Kenny ~~

Ok I think this may be the only picture of me from the cruise in the Bahama's and its not a great one.... but - just excited to be headed to the movies tonight to see Kenny Chesney 3D with my family and peeps. I got the island music on and yeah - I love Jesus but I dig the music from Kenny. He plays my life in many of his songs but live my life for Jesus.

Autographs are free tonight :)

I have been really working hard on my focus since seeing the movie - Letters to God concerning my thankfullness towards others as well as our heavenly father. Some of my posts on my facebook status has been - Dear Mr. God, I am thankful for the good things in my life and then explain 1 or 2 things. Its the beginning of putting my heart in the right place and then allowing God to move me through my day because before He has a chance to bless me... I am thankful for what comes next.
I have been building in me some things that I know will just come out at some point and with God knowing me as well as he does - knew that I needed a message like the one I heard last night. Yes I serve as a youth leader in front of many... I walk a tough road at times but its one that God has called me to and I am thankful for that calling. I think about sitting with the students sometimes and often think that I too am a student just like they are. Not on the emotional level or something like that but the spiritual level. My "Paul" last night brought a great message - a message that I needed to hear because I didn't have to say what he had on his heart to bring to the students. I think what that has done is it got the message to the students on the topic that was preached but also - I didn't have to say it and for some - they need to hear those tough words from someone other than me. It really has me thinking today on my words. It has me thinking about how we often times just run our mouths not knowing or sometimes even not caring how our words affect others. If you know me at all - I have a gift of encouragement. I know that.... I use that gift and its natural for me. I encourage even to the point sometimes where I probably shouldn't - I should move along but giving up is something that I struggle with because how do I walk away from someone or a student who just in the next moment may finally connect with God. Just maybe that light will show up and life change will happen. How do I know that 3 months down the road something horrible will happen to that person and they may be at a place where they need someone to reach out to them. I am learning - arms length encouragement and sometimes keeping quiet, though hard at times, is needed.
What sepreates a wise person from a foolish person is often not dramatic life choices, but word choices.
Words have a power all their own, don't they? I am sure that you know, like I do, that months of walking with someone can be all torn down in a quick 5 second sentence. Relational trust can be ruined in such a short time killing months, if not years, of trust building relationship. Some of the most hurtful things come from words and from my experience, they are usually things that should have been left unsaid. How much heartache could be spared by keeping our mouths shut and leaving those words in the category of the unsaid? How often are our tongues the tool for the enemy? Far too often......
Proverbs 17:28
"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he's deemed intelligent."
Even a person with ZERO wisdom will look wise if they keep quiet. I look on facebook and the friends that I have and I read students bashing teachers, being mean to each other, name calling, people just complaining about everything! This student got the Word last night and left with such a heartful of heaviness.
Our tongues guide us like a ships rudder, a horse's bit or a spark from a match leading to a wildfire. Once they are started - you can't pull them back in. Once those words leave your mouth - there is nothing you can do to get those words back.
James 3:3-10
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
So today, are you using your words to build or to tear down? Encouraging is so much sweeter... you are a master of your unspoken words and a slave to ones that are said.
Be an encourager today it may just have a huge impact in someones life.
Peace and love,
Lon~

Happy Wed everyone! Hump day as some call it but mid week is what I call it and LOL tonight! That pumps me up because I get to hear Gods word tonight and get to hang with some awesome students. This morning I was pretty out of it - I was dead asleep when the alarm went off this morning so these past few weeks I have been sleeping great. I am pumped about that because it is a good place to be. Today I got to spend a few at the new student union on campus and I am tearing into a Andy Stanley book now that is really just challenging me and my focus. What exactly am I going to do once I get this book absorbed, I am not sure yet but for sure it is challenging me. I wanted to just say that when I was leaving, being on a college campus does have its moments - like a table set up for folks to come and get a cupcake and get a free condom. Not sure how they work together but honestly?

