I was in bed last night at 9:15. Long day yesterday and one that was jam packed with things to do. Yesterday I got to do something that I have never done before. They say that there are 2 things that are our greatest fears - Heights and public speaking. Well, I got to tackle one of those yesterday and I am still scared of heights and vertigo at times doesn't help that but thats another story. About a month or so ago our Pastor to students and families asked me to pray about yesterday and preaching in the student ministry. I agreed right on the spot because I have felt in my heart for a long time this calling to do that. I know that is what God has called me to do with walking along side the students that He has trusted me with. It all began a few years ago when I walked into my first sunday school class because Carol continued to beg me and beg me to go with her. I was hooked since that day but it was a day that God had been building in me for some time before that. I can place blame on Donna for that -I pick at her all the time and I am so very thankful for you Donna - for letting me come into your classroom and experience the kids and God took my heart from there. All part of His perfect plan and the students and children I am doing life with today - I see them all as world changers and difference makers. I see so many of them taking their lights and shining in their dark places in their life. It is hard work at times, exhausting at times and its a ministry calling of extremes. But there is also extreme joy in all of it. Yesterday I got to teach from Luke 24. Its a story of the how Jesus walks along side His disciples after they were leaving town and walking along the side of the road. Jesus had been killed and placed in the tomb and all their hope and dreams were gone. All they heard about all their lives - a king that would come and rescue them and their people. They knew him as a friend and as their king - Jesus. Now with all hope gone, the long road to walk back home .... talking to themselves about what just happened and what they were going to do now. Jesus, without them noticing who He was..... walks up and looks over their shoulders. He checks in on our lives - he is in those text messages and phone calls, he is in those high school parties that maybe we shouldn't be at, he is in those relationships that are no good for us and leading us to a place we shouldn't be, he is in those football huddles, he is in the quiet times when nobody is looking.... he comes along side of us when life happens and we don't see it coming. When we are waiting on the test results, and during the loss of a parent, son or daughter. He is with us when we don't see him or feel him at all.......
With 42 students and leaders in the room ... it was a pretty awesome experience for me to bring them Gods word from my heart. A couple small video clips to help deliver the message and a call at the end that God prompted me to ask while we were praying to have the students look at me who need prayers this week because of something they are struggling with. MANY looked up at me and it almost brings tears to my eyes thinking about it right now as I looked at each one of them.
Mom - I never dreamed I would be doing this. I never dreamed God would be using me like this. I never dreamed my life would be revolving so much around God and have this burn in my chest for the students and their families that I am doing life with. There is no higher calling than this and I often just have to sit back and be completely amazed. Mom, through your cancer, it has brought me to this place. God's perfect place and plan. I pray I can continue to impact those around me for Jesus not just in a preaching way but also in a doing way - a faith that has actions behind it. An impact as we minister together to a family in need, as we give out soccer balls this coming Saturday, as we feed the homeless and work at the Christmas center.
There is nothing more important than their relationship with Jesus. Life comes at us and often times we don't see it coming. Your life was that way mom - we just didn't see it coming. Instead of asking why me ..... one valuable lesson I have learned over the years is seeking God in my struggles and asking "What is it Lord you want me to learn through this?".
I want to thank Carol for coming down and checking on me before the students got there. Carol you give up so much and are still adjusting to all that God is doing. We often times are running all over the place and burning the candles at both ends. I love you so much and I just couldn't do any of this without your support. We give up a lot of time to minister to "OurKids" and its not just limited to Sundays.... every day there is ministry work taking place as we love on those around us and in doing so .... we are making a difference! Our home is a safe zone - one where they can come and smile, share things, experience a love for them and feel God at work.
I want to thank Morgan for coming with me yesterday to the early service which she often times does. I think I would have been really nervous if I was in the classroom by myself for those 30 minutes before hand. I am thankful that we got to talk and share some laughs and for always encouraging me. I want to thank Kyle for always telling me I did a good job.... and always for his encouraging words and prayers. Thanks to the leaders in the room yesterday for telling me I did good and it was a message that they too needed to hear and that they felt it...... I also want to thank Pastor Travis for trusting me in leading. I sometimes have no idea what I am doing or what to do next but I am so pumped for what is ahead man. God has us moving forward on many things as we reach out to our students. I am so excited to be a part of this!!!
We got to celebrate Joe Bagley's life yesterday at his memorial service. I am in awe of his family and the life he has lead following Jesus. His life is an amazing testimony and it was amazing to see so many of his church friends and his family there. You could just feel the love in the room for an amazing man, an amazing husband, an amazing father, an amazing friend and an amazing follower of Jesus. I will always cherish our sunset conversation Joe. I know with all my heart that conversation took place for a reason. A reason to pause our life and just take in those still moments in time where heaven and earth come together and God paints an amazing tapestry of colors and scenery. I'll see you again my friend.
As I look around the office this morning. I see lots of pictures and notes .... Our lives are meant to be lived so big and so full of life. I am just very thankful this morning for what God is doing in me, through me and for my close peeps in my life that I get to share so much with. I am so blessed to be doing this together.
Lonnie~
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