It has been a while since my last post and I hope this summer i will have a little more time to reflect and share as God is doing amazing things all around me these days. I had a vision a few years back but was in a place that I was unable to move forward with this dream. Today I find myself on the footsteps of this dream and Gods calling on me of actually happening. God has put the right people in my life with the same willingness to serve him and those in our community for his glory. Plans are shaping into "Ignite 28075" - A partnership of churches student ministries coming together in our community to be as ONE in the church. With so many churches, so many separate student ministries trying to reach the lost young people and really just holding onto their own students - together I fully believe we can reach further into our community for Christ. I am so blessed to have served under Pastor Tim from Harrisburg Presby the last year in their student ministry and now having the opportunity to serve under Pastor Robbie from High Rock Church - invites are out to local churches and praying for a big turnout next Wed night June 19th to glorify God by making a place for everyone to know Jesus. I sometimes sit and take a breather and wonder, how in the world did I go from this place a few years ago to the place I am standing in today? - It really is remarkable what God can do in your life if you really with all your heart want to be used for Gods purposes. It really is amazing and at times hard to believe.

Please be in prayer for those who will be coming next week. Praying God shows up in such a huge way that we will be blown away by what happens. - Thank you so much!

Summer has officially kicked off and even though I dont have vacation until July - Kyle is fully in down time mode and its nice to be able to sleep in and get to work at a normal time. I am fully enjoying the extra 5 hours of sleep each week!
As I think about the extra down time for so many - I am encouraged to think that this free time is not wasted time. I am really hoping that some will use their free time to grow and experience. I am very encouraged to see a few of my students step up and last Sunday go and serve a meal to the women and children at the Center of Hope. This is their first summer weekend and they are already stepping in and serving. Wed night this week we are hosting a birthday party for a women and childrens shelter in Concord and students have stepped up to help with that. Opportunity House on Thursday - students have stepped up to be a part of that! I am so encouraged by their willingness to serve and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I just dont believe people can be encouraged too much and a little bit goes a long way!
I think for some though, who are not plugging in but have done so in the past, find themselves in a place where they may be thinking their efforts are not worth it. Maybe they are feeling, the problem isnt going to go away so why bother. Maybe, they have already experienced serving a meal and think well - I've already done that, what else do you have? - See the problem with that thinking is, that meal you served 4 months ago - those were different people then. Those folks have moved up and out and a new family is waiting for you. A new person or a new child is needing your smile and tender words. We should be that message to others where ever we may go, where ever we may be serving and whoever we may meet. Our efforts are not unseen by God. He knows our intentions, our motives and he sees our hearts.

I am in my Bible reading study - through LifeChurch.TV - reading the Bible in a year and I am in Isaiah and I just love this chapter of Gods word. So many things are shared here that are speaking into the future and what will come to pass. The words then are still true over our lives today.

Isaiah 49:1-6 Listen to me, all you in distant lands. Pay attention, you who are far away!
The Lord called me before my birth from within the womb he called me by name^. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiv^er.  He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel and you will bring me glory.”

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the Lord speaks—the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me and my God has given me strength.  He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

 I love that even though we may feel like God is far from us and we may be feeling like all this we are doing isnt working or producing fruit - God shares with us to keep it up. To put it all in His hands and he will give us strength. He then speaks not to us but into our potential. He speaks into what He sees in us even when we dont see it in us. "You will do more than restore the people of Isreal to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." - I love that God sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He sees greater things and the little things we are doing today, is a light for everyone to see. Gods love and mercy being displayed for the world to see when we serve with a willing heart. Be encouraged today because God has spoken each of our names. Even those names who are far from him today.

Dont let the free time of summer pass you by. True freedom is in the hands of Christ. Take his and let him change your life.

Thanks for "TheWalk" today......... 

Lonnie~

Just got in from lunch with my 5th grade class. It is always such a blessing for me as I go and invest some time into these really incredible young people. Today I met them in the media room before lunch and had a chance to sit with my 2 mentor students along with a few others and I got to lean in and share a little about "Character". I love these precious moments because they are few and far between. Especially the older they get. So as I shared my heart about what makes a person "them" and what they "stand" for and "who" they really are, a few more students inched over to listen in on what I was sharing. The moments flow from one thing to the next and our conversation transitioned so smoothly into their class after lunch "Family" talk which is where they learn about sex. So you can image a room full of 5th graders all excited about it, embarrassed by it, questioning about and laughing about it. Hey laughter makes for good awkward medicine sometimes :) I wonder how its going about right now LOL

Its really hard to believe this year has flown by. A lunch next week with them on my birthday and its one of the students birthdays as well so we will celebrate together :) - I told her today that if she made me a card, I would make her a card and we high fived so its as good as done!

I think a lot of the connection that I have with the kids is always that place where I really want to hear what they have to say. Sometimes I dont fully follow or they are using some trendy new word I have to later go find out what it means but I do lean in and really listen. As a parent, I am probably guilty more than I want to admit that when I am home a lot of times I am distracted. Does Kyle have my full attention when he is talking to me or trying to get an answer to his important question? Does Carol?
I try really hard to keep my phone away when talking with someone. I honestly do. I want the person I am speaking with to really know I am all there. I have shared a few times that if you want to make an impression, speak to a crowd but if you want to make a difference, speak to a person. In order to do that we have to look at them. We have to focus. When I am talking to a student, either at school or at youth/church - If I want to really make my point hit home, I lean down, I put my hands on my knees or a drop a leg and get on a knee - so that I am on their level eye to eye. So often people speak down to people and when you are above like that, people honestly feel like what they say doesn't matter.
For me, I think this is my biggest connection. Its odd thinking about it like this because in my younger days we didnt have all these distractions. If you wanted to get permission to go to a friends house, you had to speak directly to mom or dad. If you wanted to use the phone you had to use the one in the kitchen, you know tied to the wall and with about 5 foot of cord! Yes no privacy. No texting. Talking!! Yes it worked sometimes!

I do know this from seeing it first hand. Kids listen better when they know they can talk to you and you are truly there and they have your attention. If you want them to listen to you, listen to them. I think all kids are good, some make poor choices but God has made us each good. They dont want to feel as though they are bothering you. I had a student text me yesterday and was asking for prayer and she opened the text, sorry to bother you Mr. Lonnie. I addressed that first, they are never bothering me. I want to hear about the prayer request and then I am going to pray about it. Right then. See how that moves forward with confidence? Trust. Value.

Listening leads to wisdom. We can all need more of that.
I will close today with scripture from my Bible reading plan as I am stepping through Proverbs. Proverbs 8:32-35
And so, my children listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. Listen to my instruction and be wise. Dont ignore it. Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting fro me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.

May our ears never get tired of hearing the hearts of others, especially our heavenly Fathers.
Lonnie~

Wow - Tonight.... I am Gods Masterpiece!!

It was awesome leading tonight at WoW. I really had a lot of fun tonight speaking on family and how often times when our family is not working right, we often want the other members of our family to change. It was said last week in a discussion on prayers - "Our prayers sometimes dont change the person we are praying for or change the difficulty but they sure do change us". A few years ago I led a Bible study with some close friends on parenthood. It was one of my favorite bible studies and from that time, years ago, I captured some entries from Moms, Dads, Sons and daughters. I bet you will relate to a few of these posts. I know I do. Family is Gods idea and Jesus gives us a great example in serving others before ourselves. As I landed tonight message, I spoke from Ephesians 2: We are Gods masterpiece. I asked each person tonight - Who are you? Repeating "I am Gods masterpiece." Wow students, watch this video again, grab mom and dad and have a conversation. Family is Gods idea. Proud of you all and thank you for an amazing year leading you with Kathleen. It has been fun and it has been great growing closer to God with ya'll.