You know there are times when youth ministry is just not fun. There are hard conversations that take place, there are parents to talk with over very hard subjects, there are students who feel left out even though you are going 110 miles and hour and pouring everything you got into the ministry and into them, there is the issue of family time and not enough of that ... even though your heart is torn between this and that and that over there. There are times that it just isn't any fun at all but you take the bad with the good. Pouring into students and then praying they are catching what we are throwing out only to find out they are just doing what you just poured into them anyways. Frustrating...... and to be honest - its hard to detach even when you are home. Its hard to not have a hand out willing to help when you know you have to let go. Sometimes the bumps are needed in life in order to learn and grow through those experiences. I think about the times that Jesus spent with his disciples. How much he poured into them and often times they just didn't get it. Jesus toned it down probably a TON for them to understand and often spoke in parables just so they would have a chance to understand what he was teaching them. Frustrating? Maybe... but this is Jesus.... so where is the line drawn as a youth leader? Thats a tough call and one that I am wrestling with today. God has placed on my heart a question the last week or 2 that really has me ready to move forward in a few places. This place has me looking deeper for answers. It leaves me wanting to reach a little further so that no sheep gets lost along the way. Yeah not every person, not every student is going to get it. Most will take up room but some will be fired up and ready to charge hell with a water pistol. They are the ones that pump me up and keep my fire going. They are the ones that keep me close to God and reaching out to them.
Hope is where my heart is. Hope that something will break through in that student and make them alive in Christ. Hope that God will grab those students and lead them to a life that is much richer and fulfilling than those around them. Hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Hope that faith will be taken seriously and people will live their faith out in their lives. Hope that addictions will be no more. Hope that what my life is preaching, those in my life are listening. Hope that what I am doing will make a difference - not only a difference today but one for eternity for someone. When tough things happen ... hope is what drives me through. Hope that for me is the same as those early disciples had when Jesus was trying to explain something to them. Hope that I too will pick up what Jesus is laying down. Hope that I will understand just a little bit more than yesterday.
Hope that is not about me and more about Jesus. Thats a life worth living for.

I wanted to let everyone know if you didn't know already - that Rocky River Church closed on their bank loan yesterday to begin our ministry campus Phase1. It is a real milestone in our church's history. What started in a living room 12 years ago has now pushed forward with God into a building and a new hope to our community. May God continue to shower us with his blessing and favor as we trust in Him to make Jesus name famous and bring His love to those around us. We are all excited for this next big leap in faith - it has been an amazing ride the last 6 years and it has not even got started yet. God you continue to blow our socks off with the things you are doing. Praise your name and may all this be for your glory. Yeah RRC!!!
Peace,
Lon~

Time is flying.....

Wow, looking back I have not had a post since last Thursday. Looking back - April is almost over. Where is time going so fast? Is it supposed to be this way the older I get? I took a much needed pause yesterday. I am a really focused person at times and sometimes I find myself running to different and too many directions with all that life has and all that God has on my plate. I am honored that God has me where I am and serving Him and all those in my life but sometimes... we need to take a pause and just relax. Yesterday was just that time. It did me good to recharge my batteries, study a little in the book of John, get a good workout in with Carol, check in on Barbara, a good coffee with my "Paul" with some great conversation and just praise God for all He is.

The last week since seeing "Letters to God", I think I have been more focused on thanking our heavenly father more. I feel in my heart that is a good thing. Yesterday while at Walmart getting some bleach for the pool, I noticed a family with young children and the kids were laying in the isle, screaming, crying... mom and dad just not knowing what to do with them. For sure a tough time shopping but I often wonder if my life especially - if God hears my complaints and crying like this mom and dad does. I hope not because I believe that God hears and feels everything before we even get to that point. I think He is patient with us and wants to listen as we pour our hearts to Him. Today I find myself pouring a little of my heart out, not so much for me but for a few students in my life. I wont go into details but my heart is in a heavy place for them today. This morning I opened my bible to 2 Timothy chapter 2 and it really spoke to me. I will share..

2 Timothy 2:15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”[a] and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”[b]
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.

