone to pray for that person, to pray about that person and then delete them from their phone. Remove the access of them speaking into your life - not to delete them from your life -just the access and a green light from your life. I too had to delete someone - I am still friends with this person today but that relationship is much healthier today because of it.
I read Proverbs 27 this morning and let me grab some scripture from those passages to share:
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
10 Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

We are meant to do life with others. Be that awesome person to someone. Let me ask you this... When you are out with your friends, are they more like Jesus because of you? Look at the things you talk about when you are with them - is Jesus in those conversations? Or is it just small talk, weather, sports, the kids and the family and OH - the neighbor again. Are you a rock of emotional stability for your friends?
Is loyalty important? Teenagers - do you back up your friends when they are getting picked on by others? Do you step in and say enough of this - this is my friend and try to put a stop to it? People need to know where you stand in your friendships.... either behind them or with them. You must show your friends that you are loyal to them..... you can't hide it.
Loved ones, friends can either drag you down or lift you to new places. You have a decision to make.... we all do in who we give access to in our lives.

I am very thankful to be doing life with some great people...you know who you are. You make me a better person because of your friendship. You make me a better dad and husband - you make me a better role model because of your kids and a better listener as your kids talk with me. I appreciate you more than you know and I love you for it.
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
That is pretty awesome.... :)

Lonnie~

Additional Prayer~

Yesterday was such a hard day for me and for so many who knew my mom. In 3 years though the pain is still there but is much less thankfully. This day on the calendar will always be a reminder of the events of that glorious day that my mom left to be with the Lord. Looking back over my mom's life - one thing comes to the front. She always put others before herself. Serving others before HER needs was so very much a part of who my mom was. I can count on one hand how many folks close to me has passed on. I think in many ways, the hurt and experience of losing my mom hits home and hits harder. I look at this and it reminds me that mom was always last but she went first. She led the way and when the folks in my family have their moment with God - mom will be right behind Him - hands out and with her big smile - welcoming us home. It will be something!!!!
Over the many years, my mom had to forgive many things and many folks. As many of us do ... forgiveness is a hard thing to do and a hard place to go when we have been wronged. Often times we feel that it should be the other person coming to us and asking for forgiveness. I have learned over time that offering forgiveness releases me from those feelings and hurting things and it does not keep me trapped in that bitter and angry area. God has forgiven me for my sins and wrong doings so I should pass those things onto others.... regardless if I am right or wrong.

My thoughts today come from our Rock Group lesson from last Sunday on Prayer.
Mark 11:24-25
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Your relationships matter to God. How you treat people really speaks volumes of who you really are in your heart. Are you holding any bitterness towards others? My mom used to tell me to treat others the way I want to be treated...... I think that is great advise but how many of us really follow those words in our everyday life? I stopped driving the main road to work in the morning because people and driving are just crazy! I got tired of being cut off - shot the bird and my blood pressure being sky high and this is only after my big 7 mile commute. I talk the back roads across the farm lands now ..... I often times stop and pray on my way in or use this time to put my Ipod in and learn something from Gods word.
Friends, Gods will for your life may be far different than the will you have for your life. Putting God in the top spot will change everything about you. God listens to the person who is putting His will first in their life.
John 9:31 - We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.
Breakthrough loved ones in your prayer life. Have the kind of faith in your prayers that God can do all things. I love the stories of common people in the Bible who come to Jesus asking for healing. Jesus never wanted anything from them - He just asked for them to believe and if they did - Their Faith In Jesus Healed Them.
If you are struggling with something today -put that struggle in Gods hands. Ask Him to give you His will on that struggle and then follow through with what He says. Forgive those around you who are in need of forgiveness .... even if they don't deserve it from you or are even asking it from you. It will free you from that bondage that is holding you back and keeping you from moving forward. Remember - to follow Jesus and be more Christ like -we have to follow His example and to forgive, have faith that God can do and will do all things for His purposes, line your will up with His and live a life worthy of respect and honor. Keep your relationships as a priority and offer everyone as much grace as you can offer.....
Gods grace is renewed each and every morning...... Have that honest conversation with God today.
Luke 22:42-43
41-44 He (Jesus) pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?" At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.

I had to do something very hard for me this morning. It is a place that is really hard for me because of the level of love in all this. After picking myself up off the floor - I praised God for allowing me to serve Him and this family for this season of time. I have given Him all the glory for what I have served with, with full honesty, integrity, and out of my heart. I then gave forgiveness even though at the time, none was even asked. It has moved me from a place of being angry and bitter and onto a greener place. I am not looking back - just forward because living is for forward. Gods will is up ahead....... keep reaching for it and pointing towards it.
Blessed and very thankful today~
Lonnie~

Feb 23rd.....

To some - its just a normal day. Monday morning, got to get the kids ready for school, work starts in a few hours, thinking what happened to the weekend.... they go so fast. I think part of the reason it goes so fast for some people is they live their lives on the weekends. They don't like their lives during the week, because of a job they don't like, a boss that drives them crazy or maybe its the long hours with OT or that second job to try and make ends meet. But for me - its a day that has SO much wrapped into it. See 3 years ago today, my mom went to be with the Lord. It is not by chance that I woke this morning at 4:11. I can't say for sure that this was the exact time that mom passed but it sure is close. I called 4 people that morning after a family conference in my mom and dads dining room on what to do. I called the Hospice nurse, my aunt Sharon, my wife Carol and my buddy Warren. It was a morning that I will never forget. When they came to get mom and remove her from the house it was twilight out meaning that the sun was just coming up and it was neither light nor dark out. It was cold and the wind was blowing but one thing that sticks out is that when they pushed mom down that long hallway with family all around her lined up along the way out - the birds started to sing and everyone noticed that. It was unreal because they were ALL singing.... such beautiful songs as if it was a heavenly song for all of us to hear. God speaks to us in many different ways. He is not the "Voice" that comes deep to us in booming ways, even though He can do that if needed. But often He speaks to us through others.
This morning is a tough morning. I love the mornings as much as my mom did. A good cup of coffee and some good conversation in a great place goes a long way for me. I love that porch at the cabin, the most peaceful place I know to have a cup of coffee and look out over Gods wonderful scenery that He has created. I think about those conversation that mom and I never had sitting on that porch. Mom passed before the cabin was complete and I wanted so much for her and my dad to have some time there together. So this morning, I think I will have a small talk with mom and you are invited to sit with me.