Just wanted to take a few moments and share something from a long time Pastor that has been in my life now for many years even though I have only seen him live 2 times. He has spoken volumes into me over the years. I have read, I think everything he has wrote - hey he even sent me a FaceBook message back to me once. So that means we are on talking level. LOL - no seriously, I truly respect and honor Pastor Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv. I love the fact that my Pastor at Elevation Church, Pastor Steven Furtick is like a brother and is a pastor to him as well.

I am reading through his Altar Ego book which I am reading slow because I just cant grab it all at once. It has so much good stuff in there that I cant possibly soak it all in so this is slowing me down.
I wanted to share a part that I read this morning and continues to weigh on me. My heart is in his words on the page and gosh, it hit me like a ton of bricks this morning as I read over the words again and again. I just have to share them because it is so what my heart is dying to say, to share, to reach out and touch someone with.

Thank you Pastor Craig for sharing your heart through these amazing words.

When was the last time someone was amazed by your boldness? When was the last time you stopped someone in their tracks because they were undone by your bold speech and actions? Now, keep in mind, Im not talking about wacky, odd, cheesy, 33 bumper stickers on your SUV kind of Christian drive-by witness. I am not talking about being bold in a bad-Christian-television way to make people dislike you or ridicule you. I'm talking about being bold with integrity. The kind of boldness where you're living in a way that reflects Christ's compassion and selflessness, where others look at you and say, "There's something different about this person." The kind of boldness where you're so generous with your money and your heart and your time, where you've served your way into people's lives, and therefore you've earned the right to say, "I really do love you; may I tell you about my God?"

I read that honestly, its hard to hold back the tears. To me this is beautiful. This passage from his book is so in-line with the things I am learning, the last series on learning Gods will for our lives at church and really knowing Christ. I have been sharing some of those things with the students I lead on Wednesday nights and in this past year, you can really see some major growth taking place. Over the past few weeks, taking some of them to an amazing concert, taking 2 last night to the evening service at church - there is nothing more amazing than seeing these young people with hands raised, singing, praising and loving God. During the message taking notes and hanging on almost every word. God is growing them and in doing so, He is growing me. I am excited about that. I am excited to know God more today than I did yesterday. I am excited for opportunity to serve others in some small way because that means I am walking closer to God than before. I love where God has me today. It may not always be easy or convenient but pushing through with hands open means I am willing and God will work with a heart like that. Last night Pastor closed the service out after a Q&A session where people just asked questions and he sat on stage with his Bible open and spoke from the heart. I loved hearing his heart, his compassion for people and his love for Christ as he just opened up and shared. He said, "God will make giant leaps to those who are taking small steps toward him."

Seeing fruit in all the hard work, the struggles, the load that we carry is always special. A little fruit goes a long way on the long journey. For sure its more fun going with others, in the same direction, same intensity and the same heart full of love.

As my church closed out 5 weeks of learning Gods will is Whatever - I will close with our focus scripture that I am sure will continue to speak volumes into me for months to come, if not longer.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Always in Him,
Lonnie~  

 

This has been a busy week but a week that has been most amazing. On Tuesday, me and a few of my students from Wed night youth group went to see the Passion Tour in uptown Charlotte. The Passion Tour is a group of musicians and bands that come together and tour the world to share, worship and praise our God and to send a message into the world to end world slavery. This movement is really gaining steam and laws are being passed each day to help the victims in the sex slave markets around our world. 27 million are forced in slavery, more than any other time in the history of the world and this all started because of one heart that broke and God ignited a fire in Christine Cain and she boldly took it to the world. So as these bands and musicians tour, they are spreading the love of Jesus and I want to tell you, what a concert - well not a concert really but a worship experience it was. Nothing like singing and praising our God with a few hundred folks in this small beautiful 150 year old church. Seeing Anna, Morgan, Maddison singing and raising their hands and smiling for 2 hours is well worth the $20 ticket. For them, their first Christian artist concert and one they will always remember. See these gals are leaders in their generation. They are in key club, they lead at church and in their youth group, they study hard and are wonderful young women. I love making and putting together opportunities for them to grow, to experience and have a chance to be involved in these kinds of things because it stretches us, it grows us, it gets us out of our comfort zones sometimes and that is exactly where God can use us. 

Meeting Kristian after the worship experience was awesome. Such a humbled and gentle spirit he has. He welcomed us in gave us a hug and a handshake and I thanked him for the workout session. He laughed and I said PassionP90X and it was awesome! Maddison said ever so quietly before we were next, - "I wonder if he knows he will be my husband?" - it was really funny and we all shared a good laugh.

When we can imprint amazing moments like this into our lives and into the lives of others, it has a lasting affect. Its like a fingerprint - it leaves a mark. These gals went home and shared their experience with their families. They shared with their classmates. They became contagious as they shared with others. The cost of this - Priceless. I just cant put a value on something with this much meaning. 

All I want, is by the end of the day, that my heart looks like His heart. I want to have the same things breaking me that are breaking Gods heart. I want to be able to honestly stand with my hands open and beg God to use me - WHATEVER - way he has willed me to do. 

Wednesday I put together a movie night to see the movie Home Run. I invited just about everyone I have contact info for as everyone was invited. Had a good turn out and the theater was pretty much ours and enjoyed a great movie with a powerful message to it. Pastor Tim, who has become such a great friend and brother in Christ this past year was very excited and happy that so many in his church came to see the movie and to hear the message of 2nd chances, that God loves us too much to leave us where we are and forgiveness.

As I wrap up this post, I just walked in from having lunch with my 5th graders. I got to share lunch with 3 different classes today as many sat with Lauren, Taylon and myself. Its such an amazing time being in their environment. All year the friendships grow and smiles and laughs and sharing comes more easily. Today, I found out one of my kids moved. Gone. Just like that. I was really making some leaps with him as he often pulled me aside and opened up. Sharing something about home or something funny. If a child is bold enough to ask me "Why do I come in and have lunch every week when i am not Taylons or Laurens dad?" - He is really thinking about things. Its awesome when they ask and I am not just telling them why I am there. They really seem to get the WHY then. As he finishes up 5th grade in the next few weeks, he will have a fresh start in middle school. I know he will rise to the occasion and flourish.

I will close with Psalm 116:1-2 as I read through my Bible plan in a year through LifeChurch.tv - "I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live."

Gods peace and favor,
Lonnie~

Carol and I had a very good anniversary yesterday. Thank you to all those who called, emailed, texted and sent messages on FaceBook or Twitter. We truly love you all. Carol, Kyle and I got to go out to eat to what I think is my favorite place to eat even though its a bit fancy. Holding pinky out here :) - Cajun Queen has got to be the cutest little place in Charlotte and the food it amazing. As you can tell by the name, its Cajun which means it has some heat in it. I like that. There in the upper room, a little 3 old man band was playing, a little drums, a little bass guitar and cutest old gentleman I have ever seen playing the piano. He was all crunched over and his arms didnt have to move much to have his hands on the keys and he just played. No notes. No sheet music. Nothing. Pretty awesome stuff as he played and smiled. You could just tell this man was at peace and enjoyed so much what he was doing.
I am sad to say that the tragedy yesterday in Boston played a big part in our day as with any tragedy like this, it really reminds us that life can turn in a moment. Thinking about 24 years of marriage and praying for another 24 years. Its humbling knowing that, especially at my age, that life has its major turns, battles and scars. My heart pours out to the folks in Boston and I just cant fathom why and how there is so much hatred in the world. I am comforted knowing that Christ is already at work in that area in the hearts of his people.

