There are times during the week I feel like a teenage bus driver. I remember back a few months listening to a sermon about a college age youth leader driving middle and high school students around on Friday nights to their church's youth services. She did that for years and poured so much into the lives of those teens. Her life was passing by and her friends were out dating and getting married and she continued to sail the teenage bus back and forth on Friday evenings. For the past few weeks now, I have given up my basketball tickets to attend our middle/high school bible study (LOL) on Wed nights. I don't get home until 9pm on those evening and I am wiped out. It takes sometimes an hour to pick everyone up and drop them back off at home. I got aggravated this week because there is just not enough time to get it all done and everyone to where they need to be on time. I am a stickler when it comes to being late for stuff but sometimes the clock just doesn't slow down enough. Is all this worth it? Is the time I am investing driving all over the place to get these students to bible study worth it?
You better believe it!!! This past Wed night we had 2 students stand and accept Christ. That is a victory!! That is reason to celebrate and enjoy the fruit of all the effort we pour out and into them. Eternity has changed forever in those 2 students. Is that vacation time worth it each week to pick up and drop at school 5-7 students on Friday mornings to YCI? You better believe it. I had a student who I have only met through YCI - ask me this morning if it would be ok for her to call me "Uncle Lonnie" like so many other students do. I had a student ask me - do you go to church with everyone in here? - I love the smiles, the good mornings, the handshakes and the high fives. I love that God is being brought into that media center in our school system and this group of middle school students have something in common. To know Christ better.
I want to share Ephesians 4:1-3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

This kind of sacrifice isn’t about money or time, it drills down to the core of who you are. The strength and muscle behind this pledge is in the sacrifice of yourself. Humility is the word that comes to mind here.
Pastor Travis called each one of my rock group kids by name out on Wed night. He told them how awesome it is for them to have Carol and I in their corner along with their parents. Not everyone in my rock group kids have both parents...and that role makes it all the more special. Travis has it right when he told them that we would do anything for them. He knows my heart.... I pray it really shows. How you see people shows others where your heart is.

Happy Friday everyone,
Lonnie~

I am looking around my office this afternoon looking at all the pictures I have. Its wonderful seeing the smiles and the relationships in those captures of time. I changed my office up some here at work and trying to get comfy in my different surroundings. I needed a change but honestly only in my office. Carol is working at home while a painter is painting our bathroom, kitchen, dining room, Kates room and her office. So far so good even though each room looks destroyed... it will be put back together again in time. I know relationships never stand still. People are either growing closer together or growing farther apart. I have been evaluating that over the last few weeks or a little longer. Which ones are growing apart? Is there something I am doing to make that happen? Is there something I am not doing to make that happen? My role in the student ministry has my heart trying hard to stay focused on the entire group and not so much focus on each individual. Its hard... I get attached... my heart is in it. I never thought it would take this much energy... I never thought my heart would hurt this much... I never thought that a student standing up and accepting Jesus would taste so sweet.... but it does.

Student ministry is not fun at all until you have given a HUGE chunk of your heart to it.

Students know the difference between an adult who is simply tolerating them versus one who genuinely loves to be around them. Student ministry is 70% relational and being in the lives of the students. I am asking the question this morning - is my hunger for Christ contagious? Students are desperate for relationships... Is my hunger for Christ apparent enough to them that it would be a Christ hunger for them?

I woke this morning with Psalm 139 on my heart. The last 2 verses speak volumes to me today.
Psalm 139: 23-24
23-24 Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.

I know there is a certain amount of tears during the times of sowing Gods seeds and when things are not going well, bite your lip, taste your tears, and stand on what God has shown you in the night until it happens in the light.
Life is in constant change - Lord help me see life through Your eyes and not my own. Help me feel the things of Your heart and not my own.
Lonnie

4 years....

