Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wanted: Student ministry Youth Pastor. Must be friendly, open, easy to talk to, have integrity, come to my ball games and/or soccer games, is funny when things are tense, not so serious all the time, sees the good in people always, nonjudgemental, preaches with passion, loves the entire student ministry but also love each person individually, is willing to have coffee at anytime that is needed, available to talk even in the middle of the night, is honest, young, able to talk to parents, that is willing to listen to even the longest of stories, loves life, smiles a lot, caring, nurturing, can encourage even when its not excepted, and loves Christ above all else. Hmmm, not sure if I am missing anything. That is a lot of responsibility. That is a lot of hats. That is why so often, pastors including student pastors and student ministry leaders are in such need of encouragement and are often down. There is not enough time in the day nor is there enough days in the week. There is not enough smiles and words of encouragement to sometimes make a difference. There are feelings of insecurity, failure, FEARs of all kind including letting someone down or losing a person that walks away. The worry of having safety nets in their lives so that someone doesnt see something out of context or a motive that was good but was taken wrong. There is the energy that must be found to continue to fill our own hearts with Gods love, grace, mercy and blessings but also enough to fill everyone elses cup in the overflow. Often times preaching in the mirror is a difficult thing to do when your life is being on display and examined and filled with, "You should do this or you shouldnt do it that way." Odd thing about all this - honestly, we all should be doing this and not just the pastors or student ministry leaders. We are all called to be ministers and share Gods word, love and grace to each other. Your walk with Christ is personal but it is not private. What you are saying and showing others tells others what and where you are with Christ. How important is he? How strong is God in you? Far too many of us live far below our potential. We have the potential but we are doing nothing with it. I have an ipad. I have begun preaching from it and using it in my messages, look up Bible scripture when I need it, check facebook, listen to music and sermons online and podcasts. I know there is far more it will do. Ipad2 is on order and that too - I will be using it far below its potential. Never fully reaching the capacity and helpfulness that it will bring to me. God gives us this strength through his power - otherwise its just potential. Psalm62:11 - One thing God has spoken, 2 things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. It was awesome last night hanging out with 17 of our students last night. It was awesome last night to give them a chance to talk and share their heart. It was great to leave them encouraged and knowing that no matter what is going on, whatever is happening or whatever they are facing, they can look in the mirror and preach the promise that God has given each of us through his power that he is STRONG and he is LOVING. When you can be at that place in your heart and know those 2 very important truths in your life through Gods power - you can turn away from that mirror and never lose sight of who you are and what you stand for. You will walk away carrying with you more than you ever dreamed possible because you will be living up to your potential, you will be aiming high and differently than so many others, and you will be doing something with all this for a higher purpose. Psalm 61:1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Ministry is a calling of extremes. This week like last week, there were no 2 days the same. I've ministered on both ends of the extreme, students taking giant leaps of faith and other students taking giant leaps backwards and making horrible decisions. Ministry is about asking folks to give total control over of their life to Jesus - something that is so foreign in our very nature and culture. Thats an absolute extreme but I see it every day. I see faith and Christ working so amazingly in the lives and hearts of some. Gosh, that alone keeps me fired up and that energy and encouragment from them enables me to spread it to others. Its extreme hours, extreme emotions, extreme drama, and extremely important. There is no higher calling, nothing more honorable, nothing more satisfying at times - why would anyone want to do this? Thats a question we each must answer for ourselves. I have my answer..... do you? Job filled and no longer vacant. Lonnie~
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
God, I am trusting you in this ________. For me, that might mean something totally different than for you. What are you trusting God for today? Faith for me is not this collection of things I have done or accomplished. Its not about getting closer to wisdom for my life or getting something extra from life. Faith for me is stripped down and basically simple. Though not always that way and there are days that faith and trust has its own challenges. Mostly though, if I may speak honestly, faith is me just clinging to the fact that I desperately need Christ. Every single day. Every single moment. When I am in this mode of clinging onto Christ with all I have and my heart and my mind leans in to know more, its then my faith is very real and very alive. The story told in Mark 5 really speaks to me today. Let me share part of this amazing story ... Mark 5:24 - So Jesus went with him. (this is after a man fell at Jesus feet and pleaded with him to help his little daughter who was dying, so Jesus went with him) A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years. SHe had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. WHen she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Just like this bleeding woman, her faith and trust in Jesus was strong. She reached out and touched him knowing that everything was on the line and she fully believed she would be healed, made whole, complete and well again. Not a doubt in her mind that if she could just reach him - it would happen. I too want to believe like that. I too want to lean in and fully trust God. I am at that place at times and other times not so close and strong. The thing is not giving up and pressing through the faith ups and downs but recognizing that my faith is alive. It has to be exercised and tested in order to grow. Sometimes we need to change routines and read a part of Gods word that we normally dont start with. I find a lot of folks who open Gods word in Proverbs - then on to something where they left off. If that works for you, AWESOME! Everyone is different and the thing that is most important is to keep yourself growing, challenged and excited. Thats the kind of faith that I want to have and learn for everyday of my life. Just clinging to him no matter what. Working with Teenagers, "Mywalk" with Christ has to come first. Otherwise I am just leading a bunch of teenager get together so they can see each other and have a little fun. They may need to lean on my faith at times, until they can stand on their own while loving them like Jesus does, every step of the way. Peace, Lonnie~
Monday, March 28, 2011
Today is the day after, hopefully of our last full Sunday with a mobile church label. Our first home base opening hopefully this week sometime will lead us to the mobile school setting for one more breif moment to pray over that school and all the people who have come and gone, all the folks who work at the school and share their space with us and in closing of one chapter to begin another - to thank God for what He has done and what He will do as we leave the school all together and go to our new ministry campus. Preaching a message in the school for the last time in that setting was bitter sweet. I thought a message on Gratitude was fitting and God gave me the words to share and the scripture to apply it. What started out as a TOUGH morning, with Adger my male huskey headed to the ER at 4:30, finally getting to church an hour late for setup and nothing was setup and I had my hair on fire trying to get things setup and in place, video not working for part of my announcements - decisions made on the fly and all the while, stopping long enough before the 11 service to just say - God, this is for your glory and if things dont work, thats okay. If nobody comes, thats okay because someone will and that someone just might need to hear your word above all else. With 4 new students yesterday and a chance to make a lasting impression - I think it went well. The effort and the stress was worth it. Looking ahead to what comes next - I have no idea but isnt that the place where God wants us? I mean totally relying on him? I have no idea what Sunday Student ministry will look like, I have no idea what LOL on Wed nights will look like, I have no idea about much but I do have an idea that God will be part of it and he will shape it how it will look, how it will feel, how it will come to life. I fully trust in that He will lead this thing. Ecclesiastes 2:17 - So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows wheither that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor. For a person may labor over wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. A person can do nothing better that to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To give person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Last night with a few folks missing from LifeGroup, we decided to do a little planning for Jamaica since most everyone was there who is going. I finally spoke to our lead person Amanda from Faith Church in Michigan and I put together a group on FaceBook to get the folks together and talking and asking questions and telling everyone about themselves. It was awesome hearing what God is doing there in and through her church. Amanda and her team will be a lot of fun as we serve Christ together in June reaching the lost and the hurting in the good people of Jamaica. I fully know this will be a life changing experience for everyone. With all this being said, I want to leave with you today a question. That question is what do you have to carry? - Are you serving Christ today because of His grace and that you love His word over your life? The people you are serving today, is that message in your actions and in your words showing others that deep root in your heart of Christ? If not, I wonder what is that message you are giving.... a few weeks back we were serving a meal to the folks at the Center of Hope in Charlotte. One student took away after serving these folks for over an hour - her experience had her say that the folks were grumpy and most of them didn't say thank you. Maybe it was you, I dont know. Maybe it was the message you were giving out for you to come away with that message and that experience. If Christ is the root in your heart - it will show. It will show in all you do, the way you act, the way you love people - it will show on your face with a smile and JOY that never leaves. I want to serve the people around me, the people in Jamaica, the new students coming into the LOL and the Flood on Sundays with that root joy in my heart being lived out. I have that in my hands... it is what I carry. In Luke 17 - Jesus heals 10 folks who had been suffering from Lepresy. After each of them were healed only 1 came back to say thanks and show gratitude. Will you be that one today? Thank you Lord for where my heart is today. Thank you for the quiet unseen things you are doing in me so that I can do the work you have me doing through me. May those things bring you praise and honor Lord. Nothing is a chasing of the wind when serving you. There is purpose and a great plan behind it all. As I was struggling yesterday with everything that needed to be done before the service, you calmed me and gently shared with me that it would be as you want it to be. You would use whatever was needed - just as long as the 1 person who needed it received it. I pray for that one person yesterday Lord who needed to hear your word. I pray there was more, I pray for that complacent teenager who is at a place in their faith journey where they are wondering about their walk with you, its been a long time since they have felt you in their life and now that they are having to own their faith because they are not a child any longer - I pray a vision like this mission trip to Jamaica and Thirst Camp in July will shake their faith core Lord and put them back on track in their lives with you. May your power and glory and YOUR love for them be like never before. Nothing of you is chasing after the wind. You are the wind in our sails of life - You sustain us and give us hope. You give us life and you give us purpose. I will carry what you have given me for it is yours that I carry this struggling heart of mine to honor you in all the ways I know how to. Show me the path ahead Lord and I ask that you continue to show me direction. In Jesus name I pray today, Amen
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wow 2 days in a row. This is exciting. I am especially excited for our LOL bible study tonight. Its our last one at the Y in Harrisburg NC. They have been so good to us by giving us the Character room for free for over a year. We started out at Pastor Travis's house for just high school students and it grew out of his living room. They when we added the middle school students, it grew out of my living room and we so needed space to hold a Wed night time together. The room though not that big at the Y has been our home now for over a year. With our last service there tonight, we have been pushing hard to get the students there and get the word out, I went last night and got icecream and the students will make their own sundae's - hey everyone loves icecream - and I have asked miss Kayla to sing while Elijah plays the guitar all wrapped around my message tonight. It should be a lot of fun as we hang out a bit, celebrate all that God is doing and look forward to our church ministry campus the next week.