Yesterday during my quiet time as I am going through my YouVersion Bible reading plan in a year - I am in 2 Kings 5 and I came across this as it really came to life for me. I hope it comes to life for you in some way.

2 Kings 5

The Healing of Naaman

5 The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.^[a]

² At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. ³ One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”
⁴ So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. ⁵ “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold,^[b] and ten sets of clothing. ⁶ The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”
⁷ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”
⁸ But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”
⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
¹¹ But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! ¹² Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
¹³ But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir,^[c] if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” ¹⁴ So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!
¹⁵ Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

I know the scripture is a bit long but its important to have the before and after from verse 12 and 13. See Naaman wanted to be cleaned from his leprosy. He was a mighty warrior, many killed in battles, a leader and people looked up to him and followed him but he had a major problem. He was sick. He had leprosy and it was probably hard to lead people in battle, to give commands to people and probably lots of them since he was the commander of the army. So he desperately wanted to be healed. So he went to see the prophet Elisha who would heal him but when he went, Elisha sent him away telling him to go wash in the Jordan. Naaman was furious. He wanted to be healed right then. He didnt want to do his part, follow directions or orders in army terms. He thought the waters of the Jordan were not different than other river waters and he had already tried all that and still he was infected. So after his officers spoke to him, reasoned with him, he went and did what Elisha told him to do. There ya go .... all clean. Skin like a baby. 

How often do we look for the big things in our lives when we should be paying attention and more importantly doing, the little things? We need a cure for something today but we refuse to go to the doctor. We need a miracle in our finances but we keep on spending. We are not happy in our relationship or marriage but refuse to sit down and work at it. We want our kids to make good choices but we dont show them a good example or invest more time with them. So often we need to listen to the people in our lives. We need to seek out our godly friends that God has placed in our lives and seek their advice. We need their counsel because they wont steer us wrong. Maybe we dont because we honestly, want to do things our way. We want to do the things we want to do regardless if it brings healing, hope, restoration. We know what they are going to tell us and that is honestly what we dont want to do. So we dont ask. We buy the house we cant afford. We rent the car that is too expensive and we get stuck even further with monthly bills. We go to the other college because boyfriend or girlfriend goes there.

I bet if we each take a look around at the godly folks in our lives today. You will have some. Maybe today, would be a good idea, to call them, text them or send them an email to thank them first but more importantly to set up some coffee time and share. Open up a little, seek some advice on that thing that you are struggling with. Lighten the yolk up a little and let this godly friend pour some wisdom into you. It may take only 10 seconds of courage to do it. Do it anyway...... 

Like the officers, they spoke to Naaman, reminded him to do the little things and stop looking for the big thing that is going to make a huge difference. Your miracle that you need today may just be a listening ear away. Stay obedient in the small things, the big things will work out to.

Love you all,
Lonnie~  

 

You might be thinking this is our wedding photo. You would be wrong. For those in our life right now who have teenagers going to prom, since its prom season, this is our prom picture. Looks like a wedding photo though doesn't it? Carol and I are one of the small % of couples that get married that dated in high school.  To clear a few things up, Carol is still just as pretty and sweet as she was back then. I did have hair back then since most people today know me with no hair. I probably couldn't see the photographer in this picture because I did not have my glasses on, my mom worked for company that barely had vision benefits so I always got the army surplus glasses that made me look like a raccoon or a satellite dish on my face. - But hey we were in love :)

24 years ago today I remember waking up in my apartment, Carol still lived at home with her mom and dad, and my best man and wedding guys slowly came over. It was a day full of excitement, full of dreams and full of rain. I am not talking like showers that pass by but I am talking a rain like Noah would be nervous about. It rained so hard that day that the limo couldnt come pick the guys up and take them to the church. We all piled into my dads white van to take us to the church in the last minutes before things got underway without being late. So many folks there that day and I remember seeing Carol at the other end of the church and thinking, gosh, is this for real? My walk with Christ at this time wasnt more than a walk that my mom had. My faith then was very much through her. I will always remember my moms love for Jesus was always quiet. Her spiritual side was kept very close to her until her last few months on this earth - it was only then that I saw how much my mom lived her life. So as our wedding day washed before our eyes, we danced, we sang, we partied and had so much fun. They say, rain on your wedding day bring the marriage luck. I hope that still is true today. I am so blessed to still be in love with Carol like we were when we were in our 20's and even before. As high school ended, college started, full time work began and Carol and I continued to make some good choices, dream big and work hard on those dreams. The day after our wedding we flew to Ocho Rios Jamaica for a week and fell in love with the island people. Who knew that 22 years later, Carol and my son Kyle and a bunch of close people, like family in our life, would be returning for a mission trip. Everything always comes full circle. Looking back I can see that more and more in my life as I get older. Everything has a season and everything comes back around. Its almost as if its like putting closure to so much. 

24 years of marriage has been wonderful, it has been hard work in some seasons of time, its been beautiful and its been fun. I think the key ingredient for us as I look back is, we were friends before we started dating. We liked each other first before we loved each other. It was a funship of friendship but working together to common goals while trying to always put the other person first. 

With most marriages ending today in a dismal 50% ratio - I think about our parents. Walt and MaryLou. Lonnie Sr and my mom Lois. A lifetime committed to marriage. I am so thankful we had good examples to go by. I am so blessed to see the struggles of our parents and being able to work things out and throwing in the towel was never an option. I can say that Carols mom and dad loved each other all the days of their lives. My dad loved my mom all the days of hers. There is such comfort knowing that your spouse has your back and no matter what happens - throwing in the towel is never an option. Honoring the other before self - that keeps the bad decisions few and far between. 

Carol I am so thankful for you. The way you love your friends, deeply, the way you love Kyle and our family and what that represents. Our family time is so important to you and giving Kyle a great example of how a wife and mom leads in the family. You loved Kate just as deeply and even though those wounds resurface from time to time. I know that love would never be in vain. Even though it didn't end the way we wanted. Even though we didn't listen to others as we took her in and loved her like our own daughter. We stuck to prayer and doing what God had called us to do. I know we wouldn't take that season of time back. It has made us closer. It has created a tighter bonded team. It has shaped us in so many ways. It has shown us to trust each other and God more. I am so thankful to have you as my teammate in life. I thank God for you and how richly blessed I am. 24 years and praying even better 24 more. 

You have always been the love of my life and the last few years since God has moved from someone I barely knew to the heart full that he continues to give me daily - Our love for each other is even stronger because of Him. 

I didn't have to think long about marriage as it is shared with us in Gods word. John 2 is the first miracle that Jesus performed. By turning water into wine, God revealed himself in such a huge way - A wedding celebration. His first sign of his glory. Our marriages today need God in them. Not as an add-on but as a centered piece. I am convinced that after living 47 years of my life, most of which being married, that the secret in marriage and honoring each other is putting Christ at the center of everything you do.

I have to say, with the road we have traveled - its the one true thing that has held us together. Only by his power, his grace and his love have we been able to endure all we have, enjoyed the seasons of such joy, given Kyle a home with a mom and dad, and a loving example of what marriage kindashoulda - look like. Though nothing is ever perfect, nothing is ever worth having without a struggle to keep it. 

I love you with all my heart Carol. Looking forward to the next, whatever God has in store for us. The dreams are endless, the possibilities are awesome and I have someone to smile with along this journey. 

All my heart,

Lonnie~

Had a pretty busy weekend, as the weather was finally nice and had a chance to work in the yard. So far behind on some things and at times when I step back and look at everything in the big picture, its easy for me to get overwhelmed. Kyle and I had a good work day, removing pond, bushes, cutting and splitting firewood and getting grass cut and pool opened.

