It has been a busy week and I am thankful that Friday is here. Carol, Kyle and I got to hang out and have an awesome meal together with some good friends of ours last night. The conversations and the fun was so good that it was 10:00 in the matter of minutes. We didn't even notice the time flying by. This is a newly married couple and life is so bright for them and their future is stamped on the foundations of Jesus. I am so proud of them as they have done so many "Right" things that they are such a great example for young folks - especially young girls and boys. I am just so proud to be serving the Lord with them. It really is an honor and we are blessed because of their friendship.
This morning I had an early doctors appointment. So that means no eating or coffee before leaving the house. I am usually ok with that because I often times fast for a day here and there when I am looking and digging deep into my heart and Gods heart for direction or an answer on something I am struggling with. After the doctors I stopped and took some time at McDonald's. Normally I would drive through and head on into work but this time, I just felt like I needed to pause for a bit. To go in, get a coffee, bacon egg and cheese bagel and an OJ. So I order and the lady behind the counter was smiling and very pleasant. Place it about 40% full and I found me a seat over in the corner. Got my IPod out, my pen and paper and got into a message that I have been studying for a few weeks now so that I prepare my notes on our upcoming Rock Group lesson next Sunday. It should be a great series and I really want it to make an impact into our Rock Group families - even the kids. I pour a lot into these them and my reward is knowing that God is changing folks and growing their faith as we learn together about Jesus. That is what keeps me leading...... anyways - I enjoyed my coffee, OJ and my Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel. I was taking some notes and getting ready to finish things up. Not knowing who or what was really going on around me ... I just was not paying attention. I bowed my head and prayed a little to thank the Lord for this pause and for the time to study His word. I felt the Lord telling me to pick up the breakfast tab for the lady over a few tables over for me. The hair on my arm stood up - my heart starting beating faster and I can tell my face was getting red. I said, Ok Lord, If this is what You want me to do. I don't even know if I have any cash on me - are You sure? Isn't funny how we do that sometimes - question God.... I have to smile at that.
Anyways, I got up and took my tray to the trash and then got my wallet out. Removed $5 which I didn't know I had and walked up to the table. There sat a little lady - big glasses, had more coats on than I think she needed but I don't know - maybe she is poor, came in to McDonald's this morning to warm up because she has no heat, lives in her car, I have no idea.... I said Mam, you are going to think this is weird but Jesus loves you and I felt Him this morning telling me to pay for your breakfast and I handed her the money. She looked up at me a little startled - she had a coffee and a hash brown. That was all and she said "Why". I said I don't know but God wants you to know that He loves you. She reached for the tissues and began to cry - she thanked me and reached for my hand. I didn't know what else to do so I just smiled and she smiled. I told her to have a blessed day today and made my exit out. I got in my E and began to pull out and I looked over at her through the window and she was standing at the window now, with the tissues wiping her eyes and was waving with her right hand really hard.... you know how like a kid is saying good bye and is really excited. She was waving like a little child would wave.
I returned the wave and again smiled. It was such an awesome experience.
But being the softy that I am - as I turned onto the main road I was trying hard to hold back the tears. So many times in life we ignore and turn away from our Heavenly Father. I have no idea what kind of situation that lady was in or what her life was like or what she is currently struggling with. $5 is not a big deal to me but its a meal for someone else. Its a handup and not a handout. Its a word from the Lord telling this lady that people do care. God often times speaks through others in our lives. We often think that we have to hear a big boom - a loud voice coming from our heavenly father but more times than not - its often a whisper. A movement in ones heart leading them to do something - even if its out of place or you don't understand. Its the step forward in faith and doing what God is asking us that really makes the blessing from above count with feelings behind them.
In life we often turn to God when we have emergencies. When life is hard and we cannot see a way out. We then cry out to God to do something - help us and rescue us. I bet the heavens party when this happens because it is in those hard places when we cannot figure things out, punch our way out, buy our way out and have to get right down to it with the Lord - Lord, I just don't even know what to say, what to ask for, what to do but I trust You and I need You. God shows up in incredible ways when we put Him first in our hearts, lives, and decisions. Far too often when we are down and hurting, we try to white knuckle it - endure it by ourselves and suffer through - Your ideas to resolve it are just your ideas ...... God has God ideas. Who's is going to make a difference? Who's is going to lead you from where you are?
As a follower of Jesus - I can make excuses to not get involved with things and with people. Relationships are hard and many times they lead to messy places. Its those messy places that God does His best work. We need to drop the excuses loved ones. Do what God is asking you to do. Get involved, reach out, extend your little world of thinking and see what God is trying to show you. Some people have time - Some people have money. Its not likely that we have both. So pick which one you have and get to using it.
This morning was just a breakfast but someone who needed that breakfast and to be reminded that God loves her - it may mean a world of difference.
I ask the Lord every morning to use me for His purpose and His glory..... I am nothing with out Him. As good as salt that has lost its saltiness.... only to be thrown aside and placed in the dirt.
Its exciting to be following Jesus - you just never know what He is going to ask of you or who He will put in your paths.
