Wow - it has been NUTS the last few days. The Bateman clan had a good trip and stay at the "cabin" this past weekend. Other than the fact I had a problem with a health issue that I have been facing for some time now - it was a great weekend.
But yesterday was one of those exceptional days. Not that it was overly fun or exciting - really it was a tough, exhausting and long day but it was flippin awesome in many ways. God was all up in it yesterday. It seemed like every where I needed Him to be - He was right there in the middle of it. Right where He should be - not that He isn't all the time - its just that we either don't let Him or we are not looking for Him. Regardless - He is there. Thats what makes those blessings that much more special - because we know He is with us.
Yesterday's church service was just one of those services that God really spoke to me. Things I knew, I was reminded of - things I needed to know, I was shown - places and people I needed to see, God provided those paths.
Our new worship pastor at church - Darren - wow ...how did we land this guy and his wife? Our Pastor's message was right on the money...lots of folks volunteering and serving with new volunteers in the works and ministry outreach in the works and our K-5 program yesterday just rocked. It was a first to have our worship song being played and one of our kids with her arms raised and singing with her eyes closed was the most precious moment yet!!!
God was even right there in the middle of it when I stopped at the hospital to visit a family from our church. It was awesome talking about what God is doing through us, how He has proven over the years to be faithful and how the church is extending a helping hand to this family. Nothing better than to see lives being changed by the way others extend a helping hand, being kind and gracious and extending love that can only come from knowing Jesus. I got home after the visit and got to speak from the heart with 2 of our dear family friends. I got to explain what exactly a Rock Group is and what we do and WHY we do - small groups - Sunday school bible study - or however you want to label it ..... and what it means to be doing life together. There were some tears, the hard things bubbling to the surface and God is in those details. Last night Rock Group went long .... I mean way long - we didn't even notice because the lesson was awesome and the discussion time before and afterwards was awesome. The kids bonding and making friendships and spending time together - how cool is that?
After the last few months - I have come to a place where it really is time to hit the next gear. It is time to step up the game and not back down. God is showing me some awesome things.... I hope I am encouraging someone through this blog and helping some folks. I pray that as I share my thoughts and my heart that it is stirring you in some way for the purposes of Jesus. The Bible has nothing good to say about indecision's. Some of us need to make decisions in life. Get off the fence and in the game. Let God lead your life for the first time - for the 2nd time .... whatever. Just plug in ~ You are either with God and wanting to do His work or you are not - there is no luke warm here. You will never get much out of being a follower of Jesus if you leave Him on Sunday mornings.......and check back with him the next Sunday.
God has woken me up the last 2 nights ~ I got to share that with a dear friend of our yesterday because she and her family were one of the reasons. I am praying hard for them - have been for 2 years but now its even more. The other has to do with one of "MyKids" and I can't believe I have not seen it after all this time. Its perfectly clear to me why "Leaving" is such a struggle....... It was right before my eyes ......... I would have never put it together unless God spoke it to me.
As a follower of Jesus loved ones, we are called to Care, Serve and make Disciples.
As I look around and see the world flaming all kinds of people - their mistakes being held over them to remind them and torture them for as long as they can - God offers us forgiveness and understanding Mercy can only come from God. Without Him, I don't think we have a clue to understand what Mercy really is.
Plug in and get on with your Spiritual walk.... NO need to wait for tomorrow to be different - TODAY can be different and it can happen in the next moment.
How does one know they are lost when they don't know they ARE LOST?
Love you all,
Lonnie
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A walk alone....
My brothers and sisters I wanted to remind you that you are not alone. You may be in a tough place right now - today - or even in this place for some time ... You are not alone. If you are walking with Jesus - You have a place to lean. A person to let go with and to share the heavy weight you are carrying. God has also placed around you some loving people who really care for you and your family. They may be neighbors, they may be church family, your small group, coworkers - they may not even know Jesus - Yet.
Take heart loved ones, during our trials - so many are looking at us to see how we react, how we judge and how we carry ourselves - especially if they know we are followers of Christ. With these trials and struggles - God is pulling you closer to Him. He is teaching you through these trials. You are learning something about yourself and if your faith meter is pegged on Him.