Yesterday was a good day as my family and I got the chance to visit a local church that has opened. Their first official launch was Easter Sunday and God blew the doors off this place with standing room only and I would have to say, a very successful launch. I am very excited that High Rock Church is here in our community. 15 years of looking at a building with a couple tenants and mostly empty for the past few years, I often asked and spoke to God about that location and how a church would be amazing there right on the main road of our small town of Harrisburg. God had plans for this location and I am so very thankful that Pastor Robbie and I have hooked up, teamed up, and share so much in common. Its going to be an exciting journey as people who don't know God will come to know Him because of the vision that this church has and Pastor Robbie and his staff and volunteers have to reach people. Service was packed yesterday, greeting was welcoming, band was on point and even 3rd worship song in was Elevation Church - I think they put that in there for me :) - and Pastor Robbie spoke a good word from Matthew 7 that talks about accountability and loving others by not calling them out and judging them because they are different. We need to not call people out because they dont believe or act the same way we do because they may not know Christ and we do, so how can they act and speak and do the things we do. They dont know Christ yet. So by humbling ourselves it leads to healing. It leads to a gentle heart and common ground so that through being humble, we can reach out and walk with those we are called to love.  Judging leads to judgement. A great 2 service High Rock! I look forward to serving the kingdom with ya'll in whatever roll that may be.

After church Carol and I hit the gym, had a good workout which was long overdue. Need to find time to make that happen more often. Its good for the heart, soul and mind - especially for me. I just feel better when I can tear it up in the gym. A little work in the yard, dinner and then Elevation Church last night. Pastor Steven brought an amazing word from God as we started our new series - "Gods Will Whatever". I have to say that I dont know how Pastor brings such good word to us every single week. It completely blows me away at times and this week was not any different. A Easter message where Pastor spoke to over 26000 people and he comes right back the next week with an amazing word as we dug in to figure out "What is Gods will for our life". A couple key points being:
~ We cannot do Gods will until we understand Gods will.
~ Gods will is through Works - we either get on board with him or we get steamrolled.
~Gods will is not the most undesirable option. Its not us picking his choice because its the one we think will suck the most and we just do it because.
~When we walk in Gods ways, we are in Gods will.

Collosians 3:17 - And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Here is where it really took a hold of me last night. I mean it really shook my core and its not anything I didnt already know but I am here to tell you it really SPOKE in me. Gods will for our lives as Pastor taught, is to do WHATEVER - being a student, work at a university, stay at home mom, work in the library, a doctor, work at the bank, a coach, a teacher, play sports, dance, sing, a fireman or a policeman - WHATEVER - you do, do it all in the name of the Lord. I get asked so often, especially being around students either in college or in high school. Mr Lonnie what is Gods will for my life? What am I to do? Do I want to be a teacher? Should I go out with this guy or gal? We are talking marriage but I am unsure. Those are all great decisions and yes, they need prayer, concentration and focus to make good wise choices. But WHATEVER you do - honor God in doing them. Take Christ with you wherever you go. 
Its not that important which college you go to but it matter more WHO you are when you do go. His will is in the present not the future. Its right now! Are you in Gods will in your situation, relationships, struggles, at school or in your job? Gods will isnt about who you are going to be because you are not there yet. Gods will is in the NOW so he can create who you are to BECOME.

God has placed you in the moment right now, not wishing you were doing something else, or what you could do or what someone else says you should be doing. 
That really hit me hard. As I posted on Facebook last night, as I couldnt hold this in any longer. People ask me from time to time. Why are you working there? You should be on staff at a church somewhere. You should be leading mission teams, leading a student ministry, you are so good with people. Yes, I have asked myself those same questions. I have a job leading a student ministry from my long time friend and pastor - (Travis) I just have to move to Maine. I love what I do. I love the people in my life that God has placed around me. I love loving on the families and the students while pointing them to Jesus. I love encouraging and serving others and leading people to do the same, to serve along side of me. Its a passion I am so passionate about. 
Last week I got invited to speak at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, which is a women and children homeless facility in Charlotte NC for their volunteer luncheon. I was a little nervous as I have not spoken in front of a crowd that large in some time. I didnt have any notes but just wanted to share my heart about my volunteer time there. I got started a little tough but my heart poured open and I think I landed it pretty well. I got to meet a lot of folks with the same desire to invest in others. To see people regain hope and get back on their feet while being shown and reminded that people care about them and love them. Its such an honor being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need not a hand out but just a hand up.

If we really sink in and examine the WHY - we do things, serve, work, preach, study, etc... God will work it all out right. We will be in Gods will because we will understand WHY its Gods will. Its a motive before its an action. Far too often as Pastor explained, we wait around looking for the burning bush instead of just being WHO God has called us to be. 

Be WHO God has called you to be. The where will work it out. 
2 Samuel 22:31 - “God’s way is perfect " All the Lord’s promises prove true.
Romans 8:28 -^"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." 

God will take your entire life, the good, the bad, the ugly, the pretty and use it for his purposes. You are never too far from God that He cant use you. Your story, your testimony, is the account in your life of what God has done to those who dont know Him. God will and can use everyone's story. Your story matters. 

So today - go and do your day - student at school, gym teacher, professor, on the wrestling mat, in your studies, in your relationships - WHATEVER.

You are Gods representative and just maybe, the only Bible some will see today. 

Thanks for an amazing day yesterday Lord as you spoke directly to my heart through High Rock and Elevation church. Praying I bring you praise, honor and glory as I go about my day sharing what You are teaching me for my life. Amen,

Peace today,
Lonnie~  

It has been a busy week to say the least. A lot going on as we entered this incredible week between Palm Sunday and Easter. Its always a week I reflect a lot on not only personally but also outwardly. I reflect a lot on the ministry serving that I am doing and pray through those outreach things I am carrying. Are they making a difference in the lives of others? Am I effectively sharing the good news of Christ? Is there something I should stop doing and start doing something else? Is there someone I am investing in that isn't responding that I need to just give the space to? Is there someone else that I need to pour into? This is a great week to do those things because its all in the grace of Christ that we have this week in the first place.
Last night while serving at a local church in their student ministry, I spoke through Luke 19 and had a video after my message and I really felt like the spirit was working in them. I could see it in their eyes as they hung on every word spoken. I am truly blessed to be asked to have a lead in this student ministry, as one student messaged me last night and shared: Mr Lonnie you have such passion when you speak about Jesus. I love coming here because you make it fun to learn about Christ. Thank you!

I know I shouldn't put a huge amount of value in the affirmation of others but sometimes its what we need to keep moving forward, that you are in track, that what you are pouring into is making a difference in someones life. When a student asks you about baptism and what it means and then asks the Pastor when is the next baptism - thats crossing over right there. Thats something to get excited about! Gosh I cant type this fast enough while thinking about these conversations :)