I can share that though it has been crazy busy and that there are things I need to work on and follow up on, like my Monday night rest and unwind time as well as date night with Carol every other week atleast and also quiet alone time with God - I feel as though I am in a good place with things. I had a conversation this morning with someone who is close to the family but has had a hard time being part of life to someone. I wish I could just say the person but I wont but just know that this student, high school student does not want anything to do with her relative. At least not at this point in her life. Though that hurts this relative, she has tried and tried to do everything to be a part, to reach out to her, to spend time together, sending notes, cards, facebook posts all full of encouragement - it just aint going to happen. At least right now.... in this present season of time.
I honestly felt every single word in her voice. I know that lesson she is learning right now. To step back and give some space. To let things lay for right now and maybe one day in the near or far off future - that seed that was planted will bring fruit. Who is to know but to trust in Gods timing and His ways. He already knows ..... so do what only you can do today.
There are some students who walk away, they pull back and do their own thing. Focusing on the ones that want to stay close, who need to have someone in their life to cheer them on and encourage them and actually want to hear what I have to say and what God has to say through me. That is the amazing part because I never asked for this role or never thought I would be so souled out for God to these teenagers. It happened and it is so much of who I am and what I am.
So it has me thinking this morning as I look down the road of ministry and what that means, the sacrifices that will be made, the time invested, the hurts also that will come and the prayers that will follow as well as lead all this. Gosh its really scary at times. I am being honest. It really is overwhelming at times.
BUT - I believe that I was brought here for who I am, not what I can do. There are better people out there to lead these students, who know God word more than I do, who have a heart also for teenagers, who want to pass on the Word of Christ to the next generation - but I can't focus on that. I have to focus on what I am called to do and living through WHO I am. I must be a leader out of my character. My character is makes me who I am and in leading others - I have to lead through my character. I must lead these students out of my character. I know there has to be balance and I continue to ask God to show me that, what does it look like, how do I do it, and help me not put this ministry and these students faith above my own. Without you and my relationship with you being the most important how can I do lead them? I really do love each of them and I want to be there to listen to them and do what little I can sometimes to help them and show them the way while showing them Christ and the only way I can do that is to lead them out of my fullness.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
Kyle finished his wrestling season this past year year only wrestling in one match. Though he lost, it was a great experience and one that he gave all he had. I think about all the times he had practice, he showed up and spent his heart on that mat, being a team player and learning and sweating and honestly - he is probably as good if not better than some of the other students on the team. On those wrestling days though, he really wasnt on the team. He and a bunch of others sat in the stands and not with the team. He kinda feels like he is part of the team, he is on the sidelines most of the time, he gives it is all during practice and has bruises and hurt body parts to go with it. I think a lot of times, our youth ministry leaders feel the same way. They look the part, they feel like they are part of the team, they participate like they are leading, students enjoy them and talk with them .... but their heart is not fully there. Kyle didnt have any outward meaningful outcome to the wrestling team season even though he was right there in the middle of everything.
Our spiritual lives have to be the top spot in our ministries. Our walk with Christ has to be first and then in our overflow - give that to others. Without spiritual health we wont make it. I wont make it and I have come to realize that when my spiritual walk is lower than when it should be, the things student say, their comments and the things they do really bother me. They bring me down. I have lost so many nights sleep over something that this person did, or said or treated me .... I can't even explain it. But when I am full of Christ's message and walking close in my journey with him - those things dont bother me as much, the painful arrows of discouragement seem to bounce off a little more easily. My mind and thoughts are higher and not hanging onto every word they share or the things that they do. I can handle situation with more grace than ever before and I can love them out of my heart like I should be doing all the time - love them like Christ loves them.
Attending church, small group time, bible study, quiet time, all of those things are great but its not a check box. Its not personal time alone with Christ - that needs to happen for a few reasons.
* time to thank Him - who doesnt thank their father for gifts and love?
* time to share with God your problems and issues and seek Gods heart
* time to lift others to God
* time to just be in Gods presence and just have some personal time with him
Service to any ministry should never come at the expense of your own personal spiritual walk with Christ. God is concerned more about your being than your doing.
I can honestly say - that is where I am today. It is so awesome right now as I look at Carol. She has had a long dry season in the desert with her faith and in her walk. Right now that season is full bloom and on the move. She is invigorated again with the things of Christ, she is reading, writing, taking notes, and showing others her heart. I love where God has her right now and her walk makes my walk easier, her encouragement is REAL, and the love that God has placed in her heart is reaching others around her. It shows, it has its own language as it speaks volumes to all those around her. Proud of you Carol .... keep your eyes focused on Christ and keep that heart reaching to His.....
Heart healthy,
Lonnie~
I can share that though it has been crazy busy and that there are things I need to work on and follow up on, like my Monday night rest and unwind time as well as date night with Carol every other week atleast and also quiet alone time with God - I feel as though I am in a good place with things. I had a conversation this morning with someone who is close to the family but has had a hard time being part of life to someone. I wish I could just say the person but I wont but just know that this student, high school student does not want anything to do with her relative. At least not at this point in her life. Though that hurts this relative, she has tried and tried to do everything to be a part, to reach out to her, to spend time together, sending notes, cards, facebook posts all full of encouragement - it just aint going to happen. At least right now.... in this present season of time.
I honestly felt every single word in her voice. I know that lesson she is learning right now. To step back and give some space. To let things lay for right now and maybe one day in the near or far off future - that seed that was planted will bring fruit. Who is to know but to trust in Gods timing and His ways. He already knows ..... so do what only you can do today.
There are some students who walk away, they pull back and do their own thing. Focusing on the ones that want to stay close, who need to have someone in their life to cheer them on and encourage them and actually want to hear what I have to say and what God has to say through me. That is the amazing part because I never asked for this role or never thought I would be so souled out for God to these teenagers. It happened and it is so much of who I am and what I am.
So it has me thinking this morning as I look down the road of ministry and what that means, the sacrifices that will be made, the time invested, the hurts also that will come and the prayers that will follow as well as lead all this. Gosh its really scary at times. I am being honest. It really is overwhelming at times.