There is a new dawn tomorrow - a new day and each day is full of fresh grace, blessings and forgiveness.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Psalm 23:4
Hold your heads up loved ones, God is not far from you. He created you, knows you and loves you and there will not be a moment that goes by that He is not watching over you. Its all in His time and in His hands.......
love you all,
Lonnie
Take heart loved ones, during our trials - so many are looking at us to see how we react, how we judge and how we carry ourselves - especially if they know we are followers of Christ. With these trials and struggles - God is pulling you closer to Him. He is teaching you through these trials. You are learning something about yourself and if your faith meter is pegged on Him.
There is a new dawn tomorrow - a new day and each day is full of fresh grace, blessings and forgiveness.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” Psalm 23:4
Hold your heads up loved ones, God is not far from you. He created you, knows you and loves you and there will not be a moment that goes by that He is not watching over you. Its all in His time and in His hands.......
love you all,
Lonnie
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I am reminded today of the things I am so thankful for in this life. I find myself too often heavy hearted for the people around me. Wanting to make a difference, to help carry the load, to be there to have a shoulder to cry on, to be there for that child who needs someone - I am heavy at times. The weight is unreal but it is so worth it. I wouldn't trade it in for anything because God is in those details.
One of the things that reduces that heaviness is praising God for what He is doing in my life. His direction, the answering of prayers, the building of my trust in Him, and the people who He has put into my life.
My cousin Scott is doing well this afternoon. After making it through surgery this morning - he is in his room and even though he is in pain and will have a couple tough days ... I am thankful for God watching over him. I pray this procedure makes a big change in his life and in his health. Scott has had a tough time in his life concerning his health. He has suffered through so many things and his health keeps him from doing so many other things. Like many of us, when we are down and out, struggling to make sense of things, falling on hard times, struggling what seems to be ALL the time - we often pull away from God. Over time, maybe we even drop off with God. "How can God love me if all I am doing is struggling? - things don't seem to get better. Nothing changes .... I have asked and prayed before and here I am still."
God is working in those details loved ones, He is working behind the scenes. One of the things that really -works for me - is listening to music to keep my eyes and heart on Him and not so much of myself. Praising God even while in the storms of this life. We also have to be fervent in our prayers. Pray them - expect God to move on your behalf. He wants to hear from you and what is on your heart. When you draw closer to Him - He will draw closer to you. I try and update the songs on my Ipod every few weeks so that I have something new and fresh thus keeping my praise new and fresh all the while learning the ways of God through sermons and in my quiet time. Don't be afraid to ask God for big things! He is a BIG God!
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”.
Lord above all else that I am thankful for in life, I am thankful for Your son Jesus. He on my behalf comes to You in prayer for me. Lord hear my prayers for those around me who I am carrying the weight in this life with. Their struggles are my struggles and I pray that they too are placing these heavy things in Your hands. We all need help in this life and feel the loving care of others. We are a community of believers Lord. Belief is the basis of following You. Your son came and healed the sick - He did not ask - How sick or how long the person had the disease - He simply asked if they have faith and Believed that He could heal them - if their belief in Him was true - they were healed. I am asking today Lord that our belief in You rises to new grounds. Our trust overflows to those around us to the point it puts action in our faith. Help us walk with those hurting around us Lord. May you receive all the glory and honor in following Your instructions. God this life comes with hard things and struggles - its during these times our faith and belief in You is tested. They are there for a reason - May we grow because of them and be thankful for them. You are waiting on us on the other side of them ... hopefully receiving all the glory and honor for Your kingdom. Grow us Lord through the things in this life. Thank You for Your love and for Your son Jesus. It is in His name I pray today~
Amen
One of the things that reduces that heaviness is praising God for what He is doing in my life. His direction, the answering of prayers, the building of my trust in Him, and the people who He has put into my life.