This passage is just jammed packed with good stuff. I find myself today in a few of these places as I search my heart and ask God for guidance. Its hard pouring into the lives of others. Its messy, its difficult, it causes tears and keeps me up at night but its what I am called to do for those who God places in my life. Staying focused happens by staying in Gods word. By being hungry for more and for challenging those tough things that God wants to do in me. Its easy to walk away, to get offended, to place blame on others, to resist the change and let God do something in your life that only He can do. Life change happens through Gods grace. I see it on Sunday mornings in the lives of many of our students. Some on fire, some fizzling, some with no clue as to why they are there. They are all in different places and I take rest in knowing that God knows exactly where they are. As I look closer to the students that are closest to me - it helps to know where they are with God so that I can affectively lead them. It helps to know which need special attention or encouragement... while some just need a little direction because they are blazing for the things of God and they are pumped to do what is next and some i'm just not sure what to do. Either way... you have to be close enough to make a difference. God can blind us in this life with life change in an instant like in the transformation of Saul who became Paul. But he can also bring people in our lives to help point us, focus us, give us encouragement and keep us on the paths that lead to him. I am thankful for those in my life who I have allowed to speak truth to me and keep me encouraged. I need that as well sometimes. I am also blessed for those in my life that God has trusted me with as I lead them. We all have to have some Timothy's in our lives. Pauls are special and we should have only a few of them... but Timothy's are people we are leading. My question today is - are you leading them some where good? I have learned in the last few weeks that some who I thought may be leaders, just want to be heard, they want to be the center of attention and that is not leading people even though it may look like it. For me, I would rather be in the shadows... behind the scenes and serving quietly.... but God had a different plan. Ask anyone in my rock group or those who are with me on Sunday mornings ... I am scared and full of nerves because of what I am doing matters. What I want to say from my heart has impact on the lives of others - maybe even eternity hangs in those words. When I am not leading on Sunday mornings and Pastor Travis is spilling his heart into those students.... I can see the light shining in him. I see his love for those students. I see the eternal impact he has in the words and lessons he is teaching. Its so much bigger ... the stuff going on.

I remember a lesson I learned a few months ago about dealing with difficult people and God places them in our lives for a reason as well. Just like the student that we are called to lead that just really makes leading tough at times..... I will smile when I say ....heavenly sandpaper. God keep my heart full of your intentions as I lead those around me. Keep my eyes and heart focused on you. As I close in song from "Letters to God" - Dear Mr. God, I thank you for the good things in my life. Life is good... even when its a struggle... life is still good because of you. Amen

Peace,

Lonnie~

I just don't know how single parents make it these days. Being that its been 4 days with Carol out of town, I would have to say that my schedule would for sure have to change if I was in a situation of being a single parent home. It sure is busy! But knowing that she will be home Saturday - I am keeping busy and loving it. Last night I got to lead the LOL middle/high school bible study and we had an opening excersize where I gave out a piece of paper and a pen/pencil to each student. Instructed them to write their name on the top and then pass it to the left to the next person. 21 students took part in this fun excersize with each instructed to read the name of the person on the page and then write something encouraging or uplifting about the person. When we finished - we had some smiles and I asked a few students to read a few of their comments. I then explained that when the day comes, when feeling low, sad, needing a smile or alone.... look up at that piece of paper and see what people wrote about you. I am sure it will bring you through some tough moments. I am amazed at some of the things written on those papers. I got a few emails this morning from parents asking what we did last night because their teenage came home fired up. I am glad for that....... also the lesson from John 1:35 and telling them to share Jesus like chocolate cake was probably pretty good too. :)

Anyways - today I found myself locked into the "Letters to God" soundtrack. There is a song on there "The Water's Edge" - what a powerful song but it reminded me of the man who was near the pool who was crippled. He could never get near the water in time to be healed - he had nobody to help him get in the water so his days where spent probably begging for money or food near this waters edge. 38 years of this struggle - probably on the edge of hope. I will share the story as Jesus reached out to him.
John 5:
The Healing at the Pool
1Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.[b] 5One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
So this man sank in his misery. Time was not on his side and seemed to linger on forever. He probably wished he would just drown in the water, especially after trying for song long... seeing others healed, lives restored ... The sky made things clear to see and without help he was to remain On the water's edge - its there he learned to love again. He was touched by God and got a new start. For so many of us... we need a new start. God can touch you and bring you to the waters edge. He can wash you clean so you can start again.
Be encouraged today ....... you are just a touch away.
Lon~

Day 2...