Carry on loved ones - keep your light shining- for this dark world needs Gods light,
Lonnie~
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A bit different today~
Woke this morning to an inch of snow on the ground!! Most of the area closed down - schools closed - weather folks reporting from everywhere! Seems there was some ice under that pretty snow - causing some major problems. Work opened late - Carol wondering what happened to the coffee. Got to hang in for a bit this morning and get the house warm after carrying in some firewood. Hey it was a nice change of pace. I am good with change to a certain degree but it does bring you to a new place. Maybe unfamiliar but sometimes - it is familiar.
I struggle sometimes with the choices and decisions that some people make. Especially when it comes to affecting their children in some way. I am not saying I am perfect by any stretch of the means nor do my decisions not affect my family but sometimes I wonder if the people making these decisions are any better at making them then their children are. Hey it's not my place to jump in and say this or that - its their life - all I can do is pray for them and then if it doesn't work out - be there to pick up the pieces and then pray those pieces back together again with Gods grace all in it.
But during this period of time - I am reminded of a piece of scripture -
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Maybe this door will close on this situation and friendship - maybe it will be a slow thing. I am ok with that because I have done what God has asked me to do. Maybe it is time to move on and invest elsewhere and in some new. Believe me though - if this happens it won't be easy. It will be hard but I know God is in control. I know that above all else, all the pain and suffering of walking this walk - He gets the glory for it. I am proud to be where He has taken me and my family for it and through it. Lives changed in some way I know has happened.... long term - Its in Gods hands.
So I am feeling a little strange about it all today. Maybe its me and the devil whispering in my ear and telling me things I don't need to be hearing. I trust in the Lord and I will carry on with the assignment He give me. But for now - I will be repeating this~
Proverbs 4:23
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
I know that if God closes one door - another He will open. I trust fully in that - that gets me excited~
Glad to see the snow this morning. It was quiet as the snow deafens the noise. I love my mornings and the time that God puts my heart in its right focus.
Peace out~
Lonnie~
I struggle sometimes with the choices and decisions that some people make. Especially when it comes to affecting their children in some way. I am not saying I am perfect by any stretch of the means nor do my decisions not affect my family but sometimes I wonder if the people making these decisions are any better at making them then their children are. Hey it's not my place to jump in and say this or that - its their life - all I can do is pray for them and then if it doesn't work out - be there to pick up the pieces and then pray those pieces back together again with Gods grace all in it.
But during this period of time - I am reminded of a piece of scripture -
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Maybe this door will close on this situation and friendship - maybe it will be a slow thing. I am ok with that because I have done what God has asked me to do. Maybe it is time to move on and invest elsewhere and in some new. Believe me though - if this happens it won't be easy. It will be hard but I know God is in control. I know that above all else, all the pain and suffering of walking this walk - He gets the glory for it. I am proud to be where He has taken me and my family for it and through it. Lives changed in some way I know has happened.... long term - Its in Gods hands.
So I am feeling a little strange about it all today. Maybe its me and the devil whispering in my ear and telling me things I don't need to be hearing. I trust in the Lord and I will carry on with the assignment He give me. But for now - I will be repeating this~
Proverbs 4:23
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
I know that if God closes one door - another He will open. I trust fully in that - that gets me excited~
Glad to see the snow this morning. It was quiet as the snow deafens the noise. I love my mornings and the time that God puts my heart in its right focus.
Peace out~
Lonnie~
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday blues....
Wow - how did it get to be Monday already? Today, instead of sharing some things that God is teaching me - I want to share some random thoughts, some struggles I am facing and some other random things... sound OK?
Here it goes:
~ I mentioned to some of our Rock Group families last night during the super bowl that I had probably spent more time in the gym in my life than everyone put together. I got some strange looks but to be honest - it might be true. I have always been in the gym, training for Judo most of my younger life and then heavy the last 13 years while living in NC. The last 1.5 years though I have not been at all. Last time I was lifting and working out in the gym I had an episode that put be down on the ground for 45 minutes and unable to get up, leave, too afraid to have paramedics come and get me. It keeps me from the gym today. Only since summer have I got back into playing R'ball but I still miss the pumped feeling and working out. I can feel my health as not as good as it should be or what I want it to be. I need to get past my fears and get back
~ I love the folks in my Rock Group. I especially love the family feeling when we are all together. We have a lot of fun and we all can just be ourselves and knowing that we have each others back regardless of what we are facing. I am especially honored and humbled to be leading them all in some capacity and being the best example to all our kids that I can be. God will hold me accountable for what I am doing - it is a big responsibility to me and through this leadership role God is opening doors, teaching me so many things and is giving me confidence and strength to trust in Him more for my faith journey. Ya'll just don't know how much I love you all and how much I pray for each of you. Your burdens are my burdens....
~ There is a family that Carol and I have been praying for for years. Honestly - our walk with this family has been growing closer the last few months. They are close to plugging into church and really doing life with us. I am excited about that! I am excited to have the Lord really work on all of us and lead us down the same paths of life together.
~ I am especially proud of Carol and her new attitude to take care of herself. Something she has not always done but is now making progress and she has surrounded herself with some very close friends that are her accountability partners. Together they are making a difference where as alone - they might have given up already. Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, So one man (woman) sharpens another.