It is hard to believe that 4 years has passed since you left for heaven that morning mom. I think back to that morning with me just finally laying down on your couch in the LR after being up for 3 days. Danny was in dads chair and Craig was in the back room. Dad in the chair next to you. It was 4:17 in the morning when dad came in and said you were gone. I wanted to be there for you when you left. I stayed by your side for days knowing that you letting go of us was close. But it was not meant to be. It was not the way you wanted it. I remember that morning being cold but refreshing in a way. The sun came up and all was still. No noise at all outside. I remember walking around the house calling Carol, Aunt Sharon, Patty, my buddy Warren, and a few others. As folks gathered at the house to say goodbye ... nobody really looked at each other in fear of breaking down. It had been a long hard 4 months. I am thankful looking back today that I was there as much as I was. Not too many days gone by I was not at the side of your bed, praying with someone, encouraging someone to go in and visit with you, making coffee or running to get a meal. I remember Wed nights Patty would come and stay with me because we sent Craig and dad to the bowling alley. I remember this picture with such a smile and a love in my heart. Your first day home from the hospital after spending weeks there. There was nothing else the docs could do and dad and I along with your head nurse made the decision to bring you home. HOME is where you wanted to be. Danny and I left right afterwards and went to Walmart, we got a christmas tree up and decorated, bed moved out and furniture moved as we waited for Hospice to come and deliver the things you would need. It was amazing that morning having you home. You smiled and wanted to go to each room to make sure everything was in order and as you wanted. That makes me smile because it was so you. We shared christmas that day together. Our last..... but one that meant the most. I remember thinking that this is our high moment in this journey, while full knowing that dark days were coming. It was such a blessing to have you home and for all of us to share in those next few days because the dark days that followed where hard for sure. Lots of tears fell, lots of talks next to your bed and many things I wish I could forget that took place but hang on in my mind just as if it happened yesterday. We spoke of heaven more so during this season than at any other time mom. I am thankful for that. I am thankful that my heart was in a season to be open to what the Lord wanted me to do. I pray that I served you well and served our family and friends well during that time. I remember you asking me if God would mind that when you finally got there - if you could just pause for a second and touch your big toe into heaven. I remember telling you sure mom... I don't think Jesus would mind. Just reach for his hand and let Him take you home. Home is where you are today. I know you are waiting and enjoying heaven with all of its glory. It must be pretty awesome and I look forward to that time when we are together again. A lot has been going on here and I pray that the life I am leading is honoring you and would make you proud of me. I have answered Gods call on my life and leading at church in a new role the past 5 months or so but a role that I know God has prepared for me and has been working on my heart to do. Leading middle/high school kids is challenging for sure but I love them. I want nothing more in my heart for them to know Jesus and to live a life that is so much different than what the world is telling them. There is such hope and promise in living a life honoring God. I have never been more eager for this generation to step out in faith and trust in our Lord. I have a story in my life and how God has changed me and is using me ... there is no reason why God can't use them as well. Kate has been with us now for 6 months and though we have had some struggles and have shed some tears and have been to the point of giving up... we are stronger today than at any other time because God continues to show us His grace and the ability to move on when things are hard - to keep looking forward with a hope that all is going to work out. I was not blessed to have a daughter but today I know without a doubt that I have many. Kyle is doing great and never ceases to amaze me. He is such a loving and caring young man who sometimes carries the weight of everyone on his shoulders. He rises to the occasion so often and with such tenderness, comidy at times and with such care its hard to believe he is only 12. I smile everytime I think about what God is going to do through him to make a difference in this broken world. You would be so proud of him. Carol is doing great - she for sure is the rock in the family. She amazes me at all that she does and all that she is. She has the biggest caring heart for others and I do believe that will never change. I am thankful that today she has some good friends to lean on and together we have a team around us in our rock group families that just makes life so much easier. They have our back and we have theirs and that is such a blessing. All of "MyKids" are doing well... even though they are hitting those teenage years and are turning nuts - my role is becoming less with them. Dad is doing well and is happy today. Miss Neila is a wonderful woman and I am thankful for her. Aunt Sharon ... wow. What do I say? She is struggling some with her Parkinsons but meds and excersize are working even though she has good days and not so good days. She is focused on Jesus and serving him no matter what is going on. I am so proud of her and continue to look up to as an example of following Jesus is all about. We lean on each other a lot and together we are making it. Uncle Buster is doing just fine and continues to be such a bright servant. Scott has had some health issues and I think he is closer to God today than he ever was. We continue to pray for his salvation. Craig and family are all well even with his job being on and off. There is so much more I could say. I long for those times sitting on your back deck on the swing talking. Coffee in hand over some good conversations no matter what the subject was about. A few weeks ago I put down on paper some things that I wanted to share to my rock group family. It came from a 5 year old and I added to it. I'll share those words now but before I do so. I just wanted to tell you I miss you, I love you and oh the conversations we would be having today. I miss them..... but I know you have given me the torch to lead mom. "I PROMISE" is still written on my heart. Your tears on a napkin full of Gods grace, His love, and His salvation through Jesus.
Enjoy heaven today mom, its not a day to be sad but a day to rejoice and be glad in it all because of what Jesus did for us. Thankful He made a place for us to be together again.
Big hugs this morning.....
Your son,
Randy

