It was a long day yesterday. Up at 4am because I was so excited to attend "Unleash" in Anderson SC. It is a one day church conference put on by NewSpring church. It was simply incredible. I told a few of my "peeps" all week that they would be jaw dropped and sure enough - it happened. We got to hear Pastor Perry teach Gods word, listen to the band rock the place out - we lauged, cried and laughed some more. Got to meet a lot of folks and learn a ton about the areas of ministry I am involved with. It is hard NOT to come back all fired up and ready to take on hell with a straw ... I love the people in my church that much ... I can't wait for Sunday. I can't wait for the birthday party that we were invited to last weekend from some new friends at church. I can't wait to serve our good friends Sherry and Donnie by helping them at their new Zumba studio tomorrow morning. I am just really pumped up and being this way is contagious - so look out.
Here are a few things that I took away from Unleash.
- Vision has to be casted and caught for it to work and be followed through. Am I doing that in the ministry areas I am leading? Do folks really know why they are serving God and how much of an impact they are making in the community for Jesus? Every Sunday is someones first time and first impressions are never given a second chance.
- We can juggle 3 things pretty well, these are things we are passionate about and can do really well. Add a 4th or 5th thing and we begin to drop the ball and the once good things we did, we begin to not do so good. Hand those balls off to someone else who needs another ball and get out of the way.
- People have to take ownership in what they do. For me, that means when leading in my Setup/Breakdown teams, I need to show people what needs to be done and then let them do it. Its now theirs.... I can't put out 400 chairs on Sunday mornings, they would be all over the place but there are some who can set chairs up in straight lines and make the Worship Center look awesome. Its there ministry - they own it and when they own it, they are behind it and believe in it.
- My Sunday school kids are not just kids - they are like "MyKids" and their families go with them. I love their families and I want to reach out to them by making a difference in the lives of their children and in the lives of their families. For the child to really know Jesus - they need Jesus at home also. Its a partnership .... and a team. So as mom or dad come to pick up the kids after Sunday School - we have to have done the best job possible to make sure we have given each of them the best possible environment to know Jesus and to be leaving with a smile!
- Showing "MyKids" Jesus is not just a Sunday morning thing but a life style that reflects the love of Jesus in everything I do and everywhere I go. That means even when my family and I are out to eat ... be prepared to share Jesus - not so much in your words but in your actions
- Leadership is not about being the best - it is about bringing out the best in others
- God gets all the glory for everything we do
- God can use the little ones just as affectively as adults
If its a God thing, you won't be able to excuse it, explain it, contain it, fully understand it or even handle it. Its bigger than we are ....
Love you all,
Lonnie
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A Fancy Road Map ~
It has been a busy week thus far. Something seems to be going on at every turn. I am not complaining though and I continue to look for Jesus in everything and everywhere I am going. Tomorrow I am headed out early to head down to Anderson SC for UNLEASH. Its an awesome church conference with thousands of folks coming to learn and share experiences with other leaders in church from across the country. They even had some folks from England last year so I am thrilled to be going again. I will be attending the break out sessions for the Childrens Ministry as well as the Pastoral Care ministry. I am excited to learn as much as I can about these 2 areas that God is stretching me in and teaching me in. My mind will be on overload for a few days afterwards as I digest all that I will be learning and applying in my life and in the ministry areas in our church. Can't wait!!!!
I wanted to talk a little about a neat little device that I got to see and play with first hand while on the road to Charleston last week. For some this may be old school but for me, who never travels far from where I don't know where I am going, I just don't have a need for one of these fancy gadgets. I know a few people are laughing right now because of this ~ That is ok but let me share something ... A few times this little gadget had us going on circles and had us going on squares. Yes I said, squires. Leaving the hotel in Charleston, we actually made a square and went back to the hotel. We were looking for a place to eat in downtown Charleston and we had the address in and it was confused....and so were we! Out on the open road, this thing told us travel time, distance traveled, feet to the next turn, travel speed and who knows what else. The only thing it needs for it to be helpful to us - is a place to go. It needs to have a destination in mind.