It is day 2 of Carol being out of town. She is doing well down in south Florida - even though its probably not anything close to being a vacation for her. God has called her to do something special for a friend and help him through a tough time as well as to speak truth to him by shining her light of Jesus to him. Surgery went well this morning and Tom is resting comfortably - hoping he is pain free already.
Receiving blessings this week as well as giving blessings this week. Its days like these where a good meal given out of love, a warm smile, a hug, a check on ya text message, email or facebook post, is all a person needs to know that they matter. For some its hard to receive this and I was that person a few years back until I totally began to understand it through the seasons of my mom passing and through that season with Walt passing. I have come alongside many people since then and explained that its ok to let people do what they want to do for you because they want to. They appreciate it, need it, want to do it...and they love you more for it.
It also honors God when we take care of each other and love each other.
God designed us to live in relationship with others. He wants us to help each other grow. None of us will reach our highest potential by ourselves. We need people in our lives to encourage us, and we need to encourage the people in our lives and help them reach their potential. The word “encourage” means to “urge forward.” Many times you can see things in other people that they don’t see themselves or maybe they once did but have lost it. You can see their strengths and talents. You can see that God has a special plan for them even though they may be going through a difficult time. Don’t assume that people see what you see in them. Take a moment and encourage them either with a kind word or a simple note. There might be a special gift you can give that will remind them of their goal or dream. In whatever way you can, urge the people in your life to keep moving forward. If you’ll be a people builder and help others fulfill their dreams, God will help you fulfill your dreams.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”

All this and its half way through day 2.... looking forward to tonight and what tomorrow will bring.
Peace out brothers and sisters,
Lon~

Empty....

I am out of gas today. It was a great weekend! A weekend with awesome weather, which means a lot of time outside and not much time inside. I like that! Saturday morning was up early and headed to my grandmothers greenhouse business with Kyle and miss Madison. On the way up on the other side of Winston - we stopped for some dunkin donuts. Madison woke up out of her sound sleep and in seconds had jelly donut filled poweder all over her face and a huge smile. Love those little moments of happiness don't you? We worked our tails off but enjoyed the time together and I shared that evening with Madison and Kyle that I have been doing that trip every year for 15 years now - ALONE. It was an honor to have someone share it with me. I am not sure how much time is left for things to be the way they are there... but I sure do enjoy the smiles and time together even though the work is hard and my body hurts for days afterwards. Also got to spend some time on my aunt and uncle's farm - a little time spent with a worm on a hook and some brim in the basket. Nothing like just pausing in our lives and throwing a country line out while in good company like my aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster! Next stop was at my dads and Neilas. It was a quick visit but it was good to see them. Madison, welcomed by everyone just as I knew they would. Our way home was quiet as both my co-pilots to keep me awake failed miserably. Madison fell asleep in midsentance while asking me a question. I took a couple pictures of them sleeping and sent them to miss Carol and Madisons mom. Smiles for sure :)
Sunday was up early once again and off to church - a great message and time spent in front of the students at 11:00. It was good to be back and seeing everyone ... Its awesome just being a part of changed lives all around. It really does fire me up ......
Its a busy week ahead... with Carol out of town this week. She is down in Florida helping our friend Tom out with a surgery tomorrow. Please keep them both in your prayers. Kyle, Kate and I will be fine - Barbara is taking care of meals for us this week and I am even going to try and keep my schedule as well with a few appointments and LOL on wednesday evening.

So this brings you up to speed. Tired today and will probably hit the hay early tonight. I am excited to spend some time with one of my close kids tomorrow and I love listening to her heart when she is on a roll with sharing it. So even with all this taking place - I challenged my rock group this week to take 5 minutes and spend them being still. Still to the point where all we are doing is listening ...and not planning, thinking, doing, driving, talking ...but just listening. What is it that God wants you to be learning? What margins in your life do you need to create so it gives you some room? - I bet God has a lot to say about that to everyone! We all need some personal time, rest time, focus time ...and investing time.
So today where is your faith? Its either moving forward or moving away from God right? Sometimes it may feel like its going no place.... like stuck on a certain spot and hasnt moved in a long time. I dug this out of my journal from a few months ago and want to share it.
You can’t tell what’s in you by looking at you. God is establishing patience, character and concentration in the school of “nothing seems to be happening”.

I have been realizing that my faith is not some collection of things that I've accomplished. It not getting closer to gathering wisdom our of life or having the knowledge to lead someone with all the right things to say to them. Faith for me has been stripped down in such a smile way to just clinging to Christ and recognizing that its all about being that simple. In whatever moment I am really in - am I really clinging to Jesus? Am I really trusting him? Just like the woman who had been bleeding for years - took action and reached out to Jesus and she was healed. Jesus said, "Great is your faith". Its that kind of faith that I want to learn to have every single day. Just trusting in Him no matter what.

Carol, will be missing you this week but God has called you to where you are this week. Just as he called John the baptist .... Lead the way and shine like never before - there is something bigger that is coming from this. Proud of you.... I got the home front covered.