Mom, I miss you. There are many who miss you, some probably more than I do if that is possible. So much of you is in me. You gave a great deal of yourself into crafting who I am today. Above all things though mom, you provided me the love I have for the Lord. After 3 years since you have left, Carol, Kyle and I have walked together on this path following Gods plan for our life. We have not looked back and even though the road has had its challenges and learning curves - we would not change any of it for anything. See you have had a part in this journey for us. You continue to teach me about life, being a good dad and husband, to care for others more than myself and to always do my best to make a difference. We still have our conversations and for me it is about living my life and the decisions that I make that want to make you proud. That is something I want so much to share with Katie because I know how she feels with losing a mom but it is something she is going to have to learn because it is not something someone can teach her. Spring is around the corner and it would be time to head up to your house and spend the night before going to work at the greenhouse. It is a time of year that I SO much looked forward to. Sleeping till 5 or so in the back bedroom and then you waking me up, like I was a little kid all over again. How I miss those days and how it hurts knowing Kyle won't get to share that memory in the making. I loved smelling the coffee, the bacon and eggs and your wonderful biscuits all the way down the hall from the kitchen. No matter how you were feeling mom, you always put out that extra to make things happen. You were so much about everyone else and I know that is where I get this from. I have struggled in the last few years with praying for myself because of the love I have for those around me - its more about their needs than my own. I am doing life with a great bunch of people today and in SO many ways, Kyle is not an only child. God has placed "MyKids" in my life so that I can pour and invest into them like they were my own. I am so blessed by everything. I know that in so many ways that people are struggling with things in their lives. You taught me that God is in the bigger plans. Even while you were sick and suffering like you did, God was shaping you and molding your character to be more like his. I could see it happening and even though my prayers did not get answered the way (I) wanted them to in God healing you and taking away your cancer- He ultimately healed you. He healed you beyond any healing this earthly place could have. He gave you more than healing - he gave you a heavenly home, a forever relationship with him, and a body now that will never die, experience sickness again, hurt, sorrow, pain, loss - all of that is gone. As I remember back to the napkin that you had me write - I Promise - on while at the hospital - Dad is in church today. He is in love with a godly woman now who very much loves our Lord. He is taking his faith journey seriously now as he makes progress in his walk with Jesus. I do believe he is further along than we could have ever accomplished. Your ripple affect continue to reach out to others today. I would not change all that has happened. There is too much "Good" in what you have done in your life and the way you have touched and reached out to so many. I look forward into the future with so much on my heart. You and God have changed my life as you know. I will never forget that morning sitting in Pastor J's office on a Saturday. A day he had not been at the church office in 6 months. He barely knew me, I don't think we even had a conversation yet until that morning. But there you were - sitting in his office with me accepting Jesus again in your life. You knew what was up ahead and in many ways, I am glad I didn't.
Mom, I miss you and am thankful I get to say Good Morning to you every day still. Kyle is such a great kid. You would be so proud of him. God has such great plans over his life. I am so excited for him that sometimes I just can't believe it. Carol has grown in her faith the last year with the experience of loss with her dad. It has been a tough year for her and with the loss of Denise - it has really pushed her faith to grow deeper. I am married to the most wonderful woman on the planet and I still think I married WAY over my head. There are many others I could talk with you about. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster are doing well. Aunt Sharon is still like a lost little sheep with her big sister gone. But she knows the voice that keeps her following.
Keep watch over us mom. I hope you get to peek in from time to time to see whats going on. I pray there are more things to make you smile than not. For me, its a life that has been taken up a few notches because of you. We all lost so much 3 years years ago today but for me the glass is always half full - ready to be spilled over again - and so much has been gained.
The last few years I have to say - that I have been living my life. Every day is a day fresh with Gods Grace and blessings. I feel more alive than ever before. Because of the things that I have been through, have been learning, have experienced and have accepted - Life is alive. Thanks for being a part in all that mom. God is more interested in who I am - my character - than anything else right now. I am His.... that means that I will see you again and get to have that cup of coffee while talking about life. Just like we are doing now......
Nothing is better than that. Mom I ask that you continue to watch over us.
Love you mom and its not just another morning. 3 years now you have been in heaven. I am thankful for today and where you are. - HOME - a place you always felt the most at peace.
Thanks for listening this morning, you always made time to listen.
Randy~

Wow - its Friday again. I wanted to take a moment thank those who left comments on "The Walk" as well as the few emails that came in. Thanks for sharing......

I have taken a bunch of "MyKids" to 2 basketball games this week and it has been a blast! Last night was just unreal as the kids got their faces painted, got to see a #16 team in the country play and us taking it to them to win with just seconds left on the clock. Fans rushing the court and celebrating like we had just won the conference championship or something even bigger. Man I just love the excitement and the buzz in the office and around campus the day after is just so very cool. Watching the kids run around on the floor and cheer the team on in celebration and actually spotting them on ESPN in the interview after the game is priceless. I am looking forward to getting some rest tonight and in the morning..... We are off to visit my cousin Patty tomorrow up in State Road, NC. Yes they couldn't come up with a better name but it is a pretty area of NC. I am looking forward to a great time there - it is LONG overdue.

Hope everyone has a good weekend and I will touch back on Sunday sometime.... another great day serving the Lord and His people. Life is good~

Lonnie~

Ordinary me....