My cousin Scott is doing well this afternoon. After making it through surgery this morning - he is in his room and even though he is in pain and will have a couple tough days ... I am thankful for God watching over him. I pray this procedure makes a big change in his life and in his health. Scott has had a tough time in his life concerning his health. He has suffered through so many things and his health keeps him from doing so many other things. Like many of us, when we are down and out, struggling to make sense of things, falling on hard times, struggling what seems to be ALL the time - we often pull away from God. Over time, maybe we even drop off with God. "How can God love me if all I am doing is struggling? - things don't seem to get better. Nothing changes .... I have asked and prayed before and here I am still."
God is working in those details loved ones, He is working behind the scenes. One of the things that really -works for me - is listening to music to keep my eyes and heart on Him and not so much of myself. Praising God even while in the storms of this life. We also have to be fervent in our prayers. Pray them - expect God to move on your behalf. He wants to hear from you and what is on your heart. When you draw closer to Him - He will draw closer to you. I try and update the songs on my Ipod every few weeks so that I have something new and fresh thus keeping my praise new and fresh all the while learning the ways of God through sermons and in my quiet time. Don't be afraid to ask God for big things! He is a BIG God!
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”.
Lord above all else that I am thankful for in life, I am thankful for Your son Jesus. He on my behalf comes to You in prayer for me. Lord hear my prayers for those around me who I am carrying the weight in this life with. Their struggles are my struggles and I pray that they too are placing these heavy things in Your hands. We all need help in this life and feel the loving care of others. We are a community of believers Lord. Belief is the basis of following You. Your son came and healed the sick - He did not ask - How sick or how long the person had the disease - He simply asked if they have faith and Believed that He could heal them - if their belief in Him was true - they were healed. I am asking today Lord that our belief in You rises to new grounds. Our trust overflows to those around us to the point it puts action in our faith. Help us walk with those hurting around us Lord. May you receive all the glory and honor in following Your instructions. God this life comes with hard things and struggles - its during these times our faith and belief in You is tested. They are there for a reason - May we grow because of them and be thankful for them. You are waiting on us on the other side of them ... hopefully receiving all the glory and honor for Your kingdom. Grow us Lord through the things in this life. Thank You for Your love and for Your son Jesus. It is in His name I pray today~
Amen
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What a morning.....
I got up early this morning to check on the snow. Yea its snowing and thats a miracle here in Charlotte. It takes a lot of things to line up correctly to get snow - I won't bore you with those details but if anyone would like to know - email me..... I love weather!
Anyways - even though it took me an hour to get to work - they make the announcement while I am on my way in and then find out its closed once I get here.... I was at first pretty mad - but lets put things into perspective.
I made it safely - I have a job to go to - Its warm at home and my family is well (probably playing in the snow with the 2 indoor Huskies) - and I have the opportunity to take a coworker home today. She takes the bus into work because she and her husband only have 1 car and she said she didn't want to risk her only vehicle thus putting them without transportation if something happened. So - I will take her home and I feel pretty good about that.
So even if what seemed like a waste of time - coming to work and having it closed - God will use me in helping someone..... God has the master plan and I am thankful for being His.
Philippians 2:14-15
"In everything you do, stay away from complaining or arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
That was in my inbox this morning .... and it wasn't there when I left the house because I checked.
I pray that God is using you today ... and you are setting a good example for others to follow. You are different than everyone else.... most people do their best to blend in or if they want to be different, like so many of our teens, they do so in not such good ways. Let God have your heart ... people will know you are different!
Safe travels today loved ones..... I am out of here!
Lonnie~
Anyways - even though it took me an hour to get to work - they make the announcement while I am on my way in and then find out its closed once I get here.... I was at first pretty mad - but lets put things into perspective.
I made it safely - I have a job to go to - Its warm at home and my family is well (probably playing in the snow with the 2 indoor Huskies) - and I have the opportunity to take a coworker home today. She takes the bus into work because she and her husband only have 1 car and she said she didn't want to risk her only vehicle thus putting them without transportation if something happened. So - I will take her home and I feel pretty good about that.