~ We just finished up a 3 part series in our Rock Group called "Kaleo" - which means "to be called". We are each called to do some very specific things from God. A few months ago as I was searching and praying about the next lesson for our group - I got to study the lesson of being called to make "Disciples". It explained that special relationship between "Paul" and "Timothy". Paul had Timothy to pour into - to teach and guide and be an example for. Timothy learned and studied to understand, act, pray, and live life according to what Paul was teaching him. Much like a parent and a child. We all have Timothy's in our life. People we are doing life with that we can share, laugh, have fun and cry with but a Paul only comes around every so often. People do not come to ask if they can be your Paul.... mostly people come and ask to be someones Timothy. I have been praying hard for a few months now about my "Paul". I have asked one person that I look up to very much and feel confident that I can learn many things from. I am waiting on an answer even though I don't exactly know that it will look like or how it will work. I have one more person to ask to be my Paul - I have some Timothy's and I thank God for them. Some are "MyKids" and some are my best friends who I am doing life with. Honored to be a "Paul" for them.
~ I am excited about this Wednesday. I will be tagging along to a bible study that Kyle has been going to for some time now. He and a few of his friends go to a local church and have worship, food and a quick message. I was asked to come along by one of Kyles classmates - someone who I have been praying for since the beginning of school. She is a great kid and is living through some tough and hard things. I continue to ask God to bring our paths together and maybe this is the chance coming up to do just that. I would love the opportunity to encourage her, pray for her and just do what God has asked me to do for so many.
~ Sunday's are my busiest day of the week. Monday comes way too fast. After serving most Sundays for 8 hours and then coming home, relaxing for just a little bit, get some lunch, study and prepare final notes for Rock Group that evening and then pouring my heart into that. I am usually wiped in Monday morning. Church leaders are talking of adding a 3rd service. That is a good problem to have when you have more people than seats at a church experience. I just don't know how or even if I have enough energy to add 2 more hours into my Sunday. I know we need volunteers to make it happen and beat myself up at times for not having enough of them. Maybe its my leadership abilities or maybe I am not doing something right. I just don't know. I want to do this until our church building is built and then move into the K-5 ministry and into Project 252 ministry to some degree. I just love the kids but I just can't do it all. There is something special to have a parent come to the kids area and have a crying child they are bringing in - mom or dad hands me the child and the tears stop and the smiles start and the mom or dad just is amazed..... and can go back into the service knowing that their child is taken care of and in good hands. That is a HUGE honor to be trusted like that.
~ I have been praying about what the future holds as far as my lunch time ministry when I go have lunch in the schools with "MyKids". Next year I won't have a reason to be allowed in the school since Kyle won't be there. Does that mean I can't go or can I be part of a school/student mentor program? Do they have such a thing? I need to figure that out so that I can continue that special time for these kids when they have a visitor to eat lunch with them. Kids really dig it and especially for those who have no one to come and visit them.
~ I have enjoyed the concept and filling in my daily activities on facebook the last few months. In one way though I have to say that I can't remember many of the folks from the old days. I get a friend request but can't remember them. Sorry - but I won't be friends with people who I don't know. For some this is not a big deal - they have 1000 friends but thats not how I roll. My niece has been accepting friends on her myspace account now for years. Big deal her account is set to private when there are 1500 folks she can still talk with. Creeps, 60 year old men, strange looking people you would not otherwise even say hello to can talk with her. Did I mention she is 15? I don't think I am ready for a teenager yet.... God will have to work me over hard by then.
~ I have been spending a lot of time lately with one of "MyKids". She has been through some tough things and has many struggles in life. I continue to struggle with how and when to help this family. How much is enough? I have told this family that I didn't know what I was doing but I was tired of not answering what God has asked me to do. So I continue to ask that God lead me, to be in each and every detail and to keep my intentions His intentions. We have made some break through lately .... I am excited about that.
~ I miss my family. It is hard to be plugged in and to know what is going on with everyone being 2 hours away. I don't make enough time for them. That makes me feel guilty. Family pain is the worst kind of pain. I would love to see my brothers come to know Jesus in my lifetime. I would love to see my dad know Jesus and thus keeping my promise to my mom. I miss my mom a lot. I say good morning to her every single day. I also miss Walt being in the house. We had many good conversations and he really cared about us and Kyle. I often feel bad for Kyle in such a way that he doesn't have Walt to pour into him anymore. It really was an incredible relationship they had. Kyle has seen more close people pass away in his short life as I have my entire life. God is going to use Kyle in many incredible ways and that makes me excited for him.
~ The Super bowl last night was pretty exciting. I am a Kurt Warner fan because of his leadership and example of following Jesus. It was a great game and the commercials - well only a few were good this year.
~ I am thinking after I finish up the next chapter in my study in the Bible - I am going to try my best to understand Job and again read Hebrews. I have not spent much time in the Old Testament and I think its time I venture into it.
~ Carol and I are going on our first marriage retreat. We are excited about that - learning and applying some new things and from Gods perspective. We are also excited about Charlston SC - we have never been there. Should be a great weekend~
~ I continue to pray for my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster. Uncle Buster has had some health issues lately and my Aunt Sharon has been right there by his side. Her son Scott has also been through some health issues and above all else for Scott - he doesn't know the Lord.