That is so much like our walk with Jesus. Heaven is our destination. The road we travel across our lives leads us hopefully if we have taken the right roads is heaven. It is easy to get lost, it is easy to get heaven lost in the fog and desires of this world, that heaven seems to be a far off thing. It is something most people never give much thought to until they reach the end of their life or they get that phone call and life changes on a dime. The bible is our GPS - it is our instruction book that God has left us on living our lives and building a relationship with Jesus. Marriage, money, relationships, desires, purpose, raising our children etc... - its all in there. Those things have not changed over time even though so much has changed in other areas - like distractions, TV, Internet etc..... The bible, like our GPS, is our direction in life to keep us on the road, to remind us where we are going and to keep our eyes on our destination. Without it, we get lost among the twisted windy overpasses of life and may end up in a place that we don't have any idea how we got there. Making that big square that leads us back to the same place again and again ....... if your life is in this pattern loved ones or you just seem to be aimlessy roaming through life - get your GPS Bible out and get some directions. Guys, that means you too and we know how we are with directions!
So no matter where you have come from, what road you have traveled or in what direction life has taken you - God has some words He has left for us to keep us on our destination (Heaven).. this is from my quiet time this morning:
Ephesians 2:
You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
Monday, March 9, 2009
Back inland.....
It has been a few fabulous days. Monday morning came too quick and with the adjustment not made yet with the time change... its even harder. ( I know I am getting old :) ) Charleston SC is an awesome place! If you have never been, if you love to watch people and enjoy the finest seafood ever- then I suggest you make plans. Carol and I got to spend the weekend with some awesome married couples on a marriage retreat with our church. I have to say that it was flippin awesome. Our first marriage retreat and for sure not our last! Not only did Carol and I get to meet some new folks and strengthen our relationships with others - we got to spend some quality time together. We also took the time to work on a few things that has been needed to be worked out and get on the same page together but we also were reminded how much of the same things we love. Saturday night, we opted out of going with our peeps out on the town and to have a quiet evening over a great meal looking out over the water ways with boats going back and forth and watch the sunset dip below the horizon. What a pretty place to witness God showing off! Carol and I have always loved the water, watching the boats going by and over a terrific meal - It was awesome ... and time well invested. I am missing the seafood already .... hard to get that here inland in Charlotte.
I wanted to take a moment and reflect on a few things about the marriage retreat, the relationship with my wife and also the relationships that we have with those we made/have friends with. I look forward to these new and improved relationships... its very exciting! As I shared a thought with one of our new friends - they did not know many people in church and going on this retreat was a risk to meet new folks and kind of scary all bundled together - I told them that now that this hard part is over with and you have made friends with many other couples - your Sundays now are forever changed.... no more not knowing anyone on Sunday mornings! You will be missed when you don't show and you will have even more of that welcome and belonging feeling than ever before.... It was a great moment!
In my inbox from a few weeks ago, I wanted to share this from Pastor James McDonald. I really couldn't have the words to sum up this past weekend as good as Pastor James does. So let me share that here.... enjoy the read and let Gods words be applied to your life and the lives of others around you. So thankful for my wife Carol and for our new friendships that we made this past weekend. Yes, God, you are so good.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
The context of this is taken from Corinthians 13:4-7
One of the most powerful ways to communicate love to the people in your life is with words. Words matter. Yes, actions are necessary to back them up, but at the end of the day, you've just got to get some things said. Make it your goal to get these four phrases in your weekly, if not daily, vocabulary:
1: I love you. - Men, the key is to say it deliberately. Don't mumble it into the phone and then hang up. "Whew. I said it and it didn't get messy at all." Yeah well, it needs to get a little messy. Get her in your arms, look in her eyes, and get it said: "I love you." Or pull your kids to you, no matter their age and speak the words. They may fidget, but they'll remember and be altered by your genuine expressions of love.
2: I need you. - I've been praying that the bedrooms of every married couple reading this will ring with these words. How about it, men? In your private moments, tell that woman who has stood by you how much you need her. Go ahead: "My actions may sometimes communicate the opposite, but I want you to know that I know I really need you."
3: There is no one like you. - OK, ladies. Every man is one among millions. At work, he's one among thousands. At church, he's one among hundreds. So when he walks through that door each night, he desperately needs to know he is your one and only. He's first, highest, and best. Tell him. And that leads to . . .