So even if what seemed like a waste of time - coming to work and having it closed - God will use me in helping someone..... God has the master plan and I am thankful for being His.
Philippians 2:14-15
"In everything you do, stay away from complaining or arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
That was in my inbox this morning .... and it wasn't there when I left the house because I checked.
I pray that God is using you today ... and you are setting a good example for others to follow. You are different than everyone else.... most people do their best to blend in or if they want to be different, like so many of our teens, they do so in not such good ways. Let God have your heart ... people will know you are different!
Safe travels today loved ones..... I am out of here!
Lonnie~
Monday, January 19, 2009
Ok - Well we are back in town. What a great couple of days at the cabin. What can I say about the peacefulness and the quietness of being in a place that is just a little piece of Heaven for us. I know the kids had a blast ~ Kyle is already going through Morgan withdrawal and its only been 2 hours since dropping them back at home. Hey I am too - I love the kids.
One of my most favorite moments come when we all get our winter gear on after supper and take the dogs for a walk. Last night - the stars where out and man can you see the heavens. It is just awesome looking up - The reminder of how small we really are and how BIG God really is. I often talk to my mom while I am there - thankful for her heavenly home - thankful that Walt is there and one day - we will again all be together. Carol and I walked extra long on both days and we fully enjoyed being outside in the clean mountain air and then coming back to a warm cabin. It is simple but it is so perfect in SO many ways.
We have snow coming in tonight. Charlotte will shut down if we get 4 inches - I love the drama the south has with snow. It is awesome just watching the news and watching the craziness. It doesn't happen often enough here and it really is a small miracle to even get snow. A lot of things need to happen for it to snow here. Hoping that school does not mess us up for going to the Cabin on Thursday evening - I have off on Friday and hoping to take one of "MyKids" with us. I look forward to that time invested ... I know she is very excited about it.
Well - looking forward to church on Sunday - Please keep my cousin Scott in your prayers - He will be having surgery on Wed morning to help with his BAD sleep apnea. He can't even lay down in bed without his air being cut off. I will keep everyone posted....... thanks!
Walt - today is your birthday ~ You are so missed here..... especially by Kyle. We all miss your company and our talks - I bet that heavenly birthday cake won't be messing with your sugar anymore ..... Happy Birthday W.
Love you all - be safe~
Lonnie
One of my most favorite moments come when we all get our winter gear on after supper and take the dogs for a walk. Last night - the stars where out and man can you see the heavens. It is just awesome looking up - The reminder of how small we really are and how BIG God really is. I often talk to my mom while I am there - thankful for her heavenly home - thankful that Walt is there and one day - we will again all be together. Carol and I walked extra long on both days and we fully enjoyed being outside in the clean mountain air and then coming back to a warm cabin. It is simple but it is so perfect in SO many ways.
We have snow coming in tonight. Charlotte will shut down if we get 4 inches - I love the drama the south has with snow. It is awesome just watching the news and watching the craziness. It doesn't happen often enough here and it really is a small miracle to even get snow. A lot of things need to happen for it to snow here. Hoping that school does not mess us up for going to the Cabin on Thursday evening - I have off on Friday and hoping to take one of "MyKids" with us. I look forward to that time invested ... I know she is very excited about it.
Well - looking forward to church on Sunday - Please keep my cousin Scott in your prayers - He will be having surgery on Wed morning to help with his BAD sleep apnea. He can't even lay down in bed without his air being cut off. I will keep everyone posted....... thanks!
Walt - today is your birthday ~ You are so missed here..... especially by Kyle. We all miss your company and our talks - I bet that heavenly birthday cake won't be messing with your sugar anymore ..... Happy Birthday W.
Love you all - be safe~
Lonnie
Saturday, January 17, 2009
@The Cabin~
Well, the Bateman clan is @ the cabin for a few days. It is just wonderful being here - plain and simple. The Lyman girls are with us and that in itself is awesome. Love these girls~
Got up here last night a little late and that is ok. Cold here with the temps at 6 this morning but it has warmed up some since the sun is shining. Currently 14 and the well is frozen but we are prepared this time around with 5 gallons ready to roll if needed and the coffee pot full with 12 cups of the most awesome coffee around. Love the coffee here at the cabin - not sure why it is so good.
