The Walk...

Something new ~

2012-01-20T14:22:00.002-05:00

I have been in prayer about this for some time now. After many years of writing and journaling about "mywalk" in my faith journey - God is pointing me to a new avenue. One of which is still "thewalk" but will be on my main FaceBook page through notes. This will give me a good place to write, to jot thoughts and share them with more people but also to keep those who I want specifically to have read and share with access to that. So for right now - I love you all. It has been a great journey together and I appreciate all the comments and all the emails to me over the years.

I pray your journey and faith walk continues to flourish in mighty ways.
GOds best
Lonnie~

2012-01-18T13:32:00.005-05:00

Code Orange Revival - Elevation Church, has been the most moving and amazing experience ever. Night 8 coming up and I am not missing any of it. 202 baptised last night during the 2 hour service with one of my kids that I have known since 3rd grade and she is in 8th now - taking a stand for Jesus and coming full circle. She has been through a lot and never have I not had her back and stood up for her. God is going to do something amazing through her and I am so blessed to have a balcony seat in life to cheer her on.

Code Orange Revival has been a life changer in so many ways. I have never felt closer to God, closer to other Christians, closer to my wife and family and friends. There is an urgency all around our city and where we are taking the Gospel into the world. One church - one unity together. Thats how you get things done.

More tomorrow ~

Gods best is yet to come for you :)

A couple Friday thoughts

2012-01-13T13:54:00.002-05:00

Why would we go through our days completely planned out with what our days should look like? I mean with very little room for down time, free time and even more importantly time for God to do something. He may take us on a new journey or a new path or put someone in our way that a conversation could take place, a coffee invite or just a simple smile.

As Code Orange Revival continues to sweep across the United States and the world - It is awesome to see these incredible pastors come and preach and teach us Gods word and how it applies to our lives but also leaving it open for God to speak. Imagine standing on the stage in front of 8000 people and in an online audience of 20000 more and leaving the stage open for the Holy Spirit to speak. Not you, you have no idea what will take place. Imagine the pause, imagine the panic that just might happen if nothing comes out, if your mind goes blank, if your heart is in a struggling place and those things are shared! I love the place in each of the messages where the Holy Spirit has clearly taken over and nothing is scripted, message notes do not apply and God speaks directly to the people. These pastors are trusting God in each of those moments because they recognize the incredible gift that is so precious.

Psalm 118:24 - A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by my side. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Some of the notes taken the last 2 days through Pastor Craig, Pastor Franklin and Pastor Steven.

The world is desperate for Code Orange. It means something is about to happen! Abraham faced the facts but lived in Audacious faith.
Gods truth is greater than our facts.
Renew the passion of Christ, More success means the more humble.
Acts 4:13 - Ordinary men who have been with Jesus. I blogged about this not long ago :)
People look for people credentials. Jesus didnt go to seminary. Jesus wasnt married. Jesus didnt have 5 years of ministry under his belt. Those are people credentials. Look past those things and obey what God has given you to do.
Obey Irrationally! Even if it doesnt make sense.
Jesus picked the unschooled, the uneducated, the poor and working - idiots!
Be an idiot for God!
Give - everything belongs to God. Every need met in the community in Acts 4.
Plan to be a blessing!!
Give more not obtain more for the Glory of God.
Do what othes think cannot be done. Through Christ, all things are possible.
You are not what others say you are - you are what God says you are!

Code Value #12 at Elevation Church - We will not take this for granted.
Without you I am nothing
Have enough faith to open your heart.
Grace and mercy are generational
You are blessed because you had parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and close people in your life praying for you and over you for years.
Heaven stores up those generational blessings.
Protical sons and daughters know the way back home because they have mercy prayed over them for years.
The unusual releases the unusual
It matters what you put into your personal life.
God does not forget what others have done and stored up for us.
You will never be a happy sinner :)
Your destiny is greater than your difficulty.

I pray all these notes I have taken are a blessing for you. As I sat with one of my kids in the hospital last night, she was hurting and her family was all there. The nurse came in to speak and explain what was going to happen as they began to work on an IV for her. She asked her about her sisters and her mom and then asked who I was. She smiled and looked over at me and told the nurse "That is my uncle". I smiled and my heart filled with joy. Generational blessings right there. I have prayed over this family for 5+ years now. My first church setting with her mom I noticed her sitting by herself and God prompted me to sit next to her. GIve her a hug and let her know I was there and I had no idea why. As the message was given, she cried, and cried and cried. Thanking me afterwards - it has been a bond since. Mustard seed of faith :)

Ready for Pastor Matt Chandler tonight! If you would like to be part of the 20000+ online plugging in to 12 days of revival Code Orange Elevation Church style
htt://elevationnetwork.com and plug in. 7:00 - live and FREE to the world. 10 more days and I will be ready to be a complete idiot for Christ :)

Wouldnt have it any other way.
Lonnie~

2012-01-11T11:58:00.003-05:00

Its been a few dreary days here in Charlotte NC but God is shining through the fog and dreary weather. I am so excited for tonight and the next 12 days as preachers from all over the world come and speak at Elevation Church and together - we become one church. I am excited to hear the teaching and preaching of Gods word from so many wonderful and incredible leaders. For many of us, we are needing this shot in the arm. Holidays past now and the new THINGS that we received are now old and we are back into our daily routine and for some possibly in those bad habits again. I can say that the gym is still packed in the evenings but I go anyways knowing that in a few short weeks, those evenings will become lighter and lighter. Isnt that so true with our faith - over time we may become bored. We may become stale. We may become not so excited about what God is doing.... we just kinda float along and become complacent. Its times like these when a Revival comes or some big event or something happens in our lives where God either shows up BIG in our lives or someone close to us that we snap back on track. We once again get excited, we once again get pumped up, we once again take a new path or deepen a path we are on and become LIVE again.

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Warning against falling away - We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of Gods word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

There will always be a season of time where we all are weary and we get complacent. In religious terms it is often reffered to as "backsliding". It really is a tough place to be when we were once close with God, walking in step of our faith with others, excited to be learning about God and fellowshipping with others. Our faith journey is not meant to be alone because it is too easy to fall away, too easy to fall down, too easy to drift, too easy to not have our moral compass in working order. No, its meant to have others along for the journey, to correct us, to keep us moving forward, to hold us accountable and to help keep us from becoming "spiritually dull". Gods word when its not sharp in our lives, we tend to follow the crowds, we tend to follow the flow of others, we tend to drift towards what society wants for us and those things are not usually all that great. Once our moral compass is off course, its often times hard to get back in line.
I am so excited for one of my once close kids who has been doing their own thing the last few years called me and shared with me that she wanted to get back on track. She missed being plugged in, she missed her walk with Christ and she missed being part of something bigger than herself. There is probably some hurt that has taken place and seeing what we are doing and the direction we are going in - I am just excited that she has decided to plug back in, to strive forward with learning about God, gaining new friendships and once again shining her light - like a city on a hill. Her moral compass back on track leading her to a good place and in line with Gods favor and blessings for her life. Where there is one moving forward as you know there are always one or more moving away. These are the hard moments of ministry and leading others. It will always be a struggle but with all I have, I continue to keep my heart open and praying for them. Praying their season of drifting, though it may be painful, will be short and once again we can walk on the paths that God would have us to.

So where is your moral compass today? I am excited for codeorangerevival tonight and the next 12 days.... I am sure it will focus a lot of compasses over this time. I am so blessed to be part of this. Its all about you Jesus!!!

Hebrews 3:13 - Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today", so that none ofyou may be hardened by sins deceitfulness. We have to come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."

All I have ever wanted to do and focus on, is to be an encourager to others on their faith journey. No matter where they may be or where they have been. May I continue to do that no matter who is with me today, yesterday or tomorrow. Create in me a pure heart Lord and may my motives be fully from you. Show me the way - I will follow. Amen

CodeOrangeRevival loved ones,
Lonnie~

2012-01-10T16:04:00.003-05:00

I have been enjoying some quiet time lately with the Lord. Again digging in over my morning coffee before work and throughout the day in my journal and seeking God for opportunity to serve others. Those opportunities seem to be taking place more and more each day. Center of Hope this past Sunday, Opportunuty House last Thursday, Mens study coming up again this week and kickoff to our Code Orange Revival - 12 days of the top speakers across the US coming to preach, teach, encourage and share in our church at Elevation Church. When we are unified as one church, God does amazing things and the campuses will be packed, standing room only, excited and streaming live each night on the web both at 7pm and 10:12. What started out as a thought, a seed planted in Pastor Stevens heart over the summer has taken on a new incredible outreach that has people connecting across the world for the next 12 days. Pastor Craig from Lifechurch.TV kicks things off tomorrow night, Pastor James McDonald, TD Jakes, Ed Young, Perry Noble, and our own Pastor Steven Furtick to name a few. Gosh it has me incredibly excited for what God is going to do over the next week or so. I couldnt even sleep wondering what God was going to do in the people around me. What was he going to do through me? My family?
Excited bit time - if you want more info http://www.codeorangerevival.com

I have also been enjoying some time with some new peeps that have stepped into my life just at the right time. Catching up with some old friends, some new students and some that have been kinda unplugged for awhile and also praying for our July Jamaica mission trip again with a new team of folks ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
There is a lot of good things taking place as God shows us the FOG. Favor of God - as the last few months have positioned me and many others to step forward into an incredible new blessing and deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.
The best is yet to come - more on so much later as time allows. I pray all is well in your life, that God is showing you unmeasurable favor and love and that amazing things are starting to take shape... trust more, love more and believe more loved ones. No matter what you are feeling today, God is near and is in your today.

Lonnie~

Long Term....

2012-01-03T16:22:00.002-05:00

First day back to work in awhile. Actually feels good and got a bunch of stuff done. Something that I tried not to do while out of the office - get stuff done. But I am feeling motivated even with missing an afternoon bat nap :) Glad to have some coffee buddies back to share some conversation over in the afternoon. I have missed that.

Today has me thinking about the goals we all seem to set for the coming year. With New Years past now and resolutions in beginning swing - seems that gym has more unfamiliar faces the past few days. People are probably trying to eat healthier- last night I picked up take out and there was not one person in the place. I was it at the counter.... seemed odd when the place would normally have people eating in. Its also during this time we think about our careers and get a little more focused or maybe begin to think about some additional training or classes. All in all, the beginning of the new year brings a want to move to change. January rolls by and little by little most people slide back into the old self, the old groove and then back to where they were. It is nice to see Carol sticking to her gym workouts and as the year goes on more and more of her old clothes dont fit and last night she was excited to come out with 3 bags of clothes to donate! Yeah Carol !! Keep it up.
But how many of us do keep it up. Bible plans are in day 3 of read the Bible in a year or in 9 days. How many Bibles in a week or so wont even be opened?

I have to say that the one year goals are great but the 10 year goals are even better. I look at the students in my life. A few of them in short terms are now ventured into the high school drama and friends and distractions. They seem to be falling or sliding into the place where the traps are the biggest instead of buckling in and standing on the foundations that have got them to where they are today. What would it look like investing 5-6 years into these young folks? Long term .... not the short term. 10 years is not that long away. As I think about Kate and almost ready for college - what investments have I made in the long term that will have a lasting impression on her. On her decisions? On her choices? Have I made a dent at all? Short term investments gain or lose rapidly. Just like investing in stocks, its more volital in the short term than over the long haul. Long haul has stability and has less of a chance to fall away and more of chance to be positive and affective over time. My time invested in these young people over the long haul will hopefully have lasting impact. Short term, those are the ones that walk away. Those are the ones that decide to chase the material things in life like that of most.

We can get, as parents discouraged by the seeming lack of progress in our children, I look around and get discouraged as well, but if we can SEE the long term consequences of our involvment, of our investment, in our discussions, in our actions, in our extending grace and love, we would realize it was all worth every second.

Some of these investments - no matter if its in a career or in a loved one or in a student - what we accomplish is often revealed over the 10 year plan and not the short term. What seems like a student walking away from their faith now, may indeed be a fired up young person in 10 years unstoppable for Christ. Live life in the long term. Set some goals. Write them down. A little by little, you will lose the weight, get the Bible read, see the difference you are making in that student, see that loved one come to Christ.

Never give up......
Lonnie~

2012 Happy New Year

2012-01-02T15:13:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment and say - Happy New Year and hope the Christmas season was especially special for you and your family. For the Batemans, it has been a good 2011, though with some seasons of pain, some seasons of change, all in all it was a great year and God provided and proved to us in many ways that he is faithful to his promises. As we look back to some special things the last year we can focus on not what was lost but on what remains. 2012 will be a year praying that God expands those areas that remain and begging Him for his favor and blessings.
I look forward to another year writing my thoughts, my heart and faith journey here on "thewalk" and I look forward to hearing from you and how God has encouraged you, lifted you, provided for you through the words and things He has placed on my heart to share.

May 2012 be a year you and your family looks back and says, it was a defining year that God did this amazing thing in our lives. Hebrews 12 was that passage for me and my family in 2011. Build on what remains..... excited for all that God is going to do in 2012.
The Best is Yet to Come.

Gods blessings and favor,
Lonnie~

2011-12-20T14:45:00.002-05:00

Just now catching up to take a few minutes to catch up. Last Saturday, Kyle and his Maverick wrestling team took 4th place overall and Kyle took home 3rd place in 105lb. We are very proud of him and if the seeding had been a little different he would have wrestled for the championship but with a first year as starting wrestler, 11-3 record, team captain and showing so much heart - we are really proud of him and his dedication and sacrifice to the team. As we got together Sunday for the team banquet, coach had a few moments to speak and address everyone and him sharing a good portion to Kyle and his buddy Ethan really spoke volumes. It really made us proud and I hope that vision sticks into the hearts of all these young men for years to come. Its not about the wrestling, its about the confidence, the dedication, team work, self image, getting something more out of yourself than you ever realized, and realizing people are cheering you on in life and people believe in you!

Kyle is already moving onto one of the clubs starting in January which will only keep him focused, in shape and wanting to continue to improve. So very proud of everyone this year!

Today is Carols birthday. Heaven is singing this morning as its a day that we would always get a call from our moms wishing her a happy birthday. Though that is missed, its in our hearts and will treasure that always. I am so blessed that God blessed me with such a wonderful woman. A woman with a heart that is wide open for others, always sacrificing, giving, serving, showing others God and is a wonderful wife, friend, and mom to so many - as many call her "Momma C" :)

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

I hope you have a great and blessed day my love. I couldnt imagine doing life without you. I love you with all my heart and I thank you for completing me and giving me the confidence to do what God has called me to do and to be the man I am. Thank you for always having my back and speaking truth into my life with love, compassion, tears and smiles.

Forever yours on this journey following wherever Gods path takes us together.

Lonnie~ <3

2011-12-16T13:44:00.003-05:00

After many passing Thursdays, I finally had one free and showed up to The Opportunity House in Kannapolis. I am so thankful I did. A coworker of mine who is a student in the deans office, Christian, has been running this ministry for the past 6 months or so. He is an amazing young man and just walking into the church, seeing hundreds of homeless adults eating a meal, singing songs and hearing about John the Baptist and how he prepared the way for Jesus. It truly was an amazing evening. I was told that many of these folks have been in jail, jump from shelter to shelter to make it through the week, and this being the end of the line for many of them - come to hear about Christ because they cannot come on Sundays. Maybe they have issues with them being around children or maybe have some kind of trauma that keeps them from being in a closed setting with lots of other people around them and they just dont do well. Whatever the reason, they make it there on Thursdays. I spoke with a man, through his grey beard and hat that probably has been on his head for many seasons of weather, share with me that he used to have a family, a home and nice things. Losing his job has put him on the street, away from his family and very little hope to get back into the life he once had. 2 years living on the street - you can see the pain and hurt in his eyes. It was written on his face. I got him a cup of coffee and through his long grey beard, came a warm smile as if to say - Thank You.

Gosh I love moments like that. To sit and think that I almost didnt go really would have been a missed blessing if I just was lazy and stayed home. Out of my comfort zone and exposed to something different surely has many blessings I dont even know yet. Thankful for the opportunity and so looking forward to going back - Christian is even bringing the message on the 29th! Im so excited for him and cant wait to hear him share the Gospel to 200+ hurting folks who need hope, encouragement, and LIFE!

Kyle is at the doors of the conference tournament tomorrow. We will be hitting the gym early at 5:30, weigh in at 7 and then matches start at 9. Im nervous and I can tell he is as well. In the coaches meeting to place the wrestlers he is seeded 3rd. I am pretty proud of him for that!

It has me thinking on something as I know he will be nervous and not knowing what to expect but also wanting to win. Top 2 seeds are going to be tough matches for sure. Hoping for a big cheering section :)

Excited for church Sunday at Elevation University! Best morning of the week..... have a good weekend~~

Lonnie~

2011-12-14T15:57:00.003-05:00

Midweek already! Gosh this week is going fast, weather is warm but not too warm for this time of year. Loving the NC sunshine and thinking of my buddies in Maine fighting the cold and the snow.
I wanted to share just a quick post today. Nothing too deep but yet to the point. Point being something I am trying not to do the last few days as I work through my heart and in my life of making a DIFFERENCE instead of just making a POINT.

So many need that difference.... not needing a point - a point of a finger, a calling out, or stating the obvious. They mostly already know what they are doing...but what we most often need is words spoken to us in a gentle, caring and loving way that will eventually at some point MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Colossians 4:5-6 - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

I have been getting a lot of practice with this as I speak into the lives of the students taking final exams this week. Praying with them and texting them little bits of encouragement. I am practicing this at the wrestling practices and the matches.... giving some enouragement, focus and YOU can do it!
As a follower of Christ, we need to make the most of being compassionate and generous that we can be - that is a great example of being a Christian.
Love people the way Jesus loved people.
Thats it :)

Make your point by making a difference. I can do that.... how about you?
It just may change your entire day :)
Lonnie~

2011-12-12T10:54:00.003-05:00

I started my day this morning in Proverbs 3:3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you!

What a great way to start the day and the week ahead. Kyle has his last wresting match this afternoon for the season. It has been a lot of fun, a lot of nerves, and full of excitement. I will miss seeing the parents that we have gotten to know this year as well as all the boys and those special moments giving them encouragment and helping drive them with focus. Coach has been such a huge blessing to us and especially to Kyle. We all need a little of that passion with some things in life because that level of passion is contagious.

As I look at this picture I posted on this post, Kate took from the airplane window as we were coming back from our mission trip to Jamaica this past June. I think about the people that live in our city and the surrounding area. Times today are hard for so many and even yesterday a room FULL of women and children being served a meal at the homeless shelter through the Center of Hope. My good friend Sherry got her peeps together from UC Fellowship church and collected 9 good size bags of clothes to give out. We are really not supposed to do those things but we do anyways because it brings a great smile to many who just need it. Morgan, Taylor and I sat for a few hours last week and put together candy canes and hershey kisses to give to the kids. It was such a blessing serving them and as our LifeGroup got together last night for our Christmas party/meal - I spoke in closing about serving. Our families serve each other well and looking ahead to the coming year - I really am praying hard for a great year together, growing in our faith, holding each of accountable, investing into our children together, being faithful in the small things, serving our community together. That is one major thing I love about our church - Elevation Church - they serve the community well. They serve and give back thousands of volunteer hours serving those in need in our city and beyond. They have a vision to reach those in Uganda and in many other areas through our global extension sights. We are reaching far and reaching wide for the Kingdom of God.

I have had open in my Bible here at work for a week now a passage that comes from the book of Luke -19:38-

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep keep quiet, the stones will cry out." As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of Gods coming to you."

When ever I read that, Jesus wept, it just sits me down to pause and really think about what that must have looked liked. Here our King, weeping over what breaks his heart. The word wept is such a visual word for me because it doesnt say, cried - but wept - I really think that word was chosen because its tears that come from the heart. They are tears from deep within. I know sometimes I get emotional and tears come, that happens at church sometimes, well - honestly, the last 2 sundays as Pastor Steven has really hit home for me. But it happens. I went years with shedding very little tears until my mom passed. Deep within tears, feelings and emotions and passion come to the surface often now because of that season. I think about Jesus standing there on the hill looking over Jerusalem and then kneeling down to weep for the lost there. If only they would see, if only they would realize, if only they would accept the invitation. If only they would come to terms with all that I am revealing to them.

I love imagining that because I know how much He loves us. Each of us. He would have came for a single person but instead he came for all. Nobody left behind, nobody left untouched, nobody left from His grace.

I am praying, that next year will be even a more amazing year than this one. Though a season of transition has passed and now fully focused on the vision of our church and all that is pouring from it. May we never get tired of doing what is right and may we each have a vision, a hurt, an ache from the heart and weep for our fellow neighbors.

Together we can accomplish much!

Lonnie~

2011-12-07T14:08:00.002-05:00

Well we are down to the last match of the wrestling season next Monday. Kyle went 1-1 the last 2 days, partly because he was weak and probably somewhat dehydrated on Monday. The kid was good so I wont take anything away from that. Last night my dad and step mom came down to spend some time with us, sit and talk and attend the match. It was a long overdue GREAT visit! In many ways they got to see how the Batemans roll with a house full, picking up peeps for the match, bringing peeps home, hanging with the peeps at the match and even during the parent meeting afterwards. Its just a small window to all that goes on in the BatCave.

Tonight, after Kyle and I hit the gym we are going to hang with Morgan and Taylor. Looking forward to that time. Its been a few weeks really since having a chance to have some time with them. We will be full of smiles hopefully and putting treats together for the Center of Hope kids for Sunday. I know time will fly by :(

I have had a passage the last few days that has just camped out in my heart and it has me thinking more deeply than I have in the past. I am not complaining at all as I seek God all the wisdom that I can understand and handle. Which probably isnt much :) - but hey atleast I'm seeking and focused. Thats a great place to be.
As trials and struggles happen in life and as I look back not too far in my own struggles and things that have happened over the past few months or even back 2 years during the time Kate was first with us. I am reminded about Job. His trials and testing were incredible that God let happen to him and as he continued to cry out, he was never in anger to God for all his suffering. He endured pain, loss, physical sickness, loss of wealth and early riches and his entire family. He has his church friends come and spend time with him doing the best they knew how to do even after not speaking a word to him for days because they didnt know what to say. In Job 42 Job responds to the Lord as it is recorded for us to learn.
Job 42:1 - The Job replied to the Lord. I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance? It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.

This is Jobs prayer. This is Job coming before our Lord on his face, praying with all his heart. This is Job who lost everything important and treasured to him in this life speaking to Christ in the most humbling of ways. This is a beautiful picture painted for us. I am just blown away by this prayer and his heart because I know if that was me, losing everything and everyone in my life that I love deeply, losing my personal stuff, and basically everything including my health. I really dont know how I would be. Like you, I would probably be crying out, bitter, angry, blaming ...I just dont know. But Job turned from those things and looked into the heart and into the eyes of Christ and placed himself in His full hands.
Gosh thats awesome.
As I have had on me the last few days about "Unconditional Love" - I see this painted perfectly in this prayer. As I look at my kids there is that unconditional love. I love them regardless if they mess up or do something amazing in this world. No matter what they do, I will love them that way. Only a parent knows that deep love and Christ gives us that perfect example. Its not about what you do for me or the perfomance but its in the position. You are my son or daughter and that position is all you need to have unconditional love. God's example for us.
So as I put Job in that Unconditional Love place his prayers mean even that much more! What would it be like to be a true man of prayer.
What does it look like to lose everything and still have a heart to pray with everything in you? Our prayers arent going to impress God in any way. He knows us better than we know ourselves. All he is seeking is your full heart no matter where or what condition it may be in today. He wants to hear it all. He wants us to say the words that come from those deep heart places. Guys are especially tough at this, sharing feelings, understanding things that are spiritually deep mostly and speaking to them. Exclamations of joy or the tears that come from the broken places in our lives over the years. He wants to hear them all.
It all starts with a conversation. Sharing what you feel, the pain and hurt, and the desire and need as well as the needs and concerns of others. A true man of prayer simply and sincerely bows down before God and pours it out. While this is not always easy, convenient, the most natural (especially for guys) it is exactly what God is looking for.
A true man of prayer, I want to be that. I want to learn how to do that. I want to be around other people, other guys that are striving to be that. I want to be that example to others. I want to be able to share my heart, distraction free and sometimes easy to pour my heart out to our heavenly Father.
He will gladly hear and answer these simple and sincere thoughts and shared feelings. As he told Job in 42: 12 - So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.
I want that! I want my second half of my life now that I am 44 years old to be better than the first half. How about you? Dont you want that as well? Even if you are 12 today? Job went on to be blessed with sons and daughters, wealth beyond what he had before and lived another 140 years to see 4 generations of family. God blessed Job because he never cursed him, endured the pain and suffering and cried out with a pure seeking man of prayer heart.

Lord help me be the kind of prayer man you want me to be and create in me a pure heart for the things of you. Your will Lord over anything of mine.
Amen

Hope you too are seeking to have a prayer heart loved ones.
Lonnie~

2011-12-05T15:03:00.002-05:00

Another wrestling day today. Only a few left to finish off this amazing season. It has been fun and exciting and its hard to believe its over already but tonight is the big night. This is a team that beat our tails off the first match of the season and its been one that has been looked at all season to mark how well our guys, our team has progressed. That can ONLY happen by hard work, dedication, persistence and sometimes, digging in deep to that place that special things come from.
As the saying goes, How bad do you want it? - tonight is one of those nights. With another match tomorrow, this is the one that everyone will be watching. I am figuring a packed house from both sides and a good match in each weight class. Nervous dad an hour early today, ugh.

Yesterday was such an amazing day. With some new peeps coming to church with us after talking through some things a few weeks back we all decided that yesterday would be their day to come visit. This family is an amazing family - a mom and 3 teen girls. Dad passed when the kids were small and I have always - ALWAYS been Uncle Lonnie to them. They have never not been there for me in any way nor have I left my calling to be a part of their lives. So yesterday as we walked into church, greeters did their job, smiles did their job, mints in the bathrooms were a nice touch, the seats were perfect as we sat down in the middle row about 4 rows back and the video started sharing how as a church we are making a difference in the lives of others and impacting our city for Christ. Elevation Church - was on its game yesterday and the opening song was done by recording sounds on an Ipad. Music played in and through those sounds and was pretty amazing. Worship yesterday was loud as usual but amazing, the spirit of God was in the house and tears rolled down my face, chills set in on my neck and arms and it is such an amazing experience when God is moving hearts. With hands raised, worship taking place and energy and atmosphere was perfect. As Pastor Steven came out and shared some things before grabbing our seat I could see the oldest of the girls talking with mom in the ear. As Pastor moved us into the message - mom leaned over and whipered in my ear. "I heard that the kool-aid was good here, but this is some good kool-aid."
Gosh I know! My heart felt warm and I knew that things were going right. God was making his way in a special family yesterday and I am so thankful for that. They needed that. I needed that. Blessed to have a little part in it. As we left and got the girls their free gift for being first timers - VIP - as we call them.... their energy level was so off the chart. Notes were taken and smiles where showing.
As I continue to read deeper in the book of Corinthians - 2 Corinthians 6 shares with us something very important.
2 Corinthians 6:1- As Gods co-workers we urge you not to receive Gods grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

I can feel and see God's favor all around me. Carol and I continue to talk and show the revealed examples in our lives and all around us. We see it on the faces of many. We see it on the hearts in their actions and decisions. We can point out brokeness in some and our hearts reach to them in love and kindness as we build them back up. We are feeling stronger, more focused, eager and ready and WILLING to do whatever God has called us to do. CO-workers working together building, direct, pray for, cry with, share with, hug with, hurt with....

Just as the wrestling team trained and sweated and hurt - Kyle making such progress and taking ownership of this experience and leading ... our walk with Christ is the same way. Because of the hard seeds planted in the tough times, never losing sight, never giving up hope, never given in to temptations to quit - we stand ready for whats next. Wrestling team is ready for tonight. My walk with Christ is ready for what God has next for me. My family is strong as it has ever been ready to walk forward. My relationships with my family and those close to me have never been stronger. My church and faith I have in the leadership, the value I see happening in lives changing, the contagiousness that is apparent all around us, the smiles of so many dedicated to do whatever it takes for Christ is pouring out.
Favor ....Found favor because of the positioning to receive it. We have to be in the right place. We have had to work hard and go through some tough things to get to this place. I hope this brings some encouragement to someone today. Nothing profound here. No big one line incredible life changing few words but just reflecting on what backs and pressing forward to get through.
God is either placing you in position or has you in position or moving you to something else.
Once you know where you are, you can then move forward. Thats a great place to be.
Hoping for a win tonight, its going to be intense, exciting regardless and PROUD either way.

Lonnie

2011-12-01T13:20:00.002-05:00

Its another wrestling day today! Pretty excited to be on the home mat tonight and having some extra screams from the crowd cheering and supporting a team of young men striving forward in something they a pushing themselves so much for. Kyle has really amazed me the last few weeks in his ownership of this experience. He has stepped it up not one notch but a few. I got him up this morning and he headed out for his morning run. It reminds me of my younger days and doing all this stuff before school. Every moment passing throughout the day never escaping the arms of battle. I am so proud of him and his leadership on the team. It really reflects to the others who are "in process" and learning those first baby steps.
I have been reminded of this a few times in the last week or so but I want to share a little story about "The Popeye Moment". Seems the last few days, I have experienced someone standing up and saying enough when a person was talking all morning dropping the F bomb - finally couldnt take it anymore and said something. This morning walking to the building next door a guy went out of his way to point out to a handful of students where the smoking section on campus was and that they had to move. People smoke there all the time but nobody ever says anything. The Fbomb is dropped all the time but nobody ever says anything. I bet there is something else going to happen to prove yet again - someone has a "Popeye Moment" and stands up to do something or say something.
Last night at the gym I had my ipod on and Pastor Stevens message was playing over again on his last series he finished up last week on Found Favor. You can view his amazing message from this link http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons/foundfavor/part1
I got through my cardio workout and I can tell Pastor Steven was drawing me in, he was pulling me closer as the message played on. I finally wiped the machine down and sat down at the arm extension machine and then it hit me. Pastor mentioned how Jesus broke bread just as he breaks us to free us but all the while we continue to never leave his hands.... it happened. I broke down. I am not ashamed of it because its a good thing even though in public in the gym I really couldnt care less. Looking back over the last few months, I have and my family and close friends have been put through some crap. Speaking for myself, I have been broken after a long season of leading, of seeing students giving their lives to Jesus, having such a unbelievable impact of so many lives all to be taken away after a few "church" people started backstabbing and gossiping. NEVER stepping forward to really see or hear for themselves what was happening. Seeing the changes in so many starting to own their faith for the first time in their lives. Many times, as I stood teaching on something, I woudl look down into the first rows and see tears running down cheeks. I would see faces buried into their hands. I would see students leaning over on the person next to them hiding the pain that was coming out. I will never forget those moments. I will never forget the moments shared when a student emails you later that evening and unloads years of weight and pain that they have been carrying from something they did or something that had happened to them. God was working into their pain.
As I recall my last time speaking to them at the beach with about 50 students there and the impact God was having through my words. So much so that the message the following night was spoke about again in a little further detail and in a little more followup kind of way.
As I look back - I can see after hearing Pastor Stevens message God setting the stage. I want to highlight a few key notes I took from that incredible message. IN all the messages I have ever listened to and studied - this message loved ones, has to be the most impactful one ever to me. It speaks louder than any other message I have ever heard and its preached directly from Gods perspective and word and all tied together perfectly so even I can understand it. Thank you Pastor Steven for your gift to preach Gods word that he has given you and you pouring it out for those who need it and need to know who God is. Blessed to be where I am today as is my family and close friends.
A few points:
* To find favor with God means that nobody can stop what He has started, which means that nobody can stop when He wants to accomplish in your life. MY LIFE!
* "When you have the favor of God, you dont have to produce anything, you just position yourself to receive what God has already worked out for you. Favor is the result of the initiative of God, by His grace, but I position myself to receive it by my obedience, so that when He wants to favor my life, I AM READY!
* Sometimes God shows HIs favor through a door He openes, and sometimes He does it through a door He closes. Thank you for the favor, God, through my successes and my failures.