I have been thinking the last few days about - me. Ordinary me. Nothing really special - nothing really standoutish - nothing really WOW but So much today people are going to great lengths to be extraordinary - to stand out from the crowd - purple, pink and green hair, nose rings, looking for that bigger and better shock affect and Hollywood is full of the ExtraOrdinary - sports is not even left out! So much of the population is just the ordinary, common person. Last night at the ball game, we got to sit in the front row- on court side. Some of "MyKids" that I brought with me, it was their first time on campus and their first basketball game. It was special with our Mascot coming down, giving them high fives and they even got to dance in front of the home crowd during the time outs. It really was a special time together. It was special because it is not the norm. I am ok with attending the games and sitting in the upper sections. I am ok with not standing out but still being part of the game and having my heart in the game.
I look at my Uncle Buster - He has worked a hard life living on the farm, a man that can fix anything he puts his hands on... farms because he loves it and that is HARD work. My Uncle Buster has served the Lord for almost his entire life, he sings in the choir at his church and does whatever the church or pastors ask of him. You can tell he really loves the Lord with all his heart. He has quietly loved and served the Lord for many years without much fan fair from those around him. He isn't seeking to be seen or to be noticed. I pray that if God blesses me with a long earthly life, that people can look back at my life and say the I loved the Lord like my Uncle Buster. Quietly and faithfully serving our Lord, loving and helping those around me and investing my time into things that matter most. God uses those ordinary people to do amazing things for an extraordinary God. God used little David, to be a great king to lead a nation of people. He was ordinary and his brothers were passed over even though they looked the part of being a good king and leader. God uses to common person in uncommon ways. I don't have to be extraordinary - if I strive for that, maybe that would not leave room for our extraordinary God. I serve and lead a ministry team at church that comes in early to setup all the ministry areas. Many times folks are not even coming in when we are done and have left to go home to get our families. We are behind the scenes... not much fan fair .... we stay late after the congregation is gone home to break things down.... not much fan fair... its behind the scenes but God is using me and this team of folks to get something done. There can only be one #1. Seeing and accepting myself as #2 puts things into perspective and in their rightful place.
Ordinary me .... serving an extraordinary God.

Do you see things this way? Let me know.....
Lonnie~

I was thinking......

What would my life be like if I didn’t love Christ and have a personal relationship with Him? The answer is that in many ways it would be easier for me to live my life. Because every decision I make these days, every single word I speak, every move I make is shadowed by my faith and trust in Jesus.
When I get up in the morning, I have an appointment with Jesus. He is sitting at the kitchen table waiting on me. I had one of "MyKids" tell me how muched she missed me this week and I said - You know where I am on Sundays dear. I am in Sunday school waiting on you and about 50 other kids. She said, she slept in ... and I told her it was not for me to explain the excuse... explain it to God. She promised to be at church on Sunday...... seriously folks, everything in my life revolves around Jesus. Most every thought, action, love that I have, and most words all come from a place I never knew I had until I met Jesus.
My old life was about me. Like so many teenagers today - so many parents who are struggling with their kids because they are doing what THEY want to do and not what they NEED to do. I was that person... my life has completely changed and all for the good. I am reminded of this because of a hard conversation this afternoon with a loved one. I had to go to a hard place and have a hard conversation with her. I prayed before hand to have the words. I am thanking God for that conversation and I honestly think, it couldn't have went any better. It sure could have went a lot worse! The old me, would have never stuck a toe in there and probably would have had a horrible outcome. God changes almost every aspect of a person when they truely follow Jesus.
I have a Word document that I have been keeping bits and pieces of scripture and things I type in as I come across them or have those thoughts myself. Let me share this with you this afternoon"
Mark 12:41-44
Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."
Sometimes in life we have to give - give to the point where we know there is a sacrifice... With our time, our money and in our passion for what we believe in. Sometimes it takes all three.... Giving God my all is hard.... there are higher standards, there are people I care and love that I would not have, "MyKids" I would have never known, our Rock Group family that we are doing life with, the people who come into my office who need advise or prayer or just someone to talk to.... there is SO much....... following Jesus is hard but worth it in every sense.
Taking some of "MyKids" to the basketball game tonight and tomorrow... something I am thankful for because I would have never done this if Jesus was going with me.
I was just thinking this afternoon,
Lonnie~

prayers continue.....

I was up early this morning for some reason. From sleep right into a prayer of thankfulness. I love days that start that way. It has a calming peace that hopefully lasts all day on me. I have a big lunch today with a few of "MyKids" - I know in my heart it could be a day for a change in direction and I am at peace with that if that is where God is taking this path.
Lets continue our conversation from yesterday on Prayer. Prayer is conversation with our Heavenly Father. For me, I pray almost all day long in little spurts. I try to find God in the details of my normal day - as I do life. As I come into the office. As I go to work. As I work with a student or a faculty member. As I talk with the lady at Lowes. As I invest in "MyKids" and have lunch in the schools. I am not one to pray for a long periods of time and have only been feeling more comfortable in praying in front of people - like my Rock Group families. I have always wanted to have power in my prayers and meaning for everyone when I do pray in front of folks. Pastors are great at this! My prayers need to be directed to God and Him alone and not to the folks I am praying with. It may be on their behalf, it may be for them but its not "to" them. So that has been a big break through for me in my prayers. One of the things we need to understand is our time in prayer is personal. Our conversations with God need to be personal and with complete honesty. When in prayer, we have to realize God knows our hearts and there is nothing that we are hiding from Him so we might as well pray and leave it all out on the table. Bring it, I think God can handle it. We also have to pray about the small things and not just the big things. I like to think about it this way - If my son is struggling with something, I want to know about it. If it matters to him, it matters to me. God is the same way. If it matters to you, it matter to Him. Tell God what you are feeling, what you're struggling with, and share with Him the victories in your life! IF something means that much to you, continue to lift that in prayer. Be fervent in your prayers - Sometimes God is looking to see how much you really care about what that is you are praying about. It may take some time to pass before God passes along that blessing - He may be working that out for you or he may be changing you for it. Pray Until Something Happens. PUSH - Listening for God seems to be the part where lots of prayers go what we think is unheard or unanswered. Often times we just miss it. I love what John shares with us in John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
The more we seek after Gods voice and direction, the easier it is to hear Him. The closer we walk with Him, the closer He is. Even in the darkest of struggles in life, God is often times as bright and clear in the softest of voices. Keep listening loved ones and looking for God in the details of your day. Pray as you go about life in your normal and every day experience.
My prayer for you and for me today is that we have a honest conversation with God. Sharing with Him how we feel about things and about Him. Prayers for a deeper walk and clearer understanding of the things of Him and apply them to our lives.
Love you all,
Lonnie~

Your Prayer life...