Our plans today - NOTHING. We will head to Ingles for some grub - probably watch a movie and just hang out. We will hit the trails this afternoon with the dogs so Carol can get her steps in today.
Stay warm today loved ones..... life is good.
Lonnie~
Got up here last night a little late and that is ok. Cold here with the temps at 6 this morning but it has warmed up some since the sun is shining. Currently 14 and the well is frozen but we are prepared this time around with 5 gallons ready to roll if needed and the coffee pot full with 12 cups of the most awesome coffee around. Love the coffee here at the cabin - not sure why it is so good.
Our plans today - NOTHING. We will head to Ingles for some grub - probably watch a movie and just hang out. We will hit the trails this afternoon with the dogs so Carol can get her steps in today.
Stay warm today loved ones..... life is good.
Lonnie~
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday~
Wow - this week has flown by. I think 2 times this week I have fallen into bed ... I know catching up on sleep never happens but getting a few extra ZZZ's sure does a body good sometimes.
We have some cold weather moving in the Charlotte NC area. Looking forward to it in a way. It does make for some good news and weather forecasts as everyone goes into panic mode here in the south. Add a little snow to the mix and it really gets crazy! Carol, Kyle and I are headed to the cabin this coming weekend along with a few of "MyKids". I am really looking forward to it - bunkering down in the cold, fire on in the wood stove and just spending some quality time together. Sunday morning we are planning to head down to NewSpring church and that always pumps me up with what Pastor Noble and his peeps are doing down there. Should be a great day! I am sad we will be missing our new worship pastor's first day at church on Sunday but I am sure he and his wife will be welcomed in style and I will be praying he rocks the roof off the school.
One of the things I have been thinking about lately is the life of Paul. He had a good handful of his peeps that he got to teach and really live Gods word. A man from one extreme to the next and God used him like no other man to spread the Gospel. I think we all need an encourager, a person that you know has their back, a buddy who you could call on at any time of the day or night and know they would come running, in our lives. A person who looks out for you more than they look out for themselves. A person who prays for you daily and accepts you regardless if you mess things up or not.
Everyone needs a Paul in their life. I have been thinking, "Who is my Paul?" I think I have a few Paul's.... and I don't think they even know it. I will be praying to strengthen those Paul's in my life. There is much to learn from them - to grow out of for me. To catch the vision they are casting and expand on my limited understanding of things.
"Who is Your Paul?"
God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it.
Author unknown
We have some cold weather moving in the Charlotte NC area. Looking forward to it in a way. It does make for some good news and weather forecasts as everyone goes into panic mode here in the south. Add a little snow to the mix and it really gets crazy! Carol, Kyle and I are headed to the cabin this coming weekend along with a few of "MyKids". I am really looking forward to it - bunkering down in the cold, fire on in the wood stove and just spending some quality time together. Sunday morning we are planning to head down to NewSpring church and that always pumps me up with what Pastor Noble and his peeps are doing down there. Should be a great day! I am sad we will be missing our new worship pastor's first day at church on Sunday but I am sure he and his wife will be welcomed in style and I will be praying he rocks the roof off the school.
One of the things I have been thinking about lately is the life of Paul. He had a good handful of his peeps that he got to teach and really live Gods word. A man from one extreme to the next and God used him like no other man to spread the Gospel. I think we all need an encourager, a person that you know has their back, a buddy who you could call on at any time of the day or night and know they would come running, in our lives. A person who looks out for you more than they look out for themselves. A person who prays for you daily and accepts you regardless if you mess things up or not.
Everyone needs a Paul in their life. I have been thinking, "Who is my Paul?" I think I have a few Paul's.... and I don't think they even know it. I will be praying to strengthen those Paul's in my life. There is much to learn from them - to grow out of for me. To catch the vision they are casting and expand on my limited understanding of things.
"Who is Your Paul?"
God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it.
Author unknown
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