~ I miss my cousin Patty. During the time my mom was sick, she was my right hand and walked with me through some tough family pain. We would often stay up all night talking about things. She is like a sister to me and I love her dearly. I need to bring highway 77 a little shorter in length for us. She has a great guy now and I am thankful for him.
~ Our visits to the cabin are too far inbetween visits. I love bringing folks with us and sharing what God has given us. I love being able to loan it out for the weekends for trusted friends to go and unwind and experience a "Little piece of Heaven". God for sure has blessed us with that place.
~ I am humbled daily by what God has done in my life. He rescued me years ago from a sickness that could have easily killed me and leaving Carol a widow and Kyle with no father. I have many sons now and many daughters and a fire and love in my heart for others that only God gives to folks who live life as a second chance. I hate to tell many of my kids "NO" because they get to hear it in their lives far too often. I would do anything for family and "MyKids". God continues to lead me in life, to teach me and help me understand that God is the details. He is in those relationships and we are doing life together for a reason. I try to see the best in people, to have compassion in my heart for them and the things they are struggling with and to love them regardless. In life we some times have to remove the excuses and just get on with doing what God has called you to do. There is no place to hide and one day we all will be held accountable for our actions. No knowing Jesus is not based on our grandparents, our husbands or wives or aunt's or uncles.... its personal. Its a relationsip between you and our heavenly father. Why have someone hold you back from that?
~ I get to hang out with some of "MyKids" tonight as Carol has her support group with the ladies. I love investing everything I have into them. Nothing is sweeter in life than kids who think of you like a dad and you know you are making an impact in their lives.
God has truely blessed me in so many ways. May each day I give him praise and thanks for what He is doing and may I have the strength, energy, confidence in Him and the courage to always follow Him and stand for my God in everything I do.
~ Love leaves a lasting mark - So give it everything you got!
Love you all - thanks for walking with me on "The Walk"........
Lonnie
Here it goes:
~ I mentioned to some of our Rock Group families last night during the super bowl that I had probably spent more time in the gym in my life than everyone put together. I got some strange looks but to be honest - it might be true. I have always been in the gym, training for Judo most of my younger life and then heavy the last 13 years while living in NC. The last 1.5 years though I have not been at all. Last time I was lifting and working out in the gym I had an episode that put be down on the ground for 45 minutes and unable to get up, leave, too afraid to have paramedics come and get me. It keeps me from the gym today. Only since summer have I got back into playing R'ball but I still miss the pumped feeling and working out. I can feel my health as not as good as it should be or what I want it to be. I need to get past my fears and get back
~ I love the folks in my Rock Group. I especially love the family feeling when we are all together. We have a lot of fun and we all can just be ourselves and knowing that we have each others back regardless of what we are facing. I am especially honored and humbled to be leading them all in some capacity and being the best example to all our kids that I can be. God will hold me accountable for what I am doing - it is a big responsibility to me and through this leadership role God is opening doors, teaching me so many things and is giving me confidence and strength to trust in Him more for my faith journey. Ya'll just don't know how much I love you all and how much I pray for each of you. Your burdens are my burdens....
~ There is a family that Carol and I have been praying for for years. Honestly - our walk with this family has been growing closer the last few months. They are close to plugging into church and really doing life with us. I am excited about that! I am excited to have the Lord really work on all of us and lead us down the same paths of life together.
~ I am especially proud of Carol and her new attitude to take care of herself. Something she has not always done but is now making progress and she has surrounded herself with some very close friends that are her accountability partners. Together they are making a difference where as alone - they might have given up already. Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron, So one man (woman) sharpens another.
~ We just finished up a 3 part series in our Rock Group called "Kaleo" - which means "to be called". We are each called to do some very specific things from God. A few months ago as I was searching and praying about the next lesson for our group - I got to study the lesson of being called to make "Disciples". It explained that special relationship between "Paul" and "Timothy". Paul had Timothy to pour into - to teach and guide and be an example for. Timothy learned and studied to understand, act, pray, and live life according to what Paul was teaching him. Much like a parent and a child. We all have Timothy's in our life. People we are doing life with that we can share, laugh, have fun and cry with but a Paul only comes around every so often. People do not come to ask if they can be your Paul.... mostly people come and ask to be someones Timothy. I have been praying hard for a few months now about my "Paul". I have asked one person that I look up to very much and feel confident that I can learn many things from. I am waiting on an answer even though I don't exactly know that it will look like or how it will work. I have one more person to ask to be my Paul - I have some Timothy's and I thank God for them. Some are "MyKids" and some are my best friends who I am doing life with. Honored to be a "Paul" for them.
~ I am excited about this Wednesday. I will be tagging along to a bible study that Kyle has been going to for some time now. He and a few of his friends go to a local church and have worship, food and a quick message. I was asked to come along by one of Kyles classmates - someone who I have been praying for since the beginning of school. She is a great kid and is living through some tough and hard things. I continue to ask God to bring our paths together and maybe this is the chance coming up to do just that. I would love the opportunity to encourage her, pray for her and just do what God has asked me to do for so many.