I still have this buring passion in my heart for students and those around me in my life to know Jesus. Its something I pray I always have because it was so life changing for me and taking what God has done in my life and how he has changed me - I want everyone to experience that. I want to go to the mission field, just as we did last year and continue to do that. My time to lead students right in this season may not be Gods timing but as Pastor Steven said abotu Gods favor, when that time comes it will be amazing. He I fully believe is positioning me and my family and those around me for something very cool. I am ready when God says it is time. I am very thankful for the door that closed. Though hard at times thinking about the hearts and smiles I dont get to talk to or see every single week or read the text messages that would blow up my phone at times... but I know that the open door now is a door of favor and through it comes successes and failures.

Carol last night was sharing with me how good she feels these past few weeks. Working out at the gym, cutting some calories, Kyle working out and doing great at school, Kate doing unbelievable well adjusting to being here in NC and doing good in school and looking for work and making friends and our relationship has just blossomed into such a loving relationship that I knew in Gods timing would happen. A few years ago when Kate was with us, I clung onto that hope. I went above what everyone else was telling me to send her home, you deserve better but my stance was - I will suffer now because SHE deserves better. I will ride the wave, take the pain and the hits so that at some point - God will have a say in all this. We are seeing that fruit today. I am blessed to know that and isnt that the best part loved ones when we can recognize and acknowledge that this is a good place? We are truly blessed! We are in a good season because of the seeds planted in the tough season!
Like I said to Carol this morning with a smile on my face, There is momentum in the Bateman home. I know things can change in a moments time.......
One thing continues to remind me of something - even as an email came in this morning and confirmed my thoughts and feelings on this. God has a way to do those things doesnt he? :)

"Hang in there."

Maybe you needed to hear that today. I sure did a few months ago. I did last week. I did yesterday. I know what its like to not being able to breathe. No time to come up for air. Working full time, raising a family, neice on the brink of destroying herself, marriage really hanging on by a thread, leading a student ministry with 40-60 students all needing an ear, all needing help, all needing God and feeling...God I cant do this. With no help, no support, nobody but my close peeps cheering me on with encouraging words, prayers and sending their teens to everything to support what was burning in me all the while knowing I was hanging on set up for failure. The season after required much focus, much healing, much determination to not do mean things back because of the mean things being done and keeping humbled, focused on Jesus and "Hanging in there". I needed someone to rescue me from the bottom of the pool.

My family, my church, my pastor, my friends and lifegroup, my close kids in my life who I love like my own, my God... has got us and got me through this.

Pastor Steven then shared with us this huge important fact. - You dont have to force Gods favor in your life. "Favor isnt a feeling; its a fact."

We have Gods favor loved ones. He is for you and wants what is best even if a door shuts on you and you have to walk away from something or someone. We can be no matter where we are at today or where we are walking, we can be a Favor Finder. In those special places and in those amazing moments, we pull the good out of what cannot be seen. We stick to what we know instead of what we feel. We lean on the RIGHT people in our lives and let the wrong ones walk on by.

Love shows itself. It shows through you, not through someone else. If you dont, then that shows too. People will do a lot for you if they know you love them.
You are not going to stay at the bottom of pool, there is someone to rescue you, his name is Jesus. Jesus will not let you drown.
"Hang in there"

Lonnie~

2011-11-30T13:43:00.002-05:00

Kyle had another exciting wrestling match last night as parents, friends and students gathered to cheer him and the team on. Its such an amazing time together as our kids give their hearts on the mat. For some that means a LOT since they may have not started in a match yet but are getting a chance to show what they have learned through the preliminary matches. Coaches get to see how fast, strong or how much skill a student has on the mat. Parents scream the most during these matches because they know their son may not be on the mat again this season. For Kyle, it was like that all last year. Never starting, always at practice, giving it his all with a great attitude and a team spirit but also and most importantly - never giving up.
As Kyle won his match last night by pin in the 1st period - he is working hard and cutting weight as it as known by any wrestler - its part of the territory. Welcome to wrestling! We had some parents come over and speak with us as the parents all stood together waiting on the team to come out of the locker room. Some high fives and words of encouragement started to happen, one of the parents asked about Kyle and mentioned how good he is doing. We thanked them for that and shared with them to keep their son focused and to keep pressing through, their son had his first prelim and was excited to have been on that mat, we told them that Kyle was that last year - never starting and only got a prelim match at the end of the season and now he is leading, doing well and is a main part of the team. Its a testing of character, a testing of endurance and a testing of waiting on YOUR time.

Our faith is very much like this. Its always being tested. If you tell me that you are good and have been for 10 years with no problems issues or testing of any kind. I would have to say, that either you are lying or dont know Christ to be tested. I mean we all will have trouble!
Trouble is part of this sinful world and its in the woven fabric of this fallen world. Problem is with trouble, we are so fixed minded on fixing the problem that we often times mess it up and push God totally aside. This kind of thing frustrates us but it also puts distance between us and God. We are supposed to rely and lean on Him during our seasons of trouble. IN our seasons of waiting. IN our seasons of hard work with little pay off.
We are never limited to the capacity of what God can correct all around us but we are SO limited by what we can actually really fix.
James - the half brother of Jesus probably knew this more than most. I mean he was the half brother of Jesus and had a front row seat into everything in his brothers life. Every time out, every spanking, every bible lesson taught, every miracle performed, every life changed, every healing that took place and even in the death and resurrection. James knew first hand this world will have trouble.
James 1: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greeting. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
I love how James begins by saying and admitting he is a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. His half-brother! Who would ever admit being a servant to their brother? I sure wouldnt have and I am sure you wouldnt either. But, James writes it here because he knows WHO Jesus, his half brother really is. I think James had many tests over his lifetime. I dont know about you but I was never fond of tests. I hated them in school, I hate them now as I have to do that from time to time here at work. Tests shows what we have learned and how well. Being on a college campus, I am surrounded by students taking tests all the time. I see the stress and hard work they put into passing with good grades. I also see often times how little they put into them preparing and studying. Our faith works the same way. God is testing you when you are in a tough season. He is testing you when you are struggling with something, money, people, a challenging boss, a teacher who is tough, someone talking behind your back, a call comes in from the doctor or the passing of a loved one. Testing, provides us an avenue to grow, to learn and to experience God in new ways, deeper ways and in COMPLETE ways.
I would never know what it would be like for someone to lose a mom, unless I too have lost a mom. I would never be able to relate to a person who was homeless unless I too was once homeless. I would never relate to someone hurting unless I too was hurt along the way.

Testing as James tells us, produces perseverance so that we can be mature and complete lacking in nothing. I like lacking in nothing. As I posted yesterday as I began to think about this - I am not the perfect husband, father, stepdad, uncle, brother, Christian but thankful that God is not done with me yet. I AM NOT DONE YET. GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET!
I want to scream that sometimes. I want others to know that life is not over because of whatever it is that has you held down today. That boy can find another girl but this girl will carry on knowing God created her and loves her perfectly. He aint worth the tears girl!
That job you just got let go from, there is a better job that awaits and one that will be more fulfilling than this one. That child who is giving you a ride of everything you have to keep them straight in life will one day come to their senses and be thankful and say the words "I love you".
If your prayers seem to be hitting the ceiling and nothing seems to be happening - James 1:5 should be your prayer right now. James 1:5-6 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.
If you are in a season of trouble or difficulty today - Pray to God and ask for wisdom. Ask him to show you the purpose, the plan, the process, to pass through and reaching the other side. He will provide if you believe and not doubt. God give me wisdom on what to do with my child who is running in the wrong directions. God give me wisdom on my next step to finding work. God give me wisdom on who I should be dating and the kind of person I am attracting.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Lord I love you enough to go through this season of difficulty in my life. I love you enough Lord knowing that no matter what I face ahead, I know you are there with me. I love you enough Lord that my child is running and pushing me away that You are protecting them far more than I ever could.
Passing the test today - what does that look like for you? Maybe I touched on something here in my heart that touches yours. Maybe you have been hurt by someone and you want to lash out, make the public known what kind of person this person really is. Maybe you lost your job and are feeling as low as you have ever experienced. Loved ones, trials come, testing happens - are you preparing yourself to pass the test? Are you striving forward under the strain and hurt? If you are like most people, its easier to jump ship, its easier to change jobs, its easier to change marriages, its easier to give up on that child, its easier to move neighborhoods, its easier to write off a parent - but there is blessing on the one who perserveres under trials.

I want to be blessed, how about you? Stay focused today loved ones on the trials you are in. They are serving a purpose. God has a plan for letting those things happen and it may not be today you see the reasons why but one day you will.
As I reflect back on the passing of my mom years ago, knowing today what I know now because of my moms passing in through that hard and difficult season - I know why mom left. God had purpose in it. God had a bigger plan. Bigger than her even.
Testing of our faith...... in lifes journey. It will be YOUR season again soon :)
Lonnie~

2011-11-28T13:32:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Our time together at the cabin was much needed and was really great. Our extended family, the Lymans, came out on Thanksgiving evening and we enjoyed spending time together over a few days. Friday we got to roll through Asheville - a very nice city with lots of artsy and craftsy kind of place. Folks there seemed be laid back and relaxed and UNC Asheville was a small campus which we got to explore. Saturday was more relaxed around the cabin and Sunday was church at Elevation Church which we had an entire row of peeps with us! I love when that happens and you can look down the row and I get this warm fuzzy feeling knowing that the people in my row that I am standing with, praying with, holding hands with, learning with and doing life with - I love these peeps with all I have. I would do anything for them and that I dont hide from. Sunday afternoon spent wrestling with the million leaves in the back yard. I put it off as long as I could and it had to happen.

As I came into work this morning, I asked God to help me be a favor finder for others. Help me to point others to the good things that they may be missing in their life, maybe something they are overseeing, maybe focusing on something tough and not so much in what that tough thing is doing IN their life, maybe its just a smile to say to someone - Hey... Its okay.
Today is my bosses birthday so I stopped at Bojangles on the way in for some country ham buscuits. I did not eat any of them in case you are wondering. I had a chance to talk with one of our students this morning and catch up a little with him. He is working hard in his personal ministry as he serves the homeless in our community. He spoke of a tent city that is not far from my house where people who are homeless stay together. I am amazed at where this is and I hope to catch him later in the week to organize going with him next time he goes to serve them. It really bothers me deeply that there are people right in my own back yard who are homeless. Who dont have money for food, have kids living in the cars and with the economy the way it is and people 1 paycheck away from losing their home or apartment or who are only 1 paycheck away from stepping back up to a place to live - it really hits home for me. The truth is as Carol and I were watching tv last night - A show came on and spoke about homeless children in america and 1 out of 4 live in poverty. This is just unaccetable to me as I think about Kyle, Kate, Morgan and Taylor and so many other kids I do life with - what would it look like for them if they didnt have a home? An address for their friends to come over after school? A place to be safe, warm, a bathroom and a hot shower.

As Thanksgiving becomes a past memory, the Black Friday crowds get their $48Billion credit card bills in the mail, and Christmas fast approaches - let us regain focus on serving others. Let us keep in sight the hurting around us and who could use a little help up. Let us serve together helping a needy family, offering a meal, a coat, a warm cup of coffee and a "Hey" that shares out of our hearts.
I recently was at one of Kyles band concerts a few weeks back and their is a mom who I see often and her daughter is friends with Kyle and its always good to see them. I came in after Carol cause I was talking with some folks, yeah I know imagine that, and I came over and said "Hey" as I entered their circle. She looked at me and said, "Are you always like this? I mean like, I never see you any other way except with that smile!" - It was a nice compliment and at times that smile is not on my face but most often it does. God placed things in my heart and focusing on those things keeps everything else in line. As I mentioned just this past weekend to one of my close kids - We have a very special relationship, being that, its one of a kind. God put us in each others life for a reason and He is behind all this. When we get distracted, too focused on friends, facebook, work or whatever and lose God in our friendship - it suffers. It was a tough conversation over some things but one that we both came out on the other side knowing we are testing and passing. Those things will happen in friendships. The ones that matter most, forgive, forget and love even deeper.

I want to close today with a little encouragement from Acts 4:8- Then Peter, filled wiht the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulders and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness being shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is, 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschoolded, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

God uses ordinary people, like me and you, to do unordinary things. God used Peter and John, ordinary people before they knew Jesus. After spending time with him, learning about WHO he is- God enabled them to do amazing things. Spending time with Christ loved ones, learning WHO he is and striving to be more like him in your daily life - he will use you to. People will notice something different about you. Your heart will burn and be more passionate about other things in life. Other things will break your heart and it will be all you can do to keep from not doing something about it. People hurting will have an affect on you. Children with tears will break you in half. Ordinary people doing unordinary things. Spend some time with Jesus, before the bills come due, the 5 pounds you gained this Thanksgiving, before the work or school week gets into week 3....

Blessing to you today and may this week you find Favor through Christ.
Lonnie~

2011-11-23T10:48:00.002-05:00

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving. All the hype, shopping, travel and get together plans underway, stress, blackFriday, football on tv - For my family, we try and keep things simple.
Its great to have these times to get together with family and share a meal together as we reflect and give thanks. Most people who have a platform to speak talk about being thankful and wishing their time tomorrow was in another time when people in their lives were alive. I will have that same reflection tomorrow as I will be missing my mom, Carols parents and many others. Looking across the table at the people in our lives who come together once a year often times thinking how much we dont like each other or the words that were shared years ago and that painful place has never healed. Maybe tomorrow finds you at a place where some people in your life have left and have never come back...
Tomorrow is very much a reflection day over a meal, some family and friends time, a football game but for some - maybe its a new day to start over. Maybe its a day of redemption and making things right. Maybe its a day for a hard conversation between family members. Maybe its a day for a dad to lead his family. Maybe even for the first time ever. Maybe its a day for that phone call to happen and the words, "I miss you" come to the surface.

Whatever your day tomorrow is like - be thankful in it as you reflect in looking back, looking ahead but also loved ones, in looking at yourself.
"True courage does not consist in the absence of fear but in doing what God wants even when we are afraid, disturbed, and hurt." - John White

Acts:4:32 - All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

May this be at your table tomorrow, as the turkey is carved, the dressing is hot, the stuffin is homemade and the glass of wine is tasty. Remember those who have not, who would love a meal or a family to sit with them - You are blessed beyond measure and I pray your table tomorrow reflects that of the Apostles - all in one heart and in one mind- Giving thanks and sharing together because of the love that Christ has put in your heart.

Happy thanksgiving everyone. Be blessed tomorrow
Lonnie

2011-11-22T10:57:00.002-05:00

Yet another wrestling match last night. It was probably the most exciting wrestling match we have even been to. Last match and only up by a few points, everything rode on that match. Turns out "Big Sexy" as they have nicknamed him, won his first match by pin. Crowd went nuts and was very exciting. Kyle won his match and is now 5-1 and enjoying a few days off till next week. Kate has turned out to be an avid fan and screams about the entire time! Pastor Larry, our campus pastor at Elevation Church - University Campus was our referee last night and did a great job! He even held his composure with coach who lost his cool a bit over one of the matches. He is very passionate about his boys and wrestling. Love it when folks have passion about something because its contagious.

Just like our walk with Christ. I hope today finds you in a great place in your walk with Christ. I have just a few things to share today and nothing personally deep but important though.

Elevation Church has released a new album with all of their music written in house. Its available at any music store and on Itunes. "For the Honor" - More info can be had here: http://www.elevationworship.com/

I love the fact that $25,000 has been donated to help little children in Uganda reach the age of 5 years old. What an impact this will have in that area. I love the outreach that my church does to impact the world around us. Embrace your place - its a concept that we have instilled that we should all be involved to impact the world around us. Alone we cannot impact much but together, we can take the message of Christ to the ends of the world.

I am excited for my buddy Donnie who in January will be headed to Uganda to plant a church and to help the community there. Much like Jamaica, sometimes sending money is not enough and going and doing is what has been placed in our hearts. I am so excited for him because not only will he change the world there, his world is about to change in such an amazing way.

http://elevationoutreach.com/impact/ - Through Elevation church, we are making an impact. The church for too long has been seen through so many eyes as being on the take. When a church impacts an area, changes families, helps the hungry, lists up the poor, shows a struggling student Christ - these are reasons to celebrate. MTV, Disney, RedBull, Budweiser spends millions to get your attention and the attention of our young people today. Its great that our church, through the power of Jesus, is giving back in huge impactful ways. The Center of Hope for my LifeGroup has never been more special. The plans to return to Jamaica has never been more exciting. Giving a thanksgiving meal to a hungry family has never been more impactful. Keep begging God for opportunity loved ones....

Last thing I want to share today is a blog from my Pastor at Elevation Church. His schedule is so busy but yet he finds time almost every day to share with those he has been trusted with and follow him. There are not many posts on personal interests, BBQ sales, Panthers football or his political views - his posts are to encourage, to help, and to teach a point that you just may be needing today. I loved todays post because it is where I am at today with a person who was once in my life but continues to talk behind my back, take shots at me, to inflict pain in my life and in the life of my family. I have stood with the decision to stand against doing anything to such a low level to "Get even" because that would not honor God in the process and again this past Sunday confirmed the stance I am standing on is the right one. Pastor Steven spoke on "Favor" and isnt it amazing that God is fighting our battles for us?! - Yes I fully believe that and thankful that He is on my behalf. Continue to be focused and moving forward, keeping my eyes on Jesus. Its good to have company when you are marching forward.

Thank you Pastor Steven for your post today. As always, your heart through your words are inspiring not only me but so many!! Thank you!

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/

Blessings today for you and may you be seeking "Gods Favor" in your day today.

Lonnie~

2011-11-17T13:36:00.003-05:00

Its another wrestling day today. Was pretty excited to see Kyle all jazzed up after his band concert and then want to skip hanging out with everyone to get to practice. Thats ownership right there! Proud of him for stepping in and stepping up! It was great seeing all the students and their families last night - its awesome as a group of parents with the same age kids when we can get together like that and just smile and catch up. #awesome

Last night after work I had a not what so ever planned meeting with a buddy of mine. It just kinda happened as we sat and began to talk. What spawned the entire conversation that then leaded into a flood gate was the comment I made, which I repeated from Pastor Perry Noble - "The church is the only organization where we shoot our wounded."
Thats a shame really and as our stories unfolded, each of us knowing a little of each, it was so apparent that we both are in the same place. Having served above and beyond the local church where we learned about God, grew as a Christian, made friends in the years of dedicated service doing what ever was asked or needed, only to find ourselves on the outs. Pushed out the door. Given little options to stay and heal, to be loved on and shown grace. Just blasted out the door. It was shared it was like being on a cruise ship and a good steward who faithfully served the people of this cruise line falls overboard. Aint worth going back for ya broh - the ship doesnt have it in them to turn back and pick you up. There are more where you came from.
I am thinking how sad is that? Nobody throws you a life perserver. NOBODY reaches out and helps. Thankfully on my end, we are very blessed to have folks in our lives who have. Not from that cruise line but from other cruise lines! I am so thankful for them and so blessed to have them help us continue on this journey. Let me just say though, if they hadnt picked us up and we were left to sink or swim on our own ... I would probably not be getting back on a ship.
How often does that happen in our faith?
We have a falling out at church and something terrible happens because of a misunderstanding, an attitude, someone showing off their power from stage or just right down to it, MEAN - How many folks never go back to any church? Maybe its years before they are healed enough, broken enough and have no place else to turn to in life..... its then they come back and they are hurting so badly that its YEARS before they ever get back again.
How can all this glorify God? Yes a church is full of sinful people but shouldnt we be better at extending grace, offering forgiveness, willing to talk through something in order to find peace and understanding - LIKE what Christ has taught us, shown us and is often preached from the stage?
We sat and prayed after our talk and tears running down the cheeks - the comment was made. What ever happened to really following Christ?
I mean its something my lifegroup has been talking about the last few times we have gotten together but I mean really - really following Christ!!!!
Fake is the norm when we come to church. Its written on our faces, its in our smiles, its in our comments because it shows up. Its shows.
Growth never happens. Check box Sunday - live life the way you want the rest of the week. Sunday again, maybe we go - maybe not. Check.
Nothing ever changes, you are shopping while listening to the message, you are thinking about lunch or whatever it is you need to buy to bring a little happiness to yourself because you deserve it.
There just has to be more.
John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

The Word - this is Gods word. This is his message. These are his words spoken to us from a God who created ALL THINGS! The WORD! Became...... BE CAME - it was given to us to become. Be being Christ - Came as in sent to us. Do you see the importance of that. God gave us His Word, his Word BECAME Flesh! - TO walk with us, among us, dwelled in and through us. It is who we are and without the Word in the Flesh that Became US - we are nothing.
In US! - us being everyone. Us being not a person excluded. Everyone included. Doesnt matter rich or poor. Tall or short. From Africa or Antartica. White, black, yellow or tan. US means everyone.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

I havent read anything in a long while that one sentance has been with me for so long and impacting me like this has. It turns a corner for me in my faith journey.
It turns a corner in my buddy and with tears running down his cheeks - wondering what ever happened to Following Christ? Life is all about following Christ - even when it hurts. Even when you have been tossed out. Even when the cruise line doesnt come back for you but thankful that another is ready to accept you in. As you are. Bruised, hurt, tears, crushed in spirit but ready to invest and rebuild you back into the person God created you to be and ready to be used again by God because of what the journey has been.

May the Lord humble you enough to always be willing to say these precious grace filled words.
"Im Sorry"
Lonnie~

2011-11-16T14:21:00.002-05:00

Kyle won his match last night. Very exciting especially knowing his finger is not even close to 100% yet but the trainer on duty last night did something that I was going to ask her to do but glad she did without me saying anything. She taped both hands so his oppontent wouldnt know his hand was hurt. Thats awesome! Kyle had a tough match but finally pinned him down for the pin in the 3rd period. The team matches was close but lost the last match. It hard to match the intensity thats for sure. Hours later still wound up. Not sure if I just had too much on my mind or wound tight from the match but I didnt sleep all that well last night so I am hoping for a good nights rest tonight after Kyles concert at 7.
As I look out my window this morning and this afternoon - the weather is warm and foggy with periods of rain and even a downpour. I am thinking about this fog and how it applies to my walk these days with Christ. Though I know I am secure, I know that I am called to be the best example for Christ that I can and to lead others in my integrity, example, words, actions and the way I care for others through the compassion that overflows from my heart. Its tough sometimes when things are not all that clear.
Direction and what to do next are often places that keep us idle or uncertain which next step to take. I am at that place. Thanks to a FAVOR, which if not asked for a FAVOR is often times not a FAVOR at all - I am just not certain what they are at this very moment.
So today as I looked at the day before me, it was foggy, stressful, it shows in some of my relationships and branches going in all kinds of directions. Focusing in on WHO HE IS and remembering that Christ is always with me - is always with you - is always with us, the fog will settle and I will come over it. As I think about only being able to see a few steps in front of me, I am reminded that is exactly where God wants us. If we see down the road too far, it becomes about our walk and not his and often times we get scared, we run away from it or we give in and say thats impossible and quit before we even get started.
So those few feet in front of me, I can see. You can see those next steps in front of you as well. Often times when speaking to a student, its that clarity they need. They get overwhelmed with all they have to do and are trying to accomplish and even pleasing others is a huge one! But when broken down and the NEXT STEPS clearly pointed out and a heart and mind can get around those next steps, progress begins and moving forward takes place.
So in that fog today, tomorrow I will see clearly but in the process I am reminded and have learned another lesson to keep my focus on Him and the path just ahead of me.
Psalm 73:23-24 - Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Lord help me keep my focus on you. Help me clearly see above the fog the next steps along the path that I should be on. Though some folks think that they are more important, bigger and have something to say over what I say and even what you say, I remain focused on you. Help me do that Lord. It would be easy to fire back but then you tell us to let you handle the reprocussions. I trust in that Lord and in your words. I have to fine where I am today so that I can stand ready to move forward when you tell me to move. Holding on to you today Lord.
Amen

Bucket List

2011-11-15T14:28:00.002-05:00

I just had to share what came in my email inbox. Im 45 years old (often wordering how did that happen) and only in the last 5 or so years have I really began to LIVE my life because of the saving grace through Jesus. I am so grateful for where I am today. As many of you have seen the movie "The Bucket List" I too have crossed off something on my list and I hope you have as well. This email came in today and where I am right now in my life journey, I am reminded of the #1 item on this list.
Tell my kids every day that I love them.
I say it even when I sometimes dont hear it back. I say it in text messages, in emails, in person and in front of others. It is my heart and them knowing it daily helps tomorrow. So many of my generation grew up never really hearing the words "I love you" from their parents. We knew it dont get me wrong but its in those little words that we can rest assured that no matter what - those words will never change.
They have never meant more to me than they do today and the last few years - my family and my extended family. Kyle, Kate, Morgan, Taylor, Marissa, Zach, Madison, Christa, - I love you and am so thankful for you and your (our) families doing life together.

Carol without you and your support there couldnt ever be a #1 listing here. Love you with more than I have words for <33333

Enjoy the list :)
Lonnie

Come up with a "bucket list" - things you'd like to accomplish before you die. Here are a few examples and share some of your own with us below.
1. Tell my kids every day that I love them.
2. Tell my wife every day that I love her.
3. Quit worrying so much about money and status.
4. Have a plan to be completely debt-free, mortgage included, by age 50.
5. Watch less TV. Read more.
6. Do my last will and testament.
7. Do an annual physical.
8. Make sure my kids leave college debt-free.
9. Embrace the fact of impending death and use this to motivate right living.
10. Eliminate time bandits – unimportant activities that take up my schedule.
11. Utilize car time to really talk with my kids.
12. Have a blessing ceremony when my son and daughter turn 13.
13. Do one romantic thing a month for my wife.
14. Take more home movies and preserve them.
15. Honor the memory of my parents. Tell my kids stories about them.
16. Eat dinner together as a family at least 4 times a week.
17. Speak less. Listen more.
18. Mentor the younger. Encourage the older.
19. Love and help the fatherless.
20. Prioritize my relationship with God.

2011-11-15T13:43:00.003-05:00

I just have to share this because it was shared so humbly and in such a way that it really shows heart.
I went to pick Kyle up from wrestling last night after my gym workout and I got to chat with one of my buddies before coach let the guys out and we spoke in such excitement about all the things God is doing and all the doors he is opening up and leading us through... it is amazing what can take place in those short moments! As we left the gym and headed back to the Element, Kyle said - Dad, coach made me captain.
um, come again? - Dad, I said coach promoted me to captain of the wrestling team. I gave him a hug and said ya know budy, he sees something in you that you are only starting to see in yourself.
Leadership. - I see it all the time in students around me. I know I have a tender heart for them and want so much more than what they are currently doing. I see doctors and nurses, teachers and preachers in them. There is nothing more painful as a parent raising our children to see them quit on something that you know they can do. You know its in them to be this or that or to continue through those tough places - we often as parents dont give them a great example in that!
I told Kyle he earned that leadership role and that it showed last week when he didnt quit even though his finger was dislocated - He showed his heart when he looked at the nurse and she said, Do you want to continue? He said, Well I am not quitting!

As I look around today, yeah not everything is going perfectly planned but I hold onto the fact that God has a plan. Its a perfect plan even if I dont understand it right now. Even as the our day and time Pharisee - (a person that is sanctimonious, self - righteous and hypocritical) has the last word right now - I am going to remain focused. I am going to remain true to my word to those who I have promised because honor is in integrity and without that - its all for loss.

Headed out early today for Kyles match. Should be a tough match against a tough team but there is extra inspiration happening right now and that is something we should all be doing for someone today. Cheering them on, showing them the grace that they deserve, letting those who walk walk with integrity and honor and praise God in the entire process.

2011-11-14T13:40:00.002-05:00

Sorry the quality of these pictures are not that great - It was with my phone and I had glves on because I was handling food so they are a little blury but I think you get the idea what was taking place. Yesterday after church a bunch of us headed uptown to the Salvation Army - Center of Hope. Its a women and childrens homeless shelter and once a month we get to serve them lunch. Its a time to show them that they matter, somebody cares, and we get to serve them and the past few times we have went - it has been such a blessing to help the moms get the trays of food to the table for her family. Some of these ladies have 7 children and a lot of them are young. Some are in carriages and some are teenagers. Whatever the situation is for them - this is home for now. I love going there and serving them, smiling with them and just sitting at the table and talking with mom and the children there. A smile goes a long way in showing that yoru heart is in the right place.

After church yesterday at Elevation University - I was riding on such an upbeat mood being that for the first time in my life we went to church and there was not a message. There was no preacher teaching the Word. It was all music. It was all worship. The Word is in the music, its in the words of the songs and it was awesome!! It again reminds me that our lives are the worship to Christ. Everything we do, every word we say, every person we serve is an act of worship and when we realize that, when we come to that place where we can stand and start living out Christ in our lives - its an amazing thing.