4: I thank God for you. - Tell your beloved spouse, children, and parents that they are a gift from God to you. Better yet, pray aloud together. Let them overhear you tell the Lord how grateful you are that God gave them to you. Wives, tell your husband, "Honey, you've worked so hard lately and I so appreciate the way you try to take care of our family and the energy and effort that you put into providing for us. Thanks for being a faithful man." Husbands, look for your opportunities to say, "Babe, thanks for one of the greatest meals I have ever had. What you made tonight was fit for a king." And after she picks herself up off the floor, she'll be like, "Uh, thanks."Get the words said. Yes, it really matters. Expressing your love is a huge piece of making your spouse and your family the priority, lifelong relationship that God designed for you and that you all desperately want.
I wanted to take a moment and reflect on a few things about the marriage retreat, the relationship with my wife and also the relationships that we have with those we made/have friends with. I look forward to these new and improved relationships... its very exciting! As I shared a thought with one of our new friends - they did not know many people in church and going on this retreat was a risk to meet new folks and kind of scary all bundled together - I told them that now that this hard part is over with and you have made friends with many other couples - your Sundays now are forever changed.... no more not knowing anyone on Sunday mornings! You will be missed when you don't show and you will have even more of that welcome and belonging feeling than ever before.... It was a great moment!
In my inbox from a few weeks ago, I wanted to share this from Pastor James McDonald. I really couldn't have the words to sum up this past weekend as good as Pastor James does. So let me share that here.... enjoy the read and let Gods words be applied to your life and the lives of others around you. So thankful for my wife Carol and for our new friendships that we made this past weekend. Yes, God, you are so good.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
The context of this is taken from Corinthians 13:4-7
One of the most powerful ways to communicate love to the people in your life is with words. Words matter. Yes, actions are necessary to back them up, but at the end of the day, you've just got to get some things said. Make it your goal to get these four phrases in your weekly, if not daily, vocabulary:
1: I love you. - Men, the key is to say it deliberately. Don't mumble it into the phone and then hang up. "Whew. I said it and it didn't get messy at all." Yeah well, it needs to get a little messy. Get her in your arms, look in her eyes, and get it said: "I love you." Or pull your kids to you, no matter their age and speak the words. They may fidget, but they'll remember and be altered by your genuine expressions of love.
2: I need you. - I've been praying that the bedrooms of every married couple reading this will ring with these words. How about it, men? In your private moments, tell that woman who has stood by you how much you need her. Go ahead: "My actions may sometimes communicate the opposite, but I want you to know that I know I really need you."
3: There is no one like you. - OK, ladies. Every man is one among millions. At work, he's one among thousands. At church, he's one among hundreds. So when he walks through that door each night, he desperately needs to know he is your one and only. He's first, highest, and best. Tell him. And that leads to . . .
4: I thank God for you. - Tell your beloved spouse, children, and parents that they are a gift from God to you. Better yet, pray aloud together. Let them overhear you tell the Lord how grateful you are that God gave them to you. Wives, tell your husband, "Honey, you've worked so hard lately and I so appreciate the way you try to take care of our family and the energy and effort that you put into providing for us. Thanks for being a faithful man." Husbands, look for your opportunities to say, "Babe, thanks for one of the greatest meals I have ever had. What you made tonight was fit for a king." And after she picks herself up off the floor, she'll be like, "Uh, thanks."Get the words said. Yes, it really matters. Expressing your love is a huge piece of making your spouse and your family the priority, lifelong relationship that God designed for you and that you all desperately want.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday but Friday
Busy Busy Busy these days. I am pretty stoked for Charleston in the morning for the weekend. It has been some time now since Carol and I got away together. I am really looking forward to it ...just hope I have enough room in the E to fit everything - I pack light because I have to..... :)
I found out today that I could have taken a few kids to the Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday night. These kids will not get to go now since dad is not in the picture. I am honored they thought of me .... and that makes my heart swell with joy.
Anyways - I will try and post some pictures over the weekend. Kyle will be at home - no, not alone - but with our friend Donna and her 2 girls ... they will be Kyle sitting and dog sitting for us. They are as close as family so its all good and hope its a good change of routine for them as well.
Not much else to report today - my mind has not been very focused the last 24 hours.... but I will leave you with this.
1 Corinthians 13:
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
I pray that today - you are being a friend to someone around you in your life that needs someone. A true friend is all that 1 Corinthians speak of here - I am blessed to have many.