~ Sunday's are my busiest day of the week. Monday comes way too fast. After serving most Sundays for 8 hours and then coming home, relaxing for just a little bit, get some lunch, study and prepare final notes for Rock Group that evening and then pouring my heart into that. I am usually wiped in Monday morning. Church leaders are talking of adding a 3rd service. That is a good problem to have when you have more people than seats at a church experience. I just don't know how or even if I have enough energy to add 2 more hours into my Sunday. I know we need volunteers to make it happen and beat myself up at times for not having enough of them. Maybe its my leadership abilities or maybe I am not doing something right. I just don't know. I want to do this until our church building is built and then move into the K-5 ministry and into Project 252 ministry to some degree. I just love the kids but I just can't do it all. There is something special to have a parent come to the kids area and have a crying child they are bringing in - mom or dad hands me the child and the tears stop and the smiles start and the mom or dad just is amazed..... and can go back into the service knowing that their child is taken care of and in good hands. That is a HUGE honor to be trusted like that.
~ I have been praying about what the future holds as far as my lunch time ministry when I go have lunch in the schools with "MyKids". Next year I won't have a reason to be allowed in the school since Kyle won't be there. Does that mean I can't go or can I be part of a school/student mentor program? Do they have such a thing? I need to figure that out so that I can continue that special time for these kids when they have a visitor to eat lunch with them. Kids really dig it and especially for those who have no one to come and visit them.
~ I have enjoyed the concept and filling in my daily activities on facebook the last few months. In one way though I have to say that I can't remember many of the folks from the old days. I get a friend request but can't remember them. Sorry - but I won't be friends with people who I don't know. For some this is not a big deal - they have 1000 friends but thats not how I roll. My niece has been accepting friends on her myspace account now for years. Big deal her account is set to private when there are 1500 folks she can still talk with. Creeps, 60 year old men, strange looking people you would not otherwise even say hello to can talk with her. Did I mention she is 15? I don't think I am ready for a teenager yet.... God will have to work me over hard by then.
~ I have been spending a lot of time lately with one of "MyKids". She has been through some tough things and has many struggles in life. I continue to struggle with how and when to help this family. How much is enough? I have told this family that I didn't know what I was doing but I was tired of not answering what God has asked me to do. So I continue to ask that God lead me, to be in each and every detail and to keep my intentions His intentions. We have made some break through lately .... I am excited about that.
~ I miss my family. It is hard to be plugged in and to know what is going on with everyone being 2 hours away. I don't make enough time for them. That makes me feel guilty. Family pain is the worst kind of pain. I would love to see my brothers come to know Jesus in my lifetime. I would love to see my dad know Jesus and thus keeping my promise to my mom. I miss my mom a lot. I say good morning to her every single day. I also miss Walt being in the house. We had many good conversations and he really cared about us and Kyle. I often feel bad for Kyle in such a way that he doesn't have Walt to pour into him anymore. It really was an incredible relationship they had. Kyle has seen more close people pass away in his short life as I have my entire life. God is going to use Kyle in many incredible ways and that makes me excited for him.
~ The Super bowl last night was pretty exciting. I am a Kurt Warner fan because of his leadership and example of following Jesus. It was a great game and the commercials - well only a few were good this year.
~ I am thinking after I finish up the next chapter in my study in the Bible - I am going to try my best to understand Job and again read Hebrews. I have not spent much time in the Old Testament and I think its time I venture into it.
~ Carol and I are going on our first marriage retreat. We are excited about that - learning and applying some new things and from Gods perspective. We are also excited about Charlston SC - we have never been there. Should be a great weekend~
~ I continue to pray for my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster. Uncle Buster has had some health issues lately and my Aunt Sharon has been right there by his side. Her son Scott has also been through some health issues and above all else for Scott - he doesn't know the Lord.
~ I miss my cousin Patty. During the time my mom was sick, she was my right hand and walked with me through some tough family pain. We would often stay up all night talking about things. She is like a sister to me and I love her dearly. I need to bring highway 77 a little shorter in length for us. She has a great guy now and I am thankful for him.
~ Our visits to the cabin are too far inbetween visits. I love bringing folks with us and sharing what God has given us. I love being able to loan it out for the weekends for trusted friends to go and unwind and experience a "Little piece of Heaven". God for sure has blessed us with that place.
~ I am humbled daily by what God has done in my life. He rescued me years ago from a sickness that could have easily killed me and leaving Carol a widow and Kyle with no father. I have many sons now and many daughters and a fire and love in my heart for others that only God gives to folks who live life as a second chance. I hate to tell many of my kids "NO" because they get to hear it in their lives far too often. I would do anything for family and "MyKids". God continues to lead me in life, to teach me and help me understand that God is the details. He is in those relationships and we are doing life together for a reason. I try to see the best in people, to have compassion in my heart for them and the things they are struggling with and to love them regardless. In life we some times have to remove the excuses and just get on with doing what God has called you to do. There is no place to hide and one day we all will be held accountable for our actions. No knowing Jesus is not based on our grandparents, our husbands or wives or aunt's or uncles.... its personal. Its a relationsip between you and our heavenly father. Why have someone hold you back from that?