Galations 5:25- Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

As I sit this morning in my quiet time, I think about Gulley Bank in Jamaica where we served with a family who wanted to build a bathroom for the community. A community of 450 so people and with only 2 working toilets - you would agree that its a tough place. The people there really hurting. I think about the needs and the wants of the people there. They need a bathroom and that is so much bigger than a want of a bathroom. If we came in and just built this bathroom for them - they most likely would most likely thank us and enjoy using it. BUT since the family helped, were a big part of building it, completing it, sharing their vision with the community of folks there - they owned the project. We came along side and help them. When we are long gone, that bathroom, clean water, will be remembered as to WHY it was built and who built it. It was someone within the same parameters that they too are living. Us being the church the church wins because we just didnt fill that want or need. We helped them live out that want and need and someones dream. We came and enabled someone to dream bigger. To think bigger. To move outwardly and to inspire others. Everybody wins. Its not a handout but a handup.

I love that and as I sat with the folks yesterday in the Center - pouring soda for the children and having them show us their new toys or that new shirt and pants that Elevation Church and UCF church came together to provide them... Its such a blessing to see that handup taking place. The families there will again get on their feet. They will move out. They will be able to stand once again and not feel shamed or have feelings that nobody cared because there are people coming to serve them, encourage them, smile with them, listen to them is such a HUGE thing because they all have a story. They each have a different story how they got there and they each will have a story to share when they get out, move on, be able to stand and maybe one day - go back and help those in those same places they were once at.

So let us be eager to serve one another not looking down or up at each other because nobody is made better than another. Together we can make a difference and helping to change a life, is there no other greater reward than that?

Excited for the small script in Gods big story.

John1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

For Your glory and praise Lord in all we do. May our lives be an act of worship that brings you a smile Lord in all we do. I ask that Your power Lord shines through us for all to see according to Your plans for us. Amen

Lonnie~

Proud dad moment

2011-11-11T15:53:00.002-05:00

As I begin the afternoon wind down with work with my Starbucks in hand - I want to share a little about last night.

See Kyle is a starter this year on his middle school wrestling team. With 63 or so students sweating and trying to be the one to start in each weight class - there is a lot of work riding into these matches. Coach is a great guy, yells a lot but has a heart for his young men. I see it. I know it because I feel it and it showed last night.

Kyle has had 3 matches so far this season. First 2 were wins by pin and we are very excited and so proud of him as well as the other guys putting it all out there on the mat. The crowds have been good with great support even though both the girls and boys basketball teams play on the same nights and lots of fans go to those games and the cheerleader team cheers for both games. So the fans that come to the wrestling matches are true wrestling fans and for the most part - they know the intensity that these matches have. It is INTENSE!!!

Last week Morgan and Taylor came to one of the matches and Taylor watched most of the matches with her hands over her face and her eyes watching through her fingers. Thats the intesity level !

Last night the team just coming off a good win against another local school was wrestling against a team that is known to be tough. They are scrappy and what I mean by that - they take it seriously and the coach is intense but they are not always the top team, in other sports YES! So you know what I am saying ....

After a few prelims and the other weight classes finished up - Kyle took some pep talk from coach and headed to the mat. Right off the bat his apponent showing signs that he is good but Kyle with a heart and determination that Carol and I are just now beginning to witness! After a couple moves back and forth nearing the end of the 1st period, Kyle has him almost pinned and the crowd is waiting the whistle - the buzzer sounds and the period ends. ALMOST! Coaches gather at the table over some points given - Kyle ahead. 2nd period begins - point going back and forth both giving it all they have, mom and dad screaming, fans screaming, coaches screaming - the place is loud. 2nd period ends with Kyle in the lead. 3rd period start and in the first 20 seconds or so, Kyle gains attention to the ref with a big scream - you know that scream as a parent. Thinking from the start a broke arm or something worse. The coaches run out on the mat and the nurse makes her way to the center. Motions for us to come out as Carol is already saying OH MY GOD - OH NO! - We get to the center mat and Kyle is on the ground with the nurse holding his arm up and his pinky is completely sideways. Dislocated.

Nurse explains it to us what has happened. Kyle white as anything and breathing heavy is looking at me. Nurse asked if we wanted her to pop it back in place. I said "yes" She told Kyle to take a breath and"pop" right back into place. She then said to Kyle - "Do you want to continue" - He looked at her and said "Im not quitting". The nurse then looked at me and I smiled and said - "Tape it up" - Lets get em K!!!

Gosh what a proud moment that was. As Kyle got up with his fingers taped and we made our way back to the bleachers, his team shouted and cheered. The place again got loud as we all were like - HOLY CRAP he didnt quit!

The match continued but Kyle shortly got pinned on a quick call from the ref with about 30 seconds left. What looked like a loss, was actually a WIN in so many ways. Its not that Kyle didnt get his hand raised at the end of the match - he got hands raised by his team, by his coaches, by his friends watching - by his parents but also by him.

He showed himself how tough he was and how quitting was not an option. Leadership example right there and it took a little digging deep to do it.

All the calls last night, facebook posts and text messages from his friends and as the news traveled - parents calling in to check on him last night. Coach put on his facebook wall last night that it was the most heroic moment he has ever seen in all the years he has been coaching.

What a great moment and not even one as a parent telling his child to keep going, pushing them or making them continue - he did that on his own. He got to experience something inside of himself that he never had the chance to let out or even to show others.

He will be ready for next week - showing heart big time.

Proud of you Kyle! - A few matches later his teamate got hurt with a dislocated knee. It was ugly. Clay went down sideways and his knee just crumbled. Screams of pain led to the paremedics coming, ambulance to the hospital. Crying parents and a very upset coach. Clay is doing fine today and awesome how people have reached out to him telling him they are praying for him, cheering him on and telling him to hurry up and get better. There is a team bond and spirit there.

Hickory Ridge Middle won the match not only by point but also by character. It showed last night!

Have a great weekend everyone !

Lonnie~

2011-11-10T12:33:00.002-05:00

Kyle had his 2nd match in wrestling last night for the Hickory Ridge Middle School Mavericks. He won in the 2nd period by pin and it was probably a much tougher match than last weeks even though the result was the same - it was a tough match. Its odd being on this side of the match - you know as a parent being in the stands. I know how my mom and dad feel now after years of sitting in the bleachers at my judo competitions and years of wrestling. I dont think but maybe a handful of times of having butterflys or being nervous at all in the matches because you are all hiped up and pumped up for them but surely, sitting on the sidelines watching, hoping, moving all over and screaming like a crazy person is way different! Its like both sides of the extreme.
That is something I want to talk a little about today. Its been a big focus point in our Life Group the last few times getting together - living our lives for Christ in all we do. Taking Him with us in our days, into our meetings, into our classrooms, into our relationships. I extreme but so worth it because its like you dont have to check God off at the beginning of the day or mark it off as you muster up 10 minutes to read your Bible then hurry off to work. Extreme being that God is in us, we carry him everywhere, we speak through Him in everyone we speak to. We are His hands and feet - his example and dont you think people are watching. Listening. Judging. Bashing. Pointing. All of the above and so much more. What are they really seeing? Do they see the joy you have because of Christ? Do they feel the sense of something different about you because of the way you speak to others, encourage others no matter how difficulty it may seem, or how you overlook a persons faults and speak into their future? Building up instead of tearing them down..... The last few months as I read my Bible and the stories are being told and unfolded I have to say that most of the time the words and stories are more real and alive than ever. I think for one reason is my heart in those stories, my heart in those places and with those people. I think about standing as Paul is converted from Saul to Paul and I see that light that he describes and as Jesus speaks to him. I see myself standing with Paul in the jail cell chained to the wall and preaching to the other inmates about Jesus. I see myself walking along the dirty road dejected and all of lifes weight now washed away because Jesus was just murdered and my buddy and I are walking 7 miles home. Hope and dreams crushed and Jesus walks along side us and speaks to us and we dont even know its him until he comes into the home and we pray before the meal. Eyes wide open.
What would life be like if we lived our lives - Eyes Wide Open!!??

2 Corinthians 6: Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please dont squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; The day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Dont put it off; dont frustrate Gods work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as Gods servants gets validated - or not- in the details. People are watching us as we stay our post, alertly, unswervingly ... in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when Gods showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.
Dear, dear Corinthians, (put your name here) I cant tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open spacious life. We didnt fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives arent small, but you're living them in a small way. Im speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!

I know that was a lot of scripture to read and take in all at once but feel it loved ones. Let God work in you like never before. Open your eyes, open your heart and you mind to thinking more and bigger and let God work in you something incredible. Be the change that this world so needs! Yes you will look different. YES, you will not always be understood! I know first hand with that. Let God do something through you but first you have to let him do something IN you.
Focus your ENTIRE being on Him living fully in the moment in His Presence. Imagine what that looks like just for a second. God is fully with you, enveloping you in his love and in his peace. While you are there He is molding your thoughts and cleansing your heart and recreating you to be more like him. Continue to go about your day but let your thoughts not be focused on that person who is annoying or the one who is talking behind your back- Keep your guard up and focus your thoughts on Him. Every moment will come alive because they are focused around Him now and not the things taken place around you. Every day is a good day!
When we make the change to take Christ along in our day, in our conversations, into our work places, into our relationships, into our drive to work in the morning and in our examples to our children and how we treat others - Christ will then be fully alive- living with EYES WIDE OPEN.
2 Corinthians 6:18- I'll live in them, move into them. I'll be their God and they'll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good, says God. Dont link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I'll be a Father to you; you'll be sons and daughters to me. The Word of the Master, God.

Gaterade has a commercial that says "Its in You" - this is far better than any drink you will ever have if you have Christ in you.
May today be a day to boldly step forward and live the life you are called to live. Full of power, grace and love from our Heavenly Father. You are the son or daughter of God.
Its time to live it. The best is ahead of you....... believe in that.
Lonnie~

2011-11-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

I have read this passage in James I would fair to guess atleast a few times over the past few years but never has it really hit me as it has been the last few days.

I am also still stuck on this one sentance that the Lord gave me a few days ago - "Remember, love is not a feeling. It is a commitment."

Last night I got to the gym with a good workout before picking up Kyle at wrestling. I am thankful I got to encourage a few of the guys for their matches tomorrow and to have a small voice into their life about leadership on the team. I got home, got some supper and then turned in for the night. I was pretty tired with the clock change and not much sleep Saturday night, things just catch up to me and I have to just step back at times and recharge and refocus. I sat in my chair and put on the Elevation Church App on my Ipad and began to listen to Pastor Steven preach his message from Sunday. "Took it...Blessed it...Broke it...Gave it" - what a powerful message and I just dont know how he does this but its always a Word from God I need in my life. Speaking through Luke 24:13-35 - He shared with us that the way God works in our lives is "Sometimes God is taking you, Sometimes He's blessing you, Sometimes He's breaking you, all so He can give you".
I sat in my chair with tears running down my face. Broken for sure. God has been breaking me in this season of time in my life. God surely taking some things out of my life but is also blessing me in the process by putting some great things into it. I feel as though I am in all these places at once.
Church leadership for 7 years at my last church and God moves me to another church breaking me in the process of those friendships and close people in my life all really over stupid stuff. It hurts knowing that hurtful words are still being spoken even after 4 months of being there but I thank God for the power and determination not to speak to it and take the higher road. I am responsibile only for myself and my actions. Never would I have thought that would be unfolding before my eyes but I am very thankful for our new church home in Elevation Church and the teaching and leaders there pouring into my family and I when in this season, I fully believe we are needing it like never before.
"Remember, love is not a feeling. It is a commitment." - really speaks out to me for the people in my life today. Begging God to show me what to do next while sitting on the beach nearly 4 years ago as the sun came up out of the ocean - He clearly told me to step up and lead in a family. Not having any idea what I was doing or how it was going to be received - I finally told God okay!!! - Its a commitment since then. A promise. No matter the road ahead, though hard at times, folks dont always understand it looking from the outside - my promise and commitment stands even if it is breaking me in the process.
I know there is blessing in the breaking. It may not show today or tomorrow but one day it will. I fully trust God in the process. As Pastor Steven unfolded "When God breaks you, its not something you pray for, but when you get to the other side of it, you see a purpose in it. Although its a lot more fun to be in the stage where God is blessing you, you'll never know Him more intimately than in the times where He is breaking you. God doesnt break us because He is careless or cruel; He breaks us because He intends to give us to the hungry world. Jesus broke the bread, but it never left His hands! He intends to use you more than ever before!"

Remember, love is not a feeling. It is a commitment. - I have not felt this close to the Lord in a long time. I am fully aware even with all that is going on around me that I am in his hands. He has a grip on me and though he is taking me to a place, he is breaking me and blessing me all at once. His love for me and for you is a commitment. Its a promise.
Its my commitment and promise to the Lyman family, to the Mitcheltree family, to the Beaver family, to my family - Carol, Kyle and Kate.
In my devotion time this morning Ill share - "Learn to appreciate the difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through the rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything. This knowledge is comprised of 3 parts; our relationship, promises in the Bible, and the past experiences of coping successfully during hard times. Look back and see how I have helped you through difficult days and always remember who I AM!"

Broken but never crushed. God shows us the process of taking us, blessing us, breaking us, and then giving us something significant.

Lonnie~

2011-11-07T13:57:00.002-05:00

This picture was taken August 2010 after Kate spent some time in a place in Georgia. There she experienced the best care and counseling that is available today. She got to learn a LOT about herself. The reasons why she does things, the reasons why she cares do deeply about things and in the process has helped her in the long run in making choices. I love this picture because there is healing in this moment. A tough year before for her and for us as a family but in this moment its where love is discovered that its not about a feeling. Its about a commitment. It has me really praying and thinking hard the last few weeks as her day to move to NC and back into our family is this coming Saturday. Its a new beginning in many ways. Its a redo from what happened 2 years ago. Its about grace and learning to love when its hard, when its not often convenient and even when you just dont think its possible any longer.
I learned in that season of time to really love deeply. Though tough things happening, grace pours out from the heart and forgiveness is given and love deepens to a new level.
I am so excited to have Kate back. Though for sure it will change the dynamics of my home, the freedoms we all share currently but all those things are worth it. There is not a time table on this journey ahead and I am thankful for that. I think far too often we have people in our lives, often times our own children and when they turn to a tough road in life, we often think of them as a project. We need to get them fixed. We need to do something to get them back on the right paths again. We need to do something on our end - but often enough, it has to be on their end. Its their decisions and paths and not ours.
People are not projects and I am in a place in my heart and in my relationship with Kate that this is not about fixing anything - its about opportunity - its about comittment.
Being comitted to lead, to love, to be a role model, to show her Jesus, to accept as she is, and just love her.
I think about this acceptance when I go visit my family in VA. It was our family reunion yesterday in Ararat VA as we do each year on the first Sunday in November. Its a day that often times I get to see my family for the first time since that exact day last year. Its hard to get up that way and harder even to see everyone with everyone all over the mountain. But its a day, I get so excited for. Its a day that Uncle Homer addresses the family, speaks to us as one, no matter how plugged in we are with each other or not - He reminds us to be thankful for all the blessings God has given us this past year. We remember the ones not with us and it is a meal shared like no other. Carol, Kyle, Morgan and myself got to share in such a great day - I got to spend a little time with my cousins kids and to see my grandmother and her sisters family and my aunts and uncles. Its just a day where we are happy to see each other. Happy for this day to share and accept right then where we are in life. Hey, dont care you havent been around for awhile or life is hard - today and right here we are glad and thankful you are here. It has always been that way.
My relationship with Kate is the same way. I accept you as you are today sweetie and I cant wait to move forward. To build something from where it is today. No hard or tough feelings of the past holding us back. Just like being a part of the family renunion - welcome back sweetie.
Welcome home.

James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Carol, Kyle and a host of families we do life with are comitted not because we love out of a feeling but because we are comitted. God gave us an example, a great example of loving others. I too have lost my mom, Carol has lost her mom and for that - those experiences in life we have each other to lean on. God has taken away so that we can relate. So that we can rebuild and move forward. He has given us each other.

Love you more than you will ever know Kate. 5 days let the rebuilding begin. Deeply comitted by the example of love that Christ has given us.

Uncle Lonnie ~

2011-11-04T15:14:00.002-04:00

I really wanted to take a moment to share the last period of Kyles match last night with a video but I cant seem to upload it on here. Maybe its too large of a file size but I will have to say that Carol, Morgan, Taylor and myself sat waiting on Kyle's match biting each others fingers. His first start. Crowd loud and we are away from our home turf - lots of new kids wrestling for the first time, not sure what to do, first match of the season and the place is loud. Fan support was good on both sides but Mt. Pleasant is known for wrestling. Our first couple matches we got pinned and it was looking like a sweep as we all looked at the talent and toughness of the other team. Kyles match was up. He checked in, coach slapped him on the butt and the handshake took place right before the whistle. Kyle went up 4-1 in the match in the first period even though he almost turned into a pin in the last second. 2nd period found him on bottom and fighting for a good most of it trying to get out from under. Finally breaking free and rolling with a good move that was too fast for his opponent, Taylor covering her eyes, Carol screaming, I'm trying my best to scream, lean and take video, Morgan is yelling "Go Kyle" - Kyle makes the move and drives his arm over the guys shoulder and rolls him onto his back. With a pressing shoulder and driving legs he presses the shoulders onto the mat for the win. Pin - first time out. Crowd goes nuts, mom is out of control jumping up and down and sweaty hands, Taylor uncovers her eyes and Morgan is yelling "Way to go Kyle" - I am filming the back of the head of the person in front of me almost totally missing the shot of him taking the arm raised in victory.
Kyle shakes hands and greets all the coaches with pats on the head, smiles and Mavericks chant.
Gosh - what a great way to start. So much poured into that one match. See an entire year last year being the workout guy for the starter. Sometimes beating him and getting better week by week. He could have lost heart. He could have given up. He could have finished out the year and then no more deciding to not do that again.
Very proud of him sticking with it. You can tell he has that driving look on his face like - I got this. I can do this. I can win this! Its determination and not giving up when it gets tough. Im not saying he will win every match. I really hope he does but I do know in experiencing a loss - there will be much learned from it. But for now, mom and dad - are enjoying the Win even though the team lost big time... 6 points went up on the score board with Kyles name on it.
I love hearing the comments from the football players who are wrestling this year. "I thought football was tough but this wrestling is killer, coach is trying to kill us!" - YUP welcome to wrestling boys.
Its all you on that mat.... one on one.

Got to love it..... Kyle Proud of you buddy! I know why my mom and dad looked the way they did all those years in the stands while I was on the mat at Judo or on the mat at wrestling. My turn to have that look now :)

Cold and rainy here today. Got a coffee going this afternoon with miss Holly. Tomorrow might try to hit the handicapped basketball game with miss Nicole and then help Carol with some stuff. Sunday is reunion day in VA! I love getting together with everyone! A year since seeing most of my family. Ready for some banana pudding and way to much to eat.

Have a blessed Friday everyone,
Lonnie~

2011-11-03T10:13:00.002-04:00

I wanted to take a moment today and share an article that was in my inbox this morning. This is from the Simple Youth Ministry out of Saddleback Church that Rick Warren leads. These guys that run the student ministry there are brilliant and their articles often really hit home for me. Todays article did just that - so much so - I had to share. As I read it over for the 2nd and 3rd time this morning, I cant help to think about those couple students who I took extra energy into pouring into. They were and still are special students, special young adults with amazing qualities, gifts and talents that God has given them. I reflect back on the student last year at WinterJam and they made the announcement during the concert for all youth pastors, leaders and key volunteers to go and meet in this huge back room where some of the band members that were playing on stage that day would have a word of encouragement for us, pray over us and thank us for investing into the young people today. As I grabbed one of my students, we walked to the back room, got to meet a few of the band members from Third Day and NewBoys - all she had on her face was a huge smile. Something special was taking place. I often hear the words from her about being a youth pastor someday. This is a special and cheering her on in life is often all they need to realize that things are so more important and bigger than the drama struggle of right now. Her mom called me to thank me for doing this as she was told in great details about the experience. I also remember one of our key students leaders last year setting great examples to the other students. Always willing to lead, help out in anyway possible - It was an honor to write a letter of recomendation for college. Its an honor to be called for a job reference. Then there is also the honor to answer the question about honoring God while in a dating relationship while spotting a bench press lift. Little moments leading to giant moments. As my church, Elevation Church, is getting ready to launch its new worship album, For the Honor, I cant help but to think about all the young people I have had to honor to lead, to share special moments like these with and guide them in these tough awkward years being a teenager. It really is an honor
Informing, Inspiring, Connecting, Equipping. These are just a few words that come to mind which in time, I hope to share my heart with each of them.
Enjoy the article today :)
Lonnie~

I will never forget the day, it was a few years ago and I was meeting my former Sunday School teacher for lunch. The cool thing was that after almost 15 years from being in his class we were still friends and we still get together for lunch from time to time. He was one of my favorite teachers that came along in my tween years when things were awkward and weird, and he contributed greatly to my life.

This particular day I was beaten down and upset. I had 3 kids, worked a full time job, and still served as a youth pastor, and I was frustrated trying to balance all these things. During the lunch I remember telling him that I wish my church could hire me full time, or I wish that I could be normal and happy working a regular job. In typical mentor style he bought my lunch, gave me a cd of new music I hadn't heard yet, and told about a few podcasts that may help me out.I don't remember him really doing anything or even addressing my problem, but it was exactly what I needed. I left that ﬁne Chinese restaurant a little encouraged and stoked that along with my new music I found that he had added a few tracks from the new Muse album.

These articles were all about mentors, and none of us would have been the same without them. Just think if Luke Skywalker never met Obi Wan Kenobi, he would have been a whiney dead man instead of a Jedi Knight. If Frodo didn't have Gandalf in his life than he would have would have been unprepared and perished in Saurons attempt to dominant the world.I am anxious to ﬁnish this review because as soon as I ﬁnish I have the daunting task of writing a recommendation letter so a teenager in my youth group can score a college scholarship. This brings me to the second article I read that talked about Look Forward, Look Around, and Look Back. I felt pretty good about this article, I mean I know who is leading me, I know who Im leading with, and I know who I am leading. I was really intrigued by the idea of pouring a little extra into a few special students. One of my special students is the very teenager who asked my to write him the letter of recommendation. This kid is a natural leader, responsible, and he is the key cog in my youth group audience. I remember one time we were at a summer service conference and during a leaders meeting they told us that if our teens liked the could come early and sit in on the "prayer team" meeting, and then be allowed to help pray for people at the end of service.
Right before the prayer team meeting was about to start I saw this particular teen walking down the hall way I grabbed his shoulder and said, "Hey come here I want you to go to this meeting." He simply agreed and went to the meeting with no questions, no ﬁght, no inhibitions. As much as I would like to attribute his actions to my leadership skills, I cant. He is just a special kid. I have to remember that God provides him with the skills, and I am to provide him with direction. Everyone needs to be led especially while they lead. These articles reminded me that while I have systems in place and people to guide me, I have to remember to take special interest, special time, and guide a few special kids.I struggle with remembering the importance of mentors, and when Josh referenced mentors from pop culture, it really struck a chord with me. Let me challenge you to stop reading this review and open your Bible to Titus 2. This chapter is all about how mentoring should work within the church. It's a biblical concept that I tend to forget about until I read articles like these. Do like the article says and take some time today to Look Forward, Look Around, and Look Back.

2011-11-02T15:08:00.002-04:00

Devotional time today - GROW STRONG in the light of my Presence. Your weakness does not repel me. On the contrary, it attracts My power, which is always available to flow into a yielded heart. Don not condemn yourself for your constant need of help. Instead, come to Me with your gaping needinessl let the Light of My love fill you. A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets rough. It musters the courage to thank Me even during hard times. Yoielding yourself to My will is ultimately an act of trust.

In quietness and trust is your stength.

Psalm 116:6 - The Lord protects the simpleheartd, when I was in great need, you saved me.

It has been a tough day for reasons I wont explain but I do know for sure - as the playlist plays on my Itunes through my computer - "Surrender" by Jeremy Camp - there is not another song with softer, more gentle words like this one. Gosh, it really sinks into the heart.
Grateful that song came across the speakers this afternoon.

Grace changed everything.
Thats it for today,
Lon~

2011-10-31T13:05:00.002-04:00

Monday - wondering a little bit how that happened so fast LOL !!

This past weekend was a good one even though it went by way to fast. Friday night was a world series night around the tv with a fire on in the fireplace and Saturday was a catch up over dinner with some old friends which was great! Kyle had a party to go to celebrating a birthday for one of his long time close Gal, friends. Sunday church which is always a great thing! Pastor Clayton King in the Elevation Church house! Always love hearing him preach and feel his passion when he shares his heart! I have just been loving everything about church the last month or so. I am not sure what is going on but things are just penetrating my heart deeper, the music and worship is amazing and its honestly all I can do to keep from jumping up and down and wipe tears from my face. The Word has been clear and understandable and applicable in so many ways that I am still feeling the words days later. I love seeing the greeters and the smiles on the way in and out of church. Helping with breakdown some and telling the band what a great job they did. I love watching Carol grow further in her faith and putting her day together around different things. I have some work to do in some areas of my life but I think this place right now is a really wonderful place to be in.
As I look ahead to this afternoon and the rest of the week - I cant help but to be excited in all that God is doing in and all around me. Though some are not exactly where I would want them to be in their walk, in our walk together - I know that God is working in all things for my good - for their good and I trust in that promise.
I want to put a plug in for a new Devotional that I have been reading each day over the past month. It has really got me excited each morning not because its a challenging book as you read a normal devotional - you know the routine, read the scriptures of that day on this page, read a little story and then read the prayer and go on about your morning.
No this is a little different because its written as if and in the point of, God speaking directly to you. So - let me share the first couple sentances of Sarah Young - Jesus Calling.

October 31 - LEARN TO LISTEN TO ME even while you are listening to other people. As they open their souls to your scrutiny, you are on holy ground. You need the help of My spirit to respond approprately. As Him to think through you, live through you, love through you. My own Being is alive within you in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

I will stop there but I have to say - thats GOOD stuff right there.

The last few weeks of LifeGroup where a handful of families come together and we do life and study Gods word together on Sunday evenings - this is exactly what we all need to learn and press into our hearts and lives. So often we are and I am also talking outside our group, we are trying to do everything ourselves. Yes read our Bibles, we pray and then go about our day just like everyone else does but there is no difference really. No difference in the sense of being a follower of Christ and not - how can the world tell you apart? - When we go to work, to school to that business deal or that round of golf or the party at work - can people tell you are a little different? A lot different? That there is something about you that has some peace or just a smile of contentment about you? Do your words reflect your heart? Does love just pour out from you into everything?
See far too often we are on the culdesac of being a Christian. We are headed nowhere really. We have walked down this path to find ourselves in a big circle - do we go back - do we press through? What do we do? This is the place where we get stuck or give up our walk.

Following Christ has to be a part of who you are - He makes up your DNA. He is everything about you. He pours out of everything in you. Sure not perfectly because nobody can do that but I mean to the best of your ability and trusting God for the rest of it. Im talking about decisions in your day, the song selections on the radio, the tv shows you watch, the words you say to others, your actions, your business deals, the exam you have to take tomorrow, your study habits, the way you speak to your mom, the way you treat the lady in the grocery store, that annoying person in the lunch room - Its all about you through HIM!

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Because of the decision (to follow Christ) we dont evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly dont look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationshop between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering firgiveness of sins. God has given us the tast of telling everyone what he is doing. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with GOd; He is already a friend with you. HOW? You say. IN Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

I AM WITH YOU. I AM WITH YOU. I AM WITH YOU.

Those words ring in my ears. I feel closer right now in my walk with Christ than I have in a long time. I feel energized and in step with where God is taking me, pointing me, teaching me - Yes some folks have left my life and I have endured a tough season but God is doing something new. I am excited for the new as I lean in and carefully the best way I know how to follow him. He has to be in your ALL loved ones. You cant follow him just on Sunday mornings, wed evening during bible study or worship services but in everything you do in each moment of the day. Your life is an act of worship! ALL OF IT.
When we approach our day this way - it all changes. Imagine doing everything you do in a 24 hr time span in honor of God. It changes everything.
Fall short, sure...you bet but pressing on to the next moment ready for what comes next.
Challenge or Opportunity?

Challenges today focuses on the now and opportunity lets you dream and speak into the future.
Turn your challenges today into your opportunities for tomorrow :)

All IN,
Lonnie

2011-10-28T13:15:00.002-04:00

We had an amazing night last night as Carol and I took a van full of folks down to Indian Trail NC to see the production walkthrough - Judgement House. Last year Pastor Travis and I took 3 van fulls of students, parents and leaders and all of us where impacted in some way. Some holding on to my arms crying, scared and then full of joy as we walked through the rooms being played out right in front of us. Last night was no exception but just on a smaller scale. After we had got back and Carol and I were sitting watching game 6 of the World Series which was by far the best baseball game I have ever seen :) - I got a call from a mom telling me and thanking me for being a person that truly cares for her family, is always extending myself to include their family in all we do and pointing so much of what we do to Jesus. As this student came in the house and began to unfold what took place last night, tears rolled down her face, emotions overcome her and daughter and mom spoke for "real" for the first time in months. Gosh, I almost have tears thinking about that as I type this. It really has such amazing impact on us when we see others who lives are changed, decisions being made that are good and bad and the reflection of those choices. So for this mom and daughter, though not a bad relationship by far but as teens get into their teenage years, space is a tough place to be. That once close relationship has its moments where it seems so much seperates them and for a an hour last night... it was made close again. Praise God for that.
Its sometimes hard pulling people together to do something. Some dont want to go, some make excuses, some want to be personally asked or they wont FEEL invited or that you want them to go. Some dont get along with this person or that so they want to be asked but you know wont go. It takes a lot of energy at times and I often wonder why am I putting myself through all this. 50 text messages and picking up students and arranging driving and its all time consuming. I will have to say that nights like last night knowing that this family sat down and shared for the first time in awhile, make it all worth it. Sad for the folks who chose to sit at home in front of the tube or playing on facebook caught up in the fake drama world.
I choose to plug in and experience what God puts in front of me and the opportunities ahead.

I started off this morning running late after staying up late for the ballgame. No text prayer this morning, didnt make YCI, had to wait for Kyle this morning with his hair and drop him at school, work was well tense when I got in - so the day just hasnt started on the right foot. I decided to just pick up a book and look through it that I have read about 10 months ago and at the end of many of the chapters, I wrote prayers, seeking Gods wisdom and heart inbetween the pages and Im thinking, gosh - this is a treasure to find today. If you are inbetween reads take a moment and pick up "Do Something" by Miles McPherson. I am sure it will challenge you in many ways with its short stories.