When you thought I wasn’t looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite meal for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned that I could trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give so much of your energy to serving others and I learned that putting others in front of self brings heavenly blessings.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I noticed how messy life is but you got involved anyways and I learned that sometimes doing the hard things is most of the time the right way.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I watched you hit bumps in the road and I wanted so badly to jump in and help but I knew you had to feel those bumps to learn in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes life hurts but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned that God often times wants to change me and not our circumstances.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I got to watch you struggle through a big decision and I learned that God will be a big part in my decision making.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I wanted to say some things and take you by the hand to guide you and I learned that keeping quiet is a hard thing to do sometimes but necessary.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared about me and I wanted to be everything that I could be because I wanted to make you proud.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned that saying sorry was necessary in any relationship that is worth fighting for and investing in even if I’m the one to say sorry first.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned that sometimes hearing the words “I Love you” is sweeter than me saying them first.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned that it’s not always good to get what you ask for; sometimes what God gives us is much better.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,
"Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Letting go....

So check this out, for the week starting last night after rock group till next Sunday after rock group - I was going to give up Facebook. Make a last post saying - I am giving up Facebook for the week and to focus that time on God instead - dont look for me on here until next Sunday. After a tough lesson last night on addictions and the things in our lives that master us .... we all decided to give up something for the week. I am amazed at some of the things that folks were willing to get rid of. My plans to lead the discussion and I was fully prepared, especially from the kids, to get some angry looks and hard feelings but God delivered and His message to free us from the things that keep us in bondage went over pretty well.
Some of the things that my rock group family is doing without this week. Facebook, Ipod music, peanut butter, sweets, tv time, meat, soda, brownies with the kids in the evenings, coffee.... and speaking of coffee..... I had already made up my mind that facebook was going to be my thing to give up this week. My rock group had another plan. See I am on there from time to time and for example 2 times last week a parent and a student got me on the chat and we talked for a good long time about things and I offered my best in terms of counseling them in the best way I knew how and pointing them to God in the process. So they wouldn't let me.... can you believe that? So instead - I had to give up my afternoon coffee. I am not sure what it is about that coffee in the afternoon - often times its not a full cup and it may be left over from the morning... which I put in the fridge as an ice coffee..... but I will be missing it for sure!
I can't wait to next Sunday - not so that I can have an afternoon coffee, well maybe a little, but more so for the stories that took place this week without what we gave up. Did it help bring you closer to God? How did you use this new perspective? It will be reason to celebrate for sure.
Hey gang.... love you all and so blessed to have you in my life and in my families life. Ya'll have our back and we have yours.... glad to be doing life together, challenging each other, loving each other, raising our kids together, and following Jesus together.
Proverbs 27:17 -As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Something different today~

As with anything in life its awesome to change things up from time to time. A new drive into work brings new scenery. A change of routine in the morning can bring out something new and exciting to start your day. A new prayer or scripture verse to focus on can bring forth new understanding. A new hello to someone you never said hello to before may bring forth a new best friend. A taste of some new food can bring forth a new favorite meal. So today I will post something new. Ready? Read along with me.

Faith. Growth. Forgiveness. Gods presence. Family. Selflessness. Worship. Awe. Thankfulness. Discipline. Kindness. Strength. Grace. Peace. Wisdom. Joy. Patience. Gratefulness. Service. Restoration. Redemption. Holiness. Heroes. Gentleness. Spiritual healing. Emotional healing. Physical healing. What happens when God's people read God's word? Humility. Honor. Power. Self-control. Relationship. Enthusiasm. Outreach. Sharing. Accountability. Insight. Purpose. Goodness. Beauty. Compassion. Blessing. No fear. Perserverance. Glory. Knowledge. Godliness. Faithfulness. Promise. Eternity today. Heaven on earth. Praise. Encouragement. Life. LOVE.