~ I get to hang out with some of "MyKids" tonight as Carol has her support group with the ladies. I love investing everything I have into them. Nothing is sweeter in life than kids who think of you like a dad and you know you are making an impact in their lives.
God has truely blessed me in so many ways. May each day I give him praise and thanks for what He is doing and may I have the strength, energy, confidence in Him and the courage to always follow Him and stand for my God in everything I do.
~ Love leaves a lasting mark - So give it everything you got!
Love you all - thanks for walking with me on "The Walk"........
Lonnie
Friday, January 30, 2009
Parenting is such a hard job. I just ordered a new book yesterday - Parenting Teens in a Confusing Culture by Mark Gregston. I am really excited to dig into this. Our last book that went around our Rock Group really went over big time. Have a New Kid by Friday. So many of our kids thought they were being traded in on Friday for an upgrade! Too funny.......
One of the things I want to share this morning is the fact that over the last week as you know I have not been sleeping that well. Carol has been suffering with her tooth since November and honestly - it has taken a toll. Today was the first morning in a long time, she got up and I met her at the breakfast table and she was smiling - without pain. I have regained some of my sleep back after working things out and handing things over to the Lord. So things are looking up! This reminds me back when Kyle was little. We would have a great day playing or doing something fun and that particular day he would miss his nap. He loved his naps even though it was tough to wind him down to the point where he could nap. If he missed it though, talk about a cranky kid. Talk about a suffering parent! Talk about someone on the verge of meltdown even at the smallest of things. Parents, we are the same way. If we are not taking care of ourselves with eating right, exercise and SLEEP - we are that cranky child. We snap at the kids, we yell when we shouldn't be and we take things out on the ones around us - those we love. We often get out of focus in life and do the wrong things and focus on the negative things that are all around us. I got to see this first hand at school yesterday with a teacher in the face of a child - He has some stress these days and it is getting the best of him. The child took the result of it. Our lives may reflect working at the office 90 hours a week, stress that comes from someone sick, trying to pay the bills or just not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
When this happens our parenting becomes weak when our kids need us to be STRONG.
Why do weak parents produce weak children? Often it's because they operate out of their feelings instead of their responsibilities. They want to do what they want to do more than they want to do what is right. Our responsibilities are to our children. Those teen years go fast and you only have a small window to raise them and not let culture raise them. Yes its hard ... I can't tell you how much it means to have a small group of families around us (Carol and I) that really care for us. They are in the trenches with Carol and I. We are in it with them.
Letting feelings lead your live is a course that will for sure crash along the way....... God has a better plan if you let Him lead you. If you are struggling hard today - look at it as Gods way of correcting you with loving discipline.
I want to share Hebrews 12:11 this morning:
Hebrews 12:11 (The Message)
4-11In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
Loved ones, embrace what God is doing in your life. If its hard right now - follow Him so that you can move on to better things. Let God lead your feet and pour yourself into His words. Your children will benefit more from that than anything else in the world. The world has little to offer us and VERY little to offer them. As we discipline our children and teach them right from wrong - so is our heavenly Father giving us loving discipline so that we too may know the right way.
Happy Friday everyone - love you all,
Lonnie
One of the things I want to share this morning is the fact that over the last week as you know I have not been sleeping that well. Carol has been suffering with her tooth since November and honestly - it has taken a toll. Today was the first morning in a long time, she got up and I met her at the breakfast table and she was smiling - without pain. I have regained some of my sleep back after working things out and handing things over to the Lord. So things are looking up! This reminds me back when Kyle was little. We would have a great day playing or doing something fun and that particular day he would miss his nap. He loved his naps even though it was tough to wind him down to the point where he could nap. If he missed it though, talk about a cranky kid. Talk about a suffering parent! Talk about someone on the verge of meltdown even at the smallest of things. Parents, we are the same way. If we are not taking care of ourselves with eating right, exercise and SLEEP - we are that cranky child. We snap at the kids, we yell when we shouldn't be and we take things out on the ones around us - those we love. We often get out of focus in life and do the wrong things and focus on the negative things that are all around us. I got to see this first hand at school yesterday with a teacher in the face of a child - He has some stress these days and it is getting the best of him. The child took the result of it. Our lives may reflect working at the office 90 hours a week, stress that comes from someone sick, trying to pay the bills or just not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
When this happens our parenting becomes weak when our kids need us to be STRONG.
Why do weak parents produce weak children? Often it's because they operate out of their feelings instead of their responsibilities. They want to do what they want to do more than they want to do what is right. Our responsibilities are to our children. Those teen years go fast and you only have a small window to raise them and not let culture raise them. Yes its hard ... I can't tell you how much it means to have a small group of families around us (Carol and I) that really care for us. They are in the trenches with Carol and I. We are in it with them.
Letting feelings lead your live is a course that will for sure crash along the way....... God has a better plan if you let Him lead you. If you are struggling hard today - look at it as Gods way of correcting you with loving discipline.
I want to share Hebrews 12:11 this morning:
Hebrews 12:11 (The Message)
4-11In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.