I want to share that I have really been seeking hard the Lord heart in terms of Compassion. I think I have a good amount of compassion for people, the hurting, the lost, the sick, the ones with sad faces, the hurting students for so many reasons.... I do have a heart for people but I want it to be deeper and through the heart of Christ. Jesus was so compassionate for people. Often stopping in his preaching tours through the countryside to break bread and give fish. He sat with tax collectors, touched the unclean, healed the hurting - He crossed society lines, cast lines of people - he didnt care much for the typical but he pressed on to do whatever it took to touch the hurting. He had such great compassion for people - relationships was at the heart of Christ. It should be ours as well. There has to be a time in our lives where the normal, over looked, walk away from things that should be the things that make us mad, get up out of our seats to do something. We all should have those moments where we just have to get up, get out of our comfort zone and DO SOMETHING - it might be something that is breaking your heart and keeps you up at night. It might be that child that needs a fatherly figure or a motherly figure in their life. It may be that your heart breaks for the homeless, the hurting, the sick or old folks who are shut in. It may be the children in a 3rd world country who dont have enough to eat day to day or $5 medicine to give them health. It might be your friends who are about to toss everything away in their marriage and family and someone needs to speak into their lives over the choices they are making. It might be a friends son or daughter who is making very poor choices. It might even be cats at the shelter or the 49 of them at the barn who are all under weight. Whatever that is that breaks your heart - I pray that this season in time for you that it breaks your heart so much you do something about it.

In my book on page 100 there is a paragraph that just really speaks to me today. Its says:
Loving the "Least of these" - people who cannot pay you back, or increase your social status - is not an annual charity event. It is not something to do to feel good. It is not how you get into heave, but it is evedent in the lives of those who are going there.

That just really hits me. The reason why so many people chose to look the other way or to not get up and do something in their lives - is pride. Just my 2 cents of thought on that. Pride often keeps us focused on ourselves, worrying about the big guy and all our needs and wants and desires to keep us happy. This is what I wrote 2-20-11 on the page 101 in the little space right under the prayer that is written in the book to end this chapter.

Pride - it gets in the way of so many hearts. To move past pride @ times is so hard. Its often hard to see. Pride is personal and one that cant be lived through in someone elses life. It lives directly on our own shoulders. Pride keeps us from opening hearts to what God wants us to do because we only see ourselves and our points of view. As I sit on the porch @the cabin this morning, 2 cardinal birds are feeding @the bird feeder. The big bird checking on the lady bird fully aware where she is. No pride in serving her at all. Its in that bird that God created. We need to serve people that way. Serve them, love them, encourage them because like the cardinal, its already in us. God remove the pride so that I may help the "least of these". Center of hope later :) serving with a smile and a tender heart. Amen - Lonnie

So I will end this Friday post on "thewalk" with a question. What are you not doing because your pride is in the way? Who could you be serving, what could you be doing if your pride was not in the way?

Lord Please open our eyes of our hearts so that we may see who you want us to minister to. Please protect us from our pride so that we may receive a lesson from those who appear to be less fortunate. Amen.

Happy Friday loved ones,
Lonnie~

2011-10-27T13:42:00.002-04:00

Its been a pretty good few days. Exciting actually :) - With last week a little down concerning our Egroup for Students God through Pastor Steven at Elevation Church, he preached a message I so badly needed to hear. God wanted me to hear the words and see them sink into my heart. I got it! Honest!
As I begin today and share a little - I have to say that there are a lot of things just starting. Think about it for a second. Morgan is a freshman in high school and SINGING in a concert! Yes words coming out of her mouth in a song!! WOOTAGE! Kyle started wrestling last week. Taylor in a new school. Kate coming to live with us and today is her first day of enrolling into James Madison High School. Carol has a new do today and is showing amazing signs in her spiritual growth that I personally have not seen in a long time and I am loving it and cheering her on. Donna is now leading in a singles Egroup at Elevation. Carol and I leading high school students in our Egroup for students on Wed night. Marissa is home schooled. Miss Carol is a grandmother. Kayla and Scott plugging into their church and Kayla soon to be on stage (where you belong girl with a voice like yours!). Scott is fired up and leading. Mens group on Thursday night and Jason and Donnie leading it. Sherry is on fire and running marathons?! Holy smokes..... Tony is working. Anna is sticking with me and our families are connecting. Danielle is asking to go to church every other week. Harlan started a new job here in Charlotte. Nicole is a freshman in college and I am enjoying spending a little invested time with her. Hannah E. is at Liberty University! Jessica is a rock star when she comes to church and people treat her like one as she gets us on the 2nd row at church. 2nd row is familiar to us from years past but now with things so much bigger its hard to get there without some pull. Life group has a new format and peeps seem to be digging it and sharing more. I bet there is something new in your life too if you step back a second and think about it. Praise God for something new!
There is a LOT of new things happening!! God is doing something new but there is one thing that remains solid. One thing that should never change.
That is preaching his name and sharing with others what He has given you. I want to share the last part of 2 Corinthians 4: today but also note that it has been amazing just focusing on this piece of scripture now for over a week. It has really spoke to me in so many ways. So lets finish it up big and with something new!
2 Corinthians 4:13- We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every details works to your advantage and to Gods glory:More and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day foes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

One of the main points Sunday in Pastor Stevens message that really reached out and hit me on the head was the fact that in Matthew 11:1-11 - Jesus was talking about John the Baptist while he was in prison and was praising him. Talking good behind his back to crowds of people. Pastor Steven clearly sent home a message to let us know that Christ is talking behind your back. He is telling others that you are doing good and giving them praise for you. How awesome is it to know that!! How cool is it to feel that we can shut out the noise and gossip and the tearing down of others when we can choose to listen to what God is talking about behind your back. Nothing but good things! I elbowed Carol when all this was unpacked and Danielle was in tears and God was poking a LOT of people Sunday morning. As I finish up 2 Corinthians today in "thewalk" - it just goes together to say - YES, Christ is cheering us on behind our backs with nothing but good things and encouraging words that leads us to - WE'RE NOT KEEPING THIS QUIET! I believe and so I must say what I believe. Every detail - that is good details and not so good details - works to our (yes mine and yours) advantage and to Gods glory!
More and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! So dont give up!

Pastor Steven sunk it for me when he shared with us - "You're doing better than you think you are." - Gosh I really needed that. A major boost for sure that stirred me. Yes I am not an Egroup leader with 50 kids in my living room. But God you are sufficient with the ones that you have placed in my life to lead, thank you for each of them no matter how many there are. Yes I am not doing all I can do but blessed because I am doing something and that my heart is breaking in new more deep ways - one for example would be my level of compassion of people. Jesus showed such compassion for people that he crossed lines, boundaries and society rules to go to the people and to touch the unclean, sit with sinners and share meals with tax collectors. Surely I can give a homeless man a meal, serve lunch to women and children, adopt a child in Jamaica, empower and encourage others in my life and to reach out to that student who was being abused at home and is now living with an aunt. I dont know a ton of people at church but I am making connections, friendships and hugs are common and encouraged at church because it IS family and you are the center of all that. I may not be teaching at YCI on Friday mornings, but that is for now, keep showing up. A student needs to see you there, needs the gift that I have given you in to encourage others, now go and do that. I sometimes have no idea what to say and do with the students in my life who I am a dad figure, awkward at times, heart hurting at other times but so blessed to be standing in and doing the right thing. There is so many blessings in there by standing in there, even taking a fall for them but knowing head held high that I am doing the right thing in the long run. Lord I heard you knocking on me and calling me to lead them. Grateful I did because LOOK AT WHAT I WOULD BE MISSING!
I got it Lord.....

Things we see today are gone tomorrow but the things we can't see now will last forever. In those things we cant see are the relationships being restored and built up, lives are being changed, together we are marching forward in faith and believing in Christ as we inform others, inspire others, connect with others and equipping others. There is something new taking place and this season of change is just perfect in Gods timing.
Dont lose heart loved ones, dont keep this quiet, pray for boldness in your life and courage to lead others but follow Christ.
"I believed it, so I said it."

Lonnie~

2011-10-24T15:25:00.002-04:00

Monday - its been a good day so far. Oddly enough I have had like 3 people walk up to me, whom I have never seen before I dont recall, but say hey! Good morning or hello with a big smile on their face like we are peeps and havent seen each other in a few months. Odd, but ok! I can deal with that in a odd kind of way. Maybe its a reflection I am giving off - I would like to think that :) - showing Christ and joy on my face as it reflects my heart.
Elevation Church was amazing yesterday. We had a small group yesterday as it was just Me Carol Kyle and Danielle. Thats all good and I felt a special need with us yesterday to really bring some things on our heart to Christ. I know I did! I even got to elbow Carol twice as Pastor Steven was teaching us through Matthew 11:1-11 and the song jammed "Without you I am nothing".
Gosh its awesome knowing that Pastor Steven unpacked this scripture and shared with us that God is speaking but sometimes he may not be speaking directly to us. He is speaking behind our backs on our behalf. He is speaking to others about each of us and isnt that so much better than the people speaking about us behind our backs? I guess we all have seasons of time where that happens. I have felt those stabs and remarks - they leave an imprint on us at times because words are very hurtful but knowing that God is talking about us behind our backs - gosh that makes it SOOOOOO much easier to drown out the noise and gossip of others. I really needed that message yesterday and Pastor Steven asked if anyone was picking up what he was laying down and hands flew up everywhere. Its good to know I am not alone in this battle.

2 Corinthians 4:7- If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. Thats to prevent anyone from confusing Gods incomparable power with us. As it is, theres not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered bu troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasnt left our side; we've been thrown down, but we havent broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us - trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us - he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!

This just affirms again for me, where I am today, in this season of time - I am doing better than I think I am. You are doing better than you think you are. Thoguh it may be different that the past, what you were doing, how you were serving others - for now, you are doing what God has asked you to do and even though that may be less, different, unsure if you are making an impact or any difference at all - YOU are doing better than you think you are!!
I am not sure what to do but God knows what to do. Been spiritually terrorized in the past but God has not left my side. I know that, experiencing that today and I know with all my heart he has been there the entire time. How can I not?
I am not much to look at but at the end of the day my prayers continues: When the world looks at me at the end of the day, may they agree that my heart looks like your heart Lord.

God has his ways to affirm us, to encourage us, to focus us, to push us forward and to lead us. For the first time in a long time - I truly feel that intimate relationship.
Praise Jesus for the place he has placed me and in the church at Elevation under some incredible followers, teachers, living by example, sold out worshipping people of all ages and walks of life....gosh - Without You Lord, I am nothing.

Lonnie~

2011-10-21T13:36:00.002-04:00

Friday~~~~

Wow, what a week it has been. I missed YCI this morning and this is now 2 weeks I have not been able to make it. There is nothing like 100 or students saying good morning, high fives, smiles, hugs, good mornings etc to brighten the start of the day. Next Friday for sure :)

Last night Bible study was great and its just amazing how God puts pieces of His word together to make things complete. I have not had a season in my life as of yet, where His word seems to be so real and so alive. I am very grateful for that and this season of growth and learning I am in. I think when we are lined up with Gods vision and purpose where its our vision and purpose - I think it gives the Lord more room to work, you see things more clearly, you have boldness to speak and you expand your comfort zone to include more things - specifically more things of Him.
2 Corinthians 4:3- If our Message is obscure to anyone, its not because we're holding back in any way. No, its because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they wont have to bother believing a truth they cant see. They're stone blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get. Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

I was sitting listening to one of my brothers at my Bible study speak last night and he was talking about how some folks have been coming up to him saying - Dude, why are you smiling all the time? This new project is going to take weeks to finish and your smiling? - See to my buddy, he was out of work for many months. Close to losing his home, his savings and his family - YES he is smiling - did you hear what just happened? This new thing is going to take WEEKS to finish! That means he gets to work there for a few more weeks to finish the project!
Sometimes in life we need a new perspective - we need to be reminded that we are not entitled to everything, our way, our timing, receive receive receive - Sometimes things are taken, lost, given away or even - people walk away and right out of you life.
I recently had a close student of mine who we have not been close for very long before leaving my old church to go to Elevation Church and I knew our walk was not that deep, I did not know the family all that well as things were just starting to get some traction. Splat - defriend of facebook, cold shoulder now when I see them at school, - nothing in return. Not even a thanks, goodbye, or a reason. Hard to accept but if people are going to walk out - you have to be ok and let them. It was surface stuff probably and the relational roots had not dug in or even grown for the friendship to stick around. Its times like those that we have to remember that God is our rock. He is our foundation. He is what we strive for to show others in and through us. Its not about us, its about sharing Jesus with the people in our worlds. We are messengers, errand runners, bringers of the good news of Christ to people who need it. Not everyone is going to be receptive to it, not now maybe but over time - possibly. 15 years down the road maybe, a ton of prayers being lifted for that person... just maybe in this life time.
We must align our faith with our actions and in our words - because we are that brightness of the Message the shines for Christ to a dark and broken world with so many struggling for purpose, passion of some kind in this life and meaning.
Yes, Im smiling because I have received the greatest gift anyone could have ever asked for and Gods face is of Christ who is all bright and beautiful. So as these folks in your life look at you - do they see Christ in you?

You will not be able to reach everyone but you can show everyone what and who you believe in and what you stand for. A follower of Christ presses through the tough spots, prays behind the scenes for those we are not reaching at this time all showing the perserverance that we strive for in finishing the race. Strong and steady and in for the long haul. You have something that others want even if they dont yet see it clearly today.
I am excited for this weekend. I am especially excited for one of my kids who comes in and out of my life at times will be going to church this Sunday with us. I can see her heart being softened and her willingness to Gods word to penetrate her heart is changing her. I love what I see in the road ahead if she can just stay the course. If she can just stay focused. If she can just ignore the rumors and hurtful words of stupid and self centered people .... I think what is breaking her heart today, may very well one day be her mission field.

In the end never get tired of doing the right thing. In the end, its all that matters.
happy weekend everyone,
Lon~

2011-10-20T13:03:00.002-04:00

I hope this post today finds you in a great place today. It has been a week or more since my last post but its not because I dont have anything to share - actually I have too much to share! God has really been teaching me some things and I am enjoying my place with Him in this season of time. It for sure is a growth season and God has put an amazing church in Elevation Church in my life, Pastor Steven has really been hitting me hard with his messages, my mens group has been such a blessing in my life and knowing that other dudes are in this battle with me has me more confident and encouraged that I have been in a long time. Lifegroup on Sundays are going great with a change up of format and speed and I think everyone is digging it. My Egroup students is starting to take shape and looking forward to hitting the ground running next week with however many students God has walk through our doors. My buddy Eric is headed to Maine in 4 hours and is sold out for Christ, so much so that he packed up his stuff, quit his job and rented a truck to begin his journey to the cold country but not just as a southern plant but as a missionary on fire for Christ. I shared with him with some friends and his family last night about Isaiah 58 - Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet and declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.
The scripture goes on to share the benefits of keeping His commands, the praise high, the vision clear, the walk clean, and to serve the Lord with all you have. I know Eric will do amazing things up there and it has come at a season in his life that he is perfect to go, the doors have swung open in amazing ways and the path is clearly from the Lord. I shout with praise his boldness to step out in faith and GO where God has called him.

I have been in the book of Corinthians 2:4 actually and I am learning a great deal from that scripture. I just finished the new Jeremy Camp book and have enjoyed so much the new perspective to his music and in many ways, his words and his heart have shown me many things. Walking with the Lord is sometimes in this life the only thing you have to hold on to because everything else is falling down. When we have trials in life they are meant to build us, strengthen our faith and to cling to our Lord. These are beautiful places to be even in spite of the pain and turmoil - it has a purpose and a breaking but not one that will rip you to shreds but one that in time will build us back up. This season for me is one of building back up and a refection to remember that God is faithful and he is there in the storm with me as new doors, new people, new places to share his love and grace with whomever God has in store to put in front of me. I am thankful and very blessed to be at this place.... Gosh I cant imagine not being where I am today in my faith journey.
2 Corinthians 4 - Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We dont maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we dont twist Gods word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.

This scripture is incredible and though its long, I dont want to go through it all in one shot. Its actually too much at once so my plan is over the next day or so to share what it means. I will start with today and say that God is in the details of every moment of our day. He listens to us pray, he knows our hearts and he even listens to us groan through the pains we have. Many have gathered the last few weeks to pray for Kate's friends Joe and Dillon who were involved in a car accident weeks ago. Joe was killed at the scene and in many respects it has sent the community closer together. It was the saddest service I have ever experienced and all those who spoke and prayed over Joe and his family that day did an amazing job leading our community by example. Each morning to work I pass the place where Joe lost his life and Dillon clings onto today. Its a sad reminder but even in times and circumstances like these, God is behind the scenes. Dillon and Joe's parents and family may or may not agree with those words but just maybe - what has happened has changed someone elses future. As I read Jeremy's book earlier this week - it was clear that even in death, there is good in it. Jeremy's first wife passed only after 6 months of marriage at a very early age and in her death she spoke into Jeremy's heart and into his faith life. Her faith was amazing and even with very little strength she would raise her arms, her hands at times to praise and worship God. She told Jeremy early on that her struggles and her pain and suffering and in her passing, if it was to provide just one person the acceptance of Christ, it would all be worth it. Jeremy had to endure long seasons of struggle and pain after his wife passed but through this - he has touched thousands of lives for Christ through his own testimony and stuggles. Dillon who has been in the hospital for weeks now with brain swelling and in a coma was pulled of life support and with all the knowledge and medical stuff going on with all the signals pointed in him passing - today is breathing on his own, squeezing the hands of those in the room with him and responding. Though a long journey ahead - one with no clear answers - but it does contain hope. It does contain faithfulness. It does contain God hearing our prayers and our groans.
Its times like these that our faith is on our sleeves, there for the world to see in plain view. Nothing phony, nothing hidden. We cant just throw in the towel and run away from our faith due to hard things and refusing to play games. It really is amazing how the channel of communication is working to share in the news - people coming together, people sharing, helping each other, supporting each other - real community.
Isnt that part of what God wanted? Community, family, no masks or twisted schemes..... Just real true faith that is honest and on display.

I will end todays post with something that I have been praying for about a week now and its one that I am seeking with all I have these days. May it be your prayer today as well. Never lose heart loved ones, its not over till the good Lord says its over.

"When the world looks at me at the end of the day, may they agree that my heart looks like Your heart Lord."

Peace,
Lonnie~

2011-10-11T14:51:00.002-04:00

I have been quietly writing in my journal the last few days, extra reading and extra study time. I have not forgot about "thewalk" so just in case you are wondering. This past weekend was good with last few days of a great week with Kate in town. Our home is just not the same and is just not complete without her there. Hopefully in the coming weeks that may actually change. Only God knows that right now so I am leaving it with him, so I am not to worry about what I cant control in the process. Its all in his timing anyways!
I had a great coffee with two of my close buds last night. SO enjoyed speaking with them and giving them encouragement. Both are on a journey that they have been fussing over for some time now. New jobs, new locations, different visions and knowing that God is doing something amazing in them now and setting them up for something even bigger is just exciting to see. Both sat with smiles on their face as they revealed their hearts in all that God is doing. We sat and spoke about that timing and when the opportunity raises itself, do we really have the courage to step forward and trusting God when it actually does happen. The world telling us to hurry up, get on with it and knowing that God is saying, I am not done yet,,,, a little longer, I have something better in mind. Just hang in there a little while longer because I have something amazing to show you. The blessing will be that much bigger!!
I can so related to the places they are in as I too have felt this even though some pain took place to get here. I was speaking to a student yesterday and was referred to as an "Elevator" - which meaning a member of the church my family is at now and I smiled when she called me that. YES I can finally say I am an "Elevator" from Elevation Church! This past weekend on Saturday night we got some folks together and headed to church. What a great experience with Pastor Craig teaching us from LifeChurch.tv. I have admired Pastor Craig for years, have studied his teaching, he has led our LifeGroup for the past 3 or so years and we are so blessed to be under one of todays greatest leaders and teachers of the Bible. I love how Pastor Steven and Pastor Craig have a close relationship and together are on the same page to share Gods word even further than our 2 churches. Amazing at the vision they share for reaching people far from God. I loved every moment Sunday - along with 2 of my kids who have been with me for a number of years but needing a change in their own life. They called me Saturday to see if they could go to church with us and we have been speaking about rededicating their life to Jesus, baptism and going each week with us. Amazing things are beginning to happen and I love when a student, anyone for that matter, crosses over and takes it all in and is serious about their faith! Gosh its a transformation that takes place and I love being on the front lines there and to be a part of their walk. Gives me goose bumps as I type this.
How can we not be bold when we believe in something so much!?!?!

I will end todays post with just some encouragement from Hebrews 3 - if you are in a tough place today, maybe doubting what God has called you to do, maybe hit a little road block, maybe gossip has you down, maybe discouraging people are in your life and they are bringing poison to your well .... read the entire chapter of Hebrews 3 loved ones. Here is a little bit to get you started. Hope this helps someone today.

Hebrews 3:12 - See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today", so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold firmly till the end our original conviction. As has just been said, Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.

For some of us today, we need to encourage one another. It may only be a little and it may be all that we need. Call someone today, send them a text, Facebook them - do it now and keep your heart soft so that God can work in your heart in a deeper and more impactful way.

Peace,
Lonnie~

2011-10-06T14:03:00.002-04:00

I had a post yesterday but it seems to have not published for some google reason - maybe since the passing of Steve Jobs and this not being Apple related had something small to do with that. I dont know but I do know that Steve Jobs will be missed at Apple and to all who looked up to his wisdom in leadership and great inventive ideas. A true pioneer in todays times. Change the world, well I wouldnt go that far but yes a brilliant man for sure.

I have a lot going on and many things to be excited about. A few things to share, I am waiting to here back from my church, Elevation Church about a new role for me. One that I am familiar with but new at our new home church. I am especially excited to hear back - I think the interview and application process went well. I am excited to get started and get back to doing life with the students that God places in my life. In many ways even today I am doing that but it has only been with my close peeps and not so much the way it was being the lives of 50-60 students. BUT with this new role and new way of leading and investing comes new blessings, different blessings and ones that I am eagerly begging God for - not only for me but also for them.
I have my mens Bible study tonight and I am especially excited to be going back and I am a little fired up about it as I learn and have the ability now to lean on some God seeking men. GOd new the timing of this to be perfect and I am just thankful for it to finally happen after a year of praying for this.
Last night me Morgan, Taylor, Marissa and Ariel met at Zaxbys and put together bead necklaces for the kiddos this coming Sunday at the Center of Hope. I am especially excited to see them and serve them a meal but also to invest in each of them with smiles, hugs, high fives and a little gift that they can cling onto. It reminds me a little of Jamaica and even though sending money to places and to people for a purpose has its place and is very well received, I think sometimes going and being there is where that real change happens in our lives. Not only do we get to serve, to give our hearts and shed our tears for others, they also receive all those things as well. Its a win win when you step out in faith and get out of your comfort zone so that God can use you. I am seeing the smiles already and cant wait.
I am still reading each day Hebrews 12 and unlike some others who are memorizing this entire chapter - I am not good at that at all! But I will continue to read it each day and let the words speak into my life. Hebrews 3: shares with us: Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will no grow weary and lose heart.

I have been working now at my job for 15 years. Hard to believe that much time has passed and gosh I have been working here since before Kyle was born. It was a nice lunch they had for all the employees who have worked and passed such milestones and I still love my job, the place and community where I work. Its a long investement 15 years and one that I can honestly say that each day I have not given my best, focused like I should have, felt like coming in but kept going - kept showing up - learned new things - pressed on to the next week ... you will have good days and some bad days. People will get under your skin and people who you will love because they are awesome to be around! Your faith is much the same. There are seasons of dry time. There are seasons where God seems silent even in your struggles. There are times where God has you fired up and he seems to show up everywhere you are - in the people around you, the ones you meet at school, in the Lowes Foods line - God is working in that marriage or in your friends trying to get pregnant. These are the seasons in our lives.
There are also times where some really tough things happen. A loss of loved one. A job that got lost. A church that shut its doors on you. People walking out of your life.
These are things we must endure in life. They say if it doesnt kill you, it will make you stronger. I believe that your faith is much the same way. You have to work it, it has to be tested, it has to be exercised ....
The season my family and I are just passing over has been a tough one but now that we are moving onto the other side - we wonder why we stayed so long. We ask ourselves really? Was it always like that? Why couldnt we see what others were telling us and what they were saying, why didnt we listen?
Look at the place now. I have a buddy of mine who has been through a few tough seasons in his life. He has accepted the fact that all this time now he has been running from God. Things in his life now are where they need to be in order for him to be bold and GO. Moving to another state is a big deal when you have lived your entire life in one place. He is going alone, he is going without a guarantee and he is stepping out of his comfort zone. He is scared, he is nervous, he is counting the days down in excitement but also in I CANT BELIEVE THIS! kinda fear.
I am proud of him for this big step and I know because i have been there too, once he out on his faith steps, once he gets going - God is going to blast his heart and face off. His eyes will see differently, his heart will have a difference to it - maybe through giving, through compassion for others, maybe through serving -maybe through forgiveness .... its a new persective - a new thing.
Many of us need that new thing to energize us to the next place, the next level, that next new understanding.
God works that way and when we do things like this - others will have things to say. There will be trash talking, back stabbing, doubters etc.... there will be people who walk away and walk out in your life. It will seem as though at times nothing is right and everything is wrong. There will come this season and you will doubt why and how. This is the part of Hebrews 3 that says SO that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Yes things are different, new things, new people, new processes etc..... Keep the faith. Keep marching forward. Dont quit now.
Hebrews 12:4 in your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
You are not dead and so, God still has plans for you and wants to continue to use you. Press through...... Something new is about to happen. A change is about to take place.
As the seasons change, so does our faith seasons.
Question today - do you know which faith season you are in today? Are you down, bored, feeling like faith is for someone else or God is just not answering and you are weary like never before? Are you on fire for God today and you are at a place where - I am the church! This is awesome! There doesnt seem to be anything that would stop me for Jesus!!!

Either way, change is coming. Are you ready for it? better question would be, are you willing?
God is not nervous. He already knows what is ahead. Do you really trust in that? Do you believe that the best is ahead of you no matter where your faith is today?
There is a lot in 15 years looking back at my career where I work but I am excited for the 15 ahead of me. I have learned a lot in the years looking back in my faith journey but I am excited about whats ahead.
As the song goes, there may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Press on loved ones.... press through and never lose sight that God is in control and is willing to meet you in the next moments ahead. Just meet him there........

Lonnie~

2011-10-04T14:45:00.003-04:00

Tuesday - I welcomed you this morning even though I needed a little extra sleep and this morning I woke in a fog and still groggy. I woke with my arm hurting this morning, my back on the right side and I think honestly, I was so exhausted yesterday that last nights sleep - I did not even move. Is that even possible? gosh...hurts getting old.

Yesterday for many reasons was a tough day. A drive up to King in the morning with miss Carol to attend our neighbors funeral for her mom. A long battle with cancer and I could see that my friend Cassie, her relief has come knowing her moms battle is over and she now has peace. I am thankful for that and for her mom living a full life, surrounded by family, friends and faith. It doesnt make the loss any less but it does bring us through at a different level. The other funeral was for a 19 year old boy in the community who was killed in a auto accident. The church was packed with grieving family and friends. Its as if most of the community was touched by this tragic accident. The loss of a life at a young age - gosh I couldnt even think about putting my feet in his parents shoes.
Its easy to focus on the loss today instead of the bright sun, the normal lives that others have today as for some - their lives will be paused, stuck and seeming like their lives are over. Its a tough place for sure but God is in those moments ahead just as he is in the moments right now. Hard to focus on those moments when they are so hard to get through. I grieve so much for those families and all who were touched by this and who will continue to be what seems like - "Left behind". My prayers will continue to be with you and your families.

With a tough start to today, a lot going on this week, completely exhausted yesterday - I find myself kinda in a down place today. Not very encouraged but doing my best to muster up some of it, looking for someone to help me with that and really - sometimes, isnt that all we need to boost us up? I know God is for me, has big plans but often times we overlook the BIG when we are in the SMALL.
I think I have lost another contact with one of my close kids. It sucks and I had a big part in their walk with Christ and I am hoping this is just a few weeks of tough times for this student. Its tough having a church full of them ripped from your life and I know focusing on the ones that remain, I am so thankful for but even those who are barely hanging on - I wish I had access to cheer them on to hang in there. To continue their walk with Christ but sometimes those roads must part for whatever reasons.
I have an interview tonight that I am a little nervous about. I know God has this and He is on top of it and in his hands and if this is something He wants me to do, then it will happen. What is there to be nervous about? I think partly its because I am hard on myself. I question myself often times and the past haunts me at times with things that have happened TO me. It questions where, how and why ... its normal I guess because we all go through these things.
I know God has a plan in this and if He wants me to be part of something much bigger than I have now, if what was ripped from my hands and my heart is much better in the next steps - then I totally understand it! I think we all need a little encouragement sometimes to focus bigger, to zero in on the task at hand and not let fear or the unknown bog us down and discourage us.
Romans - 8: 5-8 - Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that Gods spirit in them - living and breathing God. Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self ignores God, end up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God is not pleased at being ignored.

God is not in middle school. As I noticed the changes that Facebook has made -I am really thinking about not using it anymore other than to make events or update it with Twitter just to get newsfeeds on it. I really hate the drama. I really hate the ads that seem to have made their way all over the Facebook wall feed. I really think about the folks on there with the LMS for a post, a paragraph, a comment, a something! Who cares. Who cares if someone likes your status and then you write how pretty they are, how nice they are or how whatever! Nobody is going to really say anything bad and people are looking for positive encouragement -they need to be told by many that they are pretty, they are cool, they are loved and best friends forever.
Gosh, I think about how encourage the close students in my life. They need those words of encouragement because they dont receive much of it today - school and at home its totally upside down. They are always being told they mess us, not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough and what were you thinking?!!!!
I tell them all the time that I love them. There is no question if anyone asks or if they need to hear it - I tell them. I LOVE YOU.
I also tell them I am proud of them. NO matter if they did great on something or got 100% on their exams ... I am proud of them. Give me, give you your best effort even if things dont work out so well or perfectly each time. I am proud of you!
I dont think people need to accept their role in life by another mean middle school student who shouts they are not measuring up. GOd has created you so shine that smile! I remember when Kyle was small I use to tell him he was hansom and smart and yes he still is but I think in his younger days - he believed it more because now he is looking for acceptance from outside his parents. But then, it was Kyle saying he was smart - that he was hansom and could do anything in the world because HE KNEW his daddy was behind him.
What if we all were like that?
What if we all walked with our chin up and confident in our current moment to say - my daddy told me so. My daddy being our heavenly father?
No more being discouraged, no more listening to others telling you that your fat, stupid, slow on the football field, not good enough - but what if we plugged into the power of what our Heavenly father uses in his words over our lives?
My daddy told me I was pretty. My daddy told me I was smart. My daddy said I can have the audacity to believe big dreams that can come true! My daddy said I am loved by a perfect father.