I have been learning some things about "Joy" and "Happiness" lately. I have been really pressing myself to dig a little deeper in these 2 important things in life. I do believe there are some people that totally have about zero % of these things in their life for whatever reason. They are just made that way or they have learned it over the years. Maybe they dont know what its like at all to be full of joy or being happy. Maybe they rely totally on the actions and words of others to fulfill these qualities and I can imagine that it doesnt always work nor does it last very long.
As the wise men in the Bible came to see baby Jesus after the angel of the Lord spoke to them and shared - "Don't be afraid, I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." That IS the gospel. JOY. Its central and its imperative. Its the Good News of Jesus. The announcement doesn't say to "some people" it says to "all people". Great joy! If you are a follower of Christ, there is no reason to walk around with your head down or a frown all the time on your face. One of the things I have been learning as I continue "MyWalk" with Christ is to talk less, listen more, and pray with others. I don't have to have all the answers, God has them, I just want to walk with you and pray with you.
People take themselves way to seriously and when that happens its like walking around with a grudge all the time. They fuss over their hair, their clothes, homes, friendships, spouses, school work jobs to just name a few. We have to be serious in life at times but not at the cost of taking the joy and happiness out of it. Happiness is always temporary and is usually a result of something or someone. Joy comes from the Lord. Its in our hearts and when God is fully behind out hearts, thats when the joy comes out.
We don't have to walk around with long faces and listing out all the things we are struggling with. Maybe today should be a day that we not pray for God to remove or be in our situations or difficulties but thank God for them. Ask God to change us instead of our problems so that we can rise over our problems. Our problems and our past do not define us, God does. Our paths ahead define us because God is in our definition as a person. We belong to Him. Nehemiah 8:10 "Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is our strength". That's the Good News!
You don't need a new mattress. You don't need to try harder. You don't need to exercise more or win the lottery or get that girl you have been chasing - Joy and strength come from the Lord.
Believe me, it has taken me a lifetime of learning, reflecting and praying to finally begin to understand this. I spend a lot of time with teenagers, you have really happy easy to get along with young people and then there are some that are as difficult as dealing with Shrek with hemorrhoids.
Happiness is an emotion and one that we can have complete control over because its a decision. Its easier for some than it is for others. I get that. But its still a choice. Accept the situation and make the most of it. Lean in and find out what God is trying to teach you through it.

As a parent, as many of us are, we can never base our happiness on our teenagers. Even stretching as far as the young people in your life if you are like me that has a host of young people surrounding you. If we base our happiness on them, we are doomed for failure. I admit its hard when others are struggling. We want to help. We want to talk things through. We want to be there for them. When they walk away or need some space, those are really some hurting times. We have all been there as teens begin pulling away from parents. Our teens are no different. They pull away from most adults as they learn to be an adult. Yes sometimes it doesn't make any sense nor is it easy to watch them wander in the wilderness making some bad choices, get caught off guard in some things that this life throws and just being naive enough not to know better. Some are more trusting than others, some more focused than others and some just a disaster waiting to happen. But thankfully God gives us and our young people the opportunity to struggle through life so that we might grow and mature. If we based our own happiness on how great things are with our teens - we would all wind up being some miserable people. Romans 12:12 "Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer".

I hope that this season of time, especially during this special week in the Christian faith, that you take some time to reflect and refocus and then renew. My family is especially excited for our church services to start tomorrow at 7pm. First of many worship experiences over the weekend at all our locations. We are then headed to the beach for a few days as Kyle is on spring break starting tomorrow going through all next week. Its time to focus as a family in what is ahead and also to have a little down time and some fun. I am excited for all the people who will come to church, some for the first time, some for the first time in a long time, and some regulars that need a fresh word from God. He is what truly matters in this life. In closing prayer last night, as I circled the students together for the first time in holding hands in a circle, I prayed over them and then spoke over them - that we were created by the dust of the earth as the Bible tells us in Genesis. We were not yet alive even though we had bodies. We were not alive until God breathed into us. His breath gives us life. I had all the students to take a deep breath. Think about the breath you just took, God gave you that. Without it you are dead. With it you are alive. Now go, breathing in the life that God gave you. Walk a life of worship in all you do. You have Gods breath giving you life.
I pray that for you today as well.
Have a great Easter holiday everyone. Remembering the Lord, Our God and all he has done for us. When we show God our faith, He will show us his faithfulness.
Lonnie~

Things have been busy the last few weeks with lots of family stuff going on, church and serving in various places and last Saturday Carol and I and a handful of amazing you people served at JoyProm. This is a prom for those with special needs. Last year we got to serve for the first time and was overwhelmed at what we got to see first hand. This past weekend was no different, except being much bigger. Carol and I got to serve alongside some amazing young people who fully enjoyed themselves, serving, hugging, sharing smiles, helping out of limos, greeting, dancing, serving all night long. Our friends Sherry and Donnie lead the way in leadership, vision and passion for serving those in our community with special needs. We had one family come all the way from Indiana to be a part of this. So very honored to have the opportunity to serve. It really has such a huge impact on your life when you step far out of yourself to serve the needs of others.

We have a couple amazing things happening lately - Kyle for one cleared medically after his dislocated knee. He is clear to begin working out and running again. Carol and I are very thankful for this especially after not having to have surgery. There is a new church coming to our small hometown of Harrisburg and we are excited to have High Rock Church and Pastor Robbie and his core team opening this Easter. They are going to make a huge impact into our community for Jesus. Carol and I have met with Pastor Robbie over dinner to speak student ministry, outreach, tour of the building and we are very excited to have them in our community. I remember that building 17 years ago sitting there mostly empty the last 10 years and saying, God, that location would be a perfect location for a church. I have prayed many times over that idea and to see it actually happen now is very cool. We plan to visit them often and to partner with them in doing outreach in our community. Churches should partner together - its for the Kingdom and not for the safety of our congregations. I have always had an issue with how churches build walls and then protect their people from visiting another church or throwing them under the bus when they leave for whatever reasons. We have been given grace by God and we should extend that Grace to others. This leads me to my post today - Grace.

What is it? - Why do we have it? Why does God give it to us?
Grace is unearned favor. We didnt do anything to receive it or earn it. God extends his Grace to us and was obsessed with showing mercy to those who least deserved it. He was committed to showing grace to the worst of sinners and last time I checked and if totally being honest, that includes me. Sin is sin and only in our minds do we label which ones are worse than the others. We are all sinners and do wrong - we make unwise choices, we manage to screw things up, we repeat offenses time and time again - all the while promising to do better. Sometimes even begging God to help us do better. But then we dont. If my sins are not as bad as the other person - it separates us and in doing that it makes us feel better about ourselves because our sins are not as bad as their sins. Because comparing to them - we are doing pretty well. I think a lot of that mindset comes when we look at the homeless for example. Through the Opportunity House and serving a meal, message and worship to the homeless in our community now for the past year or so - I dont look at these folks differently anymore. I at times can see myself sitting at the table and being served a meal. Most of us are 1 or 2 decisions away from there anyways. God loves them just as much as he loves me and you. They are people. They have times of good and bad just like we do. They are less fortunate and their situations are difficult just like ours is. It just looks different and I can honestly say, that most of these folks are really amazing people. There are hugs, laughs and a love of Jesus in them that I dont get to see in others often times and even in myself at times. Problem with separating ourselves from sinners just puts a wall up to say - I dont have to deal with their pain. Jesus was not like that and neither should we. Jesus came for them. He came for the hopeless, the oppressed, the hurting, the struggling, the sinners! He pointed at the Pharisees because they have the rules of looking spiritual but they were dead on the inside. Our hearts should bleed with compassion and not be looking to justify our actions or how we treat others.
I have a long way to go to be able to relate to people like Jesus did. I admit that in my early walk with Christ I was learning so much, not that I am not now, it was just a little different then. I think today, my journey is less about telling people - especially the young people in my life, what to do and more about listening, sharing a hug and praying together.
We should never lose sight of the person (sinner) because of the sin. Jesus knew the sin of the people he ministered to because the person was more important.
Pharisees had the rules down pat. Man made rules keep us looking good on the outside but does nothing for the inside. As I think about my niece and the place and condition we got her in years ago - I have learned that rules only modify the outside, our behavior, but doesnt do anything on the inside.
Grace changes the heart. It helps us make better choices because its working on the inside.
There is a passage from Matthew that I will close with today. Its a perfect picture of Gods grace extended to us.
Matthew 6:6

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

 

I am still learning, thankfully. A work in progress but today, as I learn more and more about this abundant Grace from our heavenly father - the more I want to share it with others. I have to have it in order to give it. I am thankful today that God touched my heart. Grace is the fuel of our faith. 