Carol, Kyle and I had a great but short visit at the cabin this weekend. Left after work on Friday and came home Saturday afternoon. Got to see so many deer just standing around eating grass near the cabin, stopping in at the deer lick I have placed out for them and even a real small deer alone but very comfortable hanging around the house for what seemed to be a LONG time. Its awesome and even the dogs loved sitting, being still and just watching them. Got to hang out and watch a movie with "MyGirls" Saturday evening as their mom had a date. It was a great time investing in them and love hanging out with them. Sundays church services were rockin and proved to be another incredible day. Pastor Jimmy is leading us for the next few weeks on prayer. Its awesome to know that back around Christmas, God was leading our Rock Group to study some things that He has called us to do. We wrapped up Kaleo, (to be called) and with it also being 2009 - I really wanted to see our rock group folks turn it up a notch in prayer. So for the next few weeks - our rock group will be getting the same topic message in a few different ways. See prayer is our lifeline to God. We are each called and we know we are supposed to pray but often times - we don't.
Why don't we pray more often?
1) Not sure you know how to pray.
2) Get bored or distracted while trying to pray.
3) Think your requests are too small for God.
4) Not sure your prayers will make a difference.
Plain and simple... I am sure there are more than just 4 but those are the biggies. One of the things that my son Kyle knows is that he can come and talk to me about anything. When I am in my chair - that is an open invitation to come and sit with me and talk. I want to know what is going on, his struggles, his hurts and friendships. If for some reason he thinks that I am too busy or if I am investing in another one of "MyKids" too much - then that really hurts. As a dad I am never too busy for my son. Our heavenly father is the same way. He wants to know what is going on in your life, what your hurts and fears are, what you are struggling with. He wants to be involved in your every day life. If we have a 1 way relationship - then that relationship is not that good. Examine the relationships in your life, are any of them 1 way communication? Would my wife love me as much as she does if I just handed her a list of things each day for to do for me and I never thanked her, told her I appreciated her, or told her how much I loved her?
Communication is vital in opening the blessings of heaven upon our lives.
Prayer is just communicating with God. Opening our hearts and our minds and just having a talk like you would with your best friend. About a month ago, it was clear to me that I was missing this part when my Rock Group met. I wanted so much to have meaning, power and something in my prayers for everyone but that is not how we are supposed to pray - we are not supposed to pray for the benefit of others but for the benefit of God. Its to Him we are praying and for Him we are praying. SO that has changed my prayer life the last month or so.
Psalm 5:1-3
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
We also have to be expectant on God to answer our prayers. We have to continue to talk with Him about what we are struggling with but also in thanking Him. Over the next few days, I think I will share some more but for now ... I am very thankful for the blessings in my life, the people I am doing life with, the kids that God has placed in my heart, my family, my church and church family, my job, my wife Carol and Kyle - and for a God of second chances and more if needed. Back in 1999 I almost left this place, not knowing Jesus then, God gave me my second chance. I plan on using it to the most of my abilities. If I tell you that I love you - I mean it. If I tell you, I am here for you and to walk with you - I mean it. If I reach out to you - I mean it.

Love you all,
Lonnie~

Friday ....

It was about Wednesday this week when I realized it felt like Friday. This has been a long week! Not sure why - nothing major happening or any particular thing that I am struggling with except a few things. But it has just felt like a long week.
Carol, Kyle and I are headed to the cabin tonight until tomorrow night. I am blessed to be married to a woman who thinks Valentines day is a day created by Hallmark. So I guess I am off the hook in many ways. But when you are married to such a wonderful woman - almost every day is like Valentines day and I am very blessed to be doing life with my soul mate. Life would be hard with out my sweet Carol.
I am really looking forward to Sunday. Excited about what God is doing through our church the last few weeks. It has been pretty exciting and being part of something so much bigger than ourselves. I have been praying for a family all week this week and I am praying they come Sunday. After church, Carol, Kyle and I are hoping to get to watch some of our Rock Group kids for the afternoon. It would be a great time together as well as giving this family some rest as far as the parents. I hope to get over to the barn and check out the horses together. Kyle was invited to a birthday party there from his friends so we may tag along for an hour or 2. It is very peaceful out there with the horses, the pastures and the company. Horses are pretty cool.......and they each have a personality. Rock Group Sunday night - looking forward to leading that lesson because I have packed a lot into it over the last few months and this week especially.
I am really excited about my cup of coffee tomorrow sitting out on the porch at the cabin. There have been 5 spotting's of Bobcats in the area...so I would love to hear or even see one. That would be awesome.......
Love to you all - Be encouraged today....
Lonnie~

"Why do I come to lunch and sit with the kids?"

That was the question that was asked of me today while having lunch with my son and a table full of his friends and classmates. I do this every Thursday at this school and it is the highlight of my week. I am at a different school on Tuesdays having lunch with another one of "MyKids" and have been doing that for 2 years now. You would expect that question to come from an adult, a teacher or a parent but it was asked by one of my sons friends. See the reason is, she has never had a visitor to come and have lunch with her. There has never been a time for her to feel special when someone comes and has lunch with her and getting to sit at the big table with other "special" kids. Never the focal point of questions of (who is that?) from the other kids. A few weeks back she had something on her mind and asked a BIG question that quieted the entire table. A parent thanked me for my answer and I was flippin pumped about that!

So back to the question. "Why do I come to lunch and sit with the kids?" I do that because I feel it on my heart to invest in these kids. Its simple and I dont bring lunch because I don't want my attention to be on food but on them. I do bring smiles and encouragement. I bring reminders to laugh and study hard. I bring words that encourage good decisions. I bring relationship values and fatherly figures to those who need it. I bring honesty and dedication by showing up each week. I bring that little something that these kids are missing. I bring friendship and someone if they need to talk to - they can. More importanlty, I bring Jesus with me. It is in His name that I pray every single time out in the parking lot before I walk into the school that the kids that I am in contact with are well today, their home life and family is well, things at home are good, their teachers are having a good day and that they see Jesus in me. The last few years I have got to know some great kids, made some great friendships, and have got to know some awesome families. It is still weird for me to be introduced sometimes as their Sunday School Teacher - but that is what I am for some and I sometimes can't believe that God is using me this way because I never knew it was in me. I never knew I had this desire to make a difference with these kids.