BUT - I believe that I was brought here for who I am, not what I can do. There are better people out there to lead these students, who know God word more than I do, who have a heart also for teenagers, who want to pass on the Word of Christ to the next generation - but I can't focus on that. I have to focus on what I am called to do and living through WHO I am. I must be a leader out of my character. My character is makes me who I am and in leading others - I have to lead through my character. I must lead these students out of my character. I know there has to be balance and I continue to ask God to show me that, what does it look like, how do I do it, and help me not put this ministry and these students faith above my own. Without you and my relationship with you being the most important how can I do lead them? I really do love each of them and I want to be there to listen to them and do what little I can sometimes to help them and show them the way while showing them Christ and the only way I can do that is to lead them out of my fullness.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
Kyle finished his wrestling season this past year year only wrestling in one match. Though he lost, it was a great experience and one that he gave all he had. I think about all the times he had practice, he showed up and spent his heart on that mat, being a team player and learning and sweating and honestly - he is probably as good if not better than some of the other students on the team. On those wrestling days though, he really wasnt on the team. He and a bunch of others sat in the stands and not with the team. He kinda feels like he is part of the team, he is on the sidelines most of the time, he gives it is all during practice and has bruises and hurt body parts to go with it. I think a lot of times, our youth ministry leaders feel the same way. They look the part, they feel like they are part of the team, they participate like they are leading, students enjoy them and talk with them .... but their heart is not fully there. Kyle didnt have any outward meaningful outcome to the wrestling team season even though he was right there in the middle of everything.
Our spiritual lives have to be the top spot in our ministries. Our walk with Christ has to be first and then in our overflow - give that to others. Without spiritual health we wont make it. I wont make it and I have come to realize that when my spiritual walk is lower than when it should be, the things student say, their comments and the things they do really bother me. They bring me down. I have lost so many nights sleep over something that this person did, or said or treated me .... I can't even explain it. But when I am full of Christ's message and walking close in my journey with him - those things dont bother me as much, the painful arrows of discouragement seem to bounce off a little more easily. My mind and thoughts are higher and not hanging onto every word they share or the things that they do. I can handle situation with more grace than ever before and I can love them out of my heart like I should be doing all the time - love them like Christ loves them.
Attending church, small group time, bible study, quiet time, all of those things are great but its not a check box. Its not personal time alone with Christ - that needs to happen for a few reasons.
* time to thank Him - who doesnt thank their father for gifts and love?
* time to share with God your problems and issues and seek Gods heart
* time to lift others to God
* time to just be in Gods presence and just have some personal time with him
Service to any ministry should never come at the expense of your own personal spiritual walk with Christ. God is concerned more about your being than your doing.
I can honestly say - that is where I am today. It is so awesome right now as I look at Carol. She has had a long dry season in the desert with her faith and in her walk. Right now that season is full bloom and on the move. She is invigorated again with the things of Christ, she is reading, writing, taking notes, and showing others her heart. I love where God has her right now and her walk makes my walk easier, her encouragement is REAL, and the love that God has placed in her heart is reaching others around her. It shows, it has its own language as it speaks volumes to all those around her. Proud of you Carol .... keep your eyes focused on Christ and keep that heart reaching to His.....
Heart healthy,
Lonnie~
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I dont have any idea how long its been since my last blog post. Its just been nuts but I am making some time to write today and I know I will feel better afterwards. That sounds ODD doesnt it but for me, I get things built up on me and in my heart and this is a way for me to avenue my energy into a focused point - maybe this helps someone maybe not. I pray it does bring some clarity or some encouragement to someone out there.
This past few weeks have been extremely busy. Working on messages for the Flood student ministry at church as well as planning for Sunday service, Wed night LOL service, Friday mornings at YCI - it has been busy and keeping fresh and in tune with what God is wanting to say through these avenues to these students but also staying fresh and learning in my own spirit - there doesnt seem to be enough energy to go around. I know a few times last week, after the gym in the evening God gave me some things in the book of Psalms to calm me and focus me and encourage me. I have been training for a 5K which is through the YMCA that a few students have challenged me on and I plan on running it under 35 minutes - at least that is my goal. So I have been up at 5:17 and hitting the treadmill at the gym. There is a different kind of gym rats that early in the morning and even though its hard to get up, my legs HURT - I am enjoying it and finding myself with a little more energy during the day. I do have to go to my Happy Place at Starbucks in the afternoon with Holly, Lori, Matthew or miss Abby - they are such great kids and I fully enjoy their stories and talk through their struggles in life.
The past couple of Mondays, I have really missed my down time. After a full Sunday being around people, pouring myself into the students in the Flood and teaching, then leading in Rock Group Sunday night - I am pretty spent on Mondays. I have done a good job up until now to take Monday off from appointments and ministry type service with students or meeting with parents - I need that down time. I need my family time and its not fair sometimes to be at a place where I am that tired that I cannot give totally to them either. Lots of Monday evenings, I catch up on my reading, study a little for something I need to know more of that is coming up, put the TV on and laugh at a show that is on.... Its also a time during work if I have time to really think about the day before. Did I do ok? Did the students get my message? What could we/I have done better or differently, Did I forget to say hi to the new students, did I make a good impact by saying what I said, did I encourage anyone? Was I available to talk through a tough place with that student who seemed off and out of norm.... thousands of questions run through my mind - all the while trying to be in a place where I too am being fed through the early service. What is God wanting me to learn, to know and to do...... At times its easy to just stand in place and feel overwhelmed. Especially when your close students dont appear to be engaged, dont come, sit in the service, make rude comments, distract everyone around them and who knows what else..... but the focus I have to remain on is that Jesus is in their heart and He is doing something in them even when it appears nothing is happening on the outside. I know they love Christ, they respect and maybe love me as well and there are seasons of time where they will seem to be distant and not plugged in - Lord help me focus on the new people trying to get plugged in who need and are eager and want to walk a few steps with me. Get to know me a little better so that they can feel at home and comfortable and able to really open up their hearts to you. I have to keep the big picture in place even when one or two really are weighing me down.
This coming Thursday evening Carol and I are headed to south Charlotte for date night. We will get something to eat and then head over to a movie preview that will premier in Sept - it should be a great movie and I even plan on taking some notes during the movie. I am really excited to be hanging out with Carol and enjoying some time together.
I am reading 2 books right now- "Your first two years in youth ministry" and "Sun Stand Still" for the second time as my small group is reading it together and I am just busting at the seems with stuff. Stuff that honestly, I am having trouble just putting sentences together LOL :)
So for today - as I put my ipod back in my ears and rejoice in the focus that God is great and God is Good - that is reason enough to celebrate and push through. Praying I can push through in my 5k training. Im hurting here and I know that its in me ... Just as God is in me to do what He has called me to do. Just got to push through that barrier ... showing the love of Christ to those around me, willing to stick with me, - Lord help me be more open, help me give more and expect less.
Sorry this is not that deep today and not that impressing but its heart level and sometimes thats good too.
Peace,
Lonnie~
This past few weeks have been extremely busy. Working on messages for the Flood student ministry at church as well as planning for Sunday service, Wed night LOL service, Friday mornings at YCI - it has been busy and keeping fresh and in tune with what God is wanting to say through these avenues to these students but also staying fresh and learning in my own spirit - there doesnt seem to be enough energy to go around. I know a few times last week, after the gym in the evening God gave me some things in the book of Psalms to calm me and focus me and encourage me. I have been training for a 5K which is through the YMCA that a few students have challenged me on and I plan on running it under 35 minutes - at least that is my goal. So I have been up at 5:17 and hitting the treadmill at the gym. There is a different kind of gym rats that early in the morning and even though its hard to get up, my legs HURT - I am enjoying it and finding myself with a little more energy during the day. I do have to go to my Happy Place at Starbucks in the afternoon with Holly, Lori, Matthew or miss Abby - they are such great kids and I fully enjoy their stories and talk through their struggles in life.