Grace IS Jesus.

 

Lonnie~

It is spring break week here at the university and most of the students are gone as well as the skeleton of folks who stay and keep things running. Its a nice pause in the semester even though when you think of "Spring Break" you would think warm temps and time to get outside with some fresh air. Not the case this year with highs here only in the 40's most of the week.
The cold nights reminds me of the critters that come to our front porch almost every evening. Carol is a big time animal lover and she often feeds our leftovers to the animals that live outside our home, down in the woods, along the creek and in the trees. We have had "Opey" the possum that was as white as snow, the racoons that would come and bring the entire family (the babies were do cute) and the occasional putty. Carol would set out warm milk for the cat - who visited us for years each and every day looking for something to warm her belly. Carol often said she wanted to bring her in and and really make her a part of the family. I always said no as I dont like cats all that much and having an outdoor cat was just fine with me. Over the years though we all grew fond of our little underweight visitor. We often would sit on the front porch and rub her back and head and she seemed to enjoy it but that tooks months to get to that place. Not knowing if she was abandoned or abused, she was always skittish of us and would quickly run off when we walked out, or hid in the bushes until the coast was clear. See no matter how much we wanted her to feel comfortable or how badly we wanted to bring her into our home and make her a part of the family, she just couldn't do it. Maybe she had made huge steps into allowing us to pet her after years of of being afraid and maybe in a few more years of running, hiding and full of fear she may have accepted us as her family. Our walk with Christ is about the same way. We run from God in so many areas of our lives, we are often, hurt, beat up by life itself, carrying baggage by our life choices, afraid, unable to trust others due to some hurt along the way - we hide when there are others in our lives fully accepting us into their lives. God is not different.
Thankfully, God accepts you the way you are. With all the hurt, baggage and scars. He loves you and wants to take you in and give you a home. Much like the little putty we had visiting for years, we kept accepting, kept feeding, kept looking after, kept trying and kept loving no matter what condition, level of fear, or appearance she came to us in. God accepts you the way you are and is constantly after you because he has his sights on you. He knows your life would be so much differently, probably much better than the armpit of life we often find ourselves in, that he continues to reach out to you.

Deuteronomy 33:27 - "The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you."

No matter how much you tank in life, however many bad choices you have made or how far you have run from God - He is still there. He is not giving up on you and he will use every chance he gets to remind you - how valuable you are to him.

Carol, Kyle and I loved our little visitor each night. We accepted her the way she was, tiny, dirty, afraid and untrusting but we loved her anyways. We kept after her, loved her and made her a part of the family. It was up to her to slowly put the fears down and raise the bars to trust. What fears are keeping you from God today? What is holding you back from fully trusting him?

Why not let God love on you today, feed you when you are hungry, clothe you when you are cold and hold you when you are hurting? God will do those things and so much more. A little more trust and a little less fear goes a long way. Get the journey started today....

Lonnie~

I want to wish my cousin Patty a wonderful birthday today. She is an amazing woman who has for so many years trusted fully in the Lord and I love her example as she lives her life being fully rooted in Gods word. Hope its a great day sis! Love you!!

In my quiet time this morning, I started Romans 9 as I march through the Book of Romans. Romans 9 starts with an amazing place as Paul writes to the folks in Rome. But it also comes after an amazing chapter that has been given to us in Romans 8. It is jammed packed with good stuff.

Like:
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires. But those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:24 For in this hope we are saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That chapter is fully loaded! As I typed those in, my heart began to race as the excitement began to build. Far too often we dont see ourselves fully able to let God love us. We seem to sometimes see His love for us like we have love for someone else. That level of love changes according to the day, the situation, the words spoken and actions shared because that love has conditions on it. Gods love does not. He gives us his love unconditionally and perfectly. Love covers a multitude of sins and often we give love to the level that we let others love us. I am so thankful that God has given us His words, His promises to assure us where He stands for all of our lives. We can stand on that and know that will never change nor be removed.

As Paul finishes up chapter 8 he shares with us a personal note in chapter 9. His heart comes at us in full color as he tells us how he would exchange his life for others if they would come to know Christ.
I think its a beautiful example of putting others before self that Paul gives us.

Romans 9:1-5 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, ⁴ the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. ⁵ Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised!^[a] Amen.

 Paul shares how much his heart hurts for the people. All of Israel - that means me and you, our families, our neighbors, the people across the world in different countries - That they may come to know Christ. I love the word, adoption, in his writing. We are all adopted and no longer orphans in the world when we come to know Jesus. We were once lost and with no spiritual or heavenly family until accepting Christ and being adopted, accepted, loved, cared for, honored into the family of God. With that acceptance comes the full plate of sonship, devine glory, the laws that shares with us His love for us, worship - I love that part because its such an amazing part of our walk with Christ - and all His promises. Forever praised and that is something as I think about those who have went before me and what they are getting to do right in this moment. Praising God in heaven. I cant even believe how awesome that is going to be. I have been part of some amazing church worship services and my church that my family and I go to has some amazing experiences in worship but nothing is going to be as amazing as heavenly worship. For me, there is nothing more freeing that singing my heart out while lifting my hands in worship to Jesus. It brings me to tears at times as a church full is in full worship together.
Paul's heart shares with us his hurt for others, just as our should hurt for others. There isnt any other way to share God love with those in our lives as Paul describes here. A heart full of great sorrow and unceasing anguish. What a great place really to be to share with others Gods love for them when your heart is in full blown hurt for them. It purifies the motives and intentions to be fully in Christ.

Who  has God placed on your heart that has your heart truly hurting for them? How can that motivate you into stepping out and doing something for them? Sometimes we have to serve our way into peoples lives. That means putting them first and with priority. 
Last night I was asked at Wow - a local church student ministry that I have been co-leading for some time now - Who is my biggest influence in my life right now? I shared that it was them. The students are my biggest influence in my life right now because it is their hearts that give me great sorrow as they are going through things, struggling with home, parents, school, classes, emotions - the list can go on and on but its their hearts that brings me so much anguish. I so badly want them to live their lives for Jesus, to personally know him, trust him, rely on him, let him lead them, because I know how  much Christ has done in my own life. I want that for them. How do I do that? - By going each week, listening, teaching and laughing with them but more importantly knowing that by admitting to myself, I may not be able to change them, correct them, help them, or fix anything going on their lives, But I know the one who can. I can POINT the way. I can be that directional sign you see on the road that clearly points in the direction of the destination for those willing to follow. I will do my best to point them to Jesus. He can help them, guide them, accept them,  and love them perfectly and without conditions. 

Thats what its all about loved ones. Being a light in this dark world while pointing out the way.

Happy Thursday everyone - hope this helped someone today.
Lonnie~

Hello Monday.

Monday's dont get much credit as a day in the week all because of the position of the day in the week it falls on and probably nothing else. Its the same 24 hours that every other day has and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and tv shows in the evening. I think most people dread the Mondays in their life is because they havent finished what they wanted to do in the previous 2 days being the weekend. Most people have off on the weekends and when we are living hard, having fun and enjoying our time, usually away from work, Monday comes too early.
I admit that sometimes those Mondays I am there with you as well. But some Mondays are actually really good. Some Mondays are just and extension of my Sundays. When I have a really good weekend and one that included an amazing worship experience at church or God is really showing or teaching me something - I am excited for Mondays and the rest of the week because it give me an opportunity to practice and live out what I am learning. This Monday is one of those days :) I hope it is for you as well.