I come to have lunch and sit with the kids because I know in my heart God asked me to do this and it is for the kids. I can say this though, if ever I am in a bad mood or something has me down or I am not feeling good - I go to the school anyways and just being there with them, I forget all that was bothering me and many times I walk out feeling good. Its an honor to serve them in such a small way. But in the big picture.... it is not so small.

That is why I come to lunch and sit with my son and "MyKids". I thank the Lord every day for them and for God opening my eyes and my heart to something I never knew I had.

Psalm 37:4-5
4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Humbled today and very blessed,
Lonnie~

I was thinking....

We recently changed upper hands with the Presidential leadership in this country. To kick things off and do the ceremony and all that fancy stuff - Americans spent 150 Million on that parade/party/show/celebration but I just wonder ... What a church could do to a community for lost people, hurting people, families and all in the name of Jesus with 150 Million? I am not talking sinking the money into a building, campus development, send our leaders to meet the pope or new equipment - but into people.
Meeting in a mobile church the last 4 years that my family and I have been serving at has had its struggles (mostly all good). Not long ago, I don't think this was even tried by churches with opening and holding services in local schools, college campus conference rooms, or in movie theatres. It is pretty exciting to be part of a team of folks all serving God and His local church. We are not all seminary folks - we come from all different backgrounds and have different talents but together we make it work. We all do have one thing in common - we love Jesus and our experience in life because of the transformation in us that has taken place by Jesus - we want others to know and share. 150 Million would go a long way in changing lives, building families, and restoring so much that has been lost. Church has been a place for the community to come together and have a place to worship God, help each other during hard times and be a community to family. Too many of us today drive home from work, pull in the garage and shut the door behind us and never come out to meet or even get to know our neighbors. We live basically solitary lives.
Sunday mornings there are a lot of things to distract us. TV has 1000 channels, ball games, vacation at the lake, family obligations, sleep, recovering from the party the night before and folks are working more than ever now to make it - some 7 days a week.
That is why at church - we should all be striving for the best. Giving God our best and when we are serving - every detail is in our job description. Someone that day may be headed in the wrong direction, ready to walk out on a marriage, ready to take their own life - who knows the struggle - but it is our job as followers of Jesus to get them the "Good News".
Our children's areas and student areas should rock out MTV or the Disney channel. Our music should be better than American Idol...... Gods word should be preached from the heart and on fire with truth and in such a way that everyone can understand it and apply it - otherwise we won't get it.
On Sunday mornings, my son never asks "Are we going to church this morning?" - it is always "What time are we leaving?". Church is a fun place to be~
Community church - a place for everyone to come together... A place for our children to get married, a place to plant a rose bush for a passing loved one, a place for community BBQ's and teens to have a safe and encouraging place to hang out in. A place for neighbors to get to know each other - I have that vision - do you?
I am humbled today with how the Lord is using me and the things He is teaching me and my family.
I was just thinking ..........

Love you all,
Lonnie

So much going on right now. Didn't sleep all that well and thus I am not feeling all that "Fresh" this morning. I have been in the book of Hebrews and reading through Job in my morning quiet time.
Hebrews 3:13 sticks out to me this morning.
13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Teenage years are hard. I think they are much harder today than say, when I was 15 or so. I guess the decisions being made today have a bigger impact on our lives than we were kids. Years ago 15 was a kid, kid decisions, kid thinking, kid actions, - still a kid. Today, kids are growing up faster and the 15 year old today might be a 17 or 18 year old back then. I take my gift of "Encouragement" seriously - it is something that I do and enjoy walking along side people and placing it out there for them. The only problem with that is when people don't accept it, use it, or want it. Not much I can do but life goes on and keep at it.

I wanted to share this morning something that was in my inbox long ago. I keep it and read it every so often when I am struggling with relationships that I hold close to me and the people that are dear to me.

It is from Jon Walker

Warning Each Other

We need people in our lives who will love us enough to warn us when necessary. Just as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV), we’re to push each other toward Christ-like behavior and protect one another from failing in our faith.God calls us to “tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body” (Ephesians 4:25). The basis for warning each other in loving truth is that “we all belong to each other.”Our warnings are not to be mere rebukes; they should be positive and redemptive – calling us to a higher place and reminding each other of our godly purpose. They are exhortations for restoration, and are given as loving corrections with a humble heart and compassionate words. The apostle Paul said, “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31) Can you hear the passion and compassion in his voice? When our warnings are motivated by love and based on committed relationships, they rarely come across as harsh or mean. In fact, when we warn others, we tell them how much we love them. And as part of a Christian community, we also should be ready and willing to receive warnings from others. The fact is, we all have blind spots. Just like a driver sometimes needs help to see what’s in a car’s blind spot, we need friends to help us see things in us or near us that we don’t see ourselves. And in the same way we would warn a driver, the point is not to tear down the other person, but to keep him safely on the road. Paul also says the warning should be immediate – “as long as it is called ‘today.’” We should seize the moment because waiting to warn only leads to disaster. So what?·

Take a loving risk – You show your love for others by lovingly letting them know of blind spots. It takes a risk to show love in this way, but what will it cost if you don’t warn your friend? Who in your life needs to hear a word of warning?·

Loving restoration – When you point out a blind spot, it should not be done in anger. Your motive should be to restore your friend to a strong Christian walk and witness. Ask, “How can I make this warning tender?”·

Listen, don’t defend – Are you willing and prepared to receive a similar warning? When someone points out a blind spot in your life, listen – and don’t defend yourself. Take it to God and ask if it is true. If it is, ask him what you should do about it.

Having lunch today with one of "MyKids" - A little anxious about that and I will be praying extra this morning that everything is ok with her and at home. No matter what, my promise has been to be there - regardless how many pieces I have to pick up. It is sometimes a messy place to be but a place I know I am supposed to be.
I am thankful this morning that a good buddy of mine is going to be ok. Emergency surgery yesterday for his appendix. God was all over that yesterday! Praying for a quick recovery...