The past couple of Mondays, I have really missed my down time. After a full Sunday being around people, pouring myself into the students in the Flood and teaching, then leading in Rock Group Sunday night - I am pretty spent on Mondays. I have done a good job up until now to take Monday off from appointments and ministry type service with students or meeting with parents - I need that down time. I need my family time and its not fair sometimes to be at a place where I am that tired that I cannot give totally to them either. Lots of Monday evenings, I catch up on my reading, study a little for something I need to know more of that is coming up, put the TV on and laugh at a show that is on.... Its also a time during work if I have time to really think about the day before. Did I do ok? Did the students get my message? What could we/I have done better or differently, Did I forget to say hi to the new students, did I make a good impact by saying what I said, did I encourage anyone? Was I available to talk through a tough place with that student who seemed off and out of norm.... thousands of questions run through my mind - all the while trying to be in a place where I too am being fed through the early service. What is God wanting me to learn, to know and to do...... At times its easy to just stand in place and feel overwhelmed. Especially when your close students dont appear to be engaged, dont come, sit in the service, make rude comments, distract everyone around them and who knows what else..... but the focus I have to remain on is that Jesus is in their heart and He is doing something in them even when it appears nothing is happening on the outside. I know they love Christ, they respect and maybe love me as well and there are seasons of time where they will seem to be distant and not plugged in - Lord help me focus on the new people trying to get plugged in who need and are eager and want to walk a few steps with me. Get to know me a little better so that they can feel at home and comfortable and able to really open up their hearts to you. I have to keep the big picture in place even when one or two really are weighing me down.
This coming Thursday evening Carol and I are headed to south Charlotte for date night. We will get something to eat and then head over to a movie preview that will premier in Sept - it should be a great movie and I even plan on taking some notes during the movie. I am really excited to be hanging out with Carol and enjoying some time together.
I am reading 2 books right now- "Your first two years in youth ministry" and "Sun Stand Still" for the second time as my small group is reading it together and I am just busting at the seems with stuff. Stuff that honestly, I am having trouble just putting sentences together LOL :)
So for today - as I put my ipod back in my ears and rejoice in the focus that God is great and God is Good - that is reason enough to celebrate and push through. Praying I can push through in my 5k training. Im hurting here and I know that its in me ... Just as God is in me to do what He has called me to do. Just got to push through that barrier ... showing the love of Christ to those around me, willing to stick with me, - Lord help me be more open, help me give more and expect less.
Sorry this is not that deep today and not that impressing but its heart level and sometimes thats good too.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Its been a busy day here at the office. Not much sleep last night with turning and tossing as I sometimes do when I have a lot on my mind but hitting the gym this morning at 5:30 and seeing some friends who were once close to me and walking faith with me - well kinda left me empty to be honest. I mean I was there for the right reasons and all as I am getting ready to run a 5k in mid April and I dont want a few of my students to really leave me watching their backs in the distance. So I am training and getting motivated. I think with my business and schedule these past few weeks, I have to do a better job of not only training and strengthening my heart through Gods word, but I have to be training physically as well. I know I will feel better once my mind tells my body to get over it and push through.
I can say though that when I need an encouraging word, God provides it for me as I seek him when I am troubled. Once came last night as I walked out the door of Y and in these little folded pieces of paper with scripture written on them, almost like a fortune cookie without the fat, calories and lottery #'s - was this: Psalm 61:1 - My soul finds rest in God alone.
This morning before it was even light out, I got to the office and checked my facebook account and my friend that I saw this morning had already posted on my wall. It was good seeing you this morning and its exciting to see what God is putting in front of you. He is using you in amazing ways! Keep it up, you might be the only way for those kids to see the light of their real daddy.
Its good to have a person to encourage you at times. Though I think I am overboard at times with some folks - I just have a hard time with constant negativity and looking as though its all going to crash and burn at any minute. It may, but atleast you did trying - now learn from it and clean the dust off your feet and get moving again. So hey - you spend any amount of time with me - I am going to encourage your face off so just deal with it. Its up to you what you do with it.
This brings me to the place I am at today.
I am not some brilliant guy in leading people. I just love God and give those around me the excess of what God is pouring into me. I wish I knew how to do that better but I am learning as its always a next step. First my faith and then pour out into the person next to you. If that happens to be 50 students or whatever - then so be it. God through his love and my expreriences in life have brought me to this place. I am thankful for this ministry because ministry is a gift from God. That hurt in your heart for the students and families in your life and in your small group and youth group and church are there because God put that gift in you. Accept it, deal with it, embrace it and though it may be challenging at times, down right fearful at times, and painful at times - there is joy in there if you dont let it slip through your fingers.
I want more than anything for the grace and love that Christ has given me to show the students and the folks in my life around me that love - that love and deep care that Christ has for them. I want to help them enable their faith, to trust in their faith and build their lives around that faith that comes only from Christ. Imagine a student right now building that foundation in their life when they are 13. Imagine what Christ could do by using that student... nothing would be impossible. They would be contagious in so many ways.
I want to share a few things about that - as I have had some students in my life who have walked pretty close with me over the years. Some have this vision already because it is showing up in their lives in every aspect but some have yet to get there.
I do my best to speak vision and possibility into their lives. Give them a chance to own their faith and lead others around them. Help them see that God is there if they are looking for him. You cannot find what you are not looking for. I share that all the time with them. Build them up and encourage them to be the person and leaders that God has created them to be!
1. They show themselves that they are trustworthy. Students who want leadership are the ones that show they can handle the small things and ask for the bigger things. They are the ones who are serving, work hard in school and take ministry personal. You can depend on them. Ask them to pray for you and they do it. They ask why you didnt call me before school and pray for my day when you miss a day. They are eager and focused and ask for next steps.
2. I get to spend quality time with these students because of their eagerness to lead and step up. Student ministry or any ministry really is all about relationships. Without it, you cannot grow, be challenged, be held accountable and continue moving forward without good solid foundational people around you. You have to share the same vision and be going in the right direction. While spending time together, I get to hear their heart, their focus, dedication, determination, their hurts and difficult places in life, their families as well as what God is doing in them and what He is placing on their hearts. Does a student serve a meal to the homeless shelter see the lady behind the tray with compassion, a broken heart or do they see that person as ordering their food being short with them, snotty maybe with an attitude and not saying thank you?
3. Pray together and let God do what he does. He will open the doors and leadership ministry will take shape because of the vision placed on the hearts of all those involved.
How will they learn if not given the opportunity? How will they learn if they dont fail from time to time? We learn more in failing than we do in winning - so its important to keep the compassion and grace card open and ready to use so that when we do fail...I said we because thats me also, when we do fail we can get back up and get right on moving again. I can remember a few years back teaching Kyle to ride his bike. I ran all over the place up and down the road holding on to him and he not wanting me to let go - as he was afraid of falling. I was tired and worn out. I couldnt take another step. I showed him how to kick off and get going and then peddling the bike - focused on me ahead of him .... he knew I was there to catch him even though I didnt have a hold of him. Sometimes we got to let go of the grip, keep a little distance, give some freedom and while keeping them focused. Kyle road that day and smiled because dad was there and he did it by himself.
Its such a joy seeing a student share their love for Christ with others. When they take their hearts into their schools and classrooms and into their friends. We all need more of these types of leaders in our lives. They refreshen me and encourage me more than I encourage them sometimes.
Peace out,
Lonnie~
I can say though that when I need an encouraging word, God provides it for me as I seek him when I am troubled. Once came last night as I walked out the door of Y and in these little folded pieces of paper with scripture written on them, almost like a fortune cookie without the fat, calories and lottery #'s - was this: Psalm 61:1 - My soul finds rest in God alone.
This morning before it was even light out, I got to the office and checked my facebook account and my friend that I saw this morning had already posted on my wall. It was good seeing you this morning and its exciting to see what God is putting in front of you. He is using you in amazing ways! Keep it up, you might be the only way for those kids to see the light of their real daddy.
Its good to have a person to encourage you at times. Though I think I am overboard at times with some folks - I just have a hard time with constant negativity and looking as though its all going to crash and burn at any minute. It may, but atleast you did trying - now learn from it and clean the dust off your feet and get moving again. So hey - you spend any amount of time with me - I am going to encourage your face off so just deal with it. Its up to you what you do with it.
This brings me to the place I am at today.
I am not some brilliant guy in leading people. I just love God and give those around me the excess of what God is pouring into me. I wish I knew how to do that better but I am learning as its always a next step. First my faith and then pour out into the person next to you. If that happens to be 50 students or whatever - then so be it. God through his love and my expreriences in life have brought me to this place. I am thankful for this ministry because ministry is a gift from God. That hurt in your heart for the students and families in your life and in your small group and youth group and church are there because God put that gift in you. Accept it, deal with it, embrace it and though it may be challenging at times, down right fearful at times, and painful at times - there is joy in there if you dont let it slip through your fingers.