Its time for something new in your life. Spiritual growth is a choice. You have to want to grow. Its not automatic. You can grow old without growing up. You are as close to God as you choose to be. He doesn’t move – we do.

Move forward loved ones....
Lonnie~

Mid Week

I have to say that I would have swiped my credit card this morning to get a few more hours of sleep. After the last 3 days I am pretty much wiped out but I am in good spirits and when I focus on the Lord - He ALWAYS makes a way to get through things. So looking ahead the rest of the week because I am not looking back. We have our LOL - Middle/High school bible study tonight. I got a call from one of "MyKids" last night wanting to go so I will be picking her up. She also asked if we could spend some time together this coming Saturday so I think I can handle that - maybe over a breakfast and some gym time? Tomorrow, I was invited by one of "MyKids" to go to a movie. Imagine that, one of my dear kids asking me to a movie? That has me all pumped up because 1 - I didn't have to plan and invite and 2 - mom and dad are cool with it and that "trust" factor means more to me than anything. 3 - she really wants to go! I am really excited about this!! YCI Friday morning. Friday evening my family and I are going to our local high school to see our middle school kids in a play. Yes I know theatre ... fancy - but its all good. I would do anything for "MyKids". As of right now I only know of one thats actually in the play but looking forward to seeing many additional familiar faces. This brings me to Saturday - 2:00 - college basketball. Sold out - yes I said it - SOLD OUT BABY! That means almost 10,000 fans in one place and that alone just excites me and I am sure Kyle will have his green hair on and his face painted! It also has me thinking with so many people in one place about "The crowd". This crowd is not the same as participants. This is going to be a crowd - they will go home after the game and back to their lives. A few weeks back at NewSpring church at the Bi-Lo center - that was a crowd of participants. 18,000 people left there changed in some way and wanting to be a participant in Gods kingdom. The difference this Saturday as we leave the stadium - we always leave walking against the crowd because of where we park. Imagine the difficulty with me for a second walking against thousands of people going in the opposite direction. Its for sure slow going, you get some looks, people are sometimes rude because you are in their way instead of them being in your way and you are not the norm...... You are different. Our christian walk is pretty much the same way. We are walking against what society wants us to walk. We are going against the crowd. We stand out from the crowd and in the eyes of Jesus -that is a good thing.
I am reminded of 1 John 4:4-6
4You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Why then do so many people follow along in the crowd? Why do you at school walk with the crowd knowing that you are called to be different and not just follow along? Why is it so hard to share your faith even with your close bff's? I'll tell you that its easier to walk with the crowd. Its less challenging and YOU FIT IN.
When you chose to walk differently than the rest of the world, the rest of your school class mates, your friends or coworkers at work, - people notice. It takes a LOT of courage to stand up for something that is not the most popular choice. As a follower of Jesus, you are called to be different and walk according to Gods standards even if that means walking against the crowd and in the opposite direction.
Though it is never easy, going against the way of the world always means staying close to the Lord. You are as close to God as you chose to be and sometimes that means not going with the flow and choosing the path less traveled.
You are never alone in your journey so chin up and walk like you own the place. Thats what I tell all mykids - walk with confidence and pride knowing you are part of Gods family. The crowd will move......

Story time....