Have a great day loved ones, you will find God in amazing places if you look for Him.
Lonnie~

Monday ....

Wow how time skips on by us. Monday morning came quick this time around! With temps in the 70's Saturday and Sunday - my family and I did not sit around much and stay inside. The clan was busy. Saturday morning we got to hang out and watch one of Kyles friends in his basketball game. It was the first one we made this year and it was pretty exciting. They lost in OT but the kids had a great game and played very well together. Saturday afternoon we got to hang out at the barn with a close family of ours. They have a horse and Carol, Kyle and I enjoyed going around and getting to know all of them. We got to watch their daughter ride some - she is a jumper and looks really good up on that big horse! Here is a picture of me getting some inside information on the restrooms at the "Barn". Too funny - nice picture Carol!

Anyways - we had a great church day yesterday. We had enough folks in for setup that we were mostly done by 8:00AM and I headed home to get breakfast with my family. That is a rare treat on Sunday mornings and I fully enjoyed that 2nd cup of coffee. We had 2 healing services. I was asked to come down front and pray for folks who came down and wanted prayer. It was pretty amazing as SO many people came down front. It was pretty emotional at times as many, including myself, left with tears on our faces. I couldn't help but to think back when I was first coming to Rocky River Community Church and I was just starting my walk with Jesus. Pastor Jimmy called me down front at the end of the service and prayed over me for my mom. It was very powerful then and it was pretty powerful yesterday. For that prayer and asking God to "Heal" - but in many ways - moms sickness did bring healing. Healing for so many as we walked with mom during those hard and dark times. Healing spiritually for so many including myself. God uses everything in our lives for His purposes~even if it means the passing on. Death is not looked at by our Heavenly Father as we see it. For many - death is final but if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus - then it is just a stop along your journey. Eternity in heaven is your home and this 50-60-70 years that you live on earth is just a passing through. Loved ones, your healing may be in many different forms - it may be your heart being made right with a lost loved one you haven't spoken to in years, it may be that son who left home years ago after college and things just have not been right since then, it may we that dad who left you when you were little, it may be your faith shining for someone to know Jesus through your pain and struggles. God will use you in all circomstances, even in your darkest days.

God did "Heal" my mom and I am thankful that she is in her heavenly home waiting on us to be with her. Her faith and trust was in Jesus ... I was there when she accepted Him into her heart and life.

Hope yours is with Jesus as well today. We all are only 1 intersection and a red light away from that meeting. Are you ready right now? Life is short.... that is one thing I have learned....

Love you all,

Lonnie~

TGIF~

It has been a busy week and I am thankful that Friday is here. Carol, Kyle and I got to hang out and have an awesome meal together with some good friends of ours last night. The conversations and the fun was so good that it was 10:00 in the matter of minutes. We didn't even notice the time flying by. This is a newly married couple and life is so bright for them and their future is stamped on the foundations of Jesus. I am so proud of them as they have done so many "Right" things that they are such a great example for young folks - especially young girls and boys. I am just so proud to be serving the Lord with them. It really is an honor and we are blessed because of their friendship.
This morning I had an early doctors appointment. So that means no eating or coffee before leaving the house. I am usually ok with that because I often times fast for a day here and there when I am looking and digging deep into my heart and Gods heart for direction or an answer on something I am struggling with. After the doctors I stopped and took some time at McDonald's. Normally I would drive through and head on into work but this time, I just felt like I needed to pause for a bit. To go in, get a coffee, bacon egg and cheese bagel and an OJ. So I order and the lady behind the counter was smiling and very pleasant. Place it about 40% full and I found me a seat over in the corner. Got my IPod out, my pen and paper and got into a message that I have been studying for a few weeks now so that I prepare my notes on our upcoming Rock Group lesson next Sunday. It should be a great series and I really want it to make an impact into our Rock Group families - even the kids. I pour a lot into these them and my reward is knowing that God is changing folks and growing their faith as we learn together about Jesus. That is what keeps me leading...... anyways - I enjoyed my coffee, OJ and my Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel. I was taking some notes and getting ready to finish things up. Not knowing who or what was really going on around me ... I just was not paying attention. I bowed my head and prayed a little to thank the Lord for this pause and for the time to study His word. I felt the Lord telling me to pick up the breakfast tab for the lady over a few tables over for me. The hair on my arm stood up - my heart starting beating faster and I can tell my face was getting red. I said, Ok Lord, If this is what You want me to do. I don't even know if I have any cash on me - are You sure? Isn't funny how we do that sometimes - question God.... I have to smile at that.
Anyways, I got up and took my tray to the trash and then got my wallet out. Removed $5 which I didn't know I had and walked up to the table. There sat a little lady - big glasses, had more coats on than I think she needed but I don't know - maybe she is poor, came in to McDonald's this morning to warm up because she has no heat, lives in her car, I have no idea.... I said Mam, you are going to think this is weird but Jesus loves you and I felt Him this morning telling me to pay for your breakfast and I handed her the money. She looked up at me a little startled - she had a coffee and a hash brown. That was all and she said "Why". I said I don't know but God wants you to know that He loves you. She reached for the tissues and began to cry - she thanked me and reached for my hand. I didn't know what else to do so I just smiled and she smiled. I told her to have a blessed day today and made my exit out. I got in my E and began to pull out and I looked over at her through the window and she was standing at the window now, with the tissues wiping her eyes and was waving with her right hand really hard.... you know how like a kid is saying good bye and is really excited. She was waving like a little child would wave.
I returned the wave and again smiled. It was such an awesome experience.
But being the softy that I am - as I turned onto the main road I was trying hard to hold back the tears. So many times in life we ignore and turn away from our Heavenly Father. I have no idea what kind of situation that lady was in or what her life was like or what she is currently struggling with. $5 is not a big deal to me but its a meal for someone else. Its a handup and not a handout. Its a word from the Lord telling this lady that people do care. God often times speaks through others in our lives. We often think that we have to hear a big boom - a loud voice coming from our heavenly father but more times than not - its often a whisper. A movement in ones heart leading them to do something - even if its out of place or you don't understand. Its the step forward in faith and doing what God is asking us that really makes the blessing from above count with feelings behind them.
In life we often turn to God when we have emergencies. When life is hard and we cannot see a way out. We then cry out to God to do something - help us and rescue us. I bet the heavens party when this happens because it is in those hard places when we cannot figure things out, punch our way out, buy our way out and have to get right down to it with the Lord - Lord, I just don't even know what to say, what to ask for, what to do but I trust You and I need You. God shows up in incredible ways when we put Him first in our hearts, lives, and decisions. Far too often when we are down and hurting, we try to white knuckle it - endure it by ourselves and suffer through - Your ideas to resolve it are just your ideas ...... God has God ideas. Who's is going to make a difference? Who's is going to lead you from where you are?