Thankful today .... and blessed beyond any amount of logic my little understanding can have.
Can you say today - "God is so good" - if not - refocus your thoughts and your heart on Him and let your troubles melt away in His hands and be thankful that you have true friends around you.
Looking forward to adding a few more this weekend and strengthening a few others.
"God, You are so good!"
Happy Friday everyone~
Lonnie
I found out today that I could have taken a few kids to the Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday night. These kids will not get to go now since dad is not in the picture. I am honored they thought of me .... and that makes my heart swell with joy.
Anyways - I will try and post some pictures over the weekend. Kyle will be at home - no, not alone - but with our friend Donna and her 2 girls ... they will be Kyle sitting and dog sitting for us. They are as close as family so its all good and hope its a good change of routine for them as well.
Not much else to report today - my mind has not been very focused the last 24 hours.... but I will leave you with this.
1 Corinthians 13:
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
I pray that today - you are being a friend to someone around you in your life that needs someone. A true friend is all that 1 Corinthians speak of here - I am blessed to have many.
Thankful today .... and blessed beyond any amount of logic my little understanding can have.
Can you say today - "God is so good" - if not - refocus your thoughts and your heart on Him and let your troubles melt away in His hands and be thankful that you have true friends around you.
Looking forward to adding a few more this weekend and strengthening a few others.
"God, You are so good!"
Happy Friday everyone~
Lonnie
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A fatherly word.....
I have been in constant thought to some things that our Pastor at church shared and challenged the men in our with church last Sunday. I just can't seem to shake it and many of you know that the kids I am doing life with are so very important to me, the kids at church are so important to me, the kids I go to the schools and have lunch with are so important to me - especially the ones without 2 parents at home ~ especially the ones who need that something extra in their lives ~ especially the ones who are struggling socially and in who they are..... man my heart just hurts for them. I look around me and really just have to be besides myself at where God has placed my heart. Yes I know that my son Kyle - I am his father but its also my obligation and what we are called to do for Jesus - in being there for others. Kyles friends ... the kids in Sunday school and in my rock group and in our church family.
Yesterday was a snow day and a day that God used me to invest in some of "MyKids". See - just being there is something they don't have. I may not be their father but I am a fatherly example. I am there to show them love and to show them Gods ways by my actions and example. There is something wrong when a child wants to hang out with me more than their parents. I am ok with it but there is something broken there and I will continue to serve the Lord by serving "MyKids".
Hearing the words, "Uncle Lonnie - come sit with me." "Mr. Lonnie - PLEASE get me a ticket to the ball game so I can go with you." "Unce Lonnie - I want to hold your hand while I learn this bible lesson." "Uncle Lonnie, can you come have lunch with me?" "Mr. B - can I ask you something?"
You know as parents we get so wrapped up into doing our thing. I mean we have work and a house to run, yard work, running errands, a real grown up life - I mean we barely make time to sit as a family these days and share a meal together. I think about all the kids who are at home and wanting to say - "Daddy, please come sit with me." but dad is not there for whatever reason.
- Carol and I get to have movie night from time to time with some of "MyKids" and it is such a treat when we do. It is not so much about the movie but just the togetherness of it all. A few of "MyKids" pull up next to me in the chair and I often times look over and catch them just staring at me. We get to share a smile ... and that is some special stuff taking place. It won't always be that way since they are growing so fast..... and we both won't fit in my chair forever ...but you know what I am trying to say. Its priceless......
"The power of Presence"
Sometimes as parents we need to put aside our lifestyle, wants and needs to attend to those around us. Our children are longing for YOU. If they don't get it from you they will get it from someone!!
I was so humbled this past Christmas and continue to be even today with this new gadget that my son got for Christmas. Nintendo Wii. See he has this wrestling game and for whatever reason - I just don't get it. I mean - I just can't do it.... I know I am getting old but I have never been one to say "Can't" - but I can't!!! I can pick the biggest wrastler in the game - 700 pound dude and I get whipped and I mean smashed by the tiniest wrastling chick going because my son has the controls. It really is baffling....... but it doesn't matter. Its quality time together. It's quality time when his friends are over and the smack down on Mr. Lonnie is taking place. Its the investing part during Rock Group that the kids can't wait to get there on Sunday nights. It's me pacing for 45 minutes before everyone shows up and I have paced 2 miles in the living room from excitement.