I want more than anything for the grace and love that Christ has given me to show the students and the folks in my life around me that love - that love and deep care that Christ has for them. I want to help them enable their faith, to trust in their faith and build their lives around that faith that comes only from Christ. Imagine a student right now building that foundation in their life when they are 13. Imagine what Christ could do by using that student... nothing would be impossible. They would be contagious in so many ways.
I want to share a few things about that - as I have had some students in my life who have walked pretty close with me over the years. Some have this vision already because it is showing up in their lives in every aspect but some have yet to get there.
I do my best to speak vision and possibility into their lives. Give them a chance to own their faith and lead others around them. Help them see that God is there if they are looking for him. You cannot find what you are not looking for. I share that all the time with them. Build them up and encourage them to be the person and leaders that God has created them to be!
1. They show themselves that they are trustworthy. Students who want leadership are the ones that show they can handle the small things and ask for the bigger things. They are the ones who are serving, work hard in school and take ministry personal. You can depend on them. Ask them to pray for you and they do it. They ask why you didnt call me before school and pray for my day when you miss a day. They are eager and focused and ask for next steps.
2. I get to spend quality time with these students because of their eagerness to lead and step up. Student ministry or any ministry really is all about relationships. Without it, you cannot grow, be challenged, be held accountable and continue moving forward without good solid foundational people around you. You have to share the same vision and be going in the right direction. While spending time together, I get to hear their heart, their focus, dedication, determination, their hurts and difficult places in life, their families as well as what God is doing in them and what He is placing on their hearts. Does a student serve a meal to the homeless shelter see the lady behind the tray with compassion, a broken heart or do they see that person as ordering their food being short with them, snotty maybe with an attitude and not saying thank you?
3. Pray together and let God do what he does. He will open the doors and leadership ministry will take shape because of the vision placed on the hearts of all those involved.
How will they learn if not given the opportunity? How will they learn if they dont fail from time to time? We learn more in failing than we do in winning - so its important to keep the compassion and grace card open and ready to use so that when we do fail...I said we because thats me also, when we do fail we can get back up and get right on moving again. I can remember a few years back teaching Kyle to ride his bike. I ran all over the place up and down the road holding on to him and he not wanting me to let go - as he was afraid of falling. I was tired and worn out. I couldnt take another step. I showed him how to kick off and get going and then peddling the bike - focused on me ahead of him .... he knew I was there to catch him even though I didnt have a hold of him. Sometimes we got to let go of the grip, keep a little distance, give some freedom and while keeping them focused. Kyle road that day and smiled because dad was there and he did it by himself.
Its such a joy seeing a student share their love for Christ with others. When they take their hearts into their schools and classrooms and into their friends. We all need more of these types of leaders in our lives. They refreshen me and encourage me more than I encourage them sometimes.
Peace out,
Lonnie~
Monday, March 14, 2011
Its been awhile since my last post. The days have been flying by and to be honest here, I really dont like this spring ahead thing with the clocks. Its bad enough we moved a second in time with the earthquake in Japan but an hour? I guess I am getting older and dont recover as well anymore. There is just a ton of stuff going on right now. I have been out in front of the students a lot lately and even though I am loving it... it does wear on a person. Last week teaching at LOL I came home mostly rejected because of the time and energy spent on the message that God placed on me and with the weather bad and not many there - I guess in the small picture it was a failure. In the big picture - it was what God put in place for me. Maybe a test to see if I am faithful with the little crowd, maybe a smaller crowd where something in what I said affected the heart of a student there that needed a smaller setting to really tune into what was said.
I can honestly say that an encouraging word from your spouse can do a heart, soul and mind wonders in just a few seconds. While standing in the shower Wed night, trying to unwind and relax a little as my mind was running a billion miles an hour - Carol came in and spoke to me words that only a loving, caring wife could. It really pulled me into perspective, energizes me and gained me focus right then and there. If her words didnt come at the perfect time - who knows how long I would have been there in that place. I mean its hard to encourage yourself, right? Thats coming from someone who has the gift of encouragement but being human myself, I too get discouraged.
LOL on Friday was amazing - I had a good quick message nugget to speak on and 120 or so students filled the room. There is such an amazing thing that happens when you have the crowd gripped on your every word and action. I have never experienced it before until recently - its addicting in a good way - and one I never would have experienced if God had not been shaping me along the way.
I was always the behind the scene kind of guy serving in the shadows of others - doing the stuff that just seemed to be there when folks showed up. It was in those seasons that God was faithful and kept my eyes on the big picture because he knew what was to come. Faith and life is all about the next steps. I can honestly say, that life is busy. There is not a dull moment anywhere in my day where there is not some kind of ministry taking place. Either reading and learning, talking with someone, praying over something, my alone quiet time with Christ as well as fitting in my marriage and being a dad and having time for my close kids. It even takes time and effort to get some down time - I miss the cabin and my family. I know that preachers and high impact volunteers dont serve week in and week out. We all need down time and fun time and just plain ol hang out time where you build life together in the details.
Mark 12:41-44 is my message today that really speaks to me. I hope it speaks to you as well as you evaluate your place today. If you are thinking something is impossible and that there is no way you could have this thing come to pass. I would say you are not praying big enough. There is more to do IN you before you can go THROUGH it. You may feel you are at the ceiling of this next level you want to get to but you are at a loss and not sure how to proceed. God has those answers and your next steps. What is in your life from keeping you to be ALL IN?
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put her two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. they all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on."
The last few Sundays, Carol and I have been watching the new show secret millionaire. I love the show because the secret is that the person is a millionaire and even though this person acts like everyone else, they get to know them, they get to know the motives as to why these folks do what they do. They may be serving the homeless or delivering a meal or changing a neighborhood in a city lost in drugs and crime. They pour their hearts into what they believe in often times dont quit and retire or go quietly because they have been doing this for so long - it is WHO THEY ARE. You couldnt make them quit because there would be nothing worth living for. God is the same way and he is working on you through the experiences in your life. He has you by the hand and is not letting you go even though many walk away from Him. The show then takes a turn, a good turn, when the announcement is made that this new person is wealthy and is wanting to give away a check for the cause and purpose that these folks are living for. It really does have an impact on folks. It reminds me of the ladies who serve at the Center of Hope who give up an entire Sunday making food, serving food, talking with other volunteers and speaking encouragement into the hearts of those living there. SO often, that is all these folks need to lift their spirits is an encouraging word.
Jesus knew this widow, who I can can say by looking at a lady yesterday at the shelter, it very well could be her story in life and how she got there - she was quiet, came and spoke softly, ate alone and dragged everything she had in a bag/cart behind her that squeaked. I will think of her from now on when I read this story of the widow who gave everything even when she had very little. She gave it all because her faith and hope needed to be at its highest even when life was at its lowest. I had a handful of students who went with me yesterday and I got a message from their moms last night and one was in tears listening to the stories that her daughter got to experience. She said it was like her being there too and just was so thankful for such a great experience. I love those moments in ministry where the light bulb goes off and a real connection is made. Sometimes it takes a little refocus, maybe it takes a friend to call you out on something and sometimes it might take a step back to get a new perspective.
Its easy to give out of your surplus and when it doesnt hurt much but it takes a LOT to give when you dont have - to give. Thats the part that Christ wants to get across to you. It changes the order of priorities in your life and you being at the top is not the best place to be.
Thats all I have for today......
Lonnie~
I can honestly say that an encouraging word from your spouse can do a heart, soul and mind wonders in just a few seconds. While standing in the shower Wed night, trying to unwind and relax a little as my mind was running a billion miles an hour - Carol came in and spoke to me words that only a loving, caring wife could. It really pulled me into perspective, energizes me and gained me focus right then and there. If her words didnt come at the perfect time - who knows how long I would have been there in that place. I mean its hard to encourage yourself, right? Thats coming from someone who has the gift of encouragement but being human myself, I too get discouraged.
LOL on Friday was amazing - I had a good quick message nugget to speak on and 120 or so students filled the room. There is such an amazing thing that happens when you have the crowd gripped on your every word and action. I have never experienced it before until recently - its addicting in a good way - and one I never would have experienced if God had not been shaping me along the way.