Loved ones, embrace what God is doing in your life. If its hard right now - follow Him so that you can move on to better things. Let God lead your feet and pour yourself into His words. Your children will benefit more from that than anything else in the world. The world has little to offer us and VERY little to offer them. As we discipline our children and teach them right from wrong - so is our heavenly Father giving us loving discipline so that we too may know the right way.
Happy Friday everyone - love you all,
Lonnie
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
One moment to another........
I have been really heavy the last few days. There are nights of little sleep, tossing and turning, a loving wife suffering with tooth problems, "MyKids" having struggles, dear friends who are hungry and those who are losing their incomes... there is a LOT of suffering taking place right now. Thats only in my little spot on Gods Radar amongst everything in the universe that is taking place right now in His hands.
My faith and trust is in Him and at times it is hard to do give things to our Heavenly Father - we are so busy with things, worried and heavy with others things - it takes a clear vision with eyes directly on Him to keep things in perspective. There is a story in the bible that my Aunt Sharon always tells me when things are just out of control in her life.... As Jesus approached the boat, the disciples saw that he was walking on the water and they thought he was a ghost. I think Peter jumped into the water and was going towards Jesus. Only then did he realize that he was walking on the water, he then began to sink and Jesus reached for him and pulled him up. He didn't keep his eyes on Jesus. I know I did not tell it as good as you Aunt Sharon - you have such power and trust in your voice and heart when you share that! It reminds me to keep my eyes on Him while going through the storms in this life. As people attack, judge you for what you are doing and watching every move you make. I must keep pressing forward, not giving in and not giving up because Jesus has called me to do what I am doing. Being afraid is not an option......
Psalm 56 has my back today~ One moment looking at myself and the next - eyes back on Jesus. Many of you are struggling today, health, job, money, kids, relationships - whatever.... let me share Psalm 56 today~
Love you all,
Lonnie
1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. 2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. 3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
5 They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. 6 They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me. 7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.
8 You keep track of all my sorrows.[a] You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! 10 I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. 11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. 13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
My faith and trust is in Him and at times it is hard to do give things to our Heavenly Father - we are so busy with things, worried and heavy with others things - it takes a clear vision with eyes directly on Him to keep things in perspective. There is a story in the bible that my Aunt Sharon always tells me when things are just out of control in her life.... As Jesus approached the boat, the disciples saw that he was walking on the water and they thought he was a ghost. I think Peter jumped into the water and was going towards Jesus. Only then did he realize that he was walking on the water, he then began to sink and Jesus reached for him and pulled him up. He didn't keep his eyes on Jesus. I know I did not tell it as good as you Aunt Sharon - you have such power and trust in your voice and heart when you share that! It reminds me to keep my eyes on Him while going through the storms in this life. As people attack, judge you for what you are doing and watching every move you make. I must keep pressing forward, not giving in and not giving up because Jesus has called me to do what I am doing. Being afraid is not an option......
Psalm 56 has my back today~ One moment looking at myself and the next - eyes back on Jesus. Many of you are struggling today, health, job, money, kids, relationships - whatever.... let me share Psalm 56 today~
Love you all,
Lonnie
1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. 2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. 3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
5 They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me. 6 They come together to spy on me— watching my every step, eager to kill me. 7 Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.
8 You keep track of all my sorrows.[a] You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! 10 I praise God for what he has promised; Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. 11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
12 I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. 13 For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The train ride....
I will be honest ~ I have not been sleeping good at all. The last 4-5 days have been really tough. Tossing and turning, going over things in my mind - struggling hard with a few issues that really concern me and are making my heart heavy. I know that keeping these things in the Lord hands is where they need to be. Do I continue on? How do I jump off the train? Is that what God wants me to do? How do I abandon ship and leave the people there and "Leaving" is the key word. Do I stick this out and do what God has called me to do? What IF I missed the sign and I am in nowhereland walking this long journey that leads no place?
I have been involved in childrens ministry now for 3 years. I don't feel called to teach at Sunday school but to build relationships. I feel called to be in the childrens lives, to get to know them, to listen to them, to comfort and assure the parents that their child is safe at church, being taught Gods word in church and is having fun. They can then go and be in the service and listen to Gods word at their own level. Some churches don't even let children into their services - but for now - the worship (music) is such a big thing today for kids and having them in the service during worship is huge. Nothing like a 1st grader on the front row with her eyes shut and hands raised praising God. Sunday school is working for that child - her parents are giving her an example of following Jesus. It's the lost kids, the struggling kids, the kids who come in who you can tell have 1 parent or no parents that need my attention. I have learned alot over the last few years and I understand and have learned I and our team of teachers are there for the "Train" - for the entire group. I say TRAIN because when you lose them - they roll right over you like a train :) - Kids want to be heard - they need someone to listen to them. They have prayer requests and things that are important to them. Sometimes in our ministry - in our walk with Jesus as we provide examples (our lives) for these children - we need to stop the train and get down on their level and listen. We need to come out of our comfort zone and really go to the messy places. We are called to make a difference. Sometimes that means it costs us something. It may be money, it may be time and it may be a broken heart in the long run. They all matter to God and it is our calling to love them as Jesus loves them. We will always have an excuse to NOT get involved. Its hard at times to be involved - to see the decisions being made in families and the directions they are going in. I make bad decisions at times as well. Its hard seeing the struggles of kids today - it is so much harder raising a kid today than say - when I was growing up. (a long time ago) I know I am making a difference and it doesn't matter how hard it is. Apostle Paul suffered doing what he was called to do. Jesus came and died for it.