Its also pretty humbling when Kyle says - "Dad, just sit and watch and I will show you how to do it." The Power of Presence~ It only takes a few minutes...... its called stopping and smelling the roses right? Its basking in the sun for a few minutes to take the moment in. It's humbling to enter their world.... to listen to what they have to say. Often times our kids don't hear us anyway when we speak to them but our actions sometimes speak louder than words. I do know for sure - that is my calling in Sunday School. Hey I don't have to be cool, love hoodies, give out the best candy, say all those snazy words the kids use today - I just need to be there. Dads, we need to be there. You need to be there for your kids as well as the others who God has placed in your life. They need you as well .... not as their dad but in a fatherly role. Someone to speak truth into their lives ... a life coach, mentor - whatever you want to label it with......
I read this from Dr. James Dobson this morning and it is fueling my heart today~
Sometimes, doing something for my kids and getting it over with (quickly) so I can get back to what I want to do is nothing more than a broad road to ruin. The narrow road, the one that leads to life, it's not doing anything but being there, physically present, and resting in the promise that the Father up above is looking down in love and He's got the whole world in his hands.
Fathers, don't overlook the power of your presence. Power via humility. It doesn't make a lick of worldly sense. But it may just make an eternal difference in the lives of our sons and daughters.
Just sit with me dad. It'll only take a minute…
Be encouraged today dads.... and thanks Pastor Jimmy for the challenge you gave us men Sunday - to lead our families, lead our homes and live lives of significance for Jesus as godly men.
Lonnie~
Yesterday was a snow day and a day that God used me to invest in some of "MyKids". See - just being there is something they don't have. I may not be their father but I am a fatherly example. I am there to show them love and to show them Gods ways by my actions and example. There is something wrong when a child wants to hang out with me more than their parents. I am ok with it but there is something broken there and I will continue to serve the Lord by serving "MyKids".
Hearing the words, "Uncle Lonnie - come sit with me." "Mr. Lonnie - PLEASE get me a ticket to the ball game so I can go with you." "Unce Lonnie - I want to hold your hand while I learn this bible lesson." "Uncle Lonnie, can you come have lunch with me?" "Mr. B - can I ask you something?"
You know as parents we get so wrapped up into doing our thing. I mean we have work and a house to run, yard work, running errands, a real grown up life - I mean we barely make time to sit as a family these days and share a meal together. I think about all the kids who are at home and wanting to say - "Daddy, please come sit with me." but dad is not there for whatever reason.
- Carol and I get to have movie night from time to time with some of "MyKids" and it is such a treat when we do. It is not so much about the movie but just the togetherness of it all. A few of "MyKids" pull up next to me in the chair and I often times look over and catch them just staring at me. We get to share a smile ... and that is some special stuff taking place. It won't always be that way since they are growing so fast..... and we both won't fit in my chair forever ...but you know what I am trying to say. Its priceless......
"The power of Presence"
Sometimes as parents we need to put aside our lifestyle, wants and needs to attend to those around us. Our children are longing for YOU. If they don't get it from you they will get it from someone!!
I was so humbled this past Christmas and continue to be even today with this new gadget that my son got for Christmas. Nintendo Wii. See he has this wrestling game and for whatever reason - I just don't get it. I mean - I just can't do it.... I know I am getting old but I have never been one to say "Can't" - but I can't!!! I can pick the biggest wrastler in the game - 700 pound dude and I get whipped and I mean smashed by the tiniest wrastling chick going because my son has the controls. It really is baffling....... but it doesn't matter. Its quality time together. It's quality time when his friends are over and the smack down on Mr. Lonnie is taking place. Its the investing part during Rock Group that the kids can't wait to get there on Sunday nights. It's me pacing for 45 minutes before everyone shows up and I have paced 2 miles in the living room from excitement.