As a follower of Jesus - I can make excuses to not get involved with things and with people. Relationships are hard and many times they lead to messy places. Its those messy places that God does His best work. We need to drop the excuses loved ones. Do what God is asking you to do. Get involved, reach out, extend your little world of thinking and see what God is trying to show you. Some people have time - Some people have money. Its not likely that we have both. So pick which one you have and get to using it.

This morning was just a breakfast but someone who needed that breakfast and to be reminded that God loves her - it may mean a world of difference.
I ask the Lord every morning to use me for His purpose and His glory..... I am nothing with out Him. As good as salt that has lost its saltiness.... only to be thrown aside and placed in the dirt.

Its exciting to be following Jesus - you just never know what He is going to ask of you or who He will put in your paths.
Carry on loved ones - keep your light shining- for this dark world needs Gods light,
Lonnie~

A bit different today~

Woke this morning to an inch of snow on the ground!! Most of the area closed down - schools closed - weather folks reporting from everywhere! Seems there was some ice under that pretty snow - causing some major problems. Work opened late - Carol wondering what happened to the coffee. Got to hang in for a bit this morning and get the house warm after carrying in some firewood. Hey it was a nice change of pace. I am good with change to a certain degree but it does bring you to a new place. Maybe unfamiliar but sometimes - it is familiar.
I struggle sometimes with the choices and decisions that some people make. Especially when it comes to affecting their children in some way. I am not saying I am perfect by any stretch of the means nor do my decisions not affect my family but sometimes I wonder if the people making these decisions are any better at making them then their children are. Hey it's not my place to jump in and say this or that - its their life - all I can do is pray for them and then if it doesn't work out - be there to pick up the pieces and then pray those pieces back together again with Gods grace all in it.
But during this period of time - I am reminded of a piece of scripture -
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Maybe this door will close on this situation and friendship - maybe it will be a slow thing. I am ok with that because I have done what God has asked me to do. Maybe it is time to move on and invest elsewhere and in some new. Believe me though - if this happens it won't be easy. It will be hard but I know God is in control. I know that above all else, all the pain and suffering of walking this walk - He gets the glory for it. I am proud to be where He has taken me and my family for it and through it. Lives changed in some way I know has happened.... long term - Its in Gods hands.
So I am feeling a little strange about it all today. Maybe its me and the devil whispering in my ear and telling me things I don't need to be hearing. I trust in the Lord and I will carry on with the assignment He give me. But for now - I will be repeating this~
Proverbs 4:23
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
I know that if God closes one door - another He will open. I trust fully in that - that gets me excited~

Glad to see the snow this morning. It was quiet as the snow deafens the noise. I love my mornings and the time that God puts my heart in its right focus.
Peace out~
Lonnie~

Monday blues....

Wow - how did it get to be Monday already? Today, instead of sharing some things that God is teaching me - I want to share some random thoughts, some struggles I am facing and some other random things... sound OK?
Here it goes:

~ I mentioned to some of our Rock Group families last night during the super bowl that I had probably spent more time in the gym in my life than everyone put together. I got some strange looks but to be honest - it might be true. I have always been in the gym, training for Judo most of my younger life and then heavy the last 13 years while living in NC. The last 1.5 years though I have not been at all. Last time I was lifting and working out in the gym I had an episode that put be down on the ground for 45 minutes and unable to get up, leave, too afraid to have paramedics come and get me. It keeps me from the gym today. Only since summer have I got back into playing R'ball but I still miss the pumped feeling and working out. I can feel my health as not as good as it should be or what I want it to be. I need to get past my fears and get back
~ I love the folks in my Rock Group. I especially love the family feeling when we are all together. We have a lot of fun and we all can just be ourselves and knowing that we have each others back regardless of what we are facing. I am especially honored and humbled to be leading them all in some capacity and being the best example to all our kids that I can be. God will hold me accountable for what I am doing - it is a big responsibility to me and through this leadership role God is opening doors, teaching me so many things and is giving me confidence and strength to trust in Him more for my faith journey. Ya'll just don't know how much I love you all and how much I pray for each of you. Your burdens are my burdens....
~ There is a family that Carol and I have been praying for for years. Honestly - our walk with this family has been growing closer the last few months. They are close to plugging into church and really doing life with us. I am excited about that! I am excited to have the Lord really work on all of us and lead us down the same paths of life together.
~ I am especially proud of Carol and her new attitude to take care of herself. Something she has not always done but is now making progress and she has surrounded herself with some very close friends that are her accountability partners. Together they are making a difference where as alone - they might have given up already. Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, So one man (woman) sharpens another.
~ We just finished up a 3 part series in our Rock Group called "Kaleo" - which means "to be called". We are each called to do some very specific things from God. A few months ago as I was searching and praying about the next lesson for our group - I got to study the lesson of being called to make "Disciples". It explained that special relationship between "Paul" and "Timothy". Paul had Timothy to pour into - to teach and guide and be an example for. Timothy learned and studied to understand, act, pray, and live life according to what Paul was teaching him. Much like a parent and a child. We all have Timothy's in our life. People we are doing life with that we can share, laugh, have fun and cry with but a Paul only comes around every so often. People do not come to ask if they can be your Paul.... mostly people come and ask to be someones Timothy. I have been praying hard for a few months now about my "Paul". I have asked one person that I look up to very much and feel confident that I can learn many things from. I am waiting on an answer even though I don't exactly know that it will look like or how it will work. I have one more person to ask to be my Paul - I have some Timothy's and I thank God for them. Some are "MyKids" and some are my best friends who I am doing life with. Honored to be a "Paul" for them.
~ I am excited about this Wednesday. I will be tagging along to a bible study that Kyle has been going to for some time now. He and a few of his friends go to a local church and have worship, food and a quick message. I was asked to come along by one of Kyles classmates - someone who I have been praying for since the beginning of school. She is a great kid and is living through some tough and hard things. I continue to ask God to bring our paths together and maybe this is the chance coming up to do just that. I would love the opportunity to encourage her, pray for her and just do what God has asked me to do for so many.
~ Sunday's are my busiest day of the week. Monday comes way too fast. After serving most Sundays for 8 hours and then coming home, relaxing for just a little bit, get some lunch, study and prepare final notes for Rock Group that evening and then pouring my heart into that. I am usually wiped in Monday morning. Church leaders are talking of adding a 3rd service. That is a good problem to have when you have more people than seats at a church experience. I just don't know how or even if I have enough energy to add 2 more hours into my Sunday. I know we need volunteers to make it happen and beat myself up at times for not having enough of them. Maybe its my leadership abilities or maybe I am not doing something right. I just don't know. I want to do this until our church building is built and then move into the K-5 ministry and into Project 252 ministry to some degree. I just love the kids but I just can't do it all. There is something special to have a parent come to the kids area and have a crying child they are bringing in - mom or dad hands me the child and the tears stop and the smiles start and the mom or dad just is amazed..... and can go back into the service knowing that their child is taken care of and in good hands. That is a HUGE honor to be trusted like that.
~ I have been praying about what the future holds as far as my lunch time ministry when I go have lunch in the schools with "MyKids". Next year I won't have a reason to be allowed in the school since Kyle won't be there. Does that mean I can't go or can I be part of a school/student mentor program? Do they have such a thing? I need to figure that out so that I can continue that special time for these kids when they have a visitor to eat lunch with them. Kids really dig it and especially for those who have no one to come and visit them.
~ I have enjoyed the concept and filling in my daily activities on facebook the last few months. In one way though I have to say that I can't remember many of the folks from the old days. I get a friend request but can't remember them. Sorry - but I won't be friends with people who I don't know. For some this is not a big deal - they have 1000 friends but thats not how I roll. My niece has been accepting friends on her myspace account now for years. Big deal her account is set to private when there are 1500 folks she can still talk with. Creeps, 60 year old men, strange looking people you would not otherwise even say hello to can talk with her. Did I mention she is 15? I don't think I am ready for a teenager yet.... God will have to work me over hard by then.
~ I have been spending a lot of time lately with one of "MyKids". She has been through some tough things and has many struggles in life. I continue to struggle with how and when to help this family. How much is enough? I have told this family that I didn't know what I was doing but I was tired of not answering what God has asked me to do. So I continue to ask that God lead me, to be in each and every detail and to keep my intentions His intentions. We have made some break through lately .... I am excited about that.
~ I miss my family. It is hard to be plugged in and to know what is going on with everyone being 2 hours away. I don't make enough time for them. That makes me feel guilty. Family pain is the worst kind of pain. I would love to see my brothers come to know Jesus in my lifetime. I would love to see my dad know Jesus and thus keeping my promise to my mom. I miss my mom a lot. I say good morning to her every single day. I also miss Walt being in the house. We had many good conversations and he really cared about us and Kyle. I often feel bad for Kyle in such a way that he doesn't have Walt to pour into him anymore. It really was an incredible relationship they had. Kyle has seen more close people pass away in his short life as I have my entire life. God is going to use Kyle in many incredible ways and that makes me excited for him.
~ The Super bowl last night was pretty exciting. I am a Kurt Warner fan because of his leadership and example of following Jesus. It was a great game and the commercials - well only a few were good this year.
~ I am thinking after I finish up the next chapter in my study in the Bible - I am going to try my best to understand Job and again read Hebrews. I have not spent much time in the Old Testament and I think its time I venture into it.
~ Carol and I are going on our first marriage retreat. We are excited about that - learning and applying some new things and from Gods perspective. We are also excited about Charlston SC - we have never been there. Should be a great weekend~
~ I continue to pray for my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster. Uncle Buster has had some health issues lately and my Aunt Sharon has been right there by his side. Her son Scott has also been through some health issues and above all else for Scott - he doesn't know the Lord.
~ I miss my cousin Patty. During the time my mom was sick, she was my right hand and walked with me through some tough family pain. We would often stay up all night talking about things. She is like a sister to me and I love her dearly. I need to bring highway 77 a little shorter in length for us. She has a great guy now and I am thankful for him.
~ Our visits to the cabin are too far inbetween visits. I love bringing folks with us and sharing what God has given us. I love being able to loan it out for the weekends for trusted friends to go and unwind and experience a "Little piece of Heaven". God for sure has blessed us with that place.
~ I am humbled daily by what God has done in my life. He rescued me years ago from a sickness that could have easily killed me and leaving Carol a widow and Kyle with no father. I have many sons now and many daughters and a fire and love in my heart for others that only God gives to folks who live life as a second chance. I hate to tell many of my kids "NO" because they get to hear it in their lives far too often. I would do anything for family and "MyKids". God continues to lead me in life, to teach me and help me understand that God is the details. He is in those relationships and we are doing life together for a reason. I try to see the best in people, to have compassion in my heart for them and the things they are struggling with and to love them regardless. In life we some times have to remove the excuses and just get on with doing what God has called you to do. There is no place to hide and one day we all will be held accountable for our actions. No knowing Jesus is not based on our grandparents, our husbands or wives or aunt's or uncles.... its personal. Its a relationsip between you and our heavenly father. Why have someone hold you back from that?

~ I get to hang out with some of "MyKids" tonight as Carol has her support group with the ladies. I love investing everything I have into them. Nothing is sweeter in life than kids who think of you like a dad and you know you are making an impact in their lives.
God has truely blessed me in so many ways. May each day I give him praise and thanks for what He is doing and may I have the strength, energy, confidence in Him and the courage to always follow Him and stand for my God in everything I do.

~ Love leaves a lasting mark - So give it everything you got!

Love you all - thanks for walking with me on "The Walk"........
Lonnie