Coffee~

Having my 3:00 coffee a little late today. Its been busy but productive. Looking forward to tonight as our LOL - middle/high school ministry will be hosting our movie night at the AMC theatre at the mall. We will be seeing "Letters to God" and I am sure it will be a powerful message. A message of hope and pointing it towards Jesus. Last night I got to hang out with some of my close kids and I just enjoy spending time with this close group because there is no pressure, attitudes, drama ... just smiles and fun. One of my close kids, who I dont want to name names, asked me to help pick her out a new bible after camp last week during one of our discussions. How can I turn that down? Heck yeah! So as promised, we headed to the book store in the mall. She was so excited to see what bible I was going to get for her. One that was pretty, cool looking, in the right understandable translation and also for teen girls. It has a lot of side notes and comments in it and we looked at a few others before we both saw this one and just KNEW it was the right one. I asked her to pass it around the next few days and have a few important people sign it and write something nice in it that will help her over the next few years. She is such a great young lady ~ My friendship bracelet reminds me of that every time I look at it. We enjoyed hanging out so much it was 9:15 when I looked up at the time.
I am still focused on this personal conviction from yesterday from Ephesians and our walk with the Lord honoring Him and in purity. See in order for all this to work, which often times doesnt because we all stumble and we all fall from time to time, we have to personal about our convictions. We have to take things seriously and really search our hearts and want change bad enough that we DRAG those things we struggle with out into the light.
There is a story when Kyle was young that I often tell when we were on Chimney Rock mountain. We were all walking along one of the long trails and Kyle was about 3. Along the walk which is wooded and full of wild life - we came across a spider in the middle of the path. This was no ordinary spider - it was HUGE. Kyle took off running. Before I knew it he was way out in front, headed down hill and towards the edge of the cliff. Though this trail at this part had a guard rail... they are meant to help keep you on the trail but not keep you on the trail. Life is sometimes like that. We drive along in life and often times we brush right up on the guard rails with sparks flying, danger on the edge and we risk falling off and over the edge. They say after the first 100 feet it just doesnt matter. I got Kyle that day but just before he his the guard rail. Just last year a 4 year fell to his death. It happens in life. Without bounderies in place, accountability in place and personal convictions in place - we will go over the edge. It will happen........
Loved ones, put those things in place in your life. Have a safety net and drive life near the center line away from the temptation, the guard rails and the cliff that will send you deep into darkness ... fully away from the light.
Today I want to share Psalm 119 with you. Its in the translation of The Message and it reads so awesome. Hope it speaks to you....
Psalm 119
1-8 You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That's right—you don't go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I'd never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
don't ever walk off and leave me.

How can a young person live a clean life?

I'll try and tackle this question tomorrow.
Hope you get a chance to see "Letters to God" soon. Here is the movie trailer - http://letterstogodthemovie.com
Lonnie~

Grace of Purity

I have been just stuck in the book of Ephesians. I am due to change my password soon and that changes every 90 days so I have been in Ephesians on and off now for that long. As I reflect back on the previous week and all that was said, preached, shared, discussed, asked and talked through in private and in public - I find myself yesterday and today in Ephesians 5. My reflection comes from a great conversation with 2 of my leaders in the student ministry. I know this calling on my life to be involved in the lives of students, though messy at times and heartful it is the place that I know with all I have in me that God has called me to this ministry and to these students. Do I want to give up at times? Sure. Do I want to throw in the towel and say this is not worth all this at times? Sure. Do I want to just give in and let the student fall face first on the ground over some sin in their life? Never. Do I want what is best for them and remind them that God has a better way? For sure. Do I love these students with all my heart? Absolutely. Do I sometimes put them ahead of myself and my family - especially miss Carol and Kyle? Mistakenly yes.
No one will ever know the sacrifice Carol and Kyle make each day for this calling not only on my life but theirs as well. Its a family ministry walk for sure because I know I wouldn't make it long on this journey without them. I have to have them having my back. I need bounderies in my life to stay the course and not wreck. I have to constantly look into my heart and ask God to show me what direction to go in and what areas in my life I need to pull back into His grace of light.
Ephesians 5:1-2 and 10-13:
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them.
I think one of the hardest things in walking with Christ is that our lives are in the light. Exposed to people to see and also that it takes work to keep things personal and private at times. I can't be serving in student ministry and walking with these students if I myself have not been through some of the things they are having to walk through. I can't be there in front of them if I don't have any idea what they are dealing with. I can't be leading them if I have not had victory over some things in my life that they too need victory over. We need to be more Christ like because He gave us a perfect example to live our lives by. This weekend we spoke about bounderies to keep us from sin. It happened to be on the topic of relationships. Purity is a word that is used mostly today in terms and in the context of sex. But in Gods big picture it means in terms of sin. Pure - like a finely cut diamand it is clear and in near perfect quality. God wants us to live our lives like the diamond. Removing the things we struggle with in life and pulling those things into the light so they are exposed. In terms of student ministry - that may be removing the tv from the bedroom. It may be asking mom and dad to block certain channels. I can honestly say that is the case on my families main tv. It was hard for Kate to comprehend because she has never had a filter in her life and badgered me for weeks on unblocking MTV<>
Grace by definition: The freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. The influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.
Gods grace is often times misused and abused. We sin because we know that by Gods grace we will be forgiven. So we continue over and over and over again. Expose the sin to God light, get the bounderies in place, get a accountability person in your life, pull the sin out from under the darkness and ask God to move you from it.
Living in the light is tough - it may be the hardest thing you will ever do in your life. Those called to serving others in ministry will have their lives exposed. Their good deeds and sins out in the open. Integrity and character become the main thing people see.
Let me ask a question on purity in your own life.
Do you on occasion tell or laugh at crude jokes?
Do you have a relationship that would upset your spouse?
Does your choice of movies/entertainment differ from someone who does not know Christ at all?
Do you use bad language in your everyday talk...emails... text messages?
Would doing something this afternoon differ if Christ was standing next to you? (He is)
Are you currently hiding something in the dark that needs to be brought into the light?