Many of you remember back in your childhood, either your mom or dad or another family member reading a story to you. It might have been at bed time or before your afternoon nap or maybe on those lazy Sunday afternoons after church while resting and relaxing. I bet many of you love thinking back to those stories. I wish I could remember them. Back in 1999 I got sick and with this sickness I lost a lot of memory. I don't remember having any of those story times with my mom or my Aunt Sharon or my dad. It hard sometimes thinking about that and not being able to remember because I know they happened. I know how much I would value them today if I could just remember them. We all have our favorite stories right? Mom had this story, Dad loved sharing or reading this story. Those are awesome times to reflect back on but they are experiences that really grab our hearts. We all have stories in our lives. A story is unfolded each and every day we walk this life. God is not done with your story yet. See my stories are different than your stories because I have experienced them. I have lived them, shared them, suffered in them and smiled in them. But they are MY stories. I can tell a pretty good story as I bet you can as well. But no matter how good I am at telling a story - they are still my stories and you can only grab and feel so much of the realness in them.
God is much the same way. My walk with God is my story. Its real, its alive and its flippin awesome. But its my story .... Your story with God is your story and even if our stories are similar or very far apart - they will always be personal.
We only get so much out of other peoples stories. I can remember not long ago standing in front of the students in our student ministry - yes they let me do that from time to time - and I was pouring my heart out into them. I had experiences and stories to share that mean huge things to me. TO them - I am just standing there telling them a story - maybe they get it, maybe it changes them a little, maybe they feel something through the words - maybe not. Its MY STORY. Its MY EXPERIENCE.
I can stand there all day and cry out in my words, study and fret to make sure every single word is carefully chosen and my story is prayed over to be ok as if I was telling God this story. Does it have His approval? Would He want to listen to it?
Your relationship with Jesus is not based on my relationship with Jesus. It is based on YOUR personal experience with him. I can show you what he has done in my life. I can tell you time and time again what He has done to make my life better and more worth living for Him. I can pick you up and take you to church on Sunday - you can sit through 2 services a Sunday for years. You could be in a small group, be prayed over, encouraged and still NOT HAVE the story in your life of Jesus. Do you really know Him? Is He the focus point in your life? Are you choices lining up with Him or of the things of this world?
Looking at the personal stories of recorded history through the eyes and hearts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - their stories were personal. John wrote that he heard, saw, and touched Jesus. It was his personal experiences with our Lord that he wrote. Sure John was one of His disciples, but the awesome truth is that you can have that same experience with Jesus. You can hear his voice speaking into your life. You can see His work in your life. You can let Him touch your innermost part of your heart and He can change you.
What makes a story more compelling? You tell it through your personal experience. What makes your story with Jesus compelling? The same - you must tell it through personal experience! You have to know Him to experience Him.
You are as close as you want to be to God.

Whats the point in all this if you won't let it change you?

Thankful for a Monday Morning~

I have to agree that it has been a long time since I have said that and even more so - felt that. Monday ... Thank you Lord for Monday morning. Yesterday was a tough day in many ways. Without going into details - lets just say that family pain is the most painful. I got to experience a Grace in my life like never before and I also got to extend Grace like never before. With not a dry in the house ... it was said afterwards that this was holy ground... I do believe God was in the room leading. A clean slate, forgiveness granted and life moves on. Rock Group last night was probably the most powerful and connected time together that I think we have ever experienced. Its times like these when a family - centered around Christ - is an amazing and wonderful experience. Far too often our earthly families have issues and they are full of struggles, sin, separation, greed and selfishness .... but coming together centered around Jesus is just an awesome way to do life with people. Jesus called the first small group and set the bar and example pretty high. It shows us the benefit of doing life with others and sharing their walk. As followers of Christ - we are not meant to walk alone. We are either moving towards God or away from God ..... and those are choices that we each make. I shared with my rock group family last night that we do have a say in our faith. We get to choose how close to God we want to be. Its up to us because He hasnt moved.
Last week I attended a leadership forum on-line from SaddleBack Church. Pastor Rick Warren and many other leaders got to speak and share the church/disciple vision and I will tell you that I ran out of paper taking notes. Powerful messages that we all need to hear from these awesome God loving and God serving leaders of our local churches today. Just fires me up thinking about that and would love to watch that again in the very near future.
I wanted to wrap up today with a passage I got to talk to some of "MyKids" last night with. Its the parable of the sower which is found in;
Matthew 13:18-23
The Meaning of the Harvest Story 18-19"Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn't take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person's heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road. 20-21"The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. 22"The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it. 23"The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams."
We all have good fertile soil in our hearts. We all have the capability to reap a harvest in our lives. We grow by letting Christ live through us. Its not about what would Jesus do? ... its about DOING what Jesus would do. Sometimes we have to get upset at some things. We have to be compassionate about some things. We have to extend grace and mercy for some things. We have to uncomfortable about some things. We have to have those hard conversations about some things. We have to sacrifice over some things.... and those "some things" are not just objects or situations they include people as well. We have to be intentional, persistent and focused.
You have the good soil loved ones..... and even good soil needs some work from time to time. If you don't see or value the importance of God in your everyday life - then He will never grow with a 100 fold harvest in your life. Something that he promises each of us through His words.
You can't grow in Jesus unless you love him; You can't love Jesus if you don't grow in Him.
Love you today Monday!
Lonnie~