Messy is where the tough people go. Messy is also where the loving and grace filled hearts go.
Messy is where we get down to the dirt of the matter. Messy is also where we experience how to shape the mud into wonderful things.
Messy is sometimes where we find the "Realness" of the person or the child.
Messy is where you are making a difference.
Ministry is messy at times and sometimes we need to pull the train over - and minister to those on board. We have to sometimes drop what we are doing, all for Gods glory, roll the sleeves up and get right down into the moment.
There is something special in being pulled by the arm so that a child can share something important with you. If it matters to them.... It matters to God ...and that means - it should matter to me and matter to you.
I know I have my train ticket around here somewhere.....
Lonnie
My morning quiet time this morning~
1 Thessalonians 5
Final Instructions 12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I have been involved in childrens ministry now for 3 years. I don't feel called to teach at Sunday school but to build relationships. I feel called to be in the childrens lives, to get to know them, to listen to them, to comfort and assure the parents that their child is safe at church, being taught Gods word in church and is having fun. They can then go and be in the service and listen to Gods word at their own level. Some churches don't even let children into their services - but for now - the worship (music) is such a big thing today for kids and having them in the service during worship is huge. Nothing like a 1st grader on the front row with her eyes shut and hands raised praising God. Sunday school is working for that child - her parents are giving her an example of following Jesus. It's the lost kids, the struggling kids, the kids who come in who you can tell have 1 parent or no parents that need my attention. I have learned alot over the last few years and I understand and have learned I and our team of teachers are there for the "Train" - for the entire group. I say TRAIN because when you lose them - they roll right over you like a train :) - Kids want to be heard - they need someone to listen to them. They have prayer requests and things that are important to them. Sometimes in our ministry - in our walk with Jesus as we provide examples (our lives) for these children - we need to stop the train and get down on their level and listen. We need to come out of our comfort zone and really go to the messy places. We are called to make a difference. Sometimes that means it costs us something. It may be money, it may be time and it may be a broken heart in the long run. They all matter to God and it is our calling to love them as Jesus loves them. We will always have an excuse to NOT get involved. Its hard at times to be involved - to see the decisions being made in families and the directions they are going in. I make bad decisions at times as well. Its hard seeing the struggles of kids today - it is so much harder raising a kid today than say - when I was growing up. (a long time ago) I know I am making a difference and it doesn't matter how hard it is. Apostle Paul suffered doing what he was called to do. Jesus came and died for it.
Messy is where the tough people go. Messy is also where the loving and grace filled hearts go.
Messy is where we get down to the dirt of the matter. Messy is also where we experience how to shape the mud into wonderful things.
Messy is sometimes where we find the "Realness" of the person or the child.
Messy is where you are making a difference.
Ministry is messy at times and sometimes we need to pull the train over - and minister to those on board. We have to sometimes drop what we are doing, all for Gods glory, roll the sleeves up and get right down into the moment.
There is something special in being pulled by the arm so that a child can share something important with you. If it matters to them.... It matters to God ...and that means - it should matter to me and matter to you.
I know I have my train ticket around here somewhere.....
Lonnie
My morning quiet time this morning~
1 Thessalonians 5
Final Instructions 12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Birthday wish~
Today is my mother n laws birthday. Mary Lou was like a mom to me since Carol and I started dating in High School and through out college. We shared many times together - up at their home in Tupper Lake NY skiiing - boating all up and down the east coast. We spent a LOT of time together. My worked at night and I was always invited to come and eat supper with them. She is my only mother n law and I know there are so many jokes about them - how we all don't get along and all. I have to say that Mary Lou and I always got along. She was a tough lady and she loved to dance, her 4:00 cocktails, Walt and her family. She always put people first and she loved animals ... she even raised a bird in the basement by feeding it dog/cat food by hand until it was time to release it back into the yard. Walt hated the crap all over the basement but Walt did what made Mary Lou happy. I see that far too often these days in marriages - couple just pushing ahead with what the individual wants instead of putting their spouse first or working things out together. Carol and I have a "Great" marriage because Walt and Mary Lou talked about everything. They put communication at the top of their relationship and hardly ever did you see them out of sync. Now Mary Lou did get mad at Walt at times..... and she let him know it! :)
Happy Birthday today Mary Lou - I am thankful that Walt is again with you. Enjoy your day today .... for years I never knew what it was like to lose a mom - I have lost 2 of them..... It has added so much to my character - Something God is most interested in each of us.... our character. Thanks for an awesome daughter in Carol ...... you did well.
Love you~
Lon
Happy Birthday today Mary Lou - I am thankful that Walt is again with you. Enjoy your day today .... for years I never knew what it was like to lose a mom - I have lost 2 of them..... It has added so much to my character - Something God is most interested in each of us.... our character. Thanks for an awesome daughter in Carol ...... you did well.
Love you~
Lon
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