I will close with this today loved ones from Ephesians 5:15-20
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord examine our hearts today and expose those things that are not clearly from you. Help us bring them to the light and help us put bounderies, accountability and actions behind us so that we may experience Your Grace of Purity. Its in Jesus name I pray, Amen

Dragging today....

Along with 40+ students and leaders I am sure from this weekends activities. I have to say though that this life experience is amazing. Nothing better then investing time into this next generation and being a part of their lives. I want to share that these students just amaze me. They are hungry for knowing what God wants for their life. They are hungry to do something amazing and something different. They are hungry for Gods word and what He has to say as they try and figure things out. I remember back when I was their age and how I now wished I had someone to talk truth into my life like this spring retreat did ..... with the leaders there and Pastor Travis preaching such practical messages. I am just amazed at them all and thankful that I got a chance to get to know some of them better, to have time to talk with them about things, to laugh, smile and be silly...... that is something that is hard with an hour a week with them and not much personal time pouring into them.
Saturday afternoon and a better part of the day Sunday was spent relaxing and just unwinding while we hung out with the Beavers and the Mitcheltree's. Blessed to have such awesome people to do life with.
My focus this past week and during this spring retreat comes from Ephesians 4.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Looking forward to hearing what God did this weekend from some of the students. Today was the first day back ... what was different about today?
Some of the highlights:
27 students recommitting their lives to Christ
14 Students answering the call of ministry
My put put team had 4 hole in ones
4 Am is still awake time in the boys frat house
not one of my boys missed a meal
zach ate the nastiest glass of stuff ever and enjoyed it
Heard the classic line in a all out pillow fight - I LOVE THIS CHURCH!
A song comes from the heart full of joy
ping pong is a contact sport
2 pizza's is not enough for 14 students at 11:30 at night
the frat house showers went mostly unused
girls still need prep time even while at camp
Smiles came in from every direction
Cold water is all in your mind - because you cant feel your body
A friendship bracelet means a bunch when they are given away
Alligators do live at the beach
Students need to be challenged more in their lives
God rocked our socks off and changed so many hearts
Testimony from a 20 year old with tears in her eyes proves that God is still in the miracle business

Love you all and thanks for a great 4 days......
Lonnie~

Ministry walk ....

Carol, Kyle and our good friends made it to the beach last night. Though cold and windy - sounded like a setup for a good week to chill and unwind a bit. Carol is for sure in need of some down time and some words from God this week. Please keep her in your prayers. I got to spend some time last night over dinner, a talkwalk around the mall and then some icecream with one of "Mykids". I was so pumped up after hanging out with her... she really does understand things so much bigger than a 12 year old should. I think that is the case for most of our youth today but as adults (parents, teachers, leaders etc) - we dont challenge our kids the way we should. They want it for the most part because they know they can do things if given the chance and given the challenge. Let them prove in life that they are capable of handling things and then learning from those mistakes. I would never fault a person for trying..... and in my journal that I have been keeping and have been going over the last few days with Kyle - I came across this entry that I typed in about 4 months ago and I want to share it.