I was always the behind the scene kind of guy serving in the shadows of others - doing the stuff that just seemed to be there when folks showed up. It was in those seasons that God was faithful and kept my eyes on the big picture because he knew what was to come. Faith and life is all about the next steps. I can honestly say, that life is busy. There is not a dull moment anywhere in my day where there is not some kind of ministry taking place. Either reading and learning, talking with someone, praying over something, my alone quiet time with Christ as well as fitting in my marriage and being a dad and having time for my close kids. It even takes time and effort to get some down time - I miss the cabin and my family. I know that preachers and high impact volunteers dont serve week in and week out. We all need down time and fun time and just plain ol hang out time where you build life together in the details.
Mark 12:41-44 is my message today that really speaks to me. I hope it speaks to you as well as you evaluate your place today. If you are thinking something is impossible and that there is no way you could have this thing come to pass. I would say you are not praying big enough. There is more to do IN you before you can go THROUGH it. You may feel you are at the ceiling of this next level you want to get to but you are at a loss and not sure how to proceed. God has those answers and your next steps. What is in your life from keeping you to be ALL IN?
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put her two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. they all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on."
The last few Sundays, Carol and I have been watching the new show secret millionaire. I love the show because the secret is that the person is a millionaire and even though this person acts like everyone else, they get to know them, they get to know the motives as to why these folks do what they do. They may be serving the homeless or delivering a meal or changing a neighborhood in a city lost in drugs and crime. They pour their hearts into what they believe in often times dont quit and retire or go quietly because they have been doing this for so long - it is WHO THEY ARE. You couldnt make them quit because there would be nothing worth living for. God is the same way and he is working on you through the experiences in your life. He has you by the hand and is not letting you go even though many walk away from Him. The show then takes a turn, a good turn, when the announcement is made that this new person is wealthy and is wanting to give away a check for the cause and purpose that these folks are living for. It really does have an impact on folks. It reminds me of the ladies who serve at the Center of Hope who give up an entire Sunday making food, serving food, talking with other volunteers and speaking encouragement into the hearts of those living there. SO often, that is all these folks need to lift their spirits is an encouraging word.
Jesus knew this widow, who I can can say by looking at a lady yesterday at the shelter, it very well could be her story in life and how she got there - she was quiet, came and spoke softly, ate alone and dragged everything she had in a bag/cart behind her that squeaked. I will think of her from now on when I read this story of the widow who gave everything even when she had very little. She gave it all because her faith and hope needed to be at its highest even when life was at its lowest. I had a handful of students who went with me yesterday and I got a message from their moms last night and one was in tears listening to the stories that her daughter got to experience. She said it was like her being there too and just was so thankful for such a great experience. I love those moments in ministry where the light bulb goes off and a real connection is made. Sometimes it takes a little refocus, maybe it takes a friend to call you out on something and sometimes it might take a step back to get a new perspective.
Its easy to give out of your surplus and when it doesnt hurt much but it takes a LOT to give when you dont have - to give. Thats the part that Christ wants to get across to you. It changes the order of priorities in your life and you being at the top is not the best place to be.
Thats all I have for today......
Lonnie~
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I want to reflect back on this day going back about 30 years shall we? Ash Wednesday, I am like 14 years old and in the north, you got to come in late for school. Everyone was at the Catholic church for a quick service and the application of you ash on your forehead. If I am being honest here, I can say that I only went because I was not in school and their were girls there. I have never really understood this Ash Wed and its importance until a few years ago. This being the beginning of Lent, which is 40 days leading into the Easter weekend.
The principles of Lent have historical roots from necessity. Way back in the day around this time of year the food stored for the would begin to diminish or spoil basically causing a forced fast or rationing of food. Compassionate landlords and land owners would share their abundance with their tenants and the people in the communities as a sacrificial offering. So in doing so, the entire community would be saved from starvation and God would get the glory.
Today fasting does not only include food like in the good ol days. Today, fasting is done as a break from those things that have your attention or addiction in some cases. Fasting could include food, Facebook, Sweets, Deserts, snacking between meals, watching tv, internet - whatever that connection you have - its a way to break those chains. Today during those times of fasting, a prayer time thanking God for this break and refocus as well as time to refresh your mind, soul, and spirit. I have fasted many times before with going 24 hours without food, no coffee in the afternoons as well as soda for a month.
So in this season of Lent - there is much over the next 40 days to be praying about. Trip to the Bahamas and our mission trip to Jamaica. We are starting a new book in my Life Group - Sun Stand Still - where we will learn together about prayer and not just everyday thank you Lord for the sunshine prayers but I am talking HUGE prayers. Like God, this can't happen without you prayers. Fasting has a way to increase that spiritual part in connecting your heart with Gods.
Everyone wants to be closer to God if you are a follower of Christ. So, today - I am asking that you journey with me in your fast. Fast of whatever it may be that is holding you today for the next 40 days. Use that time when you would normally get that sofa or cup of coffee or cigarette or watching TV or sitting on Facebook - use that time to pray. Thank God for that time together and seek His heart instead of yours.
I hope you take this challenge with me. Jesus taught us to fast and he promises rewards as a result.
Matthew 6:18-21 - So that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Gods promise - where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Asking God to have my heart today. Hope you will too.
Peace,
Lonnie~
The principles of Lent have historical roots from necessity. Way back in the day around this time of year the food stored for the would begin to diminish or spoil basically causing a forced fast or rationing of food. Compassionate landlords and land owners would share their abundance with their tenants and the people in the communities as a sacrificial offering. So in doing so, the entire community would be saved from starvation and God would get the glory.
Today fasting does not only include food like in the good ol days. Today, fasting is done as a break from those things that have your attention or addiction in some cases. Fasting could include food, Facebook, Sweets, Deserts, snacking between meals, watching tv, internet - whatever that connection you have - its a way to break those chains. Today during those times of fasting, a prayer time thanking God for this break and refocus as well as time to refresh your mind, soul, and spirit. I have fasted many times before with going 24 hours without food, no coffee in the afternoons as well as soda for a month.
So in this season of Lent - there is much over the next 40 days to be praying about. Trip to the Bahamas and our mission trip to Jamaica. We are starting a new book in my Life Group - Sun Stand Still - where we will learn together about prayer and not just everyday thank you Lord for the sunshine prayers but I am talking HUGE prayers. Like God, this can't happen without you prayers. Fasting has a way to increase that spiritual part in connecting your heart with Gods.
Everyone wants to be closer to God if you are a follower of Christ. So, today - I am asking that you journey with me in your fast. Fast of whatever it may be that is holding you today for the next 40 days. Use that time when you would normally get that sofa or cup of coffee or cigarette or watching TV or sitting on Facebook - use that time to pray. Thank God for that time together and seek His heart instead of yours.
I hope you take this challenge with me. Jesus taught us to fast and he promises rewards as a result.
Matthew 6:18-21 - So that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Gods promise - where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Asking God to have my heart today. Hope you will too.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
This day has been all over the place today. Its okay though because some good things are coming into place. Finished up first and hopefully last draft of my message for tomorrow. I will speaking to the student ministry on one of today's forgotten virtues - Loyalty. I have had a hard time putting together not only what I wanted to say from my heart but also what God has to say about it. I am praying that it is taken and soaked in like a sponge tomorrow evening. I think no matter where we are with Christ, I think if our hearts are in the right place and in tune with Christ, we will be like a sponge and soak whatever up that He is giving to us.
Thursday I will be online this year for NewSpring Church Unleash conference. We didnt make the trip down this year due to the conference selling out - which is amazing since thousands of people will be there. Its a great leadership conference for church pastors, leaders and volunteers. Its a day to refresh and be encouraged. Who could use more of that today? I think that the person who doesnt accept encouragement puts them into a sucky place. The only thing that sucks about that is that they have to walk around with themselves. Everyone can use more encouragement spoken into their life.
Upcoming trip to the Bahamas and in June on our mission trip in June is moving forward. I spoke with the folks today and got contact info for our partner mission team from Minnesota. I am so looking forward to speaking with them and getting to know them before our trip. I am really excited about this even though price of gas has went through the roof, it hurts for that price on the plane ticket. I am praying huge prayers that our outreach team will stretch wide into the community and families to help with the costs. God is big and God is faithful and I fully believe he will make a way for us to go and share the Message of Christ with the people of Jamaica. As our missionary family reaches out into the community and their families in help to support this trip, I really want to celebrate this partnership, the prayers for us, the money donated in partnership in going, as well as safe travels and for the message of Christ to penetrate those we come in contact with. It puts tears in my eyes knowing the impact that this mission work could have on the hearts of us who are going. Changed lives not only there but also in all of us. I cant imagine the direction that a trip like this could have on one of my kids lives and God doing something in their hearts. I am praying big for God to rock some hearts here.