Thorns~

I have to say that this morning started off pretty well. A good conversation with one of my close kids over a Monster and a Pickle. Funny how 2 things like that, so random really, lead to a start of a day like this one. I hope your day is going just as good.
I want to talk a little today about thorns. I recently had some out patient surgery on my back to take some moles off and the first round a few weeks back ended with them not getting everything they needed. Tests came back positive stage 1 and they needed to do a round 2. So back in I go for round 2 and more stitches. I was pretty let down about that news but yesterday I received the call that all is good now and they got what they needed to remove. Praise God for that and I can rest now knowing this is behind me. But it has me thinking about those stitches, the uncomfortable place they put us in and the pain that comes when we have to have something removed either from our bodies or in our lives.
I remembered the story of Paul and his thorn. This story comes from:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This thorn that Paul speaks of sounds like it really hurt. He was a tough guy for sure. He asked God to remove it 3 times but God refused and told Paul that his Grace was sufficient and through His power Paul weakness would be used to bring God glory. I wonder today what that thorn was in his life. Was it an actual thorn, a rosebush thorn, a cactus thorn since region was dry and rocky. Was it a splinter of wood of somekind or maybe a nail? Maybe it was internal like his stomach or gall stones.... or kidney stones? It has me thinking of the thorn in my life. What today is breaking my heart and that God is using to keep me humble?
I would have to say the students, my close kids in my life and my family. Ya'll often times break my heart. Just when we get over one hurdle or through something difficult - we are on to the next one. Just when I get one student on track - another falls and back up on my feet I go. The thorns here keep me humbled and searching for Gods grace in all this. Through this, God is using it to change me. So often we have things in our lives that hurt, that we struggle with, tough situations and other life defining moments where we just want God to take them from us. I remember when my mom was sick - that season in my life was so hard, so long and so much full of hurt. I begged God to either heal my mom or hurry and take her. God used that season to change so much in me. My kids today - I have never felt so urgent for them. I am blessed to be serving them in the capacity that God has led me to. No matter the pain, the gain, the disappointments, the tears, the victories - God is changing me along the way. He is teaching me so much and that major thing is - is that His grace is sufficient for me.
What is that thorn in your life? Is it that prodigal child who is just making wrong choices and headed down the wrong path? Is it that friend who always seems to call only when they need something and you feel used? Is it that sickness that the doctor has you on medication for and there is no cure? Is it the job that just left because the economy has turned?
What is that thorn that God has in your life right now? I promise you God is using it to change you. Through this thorn - God is teaching you and if you will focus not on the thorn itself ... you will experience God in a new and exciting way.
Imagine letting people know you have cancer and that through Gods grace - you are ok with it. You are hungry to show Gods glory through it. Imagine the job loss and through Gods grace you now have time to spend with your grand kids or venture into a business you have always wanted to do. Imagine the friend who just drags you down and only calls when they want something has freed you from carrying the burden of always stepping up to the plate for them. Imagine that child coming to you and admitting they have been wrong and that they are sorry and they whisper so softly that they love you.

Loved ones.... Gods grace is sufficient and even though we have our own thorns in life -God is working behind the scenes. Embrace those thorns and give God the glory through them.