Today while reading my Bible through the YouVersion Bible reading plan to read the Bible in a year, I opened to Deuteronomy 1. Here is where Moses gets to preach to Israel on the plains of Moab. Gosh his words later in the chapter really hit home for me. Moses speaks to the people about their journey from Egypt and out of slavery and possessing the "Promised Land" but never quite making it for so many reasons as Moses shares in his sermon. He speaks of the 12 men he sent out to check the land and to report back and it was reported as a good land that God, our God was giving us. But they rebelled and were not willing to go. Complaining took place in the tents and words that included God hated his people and how God took them out of Egypt only to die here in the wilderness. Moses shares with the people how he begged them to take the land God had promised them and how God would fight for them and reminded them of what God did for them to get them out of Egypt. Moses shared that an entire generation would have to die off before they would be allowed now to enter the land of "Milk and Honey". Because of their disbelief and disobedience, Moses shares with the people that he was not getting in either. Joshua would lead them and all the current babies who right now dont know right from wrong will get in also. So God told the people to go back to where they came from - back to the Red Sea. They then refused and said we have sinned against God and then wanted to go and fight following the original orders that God had given them earlier. They took their weapons and dressed for battle thinking with God, it would be easy. Moses them reminded them -

Deuteronomy 1:42 - But God told me, "Tell them, Dont do it; dong got up to fight - Im not with you in this. Your enemies will waste you."

How many times in our own lives have we wanted something so badly that even with every warning sign from - friends advise, parents telling us, God directing us, that its a huge mistake but we go and do it anyways? We only then find out later, that it wasnt worth the battle or it was a complete failure from the start. I can remember in my younger days being at one of my first time jobs out of college and the money I was making was ok for right out of college but the commute was long. Tolls on the road and hours spent each day in travel and gas ... you know when you want to change something we often list out ALL the excuses to make the change. So being nearsided and blinded to the fact I wanted a closer to home job, more money etc... I interviewed at a new startup company that was adding a new location and got the job. I gave notice and happily went to my new job reporting to work that next Monday. Upon getting to my new job, the traffic was horrible on this side of town. No tolls and a shorter commute miles wise - didnt make any difference if it was taking me longer to get to work and 1 day a week I learned after starting I had to go to PA to work at the main location. That first 2 weeks was miserable. Slow with very few customers, nobody there able to train me so I had no idea what I was doing. The advice from my dad seemed so loud in my ears now. I knew I had made a mistake by taking this job. I called my old boss and told him the situation. He hired me back and for more money to get me back. I can remember what a relief it was to go back to my old job which I worked out for a few more years before my job at Princeton. I just wished I would have listened to what people were telling me. Wise counsel in making big decisions are always a good idea.

Here the people didnt want to move forward in what God was telling them to do. Even with Him already proving that He was with them. They refused to move into the promised land and only then did they have to wait years before a generation of people died before they could move forward.

I often wonder where my life would be today if I had listened to God more often and did what he instructed me to do. I think about the foolish decisions along the way, especially in my younger years that folks where telling me to stop, dont do that, you need to drop this out of your life but I did anyways. I am thankful I am a little more focused now than long ago on listening to Gods word. Moving when he prompts me. Begging him daily to use me. Constantly leaning into Gods word for not only teaching the young people in my life but showing them by example as well.

What would it look like if we made decisions in life and knew that Gods will was on it? What if we pressed in with our entire hearts to do what God has willed us to do because he was in it? What could we accomplish then with God fully behind us? A different boyfriend or girlfriend? A different spouse? A different job? A different church to attend or lead at? A business that you might have opened if you had the courage to do so? Attend a different university leading to a totally different career path?

I am very blessed to be surrounded today by people of faith. People who have answered Gods call over their life to start a church as my Pastor at church has. My long time life Pastor and friend Travis Bush, who got the call to lead a church in Maine and quit his job, sold his house and moved his family to Maine. My friend Eric who needed a change in his life and felt God calling him to Maine - moved to a new land where the only land he knew was here. I have seen people give their money to support not only myself to a mission trip but also give beyond reason to our vision at church.
People ask what is their will for their life? I get this a lot from teenagers and I can honestly say, that through prayer, through seeking Gods purpose and his heart - your purpose and will for your life is aligning your heart with Gods heart. Seek his heart in your life and you will find your calling. You will be able to take the "land" that he has already marked and set out for you. You will be able to go so much further with God leading you because your heart and his heart are on the same page, same vision, same urgency and same passion.

Praying today that many will come to seek Gods heart for their lives both young and old, like me. I for sure would much rather be in a place where God is looking down on me and sharing a smile than anything else. As I have wrote in the past, At the end of the day, I want to hear that my heart looks like your heart Lord.
Be blessed,
Lonnie~

Ive been sitting here with a blank screen for at least 15 minutes. I am wondering what to write down.  A lot of things taking place today on this cold, raining Saturday morning. I am participating in the 30 hour fast that the student ministry at Harrisburg Presby Church is doing. So I am a little hungry and maybe at times agitated a little LOL. Carol has been working on serving breakfast to a local church that is opening in our community. We are so excited for this core team of 80 from High Rock Church and Pastor Robbie is an amazing guy and I feel very blessed and honored to serve them breakfast this morning, share a little with the core team and pray over them. I honestly feel that God is going to reach many families in our community and will be doing amazing things through this local church.

8 years ago this morning, my mom went to be with the Lord. 8 years of not being able to call my mom, wish her happy birthday, Christmas, eat her Sunday cooking, share that morning coffee, have her visit us to cheer Kyle on in his wrestling matches or just being able to watch him turn into the man he is growing up to be. She hasn't got to see what God is doing in us and how much he has changed our lives. 8 years ago today, after sitting with mom for a few hours as she laid in her bed just barely breathing. It had been a few days like this since she last spoke or was awake for even a few minutes. That cold winter morning, she went to be with the Lord. I remember my dad walking into the living room where me, my brothers Craig and Danny had been living for weeks, said - She is gone. He had a look of fear on his face and not knowing how to feel or even react. The long process of my mom leaving this earth and entering her heavenly home had taken place. She once asked me if I thought it would be ok if when her time came to go to heaven if Jesus wouldnt mind if she could just stick her big toe out and touch heavens floor before she went in and grabbed the hand of Jesus. I told her that would be amazing thing to do and I felt that it would be okay for her to do that. She was looking forward to heaven. Though probably scared and feeling anxious that she would be leaving all of us behind. I did my best to share with her that Like Jesus, he went first. Sometimes being the leader we must bow down and do the hard things first. Mom went first for our family. My brother Danny is with her today and what a great feeling knowing that he is with my mom because my mom went first before us all. I think that it makes our journey a little easier. I know my aunt Sharon would totally agree with that as she and my mom were best friends in life.

So that morning 8 years ago today, the sun came up in the most amazing colors. God sharing with us that all is ok and that mom was in the place she longed to be and the journey was complete. Mom was in good hands. As the folks came to pay respects and Hospice folks came in and the folks came to remove my moms body - there was  just a cloud of pain hanging over us in the house. As  mom was brought outside, the birds came to life. What was once quiet, cold, dark - that morning will be like no other morning. It was as if God brought life to that day and told us that His plan, His love, His grace was all over us. I will never forget that morning. It was if heaven was touching us as we got just a quick look into it. I am so very thankful for the way God touched us then and continues to do so.

I know my life has forever changed.... changed for GREATER things still to come.

Miss you mom. Hugs in heaven on this day for you. <3 always.="" p="" you="">

Thought i would share some notes as I sat in Chik-Fil-a this morning after my dr appointment. It was a nice pause to sit, have a great meal, share some notes and read a little. I love when God gives me the time out and giving me a little reflecting time.