Romans 8:9 - BUt if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, wont know what we're talking about. BUt for you who wlecome him, in who he dwells - even though you still experience all the limitations of sin - you yourself experience life on Gods terms. It stands to reason, doesnt it, that if the alive and present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he will do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus) you are delieverd from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be alive as Christs! So dont you see that we dont owe this old do -it -yourself life on red cent. Theres nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent buriel and get on with your new life. Gods spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!

I needed this message today as God spoke it to me to write and opening my Bible to this chapter - perfectly! I needed it just as someone out there needed it who is reading this. Dont look back. Let the past live in the past and brace hold of what is in front of you. Dont be in fear and let God handle the details. If its his will there will be nothing to stop it - the doors will open, the people will come into your life who need to be there in this season of time ...
DONT LOOK BACK!

2011-09-29T09:51:00.004-04:00

Compassion - a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

That is from Dictionary.com and I find it amazing that different ads fill in the browser window according to what type of word you type in to search the meaning on. Compassion - lots of ads on the screen that goes with the word. World vision - End Hunger - adoption are a few examples.
Compassion to me means to have the ability to feel another persons feelings, pain, and struggles. Not everyone has a good amount of compassion for people. I think its a spiritual gift for those who have great compassion for others. Jesus had great compassion for people. He gives us countless examples throughout the Bible.

When we are struggling or going through a difficult season in our lives - Jesus knows exactly where you are. Far too often when we are struggling in that difficult season we continue to ask the question of "Why?"
With the correct perspective our focus in our struggles are not so much asking the question of "Why?" but "Who?"
Why, never answers the questions or helps the situations we are facing but always comes with more questions. Who delivers the final answer and thank God for the WHO!

I remember back to the season when my mom was sick and wondering in my early faith journey - God why? Why does this have to happen? Why now God? Cant you take someone else? You may be wondering those same things today. Why God, are you not healing my mom? Why God, did you let my business fail? Why God, did my husband cheat on me and now divorce is underway? Why God, did my child make that bad decision and she is pregnant now? Why God, did my husband lose his job and now we are broke?
You may have a ton of WHY questions but the same WHO remains the same. Its the answer to the WHY questions.

I have often heard from others when talking about a difficult situation in our lives and they say - "Just have more faith!"

What does that mean? I mean like, God if I had more faith you would have let my mom live? If I had more faith my daughter wouldnt have made the choice to have sex? If I had more faith, my son would still be in school? If I had more faith, my husband wouldn't have lost his job? I think this sets us up for a major spiritual failure.

My Aunt Sharon and my Uncle Buster are the most amazing people of faith that I know of. They have endured so much as followers of Christ in their lives and their journey is a true testament to what it means to "Live by Faith". I fully believe there was no amount more of faith in their hearts that would have changed my mom from passing. They are the most godly people I know and sucking it up a notch in the faith department? What does that mean?
My moms birth, her living, her death had a purpose. The loss of your mom or dad had a purpose. The loss of your husbands job has a purpose. The pregnancy has a purpose.
Keeping your faith eyes and heart on Jesus during these times does something to and in us that no other season of time can accomplish.
Its about the ultimate result in these seasons. Its not that the situation will end well and the way you have hoped for but its about God bringing the good out of it that really makes the impact in our lives.
I am reminded of this today because God has great compassion for us - Romans 8:28 - Meanwhile, in the moment we get tired in the waiting, Gods Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every details in our loves of love for God is worked into something good.

Another translation tells us this way - 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.

Most people read the above and think that God will make the struggle better, the situation will improve, your husband will get his job back, the divorce wont happen, your mom will recover, your children will make better choices but honestly - thats not what the verse tells us.
It says God is going to work in some really horrible, painful, struggling, difficult, awful situations in your life and he will bring good OUT of it.
This doesn't mean the situation is any less horrible or the blow is going to be any less than it will.
When I lost my mom, I had dozens of people tell me that she is in a better place. You may have said that to someone recently at a funeral. I know a student in my life right now who is struggling at times with the passing of her grandma and I heard those exact words at her grandma's viewing. Though those words are true, she is in a better place today - her grandmother, my mom, the person in your life - its ok to rejoice for them and then move forward but sometimes moving forward is just not happening. Its not yet.
We lost something special, tremendous in our lives and the pain is very real. We can grieve and we should grieve but we also have to take our hope to heaven. In that same way, we need to take that hope to your pregnant daughter, to your husband who lost his job, to the divorce papers, to the business that failed, to the loss of your loved one.

Because of the loss of my mom, I know Jesus today!
Because of the let go at my old church, I am in a much better place today because of it!
Because of the loss of your husbands job, He has a much better job today or has found a new calling and purpose!
Because of the new baby, your life is so much more fulfilling than you ever imagined!
Because of the _________ (you fill in the blank) and if you are not there yet with a result to look back on - there is purpose to the WHY and understanding WHO will provide the rest of your story.

Jesus has compassion on us.
Matthew 14:14 - When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick
Matthew 15:32 - Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people they have already been with me 3 days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.
Matthew 20:24 - Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Jesus knows exactly where you are today. He is in your struggles, He is in your loss, He is in your pain..... because he is the WHO in your WHY.

There is purpose in your why today loved ones. Even when we dont have the words to pray our groans in life seem to be screaming out louder than our words - we have Romans 8:28 to lean back on.
Thats why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Even in your pain, even in your groans, even in your situations, even in your loss. God will make good through those things.
Praise God we have the answer in our lives to WHO?

Compassion brings understanding.... :)

Hope this brings peace to someone today,
Lonnie~

2011-09-27T14:31:00.002-04:00

Any guess to what that is? I love the picture of my friend Kristyn, who got her chicken foot soup and got a place at the table and smelled, looked over, and thought about what was about to happen. Chicken foot soup - taste like chicken soup but with real chicken... We shared a great laugh after I took this picture and as folks got their bowls of soup and headed to the table to sit and eat... almost everyone had that look on their face. Do I dare eat this? Will this be good? I can't believe I am eating a chicken foot!! The amazing thing was, it was actually great! I ate one foot, though with bones and and not much meat - the soup was amazing. Adding some homemade Jamaica bread to the soup was for sure, very yummy.

Coming across these pictures today has me thinking on a few things. Often times things are not exactly what they appear. People are not exactly what they appear and very few people, very few things are really - the real deal.

Think about Easy Cheese - you know the cheese in a can which is delightful on crackers and is essential really to the human existence! Its kinda cheese and with Ritz crackers - gosh you have a yummy meal from a can. But looking a little closer - its not really cheese at all. Somewhere along the way, Easy Cheese became a processed, synthetic and chemically evolved substance but hey its "MADE with Cheese."

So lets see- Milk, water, whey protein concentrate, canola oil, milk protein concentrate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, lactic acid, sorbic acid, sodium alginate, apocarotenal, annatto, cheese culter and enzymes.

Its KINDA cheese.... the Chicken foot soup - without question - it was chicken foot soup. Just ask Kristyn!!

I am so blessed today thinking about this "Real deal" because God is putting some folks in my life that today, they find themselves in a very different place than awhile back. They have walked, grown, matured and are fired up for the things of Christ that you just cant keep them quiet about it. Just last week going into the gym for a quick time framed workout, I ran into one of my "Real Deal" buddies and we missed the workout because we were talking faith, faith journey, the paths that God has us on today and I am telling you - we could have led a revival right there in the gym! I got a call from another "Real Deal" buddy today and we spoke for about 1/2 hour and gosh I was so pumped up after our conversation! God knows I need these people in my life today. He knows there is a bigger purpose for them speaking into my life and me into theirs. There is no kinda cheese materials here...these folks are fired up for the things of God and they are letting it known!

I am excited to see where this journey together is going to go, what it will grow to and the bond that is going to take place together. Perfect timing for all of us in our faith journey.

Pastor Steven challenged us to read Hebrews 12 together as a church and let Gods Word speak into our lives through this chapter. He is really praying hard that a turning point for each of us, from the "Kinda Christian" to the "Real Deal Christian."

Hebrews 12:14 shares with us: Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Isnt that what we are supposed to be doing? Doing our part to live in peace with others, to follow Christ in the best way we know how to so that others will see the Lord? No faking it, being that same person no matter if people are looking or not... you becoming the "Real Deal" for Jesus. Following him no matter the cost...James 4: again shares with us a little deeper in getting serious in our faith.

James 4:4-10 You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you supposed God doesnt care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. Its common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble. So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; its the only way you'll get on your feet.

My faith journey over the last few years is an amazing one. I could share stories and stories of what God did in and through me. The hearts and lives I have touched over the years. The students who have a place in heaven because I put down my fear, my agenda, my selfishness and stood for Christ. What a honor that is to be able to speak into the lives of others. I cannot wait to hear the stories of the "Real Deal" with life change being at the center of their lives.

I am so thankful and blessed to know that the decision I made not only for myself, though that being hard but also knowing it was a decision that would affect many - that decision really hit home for me last night. I know I made the right decision. I know without a doubt - being there for one of my close kids who looks to me as a dad, called me hurting, without a dad voice in her life - we sat and talked through some things. I value that so much and if it meant a change in order to honor that "I Promise" to that family - I know I made the right decision and I know God is honoring that promise. "Family is forever" because its the "real deal".

I really am floating some today with all that is going on around me, the people God has placed in my life not only for me to invest in but also for a change, people to invest in me! Church has been amazing the last month as Elevation Church as we are celebrating all that God is doing. I could sit here and weep with all the amazing things taking place... the hearts that are walking with me, the smiles that are appearing on such beautiful faces, foundations being built around God, relationships restoring - no more pretend, no more masks, no more fake imitations.....

Chicken foot soup - the real deal. Jesus - the real deal.

2011-09-26T15:03:00.003-04:00

What an incredible weekend. Hard to kick off a work week after such an amazing weekend. Carol and I rented 5th Quarter on Friday night and cried just about the entire movie. Filmed in Winston Salem NC and on the campus of Wake Forest really hits home for me. My family being in Mt. Airy - Wake Forest has always been the back yard school of choice and Winston-Salem was us going to town. You know - the big city :)

Saturday was hanging with Kyle and Brody - hitting the gym and getting a good workout in, a run to GoodWill to get some books for my little lunch buddy during the week since his family doesn't have any books to read and one of the things he answered for me about himself is that he likes to read. That is awesome! So he has a good handful now to keep him reading. While in the store Saturday a man walked up, his name was Rob, and he saw my Elevation Church shirt I was wearing. He shouted out, startling a little but he was full of smiles, He said, "Man, thats that church where the preacher man was baptising like 2000 people!" I said, "Yes Sir it is" he said, "Well that preacher man must be on fire or something, cause I ain't never seen anything like that before!" - He shouted everything and Brody and Kyle were somewhere behind me probably hiding :) - Rob then asked about campus locations and I shared with him about the new university campus and that he should come check it out sometime. Gave him the location and experience times and he shook my hand and thanked me. "I would love to check out that preacher!" was his last words to me as he walked off to begin shopping or finish shopping, I'm, not sure. So as I turned around to see where the boys were at they were right there and began to look for books with me. Kyle said, Dad, are you going to invite the entire community to church? - I said son, God is putting these people in front of me and conversation and inviting them to somethign I am passionate about, that I believe in with all I have in me - Yeah, I guess I am. Brody turned and said, That was amazing, I wish I could do that. All you have to do is talk, smile and show people Jesus.

We are not here to fix anyone but to love them and to serve along side of them.

I love the picture of the house here that we worked on while in Jamaica. The mom had 5 seven children and 3 of them lived in this little home. She had contacted JIm and Penie about paiting it and JIm took the time to go and see her, decide what to do and then pray over it before making a decision. Seems once he got there the home didnt even have a wall that was worth painting. So poppa Jim took it in and we tore down 3 of the 4 walls and then rebuilt her home. The crew after us, finished it and then painted it and it turned out to be so sweet- like a little pretty Jamaica color style home, pink with blue shutters I do believe but the impact we made on this family that week in Jamaica I will never forget. I think about the foundation the little house was built on and how as a follower of Christ we came in and loved on this family, we didnt just give them a handout and move on to the next home and family. We actually touched them, served with them, prayed with them and encouraged them. That is the foundation I want to continue to build not only in my life but the lives of others. I want to help keep them grounded in Gods word as a living example and not just words. I want to serve people I dont even know. I am so blessed the last few weeks Morgan and Marissa have come to help setup church on Saturday night for services on Sunday. Its easy to get caught into the thinking that there are a lot of people there and that you are not needed. Its easy to think that we are just putting chairs out, putting up pipe and drapes and setting up video screens.

Perspective - we we lose perspective, when we lose focus - things that were once important become not so important any more. It was nice hearing Pastor Larry share with us that we are needed, we are wanted, we are included and our sacrifice that night was making a way for someone to know Jesus in a life saving way on Sunday morning. It is not just a video screen, pipe and drapes and chairs...its a place to experience Jesus. Its a place where our faith hits the road of life and when Jesus is there in the middle of it - it builds foundation. Something to grow and build your life on.

As Pastor Steven spoke Sunday he mentioned that we all need to be out of comfort zone because God doesn't use us there. Everyone should go on a mission trip over seas and experience a new perspective. He gave a great example of his wife coming back from Haiti and children there with very little to eat. Once home her children complained about the dinner menu that evening.... lets just say it didnt go well for them.

This home we rebuilt for this family in Jamaica will always be a reminder that someone came from far away to help them, to serve them, to love them and not for any other reason than that they WANTED TO. We didnt come to change them, God handles that part - we just went to love them, serve them and show them Jesus.

Luke 6:45-47 shares with us the Work the words into your life:

You dont get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. Its who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.

Why are you so polite with me, always saying "Yes, sir" and 'thats right, sir' but never doing a thing I tell you? These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner imporovements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on.

As the day went on yesterday after an amazing church service I got to spend the better part of the day with one of Kyles classmates and a great gal hang out with. Anna, has a great foundation. Her family well routed in Gods word, serving in church and serving others in the community, her sister on a mission trip this past summer to Belize - this family is doing things right. I ask her mom all the time, whatever it is you are doing - pass out that secret ingredient so others will have it. I tell you what it is. "Love - Jesus."

Lives built around Christ. They are the good apples because the tree (Jesus) in their family is healthy and true.

Foundation - it holds everything together. Its the footing to keep you standing in lifes storms. Its the building block you begin with. You have to work the words into your life. Hebrews 12 is our challenge for the next month. Reading it aloud each and every day and for some even a bigger challenge will be to memerize the entire chapter. I think thats amazing and I am building that foundation of Hebrews 12 into my life, into my family so that the fruit from this season of time will have ripe and sweet fruit.

The family we built the home for is in a much better place today because we did what we were called to do. Not mere additions of words in your life but words to build your life on.

Foundational ... what are you building in your life today? Is it worth standing on and building a lifetime around?

Peace,

Lonnie

2011-09-23T10:47:00.002-04:00

I love these pictures of Kyle. This was Friday while in Jamaica and a day I was really excited about because we were delivering water to families in this community. There was 1 well spigot for the entire community. I actually thought we would be doing more of this and at the time I was a little disappointed but when we got going, when we started delivering the water to the folks in the community - I was glad it wasnt every day. It was hot that morning, it was tough walking 5 gallons of water to a home and pouring it in whatever container they had to hold water. It was tough and it was exhausting. Some of the homes were up a giant hill where we had to walk along this little footpath, all uneven, some of it overgrown with vines and weeds and rocks sticking up. Once all the way to the top everyone would be sucking wind and ready for a break. Pouring in 20 or 30 gallons of water to the families there just didnt seem like a lot. Its seemed like so much effort went into this delivery of water for so little amount. Like how can a family of 5-7 people live on that much water a day. Its all they have, cooking, cleaning clothes, bathroom - this water is worth more than gold or anything material really because it sustains life. A few hours in the hot sun, its easy to be dehydrated - its easy to feel sick and all your energy zapped from you. Imagine doing this every day. Imagine a mom having to do this 4-5 times a day. Imagine not feeling good and having to do this anyways for your family. Imagine a hole in your water container and trying to find something to keep your families water in the container - you dont have any other means to hold water other than this giant bucket. Clean water... maybe I think... Im not really sure.

I love these 2 pictures of Kyle because he made a couple friends that morning. After delivering water for a few hours in the hot sun, we all were ready for a break. Hanging out these boys came over and drew to Kyle like a brother. They asked about games and toys and not having anything. Kyle lead them in a great conversation and showed them that brotherly love as he carried the one boy on his back, made faces with them and just shared some much needed smiles that morning. These boys entire life is based on this little dirt road, this little community tucked away and in many respects isolated.

I spoke a lot from the book of James while in Jamaica - James was the half brother of Jesus and I really related to his book that is recorded in the Bible while in Jamaica. In James 2: 14 - James shares with us some lessons about Faith in Action. James had a front row seat to all the his big brother was doing in the world. Imagine how that relationship and watching his big bro do amazing things. I think it challenged James all the time to not just believe but to put his beliefs in action. That morning delivering water to the families there showed that we cared enough about them to serve them. We got to speak with so many that day and the water provided the avenue to those words. It broke down the barriers that is there before we put our faith in action. It was another defining moment....

James 2:14- Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rages and half starved and say - Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit! and walk off without providing so much as a coat or cup of soup -where does that get you? Isnt it obvious that GOd talk without God acts is outrageous nonsense?

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the words department. No so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

Your faith journey has to include serving others, moving yourself out of your seat on Sunday mornings and getting busy. We are each called to serve and be the body of Christ. That Friday morning was such a blessing to those who got to do this. Hard work - you bet but so incredible to experience. Faith become fruitful in works..... showing Christ to others is sometimes more powerful than telling them.

James gives us that no nonesense explanation of faith. Its authentic and full of passion and he shares with us this calling out to do something and not be fake. James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says! He pleads his case and puts it out there for us to reflect the quality of faith inside us as it guides us in life.

Peace,

Lonnie~

2011-09-22T12:53:00.003-04:00

I just love this picture. I was checking in on our friends at KBM which hosts people to do short term missions in Jamaica. They had some pictures up from when our team was there last June and I was scrolling through them and smiling - then I came to this picture. I stared at it for a good 5 minutes as I got lost in the emotions of this day. It was such a powerful day praising and hearing Gods word that Sunday. See this was our last full day being in Jamaica after a week. A week on the mission field would usually look tough, tired, worn out and ready for home but there is nothing but smiles. Look at Morgans face, look at Kaylay and Trace and Cami - nothing but smiles. Even the Jamaica gals are smiling. Hot, dirt floor, windows open with an occasional breeze passing through - no stage lights, no hot guitar or video screens - just open hearted worship and teaching Gods word.

It is a highlight for me thinking back to this day because I was teaching that day. What an honor it was. I was speaking from the america show- Extreme home make over. This time it was KBM style and sharing with everyeone how KBM through Jim and Penie come in and make dreams happen for families while sharing God love and grace in such a powerful way that for many - its life changing. There were many times during the week where emotions would be just too much. I recall many times just having to step back and get a grip on myself because the moment was too powerful, to incredible, to moving - at times all I could do was weep because the emotions were coming over the top. I think about how those things have impacted me even today. These are things that drive my faith even further and deeper. Morgan giving a cup of water to a little girl who just wanted to be held. Carol playing with a child who has nothing to play with except a rock or a stick. Kyle sitting and talking with a 12 year old boy after we just delivered water to his home for his family. Taylor holding a little girl in her arms as she clings and prays to never let her go. Donna working on a house swinging a hammer and driving in nails to make a home for a family with 5 kids in a 12 by 12 shed. Emilee who spoke with a woman in a nursing home holding her hand who had not had a visitor in months. Kate with the biggest smile I have ever seen having a waiting line of children just waiting to be held. Zach standing that Sunday morning and running to the back of the church to get his bible and speak from the book of John and preach Gods word to a church family who just lost their dad and he spoke to them about miracles. Kayla who sang so amazing that morning that lifted everyones heart to another level in preperation to Gods word.

As I think about these things today and get excited about next June where we get to go back - God was so alive this week. It was so awesome because He showed up everywhere, in everything and was constantly on our hearts and minds. Everything we did that week was wrapped in the arms of Jesus. He was in our words, He was in our actions, He was in the sweat that poured out of us, He was in our throughts and in our hearts and ON OUR FACES.

For many of the Jamaica families the joy on their faces was simply mind bongeling to us because for many of us, we have never faced the things that they face each and every day. Joyful hearts in a nursing home with flies on their faces, everything they own sitting on the bed next to them and without a family visit in years. To them, God was all they had. They lived that and for that they understood that God is all that they will ever need. Its such a beautiful thing knowing that God is all you ever need.... with nothing or with everything.

For them, God was real. He is in their tears and in their hurts. He is in their struggles and in their pain. He is in their loss and in their gain. He is in their dreams just as much as He is in our dreams. There is no question of WHY ME? -

In John 11 - Jesus hears news that Lazarus died. Lets read the story here

John 11:14- Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now lets go to him." That when Thomas, the one called the Twin, said to his companions, come along. We might as well die with him. When Jesus finally got there, he founds Lazarus already 4 days dead. Bethany was near Jerusalem, only a couple miles away, and many of the Jews were visiting Martha and Mary, sympathizing with them over their brother. Martha head Jesus was coming and went out to meet him. Mary remained in the house. Marthat said, Master if you'd been here, my brother wouldnt have died. Even now, I know that whatever you ask God he will give you. Jesus said, Your brother will be raised up. Martha replied, I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time. You dont have to wait for the end. I am, right now, resurrection and life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this? Yes master. All along I have believed that you are the Messiah, the son of the God who comes into the world. After saying this, she went to her sister Mary and whispered in her ear, The Teacher is here and is asking for you. The moment she heard that, she jumped up and ran out to him. Jesus had not yet entered the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. WHen her sumpathizing Jewish friends saw Mary run off, they followed her, thinking she was on her way to the tomb to weep there. Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet saying, Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.

When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within him. He said, where did you put him?

Master, come and see, they said. Now Jesus wept.

The Jews said, Look how deeply he loved him. Others among them said, Well, id he loved him so much, why didnt he do something to keep him from dying? After all, he opened the eyes of the blind man. Then Jesus, the anger again welling up within him, arrived at the tomb. It wass a simple cave in the hillside with a slab of stone laid against it. Jesu said, remove the stone. The sister of the dead man, Martha, said, Master, by this time theres a stench. He's bene dead 4 days!

Jesus looked her in the eye. Didnt I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?

Then, to the others, Go ahead and take away the stone. They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, "Father, I'm grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I've spoken so that they might believe that you sent me. Then he shouted, Lazarus, come out! And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, Unwrap him and let him loose.

I love that story!! I know it was a lot to read but its even more to type but my heart is overflowing here. I have tears on my face thinking about how much Jesus not only loves Lazarus but also me and you. I think the 2 most powerful words in all of the Bible to me is the fact that the Bible recorded Jesus - Weeping. Jesus wept. I am in such "AWE" that Jesus can relate to us in such a powerful image as Jesus shows us that he is with us, he feels our pain, he understands our grief and he is real. We all need a God with a face at times in our lives.

When life is hurting the most the last thing we need is someone telling us "Told ya so" or some church snob pointing fingers at us. By Jesus weeping for his friend it shows that he understands and our hurts are his hurts. The fancy church people stood and watched and pointed fingers as this was taking place. Verse 37 shares with us - Well, if he loved him somuch, why didnt he do something to keep him from dying?

Anytime you are doing something amazing in your faith walk for God there are those who point fingers. They try and knock you down, they talk behind your back - they team together as if its some kind of movie being played out in hollywood. For some, we have been on that end of the finger pointing as we watch the church fancy people knock us down and push us out of the way.

Anytime you are doing something amazing in your walk and God has you on fire for something He has placed in your heart to do - you will have trouble, there will be opposition, there will be those who will part sides. Lies, rumors, attacks - they will come. Just a fact of life....

Jesus then prayed to his Father after first being grateful! I love that - Grateful BEFORE He asked and even before he received. What a great example to share with us how we should be more grateful in life. Our friends in Jamaica were so full of joy and gratefulness it was just amazing. With nothing material in life but yet possesing so much.

The last thing I want to share about this amazing story is that the people Jesus is with here - he never directly asked them if they believe, because he already knew their faith. He already knew they fully believed he was who he said he was. In his hometown, Jesus could barely cure the common cold because the people there only saw him as a carpenter, Mary's son and nothing more. Here, they came running to him. Martha said directly to Jesus, If only you were here my brother would not have died. They were in, they knew without a doubt who they were talking to. They saw the tears on his face, the fact they he related to them because of his weeping. Jesus had the power of his people to raise the dead and lifting his eyes to heaven, prayed and then displayed the glory of God.

Life change. This picture today has surfaced many great memories of Jamaica, the hearts that were touched there, the friends that were made, the experience of true worship and sharing time that we had each night together under the stars. It was the perfect small group.

Im so thankful to be where I am today in my walk and where God has me. I am learning so much through Elevation Church and Pastor Steven and Pastor Larry and all those who are serving with such joy, such passion, such big smiles and huge hearts.

Child like faith is all we need - not perfect faith. We are all going to have times where our faith wavers and our feeling take over in any given moment. Thats okay .... our lives are not defined by our lowest moments but our high calling. Its Jesus in us, in me, in you - that how you define your life.

Faith is to believe what we do not see and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. God to see a lot in that amazing week and in these last few weeks ... this picture is a reminder of that - it shows on their faces. Can you see it? I do.....

Lonnie~

Favorites?

2011-09-21T12:03:00.002-04:00

I wanted to post an article that I read this morning and it really hit home. A few months ago it was brought to my attention that in my leadership of the students I was playing favorites. It really bothered me then and has since then. We all know that no matter what position a person holds, if they are leading co-workers, students, children - who ever - there will be your GOTO people. You will have that small handful of students in your class you always call on, you call certain ones out because they are leaders and they get what you are teaching or leading them to do. Its normal! For months now I have quesioned myself on that but felt it strongly in my heart I was doing and did the right thing because I never excluded anyone, never not shook a hand or welcomed someone new - I actually went WAY out of my way to greet someone with a smile and give them a feeling that they were welcomed. As time has went on, I have felt even more sure of that decision because those students are still standing with me. We are still doing life together even as life has moved on. Our relationships in many ways are deeper now and I am SO thankful and grateful that God pressed on me that I was doing the right thing. So from Simply Youth Ministry - Jason Veliquette shares his article. Thanks Jason for your heart and words here... they have helped me moved past this. Many thanks man!
Enjoy the article today. Hope it helps someone today.
Lonnie

That’s right…play favorites. It will keep you in youth ministry for the long haul. As ministry grows it's easy to spend the majority of our time on leading volunteers, planning, and programming youth ministry. It can become easy for our one-on-one relationships with students to take a back seat. So have a few favorites. It doesn't matter how large or small your ministry is, one-on-one discipleship is huge. These relationships will stoke your passion for youth ministry, keep you grounded in reality, and keep you going for the long haul. These relationships can be frustrating and difficult but you will never regret it.

One of my favorites is a guy named John. He's a sophomore, football player, smart, and totally busy. A while back he started to drift out of coming to our weekly youth meetings because of his busy schedule. So I decided to ask him to meet me for lunch. And over burritos and Coke we discussed topics from him being busy to whether or not he should have sex with his girlfriend. Interestingly he had been going to our church for years but didn't have his mind made up if it was okay to have sex with his girlfriend. I was shocked, and felt a boldness to speak into his life. I was able to be totally up-front with him and tell him that if he didn't decide not to have sex with his girlfriend that he would end up doing it. And thankfully in subsequent meetings he made a decision to follow God’s plan for sex. So here is a student who doesn't go to our weekly youth meeting but God allowed me to speak into his life over some Mexican food. This conversation wouldn't have happened without a one-on-one meeting. And I was pumped to be part of his life.

Here are a few thoughts on Playing Favorites:

Choose students wisely.
There are probably many students that you could develop discipleship type of relationships with. This kind of relationship takes a lot of time so you have to choose a few students wisely. Questions that I ask myself before inviting a student into this type of relationship are: Do they have a desire to have this type of relationship? Are they interested in spiritual growth? Do I get along with them? Do I have the time to commit? Do they have the time to commit? Sometimes I like to test the water by meeting with a student once or twice before I place a formal invite.

Meet consistently/and creatively.
Make your meetings a regular time and place. This will provide some stability in your relationship and in the student’s life. Most students have such crazy busy schedules that to have one weekly meeting with a role model could give their life the stability that they need. Even if it is every other week make the meetings regular.

Also, I find it fun to make the meetings creative. You don’t just have to do the same thing every time that you meet. Switch it up…take them to the driving range or shooting range. (I have one leader that does this with students with parent permission…and it still makes me nervous). By being creative it will allow your relationship to develop through various activities.

Meet on their turf.
If you can set up the place of your meeting on their turf rather than your church it will show that you care about what is going on in their lives. Ask if you can meet them at their school for lunch. Bring a pizza and invite their other friends. Or find the other spots in your town where students hang out. Set your meetings for those places. It will show the student that you know a bit about what is going on in their lives.

Set goals.
Invite the student to help determine what the goals of the relationship are. Set a few simple clear goals for why you meet. With this it will help the student get the most out of your time together and it will help you be prepared for your times together. Every once and a while have a conversation about your goals and how you are doing. Switch them up every six to nine months to keep it fresh.

Include scripture.
This one may be obvious but it needs to be said. Every time you are together read some scripture together. The word of God is alive and when it is proclaimed it does something in the relationship. Many times even when we only spend a few moments in reading scripture together we can be reminded of what is really important in life.

Pray for the student.
Ask them for a prayer request and pray for them. Then the next time you see them ask about the prayer request. This is simple I know but totally effective.

I hope that these thoughts encourage you to engage in discipleship. Second Timothy 2:2 is a great verse that reminds us of this type of youth ministry. Play favorites; you will not regret it.

2011-09-19T14:28:00.002-04:00

What you see is usually what you get.

Its only when we look a little closer, when we pour a little of ourselves into something or someone do we really begin to understand and really honestly see what it is we are looking at.
Last night we, meaning my family, finally got together with our lifegroup after many months of time off. It was great sharing the smiles, talking and catching up. It was great having some new folks there and having the chance to be a little closer with them is such a blessing. It was sweet talking from Mark 1 where Jesus was WILLING to heal the man with leprosy. My challenge to everyone was to really think about if they were WILLING as well. Willing to meet Jesus half way and fully trust in him, to serve him, to serve others in his name - to beg God for the opportunities to share with others this great gift that has been given to us. Are you WILLING?
We also got to talk through what we see God as in our lives. We spoke about how if we see God as a carpenter, a good man, a healer, a giver, God himself, or whatever that may look like. In Mark 6: the Gospel shares with us that the people of Jesus's hometown saw him as Mary son, the son of a carpenter and thus they did not believe. Without belief there is no power. This is where I shared something from last week that has been on the edge of my heart all week.