* Our culture today has abandoned its youth. Kids today are looking for caring adults who want to talk to them, not at them- who value them as they are, not as they think they should be

* I think we spend a lot of our time talking about do’s and don’ts which was not Christ’s focus. I think we need to spend more time teaching our kids to connect with Christ, not just how to avoid lifes landmines

It was awesome last night to be thanked for the time, energy and passion that I have for the young people in my life. I want more than anything that people will see Jesus in me and not me. I am nothing special and God gets all the glory for it all. I want to walk with people in my life that God has placed in my grasp and show them Jesus in practical life lesson ways. Its not what Jesus would do as the saying goes but more so - What would Jesus do through me. - AND YOU. I am so pumped about last night - the conversation - the honesty and heart that was shared. Making a difference is all I ask ... God keep my intentions and directions pointed to you.
Looking forward to a starbucks tonight with another one of "MyKids" - then road trip to the beach tomorrow with 37+ ....
43 years old and hanging with middle and high school kids...I must be nuts .... I am - Nuts for Jesus and for these students. Making a difference.........
Eternity is on the line...a life of Gods favor on the line .... Powerful and Beautiful...

I will end with this today ....
Youth ministry is not fun until you have given a huge hunk of your heart to it. Kids know the difference between an adult who’s simply tolerating them versus one who genuinely likes being with them. Youth ministry is 70% done in the lives of students and not behind a desk.

Lonnie~

Tuesday thoughts....

It has been a week or so since my last post. The days seem to be busy as a bee in spring time but looking forward this week to Spring Break Retreat with 37 students and other leaders at the beach for a few days. I am also looking forward to hooking back up with Carol and the Beavers this weekend and having some much needed down time. Carol and Kyle are leaving tonight and I am wishing I was going but it will be good for Carol to sit on the beach, read her Bible, another good book and a few hours of work each day while just trying to relax and recharge her batteries. With me running the way I do in this ministry that God has placed on my heart - which I love that He has done - Nobody will ever know the sacrifice that she makes unless you have walked in her shoes. She gives up a lot of her time, energy and passion and time with me and our family for Gods kingdom and reaching out to these students and their families.
There are times where there are seasons where its hard, the struggles are unbearable and there is not enough time to get it all done - all risking the fact that doing life with people and in their lives is messy. BUT it has its rewards.... eternal rewards for some and the glory of it all will be in the life after this one. SO I continue to praise Carol .... for she is my rock and its true that behind every good man ....is a GREAT WOMAN!
Love you Carol - going to miss you and Kyle this week...Madison and the Beavers too.
I want to share with you today something from my journal ......
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…

Setbacks are just setups for God to show what he is able to do.

Live life to the fullest..... Follow what the Lord is doing in your heart.
Lonnie~

Happy Good Friday Everyone~

Yes its Friday ... it has been a long and busy week but also notice that I said Happy GOOD Friday as well. Yes today is a reason to celebrate. I got the chance to pick up a good handful of my close kids and take them to school this morning. We got to hear a quick message at YCI about Jesus. I love my Friday mornings that start this way!
Kate will be headed back to PA for spring break next week. I am scared a little about that but I do pray and hope that a lasting impression is starting to take shape and she applies what she is learning while being here in NC with us. I have had a few really good conversations the last few weeks about things and I love those moments that God opens doors. Being scared of hard conversations puts you in bad places.... step up dads and do them for your children and the students you have influence with. They NEED YOU!

It is a day to celebrate all the things God has done for us. Not worthy in the slightest but Grace covers it all. SO thankful and humble this morning. Thank you Jesus.
Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
We are headed to the cabin this afternoon. Carol has not been there since January and I am sure she is excited to have that morning coffee on the front porch. I too am excited about that. Bible open, coffee in hand and peace and quiet. A little work never hurt anyone and once that is done...my feet are going up and smiles all around. Its time for a pause...... and a much needed one indeed. Just as Jesus rose on Sunday - I am praying my family will have a renewed energy come Sunday as well and a new focus and energy in our spirit.
Lord we ask these things of you this morning. We thank You for sending Your son Jesus for us and for loving us that much. Amen