Grace and peace today,

Lonnie

Mirrors

I have to admit - I enjoyed the superbowl last night. Commercials were pretty funny and even though we opened our home for folks to come and watch the game with us - it turned out great. I got to spend some time with one of "MyKids" who I have not had the chance to spend much time with the last few months. Mom came and got her later in the evening and it was nice to be able to sit and chat to catch up in life. I am thankful for those moments and their friendship. Carol has a lot of chili left over so hopefully we can supply some folks with a meal the next few days. Hey Saints played well and I enjoyed watching Drew Brees and the story about his life the last few years. How New Orleans changed him and not him changing the city. He is a very humbled man and that is hard to find in a man these days. Pride seems to creep in so easily these days and it affects more than we care to know. My point being is that I am a pretty emotional person. I was always brought up that guys/dudes dont show emotion or cry over things. I can't remember as an adult ever doing so until my mom passed back in 2006. There is a spiritual mark in my life as Pastor Jimmy preached on that topic yesterday. Moms passing changed so much about me that i sometimes wonder if there is much left of the old me since then. I find it really hard to hold back my tears, my emotions when I am involved with something that includes my heart or my family or one of mykids. My heart just overflows. A few months back we had some of my clan over of teenagers and Carol and I watched the movie - My Sisters Keeper. It was all I could do to keep my face up and my eyes on the tv. Kids were laughing ... pretending to be tough and not show emotion. We all know what it means when you hear - Hey, I'm not crying... I have something in my eye. BOOHOO.... who really cares right? Hey they may not have shed a tear but I was not embarrasses for them to see me shed a tear. It wont be the last time for sure. I care too much and too deeply to fake it or pretend to be something I am not. To be honest though, this emotion thing used to bother me. Am I less of a man that I am supposed to be? Aren't I supposed to suck it up and not show any emotion at all? There are far to many bars in our worlds full of men drowing their feelings and not dealing with things. So as far as this goes - if I shed a tear or speak on a topic that is hard or emotional - hey its because i care and my focus is on you and not me. Thats a good thing. I also think that if Jesus wept for someone he deeply cared about and had shed tears for the people in his life ...then I can do that as well - it can't be that bad right?
I would rather have a tender heart than a heart that is stone cold with no emotion. Its ok that Kyle, my family and "MyKids" see this side of me from time to time. I for sure don't want them to think I am just some robot going through life but through my emotions and my connection with them - they may just see a clearer vision of God in their lives.

I have been giving it a LOT of thought lately on the topic of family ministry. Too often parents today think its up to the local church, pastors, youth leaders to teach their kids about Jesus. I am not sure where these thoughts and this vision is going but I do know one thing.
At the end of the day, the best way to touch my family, my students, MyKids - is to let them see how much Jesus has touched my life so that it may change theirs. We are the mirrors to so many around us. What is your life saying about you?

I will end with this today and it reminds me of all the special friendships I have with so many.

A wonderful bond exists between the person who invests and the one in whom the investment is made. This bond evolves from the heart of anyone who recognizes this investment and places such a high value in it. One mirror reflects to another.

Your way

Its not how the song goes but its the way it should be. Your way ... not my way. When we put ourselves first we are out on a limb by ourselves because we are ultimately after pleasing ourselves. Far too often our prayers are just that... a list to give to God for Him to bless our things. What if we changed that and asked God to bless us through what He wants. It would mean us changing...and not our struggles, not our friends, not our situation .... it would change our hearts because often times our hearts don't line up with Gods heart.
We often spend hours in prayer trying to convince God that He should bless what we are trying to accomplish. What we need to do is spend hours in prayer for God to reveal His purpose. When we do what God has ordained to be done, we are blessed because Gods plan is already blessed.

That is beautiful. God I can't do this or anything for that matter without you. Show me to line myself up behind what you want me to do. Examine my heart Lord and remove the things that are not pleasing to you. Keep me pure and with your intentions. Give me the courage and strength Lord to stand for You. Often times we can't see the road ahead, even if its just a few steps because we are so focused on the right here and now. We focus on our struggle or that relationship that has changed or isn't working any longer. Lord your will over our own. Help us do things Your way Lord in Your perfect timing. Its because Your ways are blessed Lord and is what's best for us. Help us praise you no matter what and bring fame and glory to Your holy name. Amen

Britt Nicole I got to see live a few months back. For the first time I got to listen to her album last night while at the gym with one of "mykids". I am glad I did......