As I think about Jamaica and the people we will touch, I also think about the normal every day people right here all around us in our little worlds. If you think about those folks and who you come in contact with each day - you have no idea of their stories or where they are in life. The struggles and challenges they face or even the victories they have climbed over. I am reminded of the little older couple who came into the ER yesterday. They couldnt speak English and their son translated for them. The mom was really sick and was having issues breathing. Maybe they have been married for 50 years and is this the walk into the hospital yesterday morning that was their last? In a few days will one of them be having to leave and how sad for the one left behind. I dont know their story or what will happen to them. All I know is that is was an honor to pray for them as I sat in the waiting room. I thank God for their marriage of so many years. You can tell by they way they spoke to each other, how they looked at each other - they were in love, respected each other, afraid and their worlds might soon be changing.
I thanked God for them yesterday morning not because of what was happening to them but just how they touched my heart.
It reminded me of a piece of scripture from the Old Testament in Habakkuk 3: - Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
No matter what you are facing today. No matter what troubles life has its grip on you today. There is joy because of Christ. The people of Jamaica do not have much but what they do have they are thankful for. They have joy regardless of what they have and joy in regardless of what they dont have. This mission trip will not be about the white folks coming to give us stuff. It will be about showing them how to do for themselves. Showing them the love of Christ through the local church there. Glorifying God through that church and putting the church back into the center of the community as it gives HOPE and LOVE through it. If we go and give a man a fish, all we have done is given him a fish. If we teach him how to fish and to sell a fish - we have given him far more than anything else...we have given him his dignity.
Even in the hardest and driest of times... Christ is the strength and he is the joy in life.
That's taking and pouring out what Christ has filled us up to do.
Never thought missionary is a term that I would use...but aren't we all? Missionaries ... to take the Good News to all people? - even the people in YOUR world today.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Thursday I will be online this year for NewSpring Church Unleash conference. We didnt make the trip down this year due to the conference selling out - which is amazing since thousands of people will be there. Its a great leadership conference for church pastors, leaders and volunteers. Its a day to refresh and be encouraged. Who could use more of that today? I think that the person who doesnt accept encouragement puts them into a sucky place. The only thing that sucks about that is that they have to walk around with themselves. Everyone can use more encouragement spoken into their life.
Upcoming trip to the Bahamas and in June on our mission trip in June is moving forward. I spoke with the folks today and got contact info for our partner mission team from Minnesota. I am so looking forward to speaking with them and getting to know them before our trip. I am really excited about this even though price of gas has went through the roof, it hurts for that price on the plane ticket. I am praying huge prayers that our outreach team will stretch wide into the community and families to help with the costs. God is big and God is faithful and I fully believe he will make a way for us to go and share the Message of Christ with the people of Jamaica. As our missionary family reaches out into the community and their families in help to support this trip, I really want to celebrate this partnership, the prayers for us, the money donated in partnership in going, as well as safe travels and for the message of Christ to penetrate those we come in contact with. It puts tears in my eyes knowing the impact that this mission work could have on the hearts of us who are going. Changed lives not only there but also in all of us. I cant imagine the direction that a trip like this could have on one of my kids lives and God doing something in their hearts. I am praying big for God to rock some hearts here.
As I think about Jamaica and the people we will touch, I also think about the normal every day people right here all around us in our little worlds. If you think about those folks and who you come in contact with each day - you have no idea of their stories or where they are in life. The struggles and challenges they face or even the victories they have climbed over. I am reminded of the little older couple who came into the ER yesterday. They couldnt speak English and their son translated for them. The mom was really sick and was having issues breathing. Maybe they have been married for 50 years and is this the walk into the hospital yesterday morning that was their last? In a few days will one of them be having to leave and how sad for the one left behind. I dont know their story or what will happen to them. All I know is that is was an honor to pray for them as I sat in the waiting room. I thank God for their marriage of so many years. You can tell by they way they spoke to each other, how they looked at each other - they were in love, respected each other, afraid and their worlds might soon be changing.
I thanked God for them yesterday morning not because of what was happening to them but just how they touched my heart.
It reminded me of a piece of scripture from the Old Testament in Habakkuk 3: - Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
No matter what you are facing today. No matter what troubles life has its grip on you today. There is joy because of Christ. The people of Jamaica do not have much but what they do have they are thankful for. They have joy regardless of what they have and joy in regardless of what they dont have. This mission trip will not be about the white folks coming to give us stuff. It will be about showing them how to do for themselves. Showing them the love of Christ through the local church there. Glorifying God through that church and putting the church back into the center of the community as it gives HOPE and LOVE through it. If we go and give a man a fish, all we have done is given him a fish. If we teach him how to fish and to sell a fish - we have given him far more than anything else...we have given him his dignity.
Even in the hardest and driest of times... Christ is the strength and he is the joy in life.
That's taking and pouring out what Christ has filled us up to do.
Never thought missionary is a term that I would use...but aren't we all? Missionaries ... to take the Good News to all people? - even the people in YOUR world today.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Monday, March 7, 2011
Carol and I had a very odd weekend this past weekend. Kyle was away with a buddy of his for the weekend. 13 years that has never happened. It was quiet in the house, Carol and I got to hang out and we talked, planned our student ministry party together and went to church Saturday night and enjoyed a homemade pizza. It was something totally we are not used to but thankful for it. Our home is almost always full of students, kyles friends, our rock group families and its hustle and bustle and this change of pace was refreshing.
Yesterday we had a great Student ministry time together with more students than we have had in a month or so. I was speaking on Grace as a followup to the move "The Grace Card" which most of us went to see last Wed evening. We had a good game which everyone didnt want to stop playing and ice cream which went over big ...especially the whipped cream which somehow ended up blasting everywhere! There was tons of energy and lots of smiles and I really think the students walked away with something and that does my heart good.
Last night with our rock group, we shared many different things concerning our prayer life and what prayer really is. I love my rock group families ... there isnt anything I would not do for them. This morning I had to stop at the ER because one of "mydaughters" who has the flu passed out from a nose bleed. A few hours of watching folks come in and out, an elderly couple who the wife was not breathing good, a family who's son needed stitches and another fella who looked like military at some point in his life but really down on his life, while on crutches, passed out and hit the floor and lastly another lady came in and took 3 steps into the ER and puked - so they got that cleaned up, wheel chair and a puke bucket for her. Oh, and another family came in and the mom didnt speak english - her son who was about 7 shared with the nurse what his mom was having issues with. I was still there when they were leaving and I couldn't help it - God prompted me to tell this young man he did a great job leading his family. I got a chance to pray and see people hurting this morning in those few hours. Folks who were scared and finally coming to the ER. You know I am sick if I am going through the ER so these people were at that place. Thankfully my girl is okay and will have some further tests down the road. She looked rough but the smile when she walked out was worth it for me being there. I am thankful that I got to go and be there for her when she came out.
I am preparing some thoughts for Wed nights student ministry and having a tough go of it as of now. I am praying that the Lord gives me something to share. I am sure he will.
Gym tonight and a little down time after a busy few days. Ministry is a gift and I am thankful for the gift that God has given me.
Lonnie~
Yesterday we had a great Student ministry time together with more students than we have had in a month or so. I was speaking on Grace as a followup to the move "The Grace Card" which most of us went to see last Wed evening. We had a good game which everyone didnt want to stop playing and ice cream which went over big ...especially the whipped cream which somehow ended up blasting everywhere! There was tons of energy and lots of smiles and I really think the students walked away with something and that does my heart good.