Faith is to believe what we do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.

Gosh that just continues to speak volumes to me. Thinking back to a few things that God has placed in front me has me in tears, a blubbing mess at times to be honest.
Its hard not to and Im ok with it because I know God is in the process of those tears of continuing to clean me up. We all need to be cleaned, to be taught, to be humbled, to be at a place to give but also accept grace. Its a work in progress and I am first to admit that is me !!

Saturday night with family at the county fair - I headed out to get something to eat and head over to church to help setup for Sunday services. I got a call from 2 of my close kids asking what I was doing. I shared with them and they asked if they could come. A prayer answered right there even when they have no clue I was praying for them to ask me! What a blessing it was hanging with them, setting up church the night before making a gym into a place the next day where life change takes place, a saving place for someone happens and God to do only what he can do. Gosh thats exciting to be a part in that! Its all part of the bigger picture and ice cream afterwards came with us inviting everyone at Chik-Fil-A to church the next morning.
There is work to be done. Work that is sometime not that fun but when you believe and serve with passion because its that important to you - it is fun. It becomes fun. The sacrifice is not that big when it looks like what it is and when we take it a step further and deeper.
I see the reward of faith and that is actually seeing what I believe. Gosh thats a bold statement that I just said but its true.
Last night I shared with my lifegroup my lunch last Friday. Its faith in what I dont see because I know the reward is the faith to seeing what I believe and I am putting that to the test. I've been asked to mentor a young boy in 5th grade and all the paperwork and approvals were set in motion before I was even asked. Accepting this was a no brainer and I beg God for an opportunity like this and I am blown away that people have put this much effort, this much work into making this happen for this little guy. I am blown away at how polite he is, how big his smile is and hearing about the excitement as it builds through the week. This is a little guy who needs this and that is so much more than a want! SUre he wants this .... but he NEEDS it even more.
As I spoke with him Friday, we laughed, he shared some things from the home front, I encouraged him and did my best to keep him focused on his studies and being a good student - I was thanked by 2 teachers on my way out. I heard that one of his teachers saw me and cried because i was there and she knows his story. This is so much bigger than I am. Its so much more important than I even realized. I left school walked to my truck - started it and wept.
I am a mess at times because God continues to prove over and over again that He will use those who are willing. WILLING!
Who do you see Jesus as in your life?
In the book of Job - Job lost everything but in his mess, he still continued to praise God. The great news about that is God has chosen to get involved. He is involved in our lives - and in the messes - of everyday people. The awesome news is that God is in the pigsty with us. He is the God of mess as much as he is the God of beauty and ... He is the God who makes the mess beautiful.
I am looking forward to lunch this week. I am looking forward to who God puts in my paths to speak to, to encourage, to show them Gods love and grace - to speak softly and to listen intentively.
God is in the unexpected and I can say that I didnt expect any of this that is taking place in my life the past few weeks but being at a place to be willing, to beg for opportunity, to believe in the faith of what I believe and trusting God in the details.

Not sure where to end todays rambling post so .... time for a Mountain Dew ...that usually makes things even better.
Peace out,
Lonnie~

2011-09-14T14:58:00.002-04:00

I think this is the last of the hot days here in NC. Sad in a way but also excited for the cooler temps and the fall that is my favorite season by far - even though that means saying so long to a short summer on the lake and on the boat this year. Busy June and busy July kept us from spending a good amount of time in our little piece of heaven place in the mountains. Looking forward to more time up there this fall and winter.

I am in Mark 1:29 today and in the Gospel of Mark he shares with us many examples of Jesus healing people. We are a sight believing people and if we can't see something, if we can't see the miracle or the benefits to something then we have a hard time wrapping our minds and hearts around it. So here Jesus is doing what he came to do in part. Heal people ....
Mark 1:29- As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and JOhn to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother in law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed. The whole town gatherred at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

I think that is just incredible that Jesus kept the demons from speaking because they knew who he was. What do you think they would have said? I am sure they would have said something since Jesus shares with us that he did not let them speak. So all was quiet and with the demons not being able to tell the people there witnessing this miracle who he really was - that left them to decide for themselves. They had to come to faith and belief in their own terms and by not what someone or something else had said.
I think about the family today at the Center of Hope. A few times back while serving there I met this incredible family for 10 children. Mom needing some help with getting meals on from the serving line to the table and drinks for everyone and all the kids sitting and ready to eat. A huge task for even 1 child at times but 10? O M G! So I walked over and began to talk with the kids and we shared some smiles and I asked the mom what I could do to help. I got drinks, I got plates of food, I got Danielle who was with me to help me and she made a good connection with the kids as well and together we served this family in such a special way. This past Sunday was again special in its own way. The kids remembering me, came running over with big smiles and hugs. No reservations about anything other than the fact that this person (me) loves them without conditions. I sat down after serving the meal with this family - there at the table was mom, a son and 3 little daughter all probably under 9. We laughed and the one little girl said, I cant wait to grow up. I want to graduate and go to college. I want to get out of here. I told her that she didnt need to rush things and to enjoy being a kid - laugh and enjoy - but really in a place like a homeless shelter I wonder how much there really is in terms laughs and enjoyment. My heart broke right then. My prayer will continue to be to serve them, to love them, to pray for them and to one day hopefully at some point to go and pick them up for church and bring them so that they can feel the love of Christ through the body of believers who want nothing more than to love on them, show them Jesus and to serve them in anyway possible. That is such a huge step but why not be bold in that step? Why not have the boldness to really reach far for Christ?
The entire town gathered as they watched Jesus heal people. I am praying as a town of believers we will be in "Awe" as Jesus gets a hold of this family. I can see the tears now, I can see the smiles now - I can see the steps forward to a better life now with a new direction and a family unit.

Something I am learning along my journey from a book "Radical Together" - The Bible is not in a church leaders hands so he or she can give people answers to every question they have and guidance for every situation they face. Instead, the Bible is in a church leader's hands to transform people into the image of Christ and to get people in touch with the Holy Spirit of God, who will not only give them counsel for every situation they face but will also walk with them through those situations. And when church leaders use Gods word for this purpose, members develop a healthy dependence on GOds spirit and a healthy admiration of Gods glory.

The people we lead in church, in our community and in our life will never be what they cannot see. We have to show them.
As I left the Center of Hope Sunday one child had on my glove that I served food with, another had another one of my gloves, yet another had my bib on that kept my clothes clean from spills and stuff and yet another had my hand and walked me out to say see you again soon and can you bring me a "Green Tea and one of those necklaces you have on?" -
I think I can do that... better yet - Yes, I am willing.
If the demons know who Jesus is, shouldn't we?

Lonnie~

Willing?

2011-09-13T14:59:00.002-04:00

Mark 1:40 - A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man, "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleaned.

Gosh I am loving this verse today and it is really speaking to me in a few different ways. Here is a man who had been shuned by society. Considered to be dirty and unclean by almost everyone. Imagine the pain and suffering that this man felt probably for years as he wandered the streets alone. Unable to work because of his condition, probably having to leave his family and all his friends and was now at a place in life where he had to beg for whatever he needed. Hoping for a handout instead of a handup. Jesus comes and he throws himself at his feet and notice how the man did not demand anything from Jesus. He simply said, Lord if you are willing, will you make me clean. You can feel the tears in his eyes. You can see the submissiveness in him when he came to Jesus in the only place he had left in this life - His last chance possibly - on his knees. Jesus tells the man after looking at him and feeling overwhelmed with compassion for him - He touched the man and said I am willing. He did what nobody else would. He touched an unclean man knowing that people were watching, judging and then witnessing the miracle that Jesus came to do for people. Jesus was willing and it has me thinking on our christian walk today. Are you honestly willing to touch those around you for Christ?
This past Sunday we got to witness a move of God at church. I am still blown away by the pictures that people continue to post on facebook, send in emails, and post on Twitter. The # is staggering in many regards but there is a process, there is a touch, there is an invite, there is a contact, there is a sacrifice, there is a take a chance and step out of someones comfort zone, there is some boldness there is for some - a miracle taking place - for all those folks to walk through those doors.
I think about that young lady on Saturday morning at the car wash. Getting the Element washed with my free coupon and it was very dirty to say the least, a young lady comes out and sits next to me on the bench which was located in the sun. I said hey to her and she replied, Hey. I said I didnt think it was supposed to be hot like this today and she said yeah but I like hanging onto the last few days of summer. She began to tell me her job as a waitress would slow down with the colder temperatures coming. I asked where she worked and she told me at this place near the white water center outside of west Charlotte. I noticed she was a little down or just something not right and I asked her if she was okay as I turned and really looked at her. She said yes... Im fine...and a long pause...and then she said not really.
I said well do you want to share? She said she took the day off of work today to be with her mom. Her mom was at Northeast and was not doing well. Mom was napping and she wanted to take her moms car to get cleaned and fill it full of gas. I said ya know, that is such a blessing especially when someone doesnt know it is taking place till later. I told her I was out delivering Elevation University invite cards and just this morning while going through the drivethrough- I bought the 2 families behind me lunch and all I did was give them one of our invite cards. We never know who we may touch like that when we pass on a blessing. I told her something good was coming her way because of the random act of kindness she was providing. She said I will chalk it up as carma. Her car was about ready and she asked if I would pray for her mom. I said I would....so I reached out and put my hand on her shoulder and prayed for her mom right there in the Auto Bell Carwash. Tears ran down her face. You could tell GOd was really moving in those moments. She thanked me and I said that invite stand to Elevation University tomorrow morning if you are still in town. She said maybe and gave me a big smile and walked to her car.
I dont know if she was there or not. Doesnt really matter because by doing so, by having faith and courage to have a conversation like that in public with people around and putting 2 peoples lives lined up facing the same direction, even if only for a few moments is amazing. Maybe Sunday there her seat was counted and life change for her took place. Maybe she was that 1435 person or maybe it could have been 1436 people without her. "I was willing" to reach out and though I cannot heal anyone my heart had compassion for her and spoke to her in a way to bring her to a place that can.
Sunday may have been her day! It may have been her time to come on her knees with everything dragging behind her, the weight of the world, the pain that only she knows and come to the feet of Jesus. Its such a beautiful thing. I really believe she was there and life today is different. She may be speaking to her mom this week in another way - one full of life, hope and possibility. She may be telling her mom that she was sorry after years of running, maybe being wild as a teenager and making some big huge mistakes.
Being the church even outside of the building - isnt that being the church?

Are you willing today? What is keeping you from doing just that? Be a blessing to someone today - better yet, BEG God for you to be a blessing for someone today because in return you too shall be blessed even more so.
In Mark 43 we see the rest of the story ...Jesus could not longer enter town openly after healing this man and had to stay outside of the city but yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Lonnie~

2011-09-12T14:21:00.002-04:00

What do these 2 pictures have in common? Think about it ......

They both have no earthly explanation. The picture from the beach is a sunrise that I got see with 3 students while at the beach this summer. It was such a beautiful picture of God revealing the things of beauty that he creates for us. I cant imagine what heaven will one day look like because that morning, we all sat there in "Awe" of the colors and the beauty of it all. Gosh its hard to wrap you mind around it. As Elevation University was launched yesterday as a new campus - I got to be a part of the plans, the work, the setup, the praying over every single seat in that YMCA gym and beg God to do something amazing. Being bold in faith and begging God for 1000 people to show up and experience him in a new life changing powerful way... 1435 people came - I sat in "Awe" once again as God shows us time and time again that he is faithful, he answers the bold prayers of his children and know your hearts before we have to even say a word. I am reminded of a saying from Augustine - "Faith is to believe what we do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe."

At the end of Matthew 16 Jesus is teaching his disciples that what good is it if a man gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? Matthew 17 After 6 days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as while as the light. Just them there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up" he said. "Dont be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. The disciples had their mountain top experience. They couldn't explain exactly what had happened to them. If you have ever been to the top of the mountain you know that on a clear day - it looks as though you can see across the world. The view and experience is unbelievable. Imagine being Peter, James or John that day after climbing that mountain with Jesus, enjoying the view from the summit and you get to see the Son of God in his dazzling, eternal glory! They reacted the same way we would today and that would be probably "Terrified" Fear seems like the normal response to what was taking place. Fear holds us back from really believing God for the big things. It keeps us from being on our face begging him for what only he can do. Faith is to believe, loved ones, of what we do not see...I cant imagine that sunrise without him. I cant believe what I saw yesterday at church with all the people who kept coming in. AND - the reward of this Faith is to see what we believe. - What fear is it today that is keeping you from seeing what you believe?

Jesus tells us today just as he did his disciples, "Get up" and "Don't be afraid." Believe with all you have that you will see what you believe. God will then do amazing things and paint a tapestry of colors and "Awe" in your life.

Do you believe that today?

Lonnie~

2011-09-09T11:04:00.002-04:00

Being a short week sure does make it seem longer, doesnt it? Even with a day shorter in the work week, I think that day moves us out of rhythm for our normal week but I am not complaining having that day off if it us used wisely. Mine was and hope yours was as well.

I am so encouraged today. I am floating actually a little from yesterday being at the NewSpring leadership conference and hearing 7 of the most influential church pastors share their leadership in site and their hearts for Jesus. These applications they spoke of are capable of not only leading the church but also any business that you may be running or even working at today. They are the brightest and on the edge leaders today and it showed yesterday as they took the stage and spoke from the heart. One minutes laughing and in the next 8000 people in tears. Yes great sacrifice has been placed on their shoulders and the pain and struggles are surely there but they left us all being encouraged and fired up and changed in some way. I think I could say that for all who attended yesterday. I learned many things and hope to share some of those things over the next while here as well as in my own life as I apply the things I walked away with and into the lives of those who are close to me.
I am especially thankful for them. My family and I have had a tough season since leading up to Jamaica last June and the things that have taken place since. But we are excited, scared, nervouse cause we have no idea what is in the plans next as we move into the next season of our lives together with Elevation Church. I really feel like God is going to blow the roof off this next adventure and I am pumped for those things and being used by God in some capacity.
Think about that for a second because we are not doing God a favor by doing him something - he can take that away at any second or use the person standing next to you but being used by Him to make Jesus famous and make history is so powerful and meaningful that is just humbles me to my knees. Me a lowly sinner worthy of basically nothing and God chose me to do something.
I want my heart to be at that thankful place. To always strive for the gratefulness that comes from that deep pocket in our hearts that we rarely let out or let anyone know is there. We take so much for granted. Its one thing I learned in Jamaica - they are a grateful people who have very little but have so much. Americans are customed to think of blessings we have in material things but yet we strive and strive, losing our families and our health over more and more. We end up miserable, hurt, always tired, sick and lonely. That void we worked so hard for to fill in our lives empty still even after all the work, sweat and effort.

I am grateful for the place I am in, the season God has my family and I in today and for the people in our lives. They have stuck with us through many things. Passing of my mom in 2006 showed me that important blessing - to be part of a family. To let people in my life to walk with, encourage not only them but me also! I want to thank my family for always being there with me. Carol - Kyle you are amazing and I am so blessed to be a part of your lives and for God giving me the heart to always strive for his heart in leading you both as a husband, a dad and a friend. My bigger family in my dad, my brothers and my grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins. Dad, I look up to you in so many ways that I just dont have words to explain it. Your love for my mom was tested and tried over the lifetime of years and I want to thank you for that example you gave us as family. It extends way past Craig and I and its generational that you have given that example to. Sharon and Buster - thank you for praying for me for years before I even knew the Lord. Those prayers heard in heaven and in due season sprouted and grew. All in perfect timing by Gods grace. Another generational prayer passed down touching so many other than just me and Carol. Patty our season in time with my mom has given me a sister I never had. I need to work harder at getting our relationship back on track and doing life together. I miss you. Craig and Danny - I miss you both and continue to pray that Gods seed will grow in your hearts. I also want to say I am grateful for all those who have spent time with us over the years growing together as family in our faith. Ya'll have stood the tests and shown me so much over the years. Full of love and grace working both ways.
Donna, Morgan, Taylor, Barbara, Tony, Madison, Lauren, Carol, Harlan, Marissa, Kelly, Christa, Jesse, Sherry, Donnie, Val, Kris, little Kyle, Alayna and Karlee, Travis, Kristen, Kayla,Scott, Beverly, Brody, Jennifer, Bobby, Madison S, Kate, Bob, Katelyn, Brandon, April, the Martina family, Thigpens, Gosh I know I am missing some folks but I could just keep going.
I am just grateful for each of you. We all assume sometimes that people in our lives know we love them, appreciate them and all but do you show them? Dont ever assume people know it and remind them of it often!
Gratitude can lift you out of the place you are in. Give someone thanks today because making a difference is what its all about and by being grateful it shows your heart to them. Not only does it affect your relationships here but also with the one in our heavenly Father.
Being grateful is the most important virtue you can share/posses - so important in our leadership and in our walk with Jesus.

I will end todays post being grateful for the opportunity I get to go do now. I was selected to mentor a 5th grade boy at the local school. What an honor it is to go every so often and have lunch with him and invest and encourage him. I am excited about the lunch times ahead. I am sure there will be lots to learn through this new avenue the Lord has me on.

Blessings and gratitude today all in Jesus name,
Lonnie

2011-09-07T12:28:00.002-04:00

Romans 15:4 - "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope."

Gosh I love that! Doesn't that bring such comfort in our times of need and hurts? That even during our toughest trials in life where we seem to have lost all senses of security, people around us hurting us and what you thought could and would never happen has happened - these words bring such power and purpose while keeping it all in perspective.

Hope can be found in the scriptures!
Many of us have found this to be true: When we are going through discouragement or rejection, grief, anxiety or loss, Gods word has an amazing ability to encourage our hearts. It's almost as if Scriptures comes alive when we're reading or studying on Gods amazing word.

Hope can be like a roller coaster in life.
I hoped to get the job... ONLY to miss out
I hoped to make the team at school ... Only to be led down
I hoped to get that scholarship for college ... Only to receive a regection letter
I hoped to see my son or daughter make better choices and avoid the pain some of the other kids are making ... Only to be heart broken
I hoped I would get pregnant ... Only to miscarry again
I hoped for a good cancer test and results would be negative... Only to find out the cancer is back
I hoped to be leading in the student ministry ... Only to have people turn their backs on you and shut the door behind you as you walk away

Life can be tough at times. Unfair at times. Some days we are filled with the hope of the future and other days it seems as all hope has been lost.

I will say this, - When God shows up, So does Hope!

Luke 24:13-21 - Now that same day 2 of them were going to a village called Emmaus., about 7 miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, What are you discussing together as you walk along? They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days? What things? he asked. About Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed and before God and all the people. They chief priests and our rilers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and tehy crucified him, but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. and what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

So many times loved ones, we are so focused in on our issue at hand that we lose sight of the hope that God is there in our issues. We forget the fact that the trial we are under is there for a reason. Just as these 2 men, probably disciples of Jesus, had lost all hope walking away seeing their king murdered and all hope in their world lost. Jesus walks along side them, encourages them, speaks to them, sits to have a meal with them and suddenly their eyes were opened. They knew right then they had walked along that long dusty road with Jesus, their king. In their excitement they ran back to tell the others.
There is hope in the name of Jesus. In spite of the most tragic circumstances, we can have that hope that prevails. Jesus is walking with you along your road today. He is with you in that wandering child, in that team and job loss, he is in that cancer, he is in that student ministry - because he is in that hope and in your heart brokeness.

So there are a few more things I want to share about hope before I close today:
Sharing Hope is your calling!
Sharing Hope transforms us!
Sharing Hope is contagious!
Sharing Hope build your faith!

Hope someone needed that today :)
Lonnie~

2011-09-02T14:04:00.002-04:00

Its Friday. I am thankful for Fridays, especially the ones before a long weekend. We are headed to the mountains for an extended stay and excited to have the Lymans and Beavers with us. Should make for a great friend and family weekend away - all of us are needing some downtime. I am sad we will be missing church but thankful we can catch the message online. Still will be missing the worship time and meeting new faces.
Last night Carol, Kyle, Brody, Morgan and Taylor got to share some time with our volunteer team, just one of them at Jeff and Ambers house - Great time getting to know some new people especially when over the coming months we are going to be serving side by side with each other. I love that Elevation church, our church home, works hard to make connections and put people together. 10,000 in attendance last weekend and though some may say that is huge for a church...is it really? There are 980,000 people in the Charlotte county alone - I think we have a lot of work to do. We are not even scratching the surface of touching lives in the Charlotte city and even the areas around it.
As yesterday unfolded with the Center of Hope being a place that is so dear to my heart and an avenue to serve and connect with hurting people was almost taken from me and the folks that share this responsibility with me ... it has me thinking on a few things.

For one - Every heart has a story. Do we bother to take the time in our busy and personal lives to really listen for the ones nobody wants to hear?

We have people all around us that are struggling and hurting. Do we take the time to really listen to the hearts of those who find themselves in those places? We got to experience a whole another level by going to Jamaica last June but there are people right in your life, as you are walking this every day life, right there for you. It may be that gal struggling with an addiction that is on the street corner. It may be that scary man holding a sign at the stop light. It may be your neighbor who is at the bar each night avoiding his family due to his Miller Light consumption. It may be that student who is hiding the fact they are cutting themselves trying to release the pain.
So for this long weekend, I want to challenge you with something before the weekend gets started in a few hours because its 5:00 somewhere so here it is, are you with me?
Give your best portion to God today by doing something for the least of his brothers. Maybe you can take a homeless man for coffee and listen to his story. Maybe you can buy a coke for the alcoholic at the local watering hole waiting for his or her first beer to arrive at the counter - take the moment to ask them about Jesus. Maybe that means you put a total stranger in a hotel room for the night who has no place to sleep. Maybe its that icecream with that student who is really needing someone to talk to.
At the Center of Hope - there are stories there. People have a heart full to share and though it may not come out right away, sometimes all you need to do is ask and they shine because their story is personal and they dont want to be left out, forgotten, shunned and looked down on because of their situation. Jesus gave everything for us and how can we possibly stand by and do any less?
2 Corinthians 2:8 - An now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. (this is you, this is our city, this is our community) IN the midst of very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleased with us for the privilege of sharing in these service to the Lord people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus (you) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Jesus left his heavenly throne to walk amongst us. To become one of us. To touch the hearts and restore the hurting, the lonely, that teenager with a heart full of struggles and that marriage that fell apart because of a bad decision. Jesus didnt have to leave heaven but he did out of obedience to the Father and the love he has for you and me. He implores us to leave our comfort zones by caring for others, loving orphans and widows, to reach the lost and hurting.
Dont close you eyes to the hurting - Instead, enter their world so you can help them experience yours because yours has Jesus.
Take the challenge this weekend - it might be a life changing conversation.

Have a blessed weekend and would love to hear a story or 2 :) -
Lonnie

2011-08-31T13:56:00.004-04:00

I want to take a few moments and share today something that is very dear to me. The last few days I have really been thinking and praying through our Jamaica trip last June. With a few folks emailing me this week about the trip for next year already and sending in a request to book a particular week with Jim and Penie from, My Fathers House in Westmoreland Jamaica - It has me a little excited about things. It has me thinking forward and leaning in at the same time all about this joy that the people of Jamaica have even with what we see is basically not much in terms of material things - they have so much more than possessions to be joyous about. It really is hard to explain unless you have stood in their place and touched the places they have touched. Mission trips are vital to any walk in faith. You have to experience something so incredible and so much bigger than ourselves. Often times we find ourselves in a rut and unable to move forward, experiencing the same old thing over and over again and breaking lose and going on a mission trip - not know what to expect or how God is going to touch your life. Its that faith risk we often need and its sad that the people of God often times never take this risk and experience something so life changing. Imagine that experience in a young person and the lifetime ahead of them with Christ because of that one experience.

I highly encourage you to go - go where God is telling you to go and do what He is telling you to do. My friend Donnie just made it public that he is going ...going to Uganda on a mission trip to touch the people on the other side of the world for Christ. Planting a church and partnering with another local church there and bringing hope and Jesus back to the center of the communities there. I am so pumped for you my friend!! This will be a life changing experience that will reap years from now and everyone who is touched by your story.

I wanted to share Mr. Stevenson video that I captured in Jamaica. In his later years in life, unable to walk, family not around - Mr. Stevenson I was told was a MUST meet while at the mens sr home. No airconditioning, no privacy, flies on his face and only a radio and a few personal items but a voice that touches hearts for all who take the time to visit with him. Me, Kayla, Morgan, Emilee and Taylor got to sit with him - smile with him, sit in AWE of his songs and be touched for a lifetime of the music that he shared.

His joy comes from the Lord and the Bible talks a lot about music, singing and dancing. Those are all fun things. Those are all important joyful things! Singing is a intragal part of worship when we are at church. It gives us a chance to connect heart to heart with God. To go to a place of being emotionally and spiritually ready for the preacher to bring the Word of God. I love that fact that my church, Elevation Church, is joyous, is excited, is pumped up and worship with such enthusiasm and hands raised! Its an amazing experience and one that often leaves me in goose bumps knowing that God is connecting my heart to his even if I cant sing, cant tap my foot to the beat - it doesnt matter. Its an audience of one :)

Chris Tomlin write his worship music through the book of Psalms. Psalms in the Bible is a collection of song, prayers and readings that pulsates with the heartbeat of worship. David and the other Psalmists express their adoration for God as well as their sorrows. If you are in a place in life where you are at a difficult place, read the Psalms and let the music and prayers penetrate your heart. Keep reading if it doesnt take place right away because there is something there that it will happen for you. Music is such a great influence in our lives. We were all teenagers once and I still remember those days. The beat of the music, the lead guitar the song lyrics all play a part to help in our moods. Soft music, hard music, uplifting music and even classical and country.

I had a though though as I am around a lot of folks - what if we really examined what our music says to us? What if we could cut half of our music out and replace it with music that honors God and brings an act of worship to us? Not all music is bad and at certain times in our day or week there is a place for all kinds of music to address the situation. I would not like to listen to classical music while running on the treadmill for example but put me some Third Day on or some 80's music and I am running like I can't feel my legs!

WHat would it do to our hearts if half of what we put in our ears was music that brought on worship? Set the stage for us, brought us to a higher place, encouraged us, gave us a chance to allow God to speak to us either during or after? WHat would that look like? There is a song by Chris Tomlin that I have been listening to and often times I just find a quiet little place and sit - eyes closed and let the music, the beat, the words fill my heart and soul. Its such a incredible thing to allow that to happen.

Chris Tomlin - This is our God

A refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm - This is our God

He will wipe away your tears and return your wasted year - This is our God

Oh, This is our God

A father to the orphan, a healer to the broken - This is our God

And he brings peace to our madness and comfort in our sadness - This is our God

THis is the one we have waited for - Oh... This is our God

A fountain for the thirsty, a lover for the lonely - This is our God

He brings glory to the humble and crowns for the faithful - This is our God.

What, loved ones, would that look like in your life? I think Mr. Stevenson has the right path to Joy. His heart is full of worship and you cant help but to let that song out.

Sing it loudly today, loved ones... God loves a cheerful heart.

Lonnie~

The Walk...

2011-08-30T13:53:00.002-04:00

Life is a journey. This journey takes us on a life long path with many twists, hills and even pit falls along the way. Choices come and go and some are easy and some are not. As I think back to my start in this blogging world and sharing my heart along the way - it has been a journey and not one that has been rushed at all. Yes there have been many great incredible moments that God has shown up in my life or in someones life around me and it is life changing, inspiring in many ways to keep writing and jotting down these little things that I am learning. Its my walk...

Its not rushed, its not wavered far from the direction that God has me on and it has been amazing and fun too. Even if my walk is not the same as yours or is really different - we all come to know the Lord in our own special way. Your journey is yours and mine is mine. People come into our lives for a season of time and they leave for whatever reason but they are there for a purpose but regardless, they are there in that walk with us for that time frame.
If you look up the word "Walk" in the Bible - its almost everywhere. See Jesus was never rushed. He had a mission, a plan, he knew along the way who he was going to touch, who he was going to rebuke, who he was going to save. He stopped along the side of the road, went in what others thought was crazy and farther to get to a certain place - he had a plan and a mission already set forth. His sandals got to see many miles along the roads, his eyes got to see many lives changed, his heart got to touch the lives of so many who needed grace and a love that only could come from him. His walk was blameless and his walk was only his to walk. Nobody else could do it for him. We needed his walk. We need his walk then and we need it today.
Let dig a little into this important word:
Proverbs 19:1- Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Isaiah 2:3 - Many peoples will come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God if Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.
Isaiah 26:8 - Yes, Lord, Walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
Isaiah - 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, This is the way; walk in it.
Matthew 14:29 Come, He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
John 11:9 - Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world's light.
John 12:35 - Then Jesus told them, You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.
Colossians 3:7 - You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
3 John 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

These are just some of the examples I pulled out today and each of them is an amazing example of the journey ahead. A non rushed journey, a path which required watching where you are going making sure not to stumble in anyway. Its a journey that requires others to help you. Its a walk that is personal and develops over time. Its a faith walk that requires all the right ingredients over time to have lasting fruit.
I am thankful for "mywalk" - the journey that is saving the best for last because that is what its all about. Its not about walking with Christ and never having another issue to struggle over or pain is not in your life any more. Its a work in progress and be thankful for that. As you mature and deepen your walk - God will faithfully open doors, teach you things are you are ready for them. If it was a race, a big rush to get to the end - if you knew the ending of the story before you experienced the process of the story - you would fall away. You would run in fear. You would never get started.
So the process of "thewalk", loved ones is putting one faith step in front of the other. Over time you have a journey behind you that God has taken you on and without that walk being one faith step in front of the others - you would have never went anywhere.
Faith is believing when we dont understand. I dont understand a lot of things but I am grateful for the process. I am grateful for the people in my life. I am grateful for the church that Jesus gave his life to. I am grateful that I was important enough to save. I am grateful enough that I am worth this long process in "mywalk" and that Jesus has not given up on me.
I am grateful that this life, mine is mostly insignificant in the big picture but living it with significance.
Never lose the story in your life loved ones or the beauty that is in it. Our lives, our walk is the beauty that the world needs because there is beauty in the Gospel and the world needs it. Walk you walk today and live with beauty thats all in it.
Thats my challenge for you today. Feeling it or not - Walk it :)
Lonnie~

2011-08-29T13:39:00.003-04:00

Had a great time this past weekend being at the cabin. It has been since July 4th weekend since my family was all there at the same time. Much needed down time and much needed time to just wind down and relax. Our day on the lake on Saturday was awesome and dinner at Larkins in Lake Lure is one of my most favorite places to eat at. The view is amazing with the water front and mountains in the back ground and being with people I just love.