Feels like i`ve been here forever,
Why can`t you just intervene? Do you see the tears keep falling?
And i`m falling apart at the seams. But you never said the road would be easy,
But you said that you would never leave. And you never promised that this life wasn`t hard,
But you promised you`d take care of me. So I`ll stop searching for the answers,
I`ll stop praying for an escape, And I`ll trust you,God, with where i am,
And believe that you will have your way.
Just have your way.Just have your way.
When my friends and my family have left me, And I feel so ashamed and so cold.
Remind me that you take broken things
And turn them into beautiful.
So I`ll stop searching for the answers, I`ll stop praying for an escape,
And i`ll trust you, God, with where i am, And believe that you`ll have your way.
Just have your way.Just have your way.
Even if my dreams have died, And even if i don`t survive,
I`ll still worship you with all my life.
My life.
You love me.
Have your way.

A journey

Spent the day yesterday with 5 middle school students - crazy you say? Na.... loved every minute of it. To watch 2 of my girls getting their hair done was priceless and I am so thankful for being a part of that. Being there to talk with my other girl through a tough place ... and to be there as a fatherly figure to a teenager who needs a figure in his life .... let me tell ya that nobody will invest in something if they don't get a good return right? You dont put your money into an investment that crashes or you lose money right? They are so worth my investment... my time, money, passion, heart and soul ...... because a 100 years from now ..... it just might make a difference.
It for sure has been a trying few weeks for me. With the news of my Aunt Sharon, my little brother hanging on with his family for a job and feeding his 3 kids, one of my close kids struggling with something that had her in a very different place in her life, an upcoming surgery for a close friend and dad losing his job and what do I need to do to step up for their daughter.... and far too many doctors appointments for me .... I am glad I am sleeping again. One thing that I can honestly say during all this and in this season of time is that God continues to be faithful. Looking back, sometimes don’t the richest times come right in the midst of our hardest times? That’s because God made us to live in community – to laugh, cry, hurt, and celebrate with each other, no matter what we’re going through… its times like these that we really just place the things we are struggling with at the feet of Jesus and seek Him like never before. Sometimes it lasts awhile, sometimes we need to be patient as God works things out .... and sometimes it even hurts.
If you could sum up in one word what it takes to be effective in ministry or what my life would say to someone, what would that word be? – Relentless – You must be a person who is relentless, always abounding in the work of the Lord. If you give up easily, there is no need for you to attempt to accomplish much for God. Relentless is a word to describe people who will not take no for an answer. They try things one way, and if that doesn’t work, then try it another way. But they don’t give up. Giving up puts us in a place to have regrets.
I have always been the type of person that grabs hold and runs with the ball. I don't look at myself so much as a leader but as an example. I am pretty hard on myself for sure... as I want to be the best example for those in who are in my life. Those who need direction, who need a fatherly figure, who need a friend or someone to talk to, to be the best husband, daddy and uncle ... or who need to see what life has in it by following Jesus. Yes it has its very serious moments for sure. There are days that its hard to smile for sure... Yes, its hard ... hardest thing I have ever done. There just never seems to be a break because people depend on you, lean on you, need you and at times... man I tell you - the shoulders are heavy. But by being relentless- that means I am bringing it. I am not quiting when the tough gets hard. I look around and see some folks unplugging from church, from friends who they have good relationships with for years backing out... students who are falling aside.... for sure my heart hurts in these places but staying on course...staying in focus is what its all about.
Without a valley in our lives loved ones.... there can be no mountain tops!
Even when in the valley we may be just steps away from climbing up the other side. I guess for the first time I have ventured out to a place in my life where I am really trusting in the Lord to provide... provide direction, provide opportunity, provide safety and provide the words ...while keeping my heart humble and in tune with His heart.
Grace is in every moment and in every breath.....
One of our most basic needs is to be understood by the inner circle of people with whom we walk.
I am thankful for those who are walking with me...adults, family members and my kids..... I dont have a rule book, dont have a play book but I have a directional book in the Bible. Love covers a multitude of sins and without love - we dont have anything. This journey is just beginning and standing on the sidelines watching is not what I am about. My life wont be lived with regrets. I know I am serving those around me with all I have. Even when I wonder sometimes... is all this worth it?
I am reminded that you are. YOU ARE WORTH IT!! I am reminded that following Jesus is WORTH IT!
I know where I have been and I am so excited to see where God is taking me. God didnt give up on us loved ones... don't give up on Him.
Pressing on ....... in the journey ahead.

Lonnie~