Last night with our rock group, we shared many different things concerning our prayer life and what prayer really is. I love my rock group families ... there isnt anything I would not do for them. This morning I had to stop at the ER because one of "mydaughters" who has the flu passed out from a nose bleed. A few hours of watching folks come in and out, an elderly couple who the wife was not breathing good, a family who's son needed stitches and another fella who looked like military at some point in his life but really down on his life, while on crutches, passed out and hit the floor and lastly another lady came in and took 3 steps into the ER and puked - so they got that cleaned up, wheel chair and a puke bucket for her. Oh, and another family came in and the mom didnt speak english - her son who was about 7 shared with the nurse what his mom was having issues with. I was still there when they were leaving and I couldn't help it - God prompted me to tell this young man he did a great job leading his family. I got a chance to pray and see people hurting this morning in those few hours. Folks who were scared and finally coming to the ER. You know I am sick if I am going through the ER so these people were at that place. Thankfully my girl is okay and will have some further tests down the road. She looked rough but the smile when she walked out was worth it for me being there. I am thankful that I got to go and be there for her when she came out.
I am preparing some thoughts for Wed nights student ministry and having a tough go of it as of now. I am praying that the Lord gives me something to share. I am sure he will.
Gym tonight and a little down time after a busy few days. Ministry is a gift and I am thankful for the gift that God has given me.
Lonnie~
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A little late for my post time but got my coffee in hand and its a great time during my day. Soon some of mykids will check in with me and see how my day was as I will get to hear about their day. One of my college kids had her wisdom teeth out this morning and is doing fine after her surgery. I am thankful for that. I remember those few tough days and hoping her next few days wont be nearly as tough.
Today marks February 29th. ? what, Its March 1st. Yeah I know but 3 years ago today, Walt Hagglund, Carols dad, stepped out of this world and into the next. Heaven accepted one more person on that early morning 3 years ago not because of anything that anyone had done but because of the faith of one small child. Carol and I spoke for years to Walt about heaven. About Christ, answered question after question, invited to church each and every Sunday - long conversations after a meal or even during his cocktail time but there was not much anyone could do. Its hard to make that conversion when life is good and you feel there is no need for a god in your life. Even during his darkest hours, we often spoke of his next step and many times just not wanting to think about it he would brush me off. I am here to say that even with people who loved Walt and prayed for him for years - there was not much any of us could do. In his last breathes - standing in front of him was my son Kyle, 10 years old then asking his grandpa to receive Jesus. With tears in his eyes and telling grandpa he wanted to see him again - Kyle led his grandpa in a prayer through John 3:16 and Walt accepted Jesus. In the next few moments, Walt went back to sleep and with those words being his last words spoke on this earth. I wasn't even in the room to see it. I was on the phone but the news came out of the room quickly and tears and joy overtook our home. I remember calling Pastor Jimmy and crying with him on the phone over what had happened.
It took the faith of a child to bring someone important enough to Christ as a grandpa. Though Walt lived a good life, was a loving dad and husband and provided for his family - the eternal aspects of his life were still hanging on those words. Kyle was the man and had the faith to not leave his grandpa behind.
His funeral services were sweet. Music played and Brandon singing the last song, Amazing Grace had few in tears but they were not tears of sadness. This funeral was a celebration. Though pain and grief is still present today, those pains and grief times are often overshadowed with joy because Walt is in a better place. He is will his wife MaryLou and my mom along with so many others.
Jesus seldom ever showed up to a funeral and when he did, it was to arrest death and stop the ceremony. Death is not in the process of a follower of Christ. Though we hurt and mourn over losing our loved one, we have hope in the fact we will see them again.
John - 16: 17 - Joy like a river overflowing - That stirred up a hornets nest of questions among the disciples:" Whats he talking about: ' in a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? And, 'because I'm on my way to the father'? What is this dar or so? We dont know what he's talking about." Jesus knew they are dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You will be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness. When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy no one can rob from you. You will no longer be so full of questions. This is what I want you to do: Ask the father for wheavber is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!"
Today is not a sad day but a day to rejoice because of the things that have taken place. If you are young or old, think that God cannot use you because of the things you have done or have been done to you - remove those thoughts from your mind. God can and will use you no matter what. If you still have a heartbeat and alive - then surely God can still use you. God is still using Walt to shape lives and change hearts because of his story. We all have a story - a young boy 10 years old leading his grandpa to Jesus. What else is in this young mans heart? What things has he been through in his young life to shape and mold him, all the while God setting him up for something great! No matter the size of your faith loved ones, God can grow it into a huge oak tree full of acorns and shade, strong agains the winds of this troubled and broken world and where roots run deep into the soil. Your tough times will be refocused to joyous times and in your faith, you will experience the grace of leaning back on Gods word as he holds you upright and secure.
Walt, I miss you this day bro but its a day I know is a sweet day because of what took place. Amazing Grace, that song changed from being just a song 3 years ago today but into a song that brings hope, peace and love. It was a celebration in life in your passing, though we hurt and miss you, though Carol and Bob lost their dad and Kate, Kyle and Jenn, lost a grandpa - so many lost a friend. You were a dear friend to me. Even if you were a Yankee fan.
Love and miss you bro -
Lonnie~
Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood his mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing Grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Today marks February 29th. ? what, Its March 1st. Yeah I know but 3 years ago today, Walt Hagglund, Carols dad, stepped out of this world and into the next. Heaven accepted one more person on that early morning 3 years ago not because of anything that anyone had done but because of the faith of one small child. Carol and I spoke for years to Walt about heaven. About Christ, answered question after question, invited to church each and every Sunday - long conversations after a meal or even during his cocktail time but there was not much anyone could do. Its hard to make that conversion when life is good and you feel there is no need for a god in your life. Even during his darkest hours, we often spoke of his next step and many times just not wanting to think about it he would brush me off. I am here to say that even with people who loved Walt and prayed for him for years - there was not much any of us could do. In his last breathes - standing in front of him was my son Kyle, 10 years old then asking his grandpa to receive Jesus. With tears in his eyes and telling grandpa he wanted to see him again - Kyle led his grandpa in a prayer through John 3:16 and Walt accepted Jesus. In the next few moments, Walt went back to sleep and with those words being his last words spoke on this earth. I wasn't even in the room to see it. I was on the phone but the news came out of the room quickly and tears and joy overtook our home. I remember calling Pastor Jimmy and crying with him on the phone over what had happened.
It took the faith of a child to bring someone important enough to Christ as a grandpa. Though Walt lived a good life, was a loving dad and husband and provided for his family - the eternal aspects of his life were still hanging on those words. Kyle was the man and had the faith to not leave his grandpa behind.
His funeral services were sweet. Music played and Brandon singing the last song, Amazing Grace had few in tears but they were not tears of sadness. This funeral was a celebration. Though pain and grief is still present today, those pains and grief times are often overshadowed with joy because Walt is in a better place. He is will his wife MaryLou and my mom along with so many others.
Jesus seldom ever showed up to a funeral and when he did, it was to arrest death and stop the ceremony. Death is not in the process of a follower of Christ. Though we hurt and mourn over losing our loved one, we have hope in the fact we will see them again.
John - 16: 17 - Joy like a river overflowing - That stirred up a hornets nest of questions among the disciples:" Whats he talking about: ' in a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? And, 'because I'm on my way to the father'? What is this dar or so? We dont know what he's talking about." Jesus knew they are dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You will be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness. When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy no one can rob from you. You will no longer be so full of questions. This is what I want you to do: Ask the father for wheavber is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!"
Today is not a sad day but a day to rejoice because of the things that have taken place. If you are young or old, think that God cannot use you because of the things you have done or have been done to you - remove those thoughts from your mind. God can and will use you no matter what. If you still have a heartbeat and alive - then surely God can still use you. God is still using Walt to shape lives and change hearts because of his story. We all have a story - a young boy 10 years old leading his grandpa to Jesus. What else is in this young mans heart? What things has he been through in his young life to shape and mold him, all the while God setting him up for something great! No matter the size of your faith loved ones, God can grow it into a huge oak tree full of acorns and shade, strong agains the winds of this troubled and broken world and where roots run deep into the soil. Your tough times will be refocused to joyous times and in your faith, you will experience the grace of leaning back on Gods word as he holds you upright and secure.
Walt, I miss you this day bro but its a day I know is a sweet day because of what took place. Amazing Grace, that song changed from being just a song 3 years ago today but into a song that brings hope, peace and love. It was a celebration in life in your passing, though we hurt and miss you, though Carol and Bob lost their dad and Kate, Kyle and Jenn, lost a grandpa - so many lost a friend. You were a dear friend to me. Even if you were a Yankee fan.
Love and miss you bro -
Lonnie~
Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood his mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing Grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)