It has me thinking on a few things that I want to share a little about today. There have been some major milestones that I have crossed over in my faith journey. Amazing things God has shown me and taught me and I am thankful for them as well as the people God has put in my life.

Following Christ is the hardest but most rewarding thing I could have ever poured my life into. When your faith is at a place where you dont want to just go to church on Sundays and sit in a chair year after year after year with no further walk than what I let God do in my life. Never challenged, never changing, never experiencing, never growing - or leading others. Imagine a life of 60+ years and that is the lifetime of Sundays. That is not me nor have I ever wanted that. I dont want to look back over my life and know I did nothing for Christ or led anyone to know Him. If I was that kind of person, it would be all about me and what I am getting from it. Most of the time, its very little. As I look back over the season of time in student ministry - I can hold my head up and say, I had a voice into the lives of so many students and their families that will touch their hearts for a lifetime. Their eternity for some of them and those are big things to celebrate. Its not my time to have a mid life crisis it is time to have a mid life calling. A man on a mission. Shouldn't we all be that way when we are truly following Christ?

Not many of us will have a Saul to Paul conversion through a blinding light and for Christ himself to tell you exactly what to do next. Most of us will be called to serve Christ in small ways but very important ways. You may be a small business owner but following Christ is so important to you that its your calling to handle business deals withy honor and integrity. You are leading your customers in faith and inviting them to church. You may be a stay at home mom but your children and the other 2 you watch who's parents dont know Jesus- you are shining a very important light into their lives through the power of Christ. You may be a student who is attending a new school for whatever reason and your scared of many things but your love for Christ shines over those fears. Other students notice this NICE difference about you. Your teachers are already talking about this awesome student they have in the faculty lounge. They are watching you because you are shining for Christ. Maybe it takes a little time for folks to figure that out about you but its there and people are noticing.

Maybe you were at a place a year ago and the Saul in you had revelation to go on a mission trip and you came back as Paul. Something changed you because you followed, because you answered the call, because God broke your heart on something so much that you took the risk and went.

God is calling us to go !! If God has called you to do something then do it.

God will never ask you to give up something that He doesnt have something far greater to replace it with.

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

When you are truly following Christ - you will go. You will do. You will be involved. You will touch the hearts of others. You will follow. You will lead others. You can't help it.

I am thinking back to our Jamaica trip and their are 2 pictures, two things that stand out most about that trip. One being that we actually went and sometimes I feel as I can't believe we did something that bold and went to a far off country and served the people there who desperately need to know the name of Jesus. We served in amazing ways together. We loved not only on each other but also the people there in Jamaica. Lives changed. Hearts changed. Our hearts and lives included because it was time to step out in faith and do something.

I want to share 2 pictures today: My favorite pictures from Jamaica. As I looked them over and reliving the moments there and the people we touched along the way that week - Mr Cole sticks out to me as I am holding my Bible. On that cover if you look closely is written the word "Hope". That is something that he had - hope. He had hope because he had a relationship with Jesus. It was personal to him and as I read to him and we spoke of his family and one day God was going to call him home and he would use that walking stick again and never have to be confined to a bed - He had tears running down his face. So did I. That experience with Mr Cole was not one I was going to have sitting for years at the 11:00 service in that same old cushioned chair. I was not going to get a chance to share Jesus, cry with him or pray over him if I didn't just say OKAY Lord - I am going even if I had no idea what was going to happen.

The other picture is Morgan holding one of the many children she and our team got to touch that week. Its probably my favorite picture because of the smiles. Here is this little girl, probably from a very broken and disfunctional family and she got to hear about Jesus that day. She got to be held and hugged and loved on for a few hours because God broke a heart and Morgan was that person to pick her up and love on her. Morgan and many others got the chance to share with these children that they matter, they are important and that they are not forgotten and in those moments they felt special. They know the Lord love for them because we shared it with them and there was nothing in return that they could give us except the memories and our changed hearts.

I am thankful for the opportunity. I am blessed because of the opportunity and having enough faith to step out of my comfort zone, lead some folks to experience this journey with me and take the message that Christ has given us to the world.

I am thankful for a church plant Elevation Church University campus that has come just at the perfect season in my life so that I can be part of something bigger, broader and something that God is doing there that is amazing. I am thankful for the vision forward.

Luke 9:3- He (Jesus) Told them: Take nothing for the journey - no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them. So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Saul set out for Damascus that day to appose the Christian movement and he returned the most influential missionary the world has ever seen.
Hope this challenges you today and gives you encouragement. A little fear is a good thing but too much keeps you where you dont want or need to be.

Lonnie~

2011-08-26T13:43:00.002-04:00

Its Friday. Whew ......
Its been a tough and busy week - We are headed to the cabin tonight for some much needed get away time. Carol had actually booked the beach until mid week when Irene started making a scene on the coast. Praying for everyone along its path. Carols brother Bob was supposed to have knee surgery Monday but has had to cancel it due to the storm there in NJ. He is in charger of all the tree crews in PSE&G and with maximum damage to the area - they need all the help they can get there to keep the area with power. Sad we hadnt made it to the beach this year but hopefully later in Sept that can actually happen before the weather gets cool.

I have been really thinking the last few days about Jamaica, serving and missing that small group time with folks. Its been a long time since our small group was together and sharing together and just spending time in each others lives. After Labor day, I am really looking forward to getting back to doing that. I am really missing some worship time since finishing the Chris Tomlin book, I kind of have this new feeling on worship and what it actually means. Its not just the music we play and dance to its actually the song we live our lives to and our entire day as we live that out is actually set to worship our Heavenly Father. I love that new picture that has been drawn. I am also missing our Jamaica peeps, our team being together, our Michigan peeps and momma Penie and poppa Jim. I just sent them a friends request on facebook and hoping I can catch up with them through that social media avenue. As we get ready to launch Elevation University I am getting excited about serving again. Not that I have not been doing that but just in a bigger more impactful way. I like to get my hands dirty and my feet wet when it comes to serving others. I dont mind a little strain from time to time. Our Jamaica trip was all about that - serving and showing others Jesus. I think for most guys my age I have come to realize that they go through this stage where being 45 its close enough for the kids to be out of the house and then move to the next phase of the next thing. Im not all that ready for the next thing. I am not all that ready to buy a convertible and me and Carol drive away. I am not about to think or go through some mid-life crisis because my life is full and I am doing what I know I have been called to do. I am not missing out on anything. Thats what the midlife crisis is all about.
I want to look at it as a mid-life calling. 45 years old - pressing onward to make the name of Jesus famous. Made famous in the hearts and lives of teenagers, in our community and in the world. What better and more important plan could there be?
I dont have time for the mid life crisis - I love serving Christ and all those he points and puts in my way. Jamaica was so eye opening to the real joy and heartfelt Word of Christ. Some folks can go to church, sit in the same place maybe every 2 weeks or once a month or even week after week. Church attendance doesnt do anything for anyone except make the church look full. God pressed on me to reach the world and to experience something so much bigger than myself. Its hard to describe unless you have been really.
There is a new movie coming this fall - right on the side of Courageous - its called 58: If you want to view the trailer -
http://www.live58.org/thefilm/58/videos/#

It looks to be a powerful movie touching the world in all the parts that a follow of Christ should be touching on. I am so excited to be part of Elevation University. This is a church that gives, does and goes to the ends of the earth changing lives for Christ. They are serious about it and I am so excited about it. There is freedom in that serving. There is freedom under that vision. There is freedom to go and do but what is true freedom?
Romans 6:15-19 - So since we're out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we canlive any old way we want? Since we're free in the freedom of GOd, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and its your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom! Im using this freedom language because its easy to picture. You can readily recall, cant you, how at one time the more you did just what you felt like doing - not caring about others, not caring about God - the worse your life became and the less freedom you had? And how much different is it now as you live in God's freedom, your lives healed and expansive in holiness?

I am so excited about what is to come. I am so excited to have a small part in touching the lives of so many people in a few weeks in the Charlotte University area.
Thank you Elevation church and giving us this freedom to be part of this launchpad here in our community and in the world.
Dreams happen because faith is believed in. Its believing in advance. Faith is persisting when we dont feel like it. Faith is believing when we dont see it. Faith is giving when you dont have it to give. I got to see so much in Jamaica, the people we serve at the shelters serving a meal, providing clothes or a christmas present. Its serving in the tears, the smiles, the heartfull conversations, the prayers with so many students. Before any of that could take place -
YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE.

I have a picture on my desktop from one of my students who over the past few months has given her life to Christ and she made me a picture. She is holding a sign she made and she is smiling - on that sign is: I am Second <3
When you give and serve - your heart gets bigger. It touches those around you and in turn they touch someone else.

Mid life crisis? - Na, mid-life opportunity :)

Lonnie~

2011-08-25T15:03:00.002-04:00

It has been busy the last few days. Making some time to write has been difficult but I really wanted to take a few moments inbetween things and share. Today being the first day of school for the students here in the Charlotte NC area - I got up early and began my prayer chain out to them and asking God to make an impact in their day and school year. I got a lot of text messages back and in those moments knowing that those prayers, those heartfelt words were going out - it does a heart right knowing that it made a small difference this morning in the lives of some scared, nervous, and excited students. It may have been exactly what they needed to hear instead of the hustle and bustle of a new routine in the mornings and we all know how that can go. Im thankful for all the messages back and I am really praying that this new beginning will truly be a new beginning for those who need it. Some moving to new schools because of the lines drawn by the county, new schools because of a 8th grader moving on to high school or maybe even a new student moving into the area. All the same I am really praying that the vision be that this be their new mission field for the year. There are some fired up students out there on fire for Jesus and I am praying for their contagiousness. I pray for their actions, words, and their kindness to stand out amongst the crowd - all a good way that people notice something different about them. Thats a great thing to have!
I have been reading a new book the last few days by Chris Tomlin "The way I was made". If you know anything about church you probably sing some of the songs that Chris Tomlin has wrote. His worship songs come from the heart and its an amazing level in terms of the thousands of churches that use his worship music today, all the people who listen to his music on a regular basis. Its amazing how much people connect to his music. In his book he speaks about our lives being that of worship.
Imagine that! A life of a normal person going about normal life honoring and worshipping God in the music of their song in life. We all have our own unique tune we play our life music to. I love that and he speaks about leading worship in front of thousands of people and how he gets ready for those amazing experiences. How he sets his heart right and his act of worship on stage is very much the same as those in the audience. Its worshipping and when the Spirit is present in that place - amazing things happen. So much of his music comes from the book of Psalms where David sang and danced out to God. Imagine going through life like that -singing and dancing as though nobody is looking. NObody is looking but they are - but you dont care because its not about them. Its about singing your tune to God. Thats worshipping your life as you live it for God.
I love the verse that came to me this morning as I prayed for all the students, the teachers that are there that we are trusting our children with and how hard their job is.
Psalm 29:11 comes to mind.
God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.

A new year started today for many. A new beginning is starting for me and my family as well.
Psalm 37:4 delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
I am focused the last few days on the beginning of that last Psalm. Delight in the Lord - dont we all sometimes miss that part? I am so excited for the paths ahead with this new beginning in life. New school year, new semester, new faces to get to know, new hearts to love, a new church to plug into and love ... gosh it really is amazing.
On another note:
Something new - I took Kyle and Morgan on Tuesday out for her birthday. 14 years old! After a quick bite to eat, I took the kids to the gun range. Yes I said that correctly. We have talked together about that for over 6 months and it was time to make that happen. Tuesday I took the time and we did just that. Baretta .25 with 3 boxes of ammo - shots fired and targets hit. Smiles came and hands shook but it was fun. AND nobody got hurt :) I asked Morgan what was the best part of her birthday. She said going to the mall...I said I am about to top that in a big way! Her hands were still shaking an hour later :)

Lonnie~

2011-08-23T16:35:00.002-04:00

Nothing too insightful to share today other than the fact that God is good. I am very encouraged today for reasons that I will share a little tomorrow but for now - I am thanking God for where he has placed us today. I am thankful for the incredible opportunity ahead of us for His glory and praise. I want to share a happy 14th birthday to Morgan and hope it is one to remember sweetie. See you in a little bit to share in some smiles. This has been a "good" day today :)

Lonnie~

2011-08-22T14:07:00.002-04:00

I have a lot on my heart today but I am so encouraged from yesterday. Up early for a planning vision meeting at Elevation Church on the Matthews campus at 8:15. With Carol, Kyle, Brody and my new best buddy Eric in tow - we walked into a room with 135 other Elevation Volunteers committed to serving the new University campus. Week 2 of this class with 1 more next Sunday. Pastor Larry came out and with his passion, humor, vision and heart, shared with all of us for 2 hours the vision behind the church. He shared the last 5 year journey that Elevation has been on and where it is going - united as one even through 4 campuses and 10,000 in attendance. Code Orange! Pastor Larry got to speak from his heart on a few topics and using his unsaved sister as an example as to why Elevation and its leadership and volunteers are passionate about reaching people for Jesus. It was honestly, the best meeting, in business and for sure in church - I have ever been in. I looked over at Kyle and Brody - both smiling. Listening and learning. Carol smiling and letting her wounded heart be healed over with every word Pastor Larry spoke yesterday and every note that was played at the 11:15 service and then with Pastor Steven speaking about following Jesus and hearing the points he put together about Pointing the Way and Clearing the path.
I looked a few times over at my buddy Eric and this quiet fella sat smiling and letting his heart be filled with vision and potential.
After the break we got to grab something to eat, drink and use the restroom - it was a good chance to talk with some new folks. I have no problem talking with people and so I was in my element there. It was awesome hearing the hearts of these other volunteers who are going to be part of this launch. Like passion that I have not seen nor felt in others in a long time. Like they had this attitude that they were not going to miss this. This is like the Apollo 13 kind of faith and opportunity and nobody was going to stop them. Nothing was going to get in their way! Some driving 45 minutes to church - to be part of this launch pad for Christ in the UNC Charlotte University region. 175,000 people live here in this area and all with the potential to know Jesus if we reach them, if we smile with them, if we touch them and let them know they are worth the effort and there are people who care about them no matter what or where they may be in life.
SO as I sat yesterday my heart spilled out this poison from me that has been really painful the last few weeks - I let that bleed out. It really was an amazing moment. My heart was changed rght then in those moments.
Looking forward - "A calling from God is running TO something not running away from something" is one of my notes yesterday from Pastor Larry and hit me like a ton of bricks. Gosh there were many moments yesterday of my head getting hit :) - thats a good thing!
So in that moving forward it brings me to Luke 10:29-37

Jesus said in a reply: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.
Which of these 3 do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise.

I feel the mercy on me today. I feel the healing taking place. I know my family needs it as do some others who have been hurt lately. I am just so thankful to be on the footsteps of something incredible that is about to take place. I am really encouraging them to share the journey together because we cannot heal alone. We cant grow in our faith alone giving them a chance to let the hurt and poison bleed out and so they may be filled with grace, love and mercy just as this hurt man received from the Samaritan. Many will come and see you and leave you where you are. Some will hurt you and they have said "Friend" for years but leave you in the ditch.
I dont want to be a person that leaves someone on the side of the road hurting. I want to give my best and over the last few weeks, finding my best has been hard as I am laying in the ditch and seeing people walk by, saying hurtful things or just not saying anything at all.
Elevation church - God sent you in our lives at a perfect time. You are picking us up from the ditch, healing our hurts, speaking truth with love, and giving us a clear vision so we can see again.
I am excited for the future. I am excited to be a part of this no matter how big or how small. I want to give God my best because the best is yet to come. The man in the ditch had another day because someone took the time to care and to take a stand and not just walk on by.

I will close with this. Only home for an hour yesterday - some friends of ours came and with clothing donations in hand we headed uptown Charlotte to the Center of Hope to serve a meal to the women and children there. With another group already there - we partnered with their church St. Lukes in south Charlotte and we served the folks there like we have never done before. Articles of clothing to start their school year off with something new is huge for a child and a parent. We had the moms order the food and then find a place to sit. My team, Dan, Linda, Caleb, Danielle and Eric served them by delivering their plate of food, getting them a drink and just having a few moments speaking to them. Connections were made, smiles were shared, conversations took place - thank you's and God bless came to the surface. For many coming in with grumpy faces, life being heavy on the shoulders - here they are leaving with a smile, something new and a good home cooked meal. The night closed with 2 things. One a little 5 year old girl came over and thanked each of us for coming. She gave out hugs and I looked over at Danielle who had this huge smile on her face - I said Danielle, you touched that childs heart for days because of you serving her the way you did. You showed her love, acceptance and grace - just as Jesus has done for you. She will be looking for you next time and I am so thankful for that. As we walked out - we had to say goodbye to miss Pam. I promised to keep in touch with her as she did the same. With a hug and the words "I love you, thank you for touching my life the way you have over the last couple visits" - I smiled and told her I loved her too and I said it is I who should be thanking you miss Pam.

Jesus said - Go and do likewise .... I think I will :)
Lonnie~

Days like Grass

2011-08-19T15:58:00.002-04:00

Psalm 103:15-16 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

Still, today I want me "days like grass" to count for something. God didnt give me this day to just live out some boring routine day after day. I want my days to matter. Maybe that is why I am passionate about certain things, about certain people and for people to know the life change I have experienced because of Christ.

There have a been a few really amazing God awakenings in my life. As I sat with some of my close students last night that I have the honor and privilege to pour into we were talking about how scared and frightening thunder storms are. Here in the south, we get them during the summer and sometimes they can be scary, fierce and light up the sky at night like you cant even believe. I think about those moments and think ya know - thats how God sometimes comes into our life. I mean He comes in huge very impactful ways and often times right in the middle of lifes biggest and scariest storms.

For me, that looks liked the night that I found out my mom had cancer. Hearing the news from a doctor speaking the "C" word about someone who you love so much and never at such a young age think you would be hearing that letter. That night across the street in the hospital hotel basically because they gave a good discount for families of sick loved ones who need rest and sleep - I have my "Awakening Storm" with God. I had my Bible and I had my tears and my heavy heart and I was ticked. I mean I was unbelievable upset - upset at me, my life, the hotel, the room, the doctor and yes even God. I cried out over and over and I trashed that room. I had my wrestling of my heart with God that night and after I got it all out, which I am thankful that God hears us even in our toughest moments, he clearly said to me in my heart that He was going to heal my mom but not in the way I wanted. He was going to give her a new body, have a place for her to be forever and that He had work for me to do. He told me that He told me these things, so that I can work for His glory and purposes in my family. It took my mom for me to come to Jesus. It took something so precious to me for me to get to know him and not just know him but have a trusting relationship with him. It was a thunderbolt, sky filled lightening storm that took me to another place. A place I am thankful for today.
A place that delivered me into a new direction in life. A life with meaning and purpose and a mission. A mission that I will not quit on because Jesus did not quit on me. I have an amazing family that supports me and an extended family who loves me like family. There are some young people in my life who I love like my own - none of these things would have ever happened if I did not go through my God awakening.

I have to say that the best melodies in life come when you have a joyful and free heart.

I am currently in my other God Awakening season. After the things that happened at my old church, I am on the door steps of being part of a church that is about to blow this city up for the things of Christ. I am so excited and pumped up for the things ahead. Though the hurts of the past are still there and I continue to have my moments ... especially when it comes to my students but I know the platform ahead is going to be amazing. I wont lose sight of where I have been or the people who have touched my heart but I know it all happened for a reason. I really feel like that God is about to pour out something into my life, my families life, my new church family and church - that I sometimes cannot contain it.
Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind right now - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

That excites me because I truly believe it. I truly believe the extended families in my life are with me through the tough times and the bad times. We talk through the tough spots and come out on the other side better and stronger. A lot of that is keeping the right attitude with a good reflection so that you always remember who you are. We were created in His image and when - "You want what God wants for His purposes - You are UNSTOPPABLE!"

Our destiny is eternity with Him. We cannot grasp eternity with our feeble little minds but we can hold tight to the concept the best we can. Like the Days like Grass - I want my time here to count. To make a difference. To break the mold of everyone else doing their own thing and blending in with everybody else. I want to stand out for Jesus in my world, in my mission field of life and to be fired up about it.
The wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. - Saddest thing I have read in a long time. Sad about a life lived here and not to be remembered.
I want to be remembered for standing for the Lyman family, in honoring God, for loving Morgan and Taylor like my own and being faithful to my wife my entire life and loving her as Christ loved the church and to my son who I get the honor to pour into living a godly life for Christ and being a man following Jesus. I want to be remembered for showing others Christ by loving and serving them, for having the time to talk and encourage adn pray for dear people and for taking a life changing mission trips to far off - on the other side - places. I want to touch the hearts of those there as well. Its a life lived for the right reasons, the right purposes and the right destination.

Forever God is faithful; Forever God is with us; Forever God is ____________. Fill in the blank loved ones in your own words.

God wont leave you in the storms of this life - there is nothing to fear or hide from - He just might be making his entrance with loud thunder, big lightening strikes, ground shaking so that you know .... You REALLY know.

God is enough.

Lonnie~

Whoever is not against us is for us

2011-08-17T09:30:00.003-04:00

Mark 9:38-41 "Teacher," said John, "We saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."

As many have come to know, we are no longer at Rocky River Church. It has been a great 7 years serving, growing, learning, leaning on God and those around us. I have seen God work in so many things, through so many people it has been amazing and so inspiring to be on the front row seat. We have made life long friends there and we have lost some over the years. Not only did we grow in our faith and climbed mountain after mountain but we have also climbed some big mountains personally in our lives. My fear of public speaking is mostly gone because of the passion I have for Jesus in my life and wanting to share with others the life change that Christ has given to me so that I may help somehow in their faith journey. I have answered the call on my life to step into the lives of the Lyman girls not only as a friend and male role model but also as a kind of step dad kind of way. This should be honored and not told I need to change because it doesnt look right! Sorry - I know what God has called me to do and what would that say about me if I just walked away from them? What would that say to them? - Far too many kids out there get to experience that in their lives first hand from a parent leaving the family and I will not back down from what God has called me to. I put a lot of value on that role and even though I didnt understand it at first, I know God has called me into their lives. More importantly - they know it!
8 months ago, I stepped up into the leadership role for the student ministry and being honest I was scared to death even after 5 years serving in the ministry and the pressure is unreal to keep the pace up and a full time job, being a husband, a dad and an influence to so many. I did so because I love the students that God put into my life. I love reaching them and showing them Jesus and I will always remember the times of smiles, of tears, of great conversations and leading a prayer as a student gives their lives to Jesus. I love the encouragement that I got to share with them but also the encouragement I got from them. Works both ways.

One thing I want everyone to know is that - I DID NOT LEAVE YOU.

I never got a platform to share that.....I stayed to the end and looking backward and now forward - God is moving my platform to another. He knew I would not leave the students that He put in my life. No way, no how even as folks continued to tell me - there are other students in other places that you can make a difference for. Sorry, not yet...my job is not done here yet.

I honestly would not change anything I stood for nor change anything I have done.

I spoke to a dear friend yesterday afternoon who called me and his words of wisdom were the same words of wisdom I gave to a incredible student last spring where she was trying her best to stay but mom and dad had moved to another church. I told her to follow her family because though its hard and it hurts that this is where you want to be and you feel connected and growing in your faith, you have to move on and I told her these words. "Dont Look Back" - those were the same words my good friend shared with me.

I will share that God has given me some incredible families to do life with. Friends that have stood by us and have reached out in amazing ways through this ordeal because they know who we are, what we are called to and encouraging words to say - KEEP GOING!
So that is what we are going to do ... press onward. I am excited to have a small group of students to invest in and do life with because that is something that Carol and I have wanted to do for over a year now but was unable to with so much going on. I am excited for LifeGroup to kick back up this coming weekend and hit the ground doing life together, sharing Jesus together and serving together! I am also going to continue to be excited about Jamaica next year and going back because that was us being the church. It was an unbelievable experience and one that is life changing.
The road ahead - Elevation church is opening a new campus this September and Pastor Larry has asked us to be part of the launch team. Over a year of praying for this and the timing of it all - well its a God thing. Think about it ~ I sat up in bed that morning not 24 hours after everything unraveled and smiled, Really God? Now? WOW!!
People should be allowed to own their faith. They should be allowed to go and serve, to go on a mission trip, to start a small group, to hold a Bible study, to minister to students and families, to do life with others, to share Jesus with whomever and to make a difference in someones life! Following Jesus - these things you are called to do!
As the scripture says in Mark 9: Dont stop them Jesus said ... if they are doing good in my name - let them do it.
We should be taking the name of Jesus to all ends of the earth. You cannot control a move of God and I am so excited to be part of a church that many cannot explain what is happening there in their short 5 years of being. How do you explain over 2000 baptisms in 2 weekends? Thousands of people coming to hear Gods truth and be part of a God movement in a city like Charlotte NC right in the heart of the Bible belt and so many other churches here.

"Dont look back" I will remember where I have been, the lives I have touched, the faith that has grown, the tears and the smiles, the friendships that will last, the truth that will overshadow the rumors and the journey ahead - because the best is yet to come.

Elevate - upward.
"Whoever is not against us is for us" - which side are you on?

Will - I never got a chance to serve the youth with you but I am really hoping and praying for you to hit the ground the running and making a difference of the lives of the students I spent 5 years with. I owe them my prayers for your ministry field. I am proud of them after everything they have been through and excited with all that God is going to do in and through them. Shine on...... we are on the same team. ~Lonnie

2011-08-12T15:04:00.002-04:00

This has been a pretty amazing day. Just really encouraged by a few folks who took some time to call me. A few text messages from 2 of my students who had me in tears after learning I wont be at their church anymore. Their promises to keep in touch and that I will always be Uncle Lonnie to them just really touches my heart. I got a call from one of the volunteer coordinators from Elevation church this afternoon and after speaking with her for 3 minutes she said, "Lonnie, I can feel the passion that you have for Jesus and for sharing that with others, as a matter of fact at our launch meeting this week, Pastor Larry spoke of you and I want you to know that you had such an impact on him. I can see why now." Gosh that just tanks me up and knowing that God closed one door but opened another just humbles me knowing that God knows my heart and hears my cries, feels my pain, smiles in my small victories - He is a God with a face. Have you ever wondered that?
I mean we speak of heaven all the time. We vision what heaven will be like and finally meeting our Lord face to face.... its a moment that I can live a little through my mom because I remember her asking me near the end of her earthly life in one of those long nights of being awake with her... she said, "Randy, do you think God would mind when I get to heaven that I just stand for a second and touch the floor of heaven with my big toe?" She said that because I knew she did that when we went to the beach all the time. She would be all excited and run down to the waters edge and then every so gently - stick her big toe in the water. I know mom got a chance to do that and Jesus heard that request. He felt her longing to do that.
I am just thinking that people sometimes forget that God is real, he is listening, not only in the soft gentle prayers but also the hurting ones, the ones were we crash and burn and yell and are angry - He knows the frustrations and hurts we often have to go through because he knows our hearts. We might as well just be honest and not sugar coat anything when we are speaking with him ..I mean he knows what we are feeling regardless right?
I am really feeling Christ the past few days and He is up to something big. He is about to blow my mind with something...I just know it.
I am in 1 Samual 3: today reading about how God called Samuel. 3 times he called out to him in an audible voice and 3 times Sam got up to go see his dad Eli. Finally after hearing God once again call him - Samual said, "Speak, for you servant is listening."
How often in our lives do we just stop and answer God and then listen for him to speak? I mean here is a teenager and God is speaking to him. I look around at the students in my life and think Guys,,,, God speaks to you. You are not too young to do something amazing for the kingdom of God. Dont be afraid or put yourself down. Dont let others tell you that you cant accomplish great things - when you want what God wants for the reasons he wants - YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!!!!

Are you willing to answer the call that God has on your life and then listen? I am really excited today! Like over board ...because I believe that God is about to bust open something amazing. It may be in the life of someone around me, it may be in a situation that I have or someone has been praying for, I just dont know... but I know I hear you Lord. Your servant is here and is listening.
I know I shouldnt get coffee now but Im going. Its Friday :)

peace out,
Lon

2011-08-11T13:33:00.002-04:00

This is I think the first time I am uploading a video to my blog. I think it shows a very powerful scene on Grace and I want to use it today to extend some of my thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy the video - its from the movie - The Grace Card.

Partly what I want to talk about comes from a message I had the privilege to preach back in March of this year and I want to share that today. Last night Carol, Kyle and Morgan and I were invited to come and share at another youth ministry their highlight reel of their mission trip a few weeks ago. It was awesome seeing the pictures, the short videos and hearing some of them share their heart about their experiences. Carol and I both spoke last night about and we both sat with smiles knowing that the impact of that trip in the lives of those students and leaders and all who they touched while there will have an impact on them and their faith for a lifetime. As I sat and listened with a smile on my face and my heart warm to what all the awesome things they were doing, there was an elderly couple sitting at the next table. I so wanted to speak to them and just find out a little about them. Not knowing if they helped pay a way for a student or even a few of them, why they were here when its a student night and they are probably in their late 70's I would guess. I could see them nodding their heads, smiling at times and to be honest, I bet they were loving it that these young people took the sacrifice and go do something for Gods kingdom. I have been saying for a long time now, especially to those who are close to me - you have to just keep showing up. If the opportunity passes you - you miss out and you will never really know what that something great could have been. You never know whats around that corner if you drive past it. I bet that elderly couple took such joy in hearing those stories. I bet it made them swell in their hearts what these young people experienced. I looked at them and prayed - God, if its part of your plan - I want to be like them when I am older. I want to marvel at the faith that the young people are taking on for the kingdom. I want to be excited for them as I was last night but also when I am 80. I want to help someone go and experience and give them a chance to experience something so much bigger than themselves - I mean who knows what could take shape in a lifetime because of one mission trip and being FAR out of a comfort zone. Someone may experience sharing Christ with someone else for the very first time and now that fear is gone and now you cant shut them up. Maybe its sitting and opening a bible and pray with an elderly woman who has been in a nursing home for 2 years and hasnt had a visitor in 3 months. Maybe its a new boldness to break out of being shy and speaking to new people. One never knows what experience can shape a lifetime.