First post written on my iPad. :)
Hope your Friday was great.
Lonnie


Friday

F: forgiveness. Life is not without challenges and along the way we all must experience friendships and trusts that are strained but also broken. Forgiveness keeps the relationship. Forgiveness puts a priority and deepens the relationship. Without it the relationship walks away. I am thankful that God has forgiven me because I know he will now never walk away.

R: responsible. Taking ownership of our life, our choices, our words, our actions and yes, our faith. Being around lots of people, young and old, taking responsibility for our faith is a huge step for so many. It's the defining lines of not going to church, to sometimes going to church, plugged in to church and serving growing and then their is owning it, taking the church and the message of Christ outside the church walls. Being a disciple of Christ is a full time 100% lifestyle. Never a day off nor a moment that is not fully owned in Christ.

I: incredible. I can say that my life is pretty incredible. I'm sitting here at Chick-fil-a after my dr appointment and there is a Bible study going on, 2 men talking business, a dad with his 3 precious little girls making a morning full of memories, the lady at the counter saying "God Bless" to a customer. My life is pretty incredible because of Jesus. These things this morning, without him, I would probably not even notice. Christ is around us in our day regardless if we can see him, feel him or notice him. He is there. It's like living in full color when life becomes living out the gospel the best way you know how and forever learning, growing, pruning and walking this life in faith.

D: dad. I am so thankful for my earthly dad. He might not have done everything right in his life but he made and home for me and my brother and my mom. He lead our family with examples of hard work, dedication and loving my mom all the days of her life. The greatest gift in my life, is being a dad. Being a dad is such an honor to be when your life is about pouring into your son. I am blessed to have many children who I love like a daughter or son and living my life wide and heart open for God, showing that even though I make mistakes and screw up a lot, I am human and take the good and bad in this life. With God positioned in my life as my Heavenly Father, the little things of being a dad become Important as the big things. Thanks dad, help me with this, what time is church, wrestling practice and sweaty nervous palms on match days and praying over my son and even his future wife. Asking God to lead him to him and may he love God above all else in his life. Use him mightily for a greater purpose.

A: Accountability - every decision, every spoken word, every action needs accountability. From the Internet to my friends I am thankful that my wife Carol keeps me accountable. It creates an honor system and that all my motives and intentions are lined in my heart with Gods heart. I am thankful for accountability because it makes me a better man, husband, father, uncle, leader, friend and follower of Christ.

Y: yesterday. I am thankful for the seasons in my life. They have helped shape who I am today. Good seasons, tough seasons, quiet and wide open seasons. They have All shaped me and molded me for my story. God is telli a story through each of us. May my story be worth telling one day. From the passing of my brother and my mom, the years of loving my wife and my younger years of judo and wrestling and leading students in so many ways be a story worth telling others about. I have learned that yes your life is a stage and yesterday does not make you who you are but with God in the front view mirror, your yesterday's are behind you because living is in front of you where God will continue us to meet you.

Lord help us be good stewards of "Our stories"

I love this picture. I was honored to share this picture with the students at the Student Ministry at Harrisburg Presby last night who I have been serving at on Wed evening since school began last year. It has been an amazing journey together and one that continues to grow. New students are showing up each week and I continue to be amazed at their level of commitment to be there and excite! I am honored to be sharing the leadership with Pastor Tim, Kathleen, Rebecca and many others who help make this evening work.

Student Ministry - Connecting teenagers to Jesus. Thats it.

This picture was taken of the little girls who live in the home where we have served the past 2 summers in Jamaica. I had my Ipad out and was on the application that takes pictures and then transforms your face in different shapes and patterns. I took of picture of the girls and then showed it to them and this was the caption that I caught. Its priceless. I share this because Saturday the students and I are taking on the 30 hour famine. A program that helps bring awareness to those in the world that are hungry. $30 donation feeds a child for 30 days. Amazing if you think about it. I am excited how the students will be personally impacted by this as they are reminded how things really are in some parts of our world today.

Focusing in on being thankful today - Thankfulness keeps us from criticizing and complaining. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, even a thousand times a day, becomes easier as time goes on because it become a habit. One thing I can honestly say is that so many folks I have met over the years serving in Jamaica and local areas here in this country - in general the people hurting the most are thankful the most. They rely on God more than the average person her in America ever dreamed of because that is all they have. Its the last shoe string to hanging on - Hope. Jesus provides that for them. I think the more thankful we are for things, the less we are concerned with material items as we train our minds and thinking to be more thankful for what we do have but also a seed of compassion is planted and is grown to help others. I try not to focus on those who I am serving who are in need as a hand out but a hand up. These folks dont honestly want to be in the place where they are, so I am not going to ever look down on someone as I help them up.
There are so many prayer needs in my life right now that I am a bit overwhelmed as I am the type of person to want to carry those hurts and struggles of others as my own. I would rather have a friend who walks with me in trouble than to point out all I am doing wrong and then judge me or correct me. Most dont need fixing but just need to be recognized as a "Work in Progress". God is not done with us yet and I am so thankful for that. God continues to press on me - Walk with them, Walk with them.

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

My Aunt Sharon called me last night with an amazing story that gave me chills when she was telling me. Our family is close to 2 Pastors in their community where they live and both are in the hospital. Pastor Lonnie has cancer and Pastor Sparks is having a bleeding issue and both have visitors coming in to visit with them. Pastor Sparks is sharing Jesus with everyone coming into the room and Pastor Lonnie is sharing Jesus without words. See folks are coming into their rooms because of not why they are there but what Jesus is doing in there. During my aunt and uncle's visit yesterday, Pastor Lonnie is pretty much asleep as his body is battling cancer and attached to all kinds of tubes and equipment. With no facial expressions or other movements, Pastor Lonnie raises both hands and holds them there. Worship taking place right there in the room. God being praised when words and the body seems to be failing but the Spirit is focused on above. People are coming in to see Pastor Lonnie and Gods power and His name is being spread down the halls and through the hospital. Doctors and coming to talk with him, nurses are caring for him extra special, and other patients are coming to visit. There are so many dear to us, family, friends, people we know, people that God has put in our lives for this specific time of our lives to - Walk with- and minister to. Carol has been mentoring at a local school and the past 8 weeks have been filled with wonderful stories and memories as she invests into a a handful of 1st graders. They are growing on her and the administration all knows why she is there and who sent her. Church. The young teacher opens up and shares the struggles her dad is having with his health today. Without a miracle - he may not make it through this. Keith we are praying for you but all around you God is at work. All around the people you know, your family, friends and a special Mentor lady is being touched by your story and its a story of faith. A story of hope and a story of trust no matter what happens. A dear friend of mine here at work, she and her husband and been battling health issues he has been having. In and out of hospitals, one Dr specialist to the next. Its been a long hard road. Yesterday finally, the results have surfaced. Cancer. As this family comes to terms with this horrible news, coworkers here in the office unite in prayer, friends of the family join together as God works in the life of Phil. God is being shared through the most difficult of circumstances.
Today look at your life. There are things that seem empty, hopeless and maybe impossible to climb. But God isn’t waiting for your strength to grow, but for your faith to Rise! Maybe your life, your story - your faith - has a bigger story to tell. A GREATER Story.
Something I am learning through my church at Elevation as Pastor Steven teaches us these incredible lessons. I am so thankful for not only the lessons but also the timing of them.
I dont know how each of these stories will end up or how their stories will go - but one thing is for sure. God is telling a GREATER story through each of them.
My continued prayers that Gods story will be centered through them and all Glory be his. Hands raised and hearts wide open.
Lonnie~