So as I sat last night not being at my normal Wed night place where I have spent the better part of my life there I sat listening, dreaming, reminded of my peeps from Jamaica and all the hearts we touched there. I thought about being sad for a moment that the students I had to walk away from who I have invested in for 5 years. Its going to be harder now to continue a relationship with them but not impossible. I think about the news faces and hearts I get to invest in now at this new student ministry and church families. I think about the new platform we will be in at the new campus of Elevation Church University and the potential there. Yes one platform door shut but a bigger one opened and that happened because God is ready to move in our lives.

At times I am really upset that what happened happened. I dont regret standing in and taking the fall for standing up for one of my kids who is very much a daughter to me and I stand by that. I can tell you there have been parents thanking me for that stand even though it cost me a platform to speak to many. I know what God has called me to do in her life, her families life and for me to waiver on that would not be in Gods will and what He has called me to do.

But Grace, - I am getting there. I am at a place today where I know its a good thing to move on. Not ever forgetting the paths, the smiles, the tears, the lessons learned and the conversations that have taken place. Grace becomes a big part in all that and being at peace with it. Folks can gossip, folks can have their opinions and views but I can say - I can rest my head at night, I can look at my wife in the eyes and thank her for sometimes pushing me further in my walk with Christ, I can share with my son that being a man is more than being tough - its about standing strong even when the heat is on when God has called you to do something. Not everyone will get it, not everyone will understand or even agree - but we are not here to people please. That will get you no place. Grace is that card you extend to others as you forgive them and releasing you from the pain. No more carrying it around. No more hurt feelings with it. No more questioning yourself about what ifs ...... just peace with it and leaving it there.

The Grace Card - this is from the movie - I promise to pray for you every day, ask for your forgiveness, grant you the same, and be your friend always.

In the movie God has been pursuing Mac his whole life. Even when Mac became an athiest, GOd continued to woo him so he could take the burden of guilt and shame away from Mac for his role in his sons death. Now, as Mac was at his lowest place, wanting to die, he asks his friend Sam, a black pastor of a local church, to pray with him. Sam, a wise man who knows Mac needed more than prayers for his sons healing, tells him to come to the alter and pray with him for salvation. This is the end of the chase of God for Mac. GOd has finally forced Mac to realize he cannot make anything good happen on his own. IN his brokenness, Mac can call out to the one who can bring life to him and his family. Mac is about to move from slavery to freedom. This moment happened becase Sam refused to give up on Mac and kept loving him even through the most racist of conversations and even through his darkest hours. If Sam hadnt forgiven Mac and continued to love him, he would not have been in the chapel when Mac cracked and broke down. If Sam hadnt been there to guide him, its unlikely that Mac would have made his way down to his knees before God. GOd used Sam to lead Macv out of darkness and into the light. God uses people to partner with him to reach the lost people in your life. He want to use you in some amazing ways. The question is - will you let him?

Sam showed Mac grace because God had shown him grace. This film was all about responding with grace to those who are hurtful to us, so that God can use us to help them discover the only One that has life and power through His grace.

Who in your life today needs that forgiveness? Who in your life have you turned your back on over a rumor or some hurtful ways?

Live your life in the past and it will poison your future.

Galations 6:2 - Bear one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. We are most like Jesus when we bear someone's burden beyond what is comfortable adn convenient, and even beyond what is safe. Letting go of someone in your life is sometimes hard but its also the easy way out. Sticking with it is hard, its inconvenient it hurts at times but by extending Grace, you can be free of the damage that the struggling friendship causes. People come into your life for a reason, they also leave your life for a reason, sometimes in lfie we need a life lesson and God sends us a teacher. We may not like the lesson because of being stubborn, blind, full of pride -you fill in the blank - but the lessons are there regardless.

Do you want to be like Jesus? Grace through Gods eyes, means I love you more than anything else even when you dont love me back. I WILL LOVE YOU ANYWAYS.

Be a Sam in someones life today - in doing so you will be more like Jesus.

Love you all,

Lonnie~

2011-08-10T11:11:00.002-04:00

Had a great time last night on campus with some of my peeps to see the movie Soul Surfer. That movie continues to press my heart even after seeing it 3 times. I mean it is jammed packed with lessons about faith, lessons about trust, and lessons about God's love for us even when things hurt and we cant seem to see past them. There is purpose in our hurts and in our pain. Pain is a great motivator and even with the loss of an arm, Bethany's stage did not stop there in her waves but it expanded past the waves and into the lives of so many. She never quit and that is the inspiration there. I love the part of the movie where at her wits end and through her experiences on a mission trip, truly finds her calling and she gets home and goes in to see her dad. She says, "Dad, I need your help." - gosh I love that. I love it when my kids call on me to come and talk, to help them, to shoulder a cry - whatever it is - I rise to the occasion. Our heavenly Father is the same way. He loves it when his children call on him in, in normal prayer, in need, in desperate times but also in good prosperity times. I love that connection that comes when your heart is tune and it sings...there is such joy in that place.

I am in Mark 10 this morning and reading those passages has me thinking on a few things. There are 2 people in that chapter that Jesus uses to share with us two extremes of faith. One being a rich man who has everything this world has to offer and the other is a poor man, having no possessions but seeking only one thing - his sight.
Both come to Jesus with a need or a request but both left in two very difference places. The rich man comes to Jesus in ease and the poor blind man comes with shouting and begging. Both are spoken to by our King because he loves all of us and its awesome to come to realize that he has his own time table and is never rushed when he is showing us how to do ministry with people. So as these two folks encounter our Lord - the rich man is told to sell all he has and give to the poor while the poor man experiences miraculous healing in his sight. The rich man declines and turns away sad while the poor man now with vision is healed and follows. Only one is transformed to be a disciple while the other his idol continues to be his possessions.
The real lesson here in these 2 very different people is that both knew Jesus had the answer and both received his love but only the man who relinquished his life gained his life.

In life, we may love a lot of people. People who are very dear to us and we expect to receive that love in return. Many times we dont.... or we do for awhile and then something happens or feelings change. Our love for Christ is always in return because He loved us first. Sad when love doesnt flow both ways, in our walk with Christ and in our true relationships.
Let us do more than just seek him loved ones, lets truly love the one who loved us first.

Are you the rich man today or are you the blind man? - both on very different paths.....

Lonnie~

2011-08-09T13:45:00.003-04:00

Last week was tough. Yesterday was brutal.

Being honest.

I will say that I was pretty down most of the day yesterday thinking about some of the things that have happened in the last week. Feelings all over the place but I wont address those places at this time because I am taking the high road and not letting gossip take over.
Last night after the gym my spirits were raised a bit because I had one of those angry workouts and I got some frustration out. Thats always a good thing... I did notice yesterday that I have been lacking something for the past week.
Inspiration

I mean when something happens to someone its easy to fall into a down state. A depression so to speak - for some that may happen even without something bad happening and just a persons thoughts can drag a person down. We have so many people on medication for the slightest of mood swings - even with dips and I know that depression is part of my family and it concerns me at times. I will say that I am mostly an upbeat person who always tries to find the good in everything. Last night I was meeting with some new folks and the pastor there was speaking and lead us in a pretty awesome and powerful prayer and he spoke about how we talk to people, how we pray and in general our outlook in life - He said that we should always end on a high note. When we pray, end our prayers to God on a high positive note. When we speak to people, end the conversation on a high note. In our lives, live your life concentrating on the high notes.
It really hit me. He said, "Blessings often come on the other side of adversity, push through today, you're breakthrough is right around the corner!" "Its darker in the moments right before the light."
Those words hit me on the head like the bolt of lightening flashing across the sky here last night. It was a great light show in the sky and those words did the damage.
I am inspired today and inspiration is exactly what I needed.

Inspiration - an inspiring or animating action or influence. Stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings or creativity.

The Bible is Gods inspiring word. The people who wrote the Bible were inspired by God to record his words and commands. All of us need inspiration in our lives. We all could use a jolt of it to put us back on track and in a positive path.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silas and Timothy start the scripture off with "thanks" to the people there for their faith. It inspired me today to not focus on what has happened, for the folks who will be a part of my life but to be thankful for those who are and will continue to do so. Its a perfect reminder to be thankful for the journey and not the destination. Its all part of the story God is molding us to be.
1 Thessalonians 1:
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers........

I think about Bethany Hamilton today from the true story Soul Surfer. I think about how her faith was being tested as the shark took her arm and her way of life. Surfing was everything to her. It was her future, he way, her income, her fame. It defined her as a person. On a mission trip she discovered the joy and beauty to surfing and the real love she had for it. She honored God in her faith by never giving up hope, never giving up trust even when she didnt understand. See inspiration works like a light. Turn it on, and it shines on everything around it. It brightens things up and inspires people to do more and be more.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Our life story for Gods purposes should be an inspiration to others. There is a quote from Albert Schweitzer that reads:
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."

Im blessed today looking around my office here at work with all the little notes, words of encouragement, testimonies from students have given their lives to Jesus and they are saying thanks! Smiles on the faces and a reminder that inspiration can move us further in our walk with Christ if we have the people in our lives to keep us moving forward.

Love Loud ~ Risk Often ~ Hope Always

Lonnie~

2011-08-05T15:06:00.002-04:00

I woke this morning to an amazing alarm - one that I woke long before it went off because I have not been sleeping to well this week with so much going on ... To give you a little inside to me that you may not know.
Almost every morning before my feet even touch the ground, I thank God for the day ahead and then get my day started with coffee and a shower.
This morning was different and without giving thanks I picked up my cell and checked email. I know, its lame but the email was awesome and I know as God has closed a door finally in my life - He stepped up in a big way and opened another. I am so blessed and it has set my day off to another direction and one that I know will be an amazing road ahead. I will say more in details about all this as things get worked out and closer to happening.

Carol is out to the beach for a few days with her girl friends and I am enjoying my time with Kyle, Morgan and Taylor...we have shared so many laughs and are enjoying each other - society may have a problem with this but in all reality, this should be applauded because its exactly in many ways what God has called each of us to do. Make a difference in someones life, pour into them and love them as He would. Step up in a need if you are able to fill it. I am so blessed because of "My Calling" ..... no more target.... just blessed to move forward.

I will close today with a song lyric from Third day.
~ Follow Me~
You need a place where you can find some shelter
Follow me there, follow me there
You want a hand to hold, someone to help you
Follow me there, come on, follow me there

Where love, like a river, flows
Peace like you've never known
And joy never ending lives
A place where faith can find
Hope that will never die
Follow me there, come on, followe me there

You need a place to be your sanctuary
Follow me there, come on, follow me there
Where you can lay down all those burdens you carry
Follow me there, come on, follow me there

Where the lost can find salvation
and the lonely finds a friend
Where the sinner finds forgiveness
WOnt you follow me there
WOnt you follow me there

Peace out,
Lonnie~

2011-08-03T13:36:00.002-04:00

It has been AWHILE since my last post. Lots of things going on - some good and some well not so good but in the long run will be BETTER!

Last week I spent the week in Myrtle Beach with our student ministry. Though having its tough spots and tough situations - I fully enjoyed the conversations with so many students. Some tough conversations and having the chance to pray with them and preach a message on Tuesday night was just amazing. I think I made some good connections with a few students who before camp I had not had the chance to get to really know them. I am very blessed to walk away knowing that I invested my time in them and in their walk with Christ. There is nothing more important than that to me. The last morning on the beach was indeed my favorite time as me and a few students walked to the beach, sat and watched the sun rise. I am so in awe of what God shows us and his power and beauty for us to see and experience. It was an amazing morning and if that beach was here right now - I would be putting my feet in the sand to just sit and worship Him with all I have.
I had in my inbox this morning a great reminder as to why I stepped up and put myself sometimes in harms way as a target when people dont understand or want to cut me down but I am not letting myself go to those low levels and I will ride on Gods word and as he has promised, will soar on eagles wings.
I have been over the last few weeks, last week and this week, especially, reflecting on how God called me to serve students. I need to remember those details and keep focused on that because I am reminded again that youth ministry is a ministry of extremes - and that includes the good, the bad and the ugly. I need to hold onto my sense of my calling.
On the beach at Cherry Grove SC - I was watching the sunrise while having some quiet time with God, seeking direction and purpose for my life and asking him to lead me on a few things and he clearly spoke to me to step up into the lives of a family that is so dear to me. I gained two daughters that morning and a sister and I have yet to back down from that calling. Time and time again we are tested as we do life together and reflecting back on that moment that I said OK God - I am done hiding, giving excuses and running - I will do what you are telling me to do even if I have no idea what I am doing, how this will look, how it will work or even if it will be accepted. God has been there in every inch of the way over these past 5 years now.
Your calling will make you humble.
How can it not? As much as I would like to call it my student ministry it is not mine to own. I can live it, breathe it, I will even take a bullet for it but calling it mine is just not right. God has given me the stewardship over this section of his kingdom. He has the power to give it and also take it away.
I think my calling is keeping me focused in many ways. I care deeply about the students, their faith journey and their walk with Christ. In many ways, they also teach me about my faith and my walk with Christ and no matter what - keeping in focus Christ in the center of all things has been a priority with me. The students know my heart and they know they have their best interest. They know when they speak to me or have tough things to work through, they know I will point them to Jesus at some point in the conversation. I may not be able to fix the problem but I can show them Jesus in the solution. Being the person I am, I jump in and take hold. Students have a situation they need help with, want to talk something through, I have always been willing to drop stuff to help. I serve student ministry because I am called to and giving it less than my undivided attention just isn't allowed for me.
My calling will also keep me going.
I took many conversations last week with upset students. Its part of the job. I remember a few years ago while serving under a great youth pastor who is now a head pastor of a church, Travis Bush - I told him that Youth Ministry was relational. Without those relationships - its just another group of kids getting together to have fun, waste time and doing nothing to increase their faith, learn about God and then do something with their faith. WIthout those relationships, a student will never trust you, get to know you and then open up to you. That is the key when you can have a student be at that place and them come to you and open up with a struggle or have questions - thats the fruit that Christ is talking about.
I got to see a lot last week at Camp. I got to talk through some tough things with some students. BUT I also got to be a part of a student giving their life again to Christ. I got to be a part of them saying, I have messed up, I used to be close to GOd and I want to get that back. Lonnie how do I do that? - yeah there are tears, there are hugs and there is real stuff taking place.
GOd transformed my life because I answered his call and through these students - I want to have a front row seat in their lives and watch what God will do in their lives.
GOd will give me the desire, the strength, the wisdom and the passion to do what he has called me to do.

I am focused...because I am called.

2011-07-22T15:22:00.002-04:00

This will probably be my last post for a little more than a week. I dont know if I will have the time or the energy to write and share all that God is going to do next week. I will be sure to do that when I return though, I promise. I love Thirst Camp week.... its a mission trip in itself because we are away from home, focused on experiences and serving others for Christ. Its times to reflect, devote and energize our hearts once again. Its in such a way as it breathes new things into our soul and the opportunity for Christ to open our eyes and speak into our ears so that life change, a vision for our lives is revealed and purpose to come back home changed is in order. I know there will be some parents who wont know their kids when they return. Some though will come back just like they left because they are unwilling to let go, open the heart up to share the grief and struggles they have been carrying. Maybe its the fear to go to that place and let people in so they come yet another year and go home another year.
I am excited to be preaching the opening message on Monday night - our first full day at the beach. I dont know exactly what that will look like being on the beach, in the water, at the pool side - I have no idea but I am excited about it because I am so PUMPED about it.
I love these students and have invested so much energy, time, words of encouragement and really honestly just want the best for them in their lives by following Gods plan for them. Gosh if they could just really grab hold of that and run with it, be loud with it and not back down from it - there isnt anything they can't do for Christ. He will honor them and bless them in more ways than anyone could even imagine.
Having to do it again - as I get older and you know we all do that as we get older - I would have listened to my mom and went to church. I would love to have been part of a small group of friends who love Jesus and aren't afraid to show it and be different from the crowd. Leadership skills being shaped and molded because you are leading something that not everyone has but most people want.
I was on campus today at work and in line waiting for my food I noticed a young gal looking at me. She being around 13 maybe and thats not odd for campus in the summer with all kinds of camps here. SHe smiled and I smiled and she walked over and said - I know you from Hickory Ridge right? - I said, Hickory ridge middle school? She said yes, you my YCI pastor on Fridays there. I asked for her name - Peyton and we began to talk and she introduced me to her friends she has made this week at her camp. They were on a career camp and each day was a different career but they got to learn about those different things, hoping someday making a decision on one of them because they had their eyes opened to it.
Isnt thats what its all about? Experience to something better, something bigger, something dreamy - do they still use that word? - I hope so ....
But then doing something with that experience that changes your life. I enjoyed talking with them and asking questions and making some laughs... I told them it was nice to meet them and I said to Peyton I would see her in a few weeks at school and she said "Yes Sir".... "I look forward to that!"
Gosh that is amazing really and each day I ask God to reveal himself in my day, through whatever that looks like. Today it was through Peyton and in some small way in my heart, I know what I am doing, the tears shed, the hurts, the good smiles and laughs and everything invested inbetween is paying off...and not for my glory but for Gods glory.
Camp this week will be about Gods glory as we are reminded to stop, slow down, sit awhile with our heavenly Father and just be in AWE of Him at the beach. Lets put God in focus again and let us all be encouraged and redirect our aim in life.

I cant wait to tell the students how much I believe in them and they are not too young to accomplish great things and big things for God. We are to serve him until our last breath leaves our bodies. I'm 45 years old, hanging with middle school students, high school students not because I can relate to them, even though I do sometimes and sometimes its really weird and awkward but because I honestly feel that I can bridge my generation to theirs. I can't sit on the sidelines and let their generation go to hell and have Lady Gaga or Lil' Wayne be the life voice in their lives. I want to stand on a chair, scream from the building, take them to the beach, ride the rides at Carowinds, hit the mall together - whatever I have to do to meet them on their turf ...I will do for the name of Jesus. Show them Jesus and let them see the VISION he has for their lives. I want so badly for them to catch that, to stick it out and live that life that GOd has called each of them. Let them be contagious and together continue to show Christ to those who need him - in their schools, in their neighborhoods, on Facebook and even in their own families.

I am excited for the week ahead. I sad Carol wont be there with me as so many young ladies look up to her and need her but without vacation time it makes it tough. I will be missing some of the students from years past and I am thankful for the chance to invest in them over the years and I am also excited as anything for our rising 6 grade class. Its going to be an amazing week for them, for our first timers and hopefully, if hearts are right, if they are soft and willing to let the guard down and be poured into - our veteran Thirst Camp students just might be the ones to propel this generation and have the courage to stand up and make a stand for Jesus.

That is my prayer .... my hope and vision. 2 more days....... Thank you Lord for this opportunity. May everything we do, everything we say, be an honor to you. For your higher glory and purposes. Amen

~ Tomorrow we are serving a family at church who was killed last week in a motorcycle accident. Expecting 700+ people there from 11-2 - many for the first time hearing about Jesus, some not having step in foot of a church in 30 years.... tomorrow GOd will be shown as we serve them and love them the way Christ would want us to. Even through the passing of one - many may be opened to the heart of Christ. I think years from now, we will be thankful for this story and how its all part of a bigger story ...Gods perfect story.

Peace out,
Lonnie

Easy button

2011-07-20T10:26:00.002-04:00

I have one on my desk at work. You know that talking button that Staples sells and it part of their trade mark in office supply shopping. But today I want to talk about the "Dread" button.

Being honest, since coming back from Jamaica - I have been under such spiritual attack like I have never experienced before. I wont go into much details ... because I dont want to open the flood gates. But I do want to address what I am going to do because I believe in my heart speaking to those things only keeps us there but speaking past those things puts our hearts and minds ahead of those things. God is already in those next moments and he meets us there when we get there. So my focus is moving past these spiritual attacks with the best way I know how.
I have been in the book of Job this morning in my quiet time and it really is speaking amazing things to me. I hope to share what I have gathered this morning.
I have read this book before but probably then, I was not in the place I am today and that loved ones, is why we must continue to read Gods word. It is alive and able to speak into you life even if you read it before. Even if you have read the gospels 4 times over the past 2 years, today may find you at a place where Gods word in Matthew comes to life and speaks to you. Never give up on the things that God is trying to teach you through his book.

Hitting that dread button looks differently for each of us. It may be as season of time where you are in between employment and jobs are hard to come by but bills continue to keep coming in. It may look like your marriage is on the brink of letting go and someone moving out breaking the family in parts. It may look like that son or daughter continues to show themselves being immature and making poor choices time and time again.
It may also mean - your son or daughter taking the car out for the first time and its 11:00 and the phone rings. It may be that doctor who called and left VM about a test that was done last week and they have news. It may be that the door bell rings and 2 service men are standing on your front porch knowing your son is over seas.

Those are "dread buttons" and in our lives we WILL have them. We pound them with panic wrapped around our cold fingers because of the fear you have in your heart. Those moments almost paralyze us and take our breath away. Its almost like time stands still for a few moments and there is nothing going on except that moment. We have all had them.

Consider Job and his situation. A man of great wealth. Known as a good person through the land. A family guy leading his family and sharing the love of God in many ways. He was a honoring man to God and God knew his heart. God allowed Job's "dread button" to be pushed as he allowed Satan to test his servant. He not only had one button pushed but many. Losing his family, his wealth, all he has worked for in his life and then covered head to toe in sores and pain. He had lost everything and was suffering on top of that.
If you can relate to all of this or even part of this in your own life - Job's trials connect thousands of years to your situation today. Your "dread button" is very much the same as Jobs.
Far too often we pray for these kinds of things never to happen to us. We become complacent in our walk when things are going good but always looking over our shoulders waiting for that moment when something happens.
Some folks seem to go through tough seasons without much harm or emotion. Sometimes those things dont appear until years later when they resurface in some way. Some folks are immediately affected.

I love Job's prayer in Job 1:21 - "Naked I come from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the neame of the Lord be praised."

We are just stewards of the things we have in this life. I know some folks who have fallen on hard time financially because of the economy or over extending themselves and they have put so much into their stuff. Their stuff gives them an identity and they stive and strain to keep those things. As Paul has said in:
2 Corinthians 11:26-28 - I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jes, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worded hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my convern for all the churches.

Even besides all the things that Paul was suffering through - his concern for the church was his main focus above all else. A daily burden to strain ahead for the people of God. Job was in that place. Though he could have easily given up, gave into the temptation to scream out to God to curse him and blame him. He never waivered in his faith and in his trust of Christ. Jesus taught us to wrap our hearts around whatever we treasure most. If we treasure most what can be taken away or destroyed, our hearts will always be in danger. Job appreciated what he had, what he had been given but his life didnt revolve around his possessions. Instead, his heart was wrapped around his relationship with God. A personal relationship with Christ.

So looking at your situation today, along with me looking at mine, what kind of lesson can you learn from Job and his experience?

In Job 2:11-13 - share a great story which I wont put here but I will challenge you to read in your bible or online so that maybe you will continue to read - it talks about Job's 3 friends. They travel long distance probably to come and be with him in his agony and pain. 7 days without a word to him and each other, not a word spoken as they stayed with him, weaped loudly and tore their clothes because of the suffering their friend was under.

Remain faithful loved ones, strain forward and not give in or give up to where today finds you, the things you are suffering from or challenges that today has for you. You will get a new job, you will not be a cancer patient but a person who follows Christ because of that cancer. You will rise to lead your family and out the trust back in your marriage. Your son or daughter will call at 11:05 and say she is running late and then you take the keys from her/him and ground them for the next 28 years.... and all the while.... tears and a heart that is thankful inside because they are safe.

Lord we praise you the storms of our lives. Help us learn from Job as he was so passionate about honoring you even while he suffered so much. Help us relate to where he was and his example so that we may do that in our own lives and through the things we are suffering with. May we all have friends that will come along side and suffer with us, who will cry with us, give us a leaning shoulder when we need it and a church family who will step up and support us. May Jesus speak into our next moments before we even get there and feel him in some new way that will give us hope, direction and confidence to keep striving forward. We love and praise you today and through our storms in this life. Amennnnnn~

2011-07-19T10:36:00.002-04:00

Productivity without passion.

Imagine a marriage just going through the motions. Imagine life just going through the motions. Imagine a Pro football player - going through the motions. Imagine your walk with Christ, just going through the motions.

There is no interest really to strengthen, to improve, to do better, or to walk closer.
As a dad I cant imagine leading my family and loving them without passion. They are dear to my heart and mean everything to me. But yet so many fathers, say those words but dont show those words. A father dutifully earns a living at a job to pay the bills, take care of the house, keeps the lawn cut, cleans the cars and sees that his family has clothing or other earthly needs being met. He has lost tenderness and his passion for his wife and the mother of his children. He finds himself on the internet looking for things he shouldn't, pouring himself into the local watering hole in town and he only speaks to his family when he has to.
For many, these dads have lost the vision that God had for them. Its not that God lost the vision - they have. They have forgotten how to live and the purpose of raising a family and pouring into the next generation. Its their next generation - they are the ones that suffer the most.
It saddens me because that passion or lack there of, is contagious. It affects everyone around them. A son looking to dad to raise him, to lead a family and love his momma - lost because he doesnt have an example. A daughter who looks to dad for guidance, to learn how a man is supposed to treat and love her and a dad who should be someone that they may one day marry because of his charcter, his passion, his love and his tenderness.
Its all sad really because for many - we have lost the vision. We have lost the passion. We turn because its hard and do the easy things in life or just give up and move on.

As I think about next week with Thirst Camp and spending 6 days with teenagers, adult leaders and investing so much in them - I find myself the last few days, especially today just in AWE of God. Still trying to process all that I was so blessed to experience in Jamaica and how God showd up in so many ways, in so many people and in so many situations ... I know this next week will be the same. It will be at a different location being that we are not in Jamaica but at the beach and with a WHOLE bunch more students. I know God is going to wreck some folks. I know He is going to take on and break some hearts. I know God is going to put some tears in some of their faces which might end up on my shirt or on my sleeve. I am excited for this coming week because God will show up and reveal himself to many. As I read through a few things to share for this coming Sunday right before we leave for camp .... I want to really share my heart with those there that God is so much bigger than we think about his sometimes. He is in all things and even the sunrises at the beach next week - he created so much for us to be in AWE. How can we not be in that place and just think, God - you created heaven and earth and here we are - some of us complaining over stupid stuff, all of falling short of what you want for us, we think too highly of ourselves to put others ahead of us - Gosh Lord we have our priorities messed up!!

Last night Carol and I got to serve a meal to a family who lost their dad, their husband, their friend and their leader. A man sold out for Christ and as the family shared, he was all in. 110% full forward - it was how he lived. He never did anything half way. He never not put all he had into whatever he was doing. He lived his life with passion. He lived his life taking care of others and giving his shirt off his back not wanting anything in return. He was respected and placed in a catagory all his own to those who really knew him.
The Apostle Paul shares with us his passion for teaching and sharing Christ. Never lose heart loved ones of doing what is right. Its all that matters in the end. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.

I am in AWE of Jesus today. I am so excited to be teaching the students this year at camp. Center stage just as Paul longed to do in his heart. Just show people Jesus, share with them what He is all about. When we have the right vision and perspective of God - it changes everything. Its such a humbling place as I prepare what God has laid on my heart to share with them.

Golden opportunity - I am reading Isaiah 6 today and it really is pressing on me - Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty the whole earth is full of his glory.

Do you see that glory today in your life? Do you see all that he has created around you for you to see, to gain perspective, to see how small you really are and how BIG he really is?

Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

It reminds me of a song that is out now from Chris Tomlin - I will Follow.
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve, I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone

In you there's life everlasting
In you there is freedom for my soul
In you theres joy, undending joy
and I will follow

Peace out,
Lonnie~

2011-07-13T13:51:00.003-04:00

Press through the pain. Nobody likes discomfort or a season of time where things are sour or just plain hard. I have hearing the words at the dentist or at the doctors office about to have some procedure done and the dentist or doctors says, "You will have some discomfort" - that really means its going to hurt!
Being a parent at times is painful. From the moment your son or daughter is born, they depend on you. That never changes throughout your life even though it may look different at different times of your life as well as theirs. These middle school years are especially hard as Kyle is venturing out more and establishing himself and his place in the world. I feel that same way with my daughters in my life and not being their "real" dad - its hard sometimes to know where the line is. It changes all the time within the bounderies and I struggle with that - just finding a way to fit in and still be useful I guess or needed. Its also hard because they dont have a great daddy example and sometimes that leads to seasons of time where we are not in sync with one another and thats okay because we talk through them. I love that about them because we know we have each others back and if there is a problem we dont throw in the towel or give up. We work on them. I was told just in the last few days, - Family sticks together no matter what. Its for sure a God thing this family ...
I know with Kyle its about showing him how to be a man, to love his mother as one day he will need that example to love, care and lead his own wife and family. As I seek God in those things its so apparent that you have to be at a humble place in order to move through this season. Having wisdom is something that God promises to give us if we ask for it. Proverbs is written just for that purpose. This important book offers amazingly rich and wise words to relush rather than to simple read. I find it better to linger over a single proverb and really understand its meaning than to just sit and read an entire chapter. Its even better if we can excersize that proverb into our lives and put it into practice. These proverbs point us towards wise decision in life and who doesn't want that? I mean we don't go out and try to make poor choices do we? This is timeless wisdom for everyone no matter where you find yourself today.
Proverbs 4:20-27
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a mans whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

This is in reference to me speaking into the lives of those around me, my son, my daughters, those who I am leading - but its also our heavenly Father speaking to them and to me. I am listening closely to what you are saying Lord. When your heart is in something - its special. It lasts. It means something. Guarding it can sometimes mean putting it into a protective shell where nothing will penetrate it- that is such a sad place to be. I am that person who wears his heart on his sleeve and life does mean so much. The people in my life mean so much. Following Jesus means so much. When those seasons come where your heart gets hurt, it aches a little - thats when we turn to Christ even more because He is the wellspring of life. He can restore the heart and thus heal the entire body.
If you are in a place today, if you find yourself mostly grump central or just not happy even when you should be - seek some wisdom from our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Lord we acknowledge you today and we ask that you be in the details of everything in our lives. You know the level of heart pain that each of us has and I ask that you take that pain from each of us. Hold it in your hands Lord and mend those good things from you back into us. Help us soak in your every word as we seek wisdom and your face in all we do. For you are the wellspring to our lives because you make us complete. May our hearts be in this with you, may they be in tune with our children as we seek your wisdom in how to lead them, how to love them and gently correct their paths. May your wisdom be in all these decisions Lord as we make our paths in this life. We know you are there with us and we thank you for loving us enough to send your son Jesus for us. Help us continue on your paths Lord and not our own. Keep us straight, keep us hungry for you and help us love one another as you have given us a great example. I pray these things in Jesus name, Amennnnnnn