Its also pretty humbling when Kyle says - "Dad, just sit and watch and I will show you how to do it." The Power of Presence~ It only takes a few minutes...... its called stopping and smelling the roses right? Its basking in the sun for a few minutes to take the moment in. It's humbling to enter their world.... to listen to what they have to say. Often times our kids don't hear us anyway when we speak to them but our actions sometimes speak louder than words. I do know for sure - that is my calling in Sunday School. Hey I don't have to be cool, love hoodies, give out the best candy, say all those snazy words the kids use today - I just need to be there. Dads, we need to be there. You need to be there for your kids as well as the others who God has placed in your life. They need you as well .... not as their dad but in a fatherly role. Someone to speak truth into their lives ... a life coach, mentor - whatever you want to label it with......
I read this from Dr. James Dobson this morning and it is fueling my heart today~
Sometimes, doing something for my kids and getting it over with (quickly) so I can get back to what I want to do is nothing more than a broad road to ruin. The narrow road, the one that leads to life, it's not doing anything but being there, physically present, and resting in the promise that the Father up above is looking down in love and He's got the whole world in his hands.
Fathers, don't overlook the power of your presence. Power via humility. It doesn't make a lick of worldly sense. But it may just make an eternal difference in the lives of our sons and daughters.
Just sit with me dad. It'll only take a minute…
Be encouraged today dads.... and thanks Pastor Jimmy for the challenge you gave us men Sunday - to lead our families, lead our homes and live lives of significance for Jesus as godly men.
Lonnie~
4 inches of snow
Charlotte is shut down and schools closed for the second day. I am enjoying a cup of coffee this morning as Kyle and Carol are still sleeping. I got up to get ready for work and we have a delayed opening until 10. Hey awesome .... I have enjoyed the change of pace. Much needed~ Yesterday playing in the snow like a 12 year old boy was really fun. Got to spend time yesterday with one of "MyKids" who I have not spent time with the last few weeks and one that I get to see almost every day :) -
Carol and I are really looking forward to Charleston this weekend. We are joining a bunch of folks on a marriage retreat hosted by our church. We have never been and looking forward to checking things out, eating some great food, getting a chance to get to know some other married folks and tightening up some others!
This morning from Luke 8:18 is what I am wanting to share...
Misers of What You Hear
16-18"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We're not keeping secrets; we're telling them. We're not hiding things; we're bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don't become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
Do you pray each day for an opportunity to share with others what God has given you? Do ask for someone to come to you with a need of prayer or someone to talk to? This is the part for me that has changed so much. I am still learning in those situations because God speaks the loudest in them. I am learning that when someone has a need or in need of prayer - take care of it then. Whatever God is placing on your heart - get it accomplished. It could be just something simple but you are putting action to your faith. Generosity is a zone that I just love being in. This often times is the missing ingredient that leads to living a life of significance for Jesus.
Have a great and productive Tuesday loved ones,
Lonnie~
Carol and I are really looking forward to Charleston this weekend. We are joining a bunch of folks on a marriage retreat hosted by our church. We have never been and looking forward to checking things out, eating some great food, getting a chance to get to know some other married folks and tightening up some others!
This morning from Luke 8:18 is what I am wanting to share...
Misers of What You Hear
16-18"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We're not keeping secrets; we're telling them. We're not hiding things; we're bringing everything out into the open. So be careful that you don't become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
Do you pray each day for an opportunity to share with others what God has given you? Do ask for someone to come to you with a need of prayer or someone to talk to? This is the part for me that has changed so much. I am still learning in those situations because God speaks the loudest in them. I am learning that when someone has a need or in need of prayer - take care of it then. Whatever God is placing on your heart - get it accomplished. It could be just something simple but you are putting action to your faith. Generosity is a zone that I just love being in. This often times is the missing ingredient that leads to living a life of significance for Jesus.
Have a great and productive Tuesday loved ones,
Lonnie~
Sunday, March 1, 2009
It has been an awesome Sunday! Sleeping in till 8 this morning was awesome and waking up with my family on a Sunday morning was pretty cool. Church was good, with Pastor J preaching a great message on praying for others and Sunday school was good with a great bunch of kids. There is no other place I would rather be and when Pastor Jimmy was talking to the men of the church and how we are to be leading our families in the things of God but also the kids we are doing life with ... I couldn't help but to think about my Rock Group kids, the kids I have lunch with in the schools and all the kids that I love so much in Sunday school. I am responsible in many ways for all of these kids - I feel it in my heart and with everything I have for these kids.
Today, it has been one year since Walt passed. Carol and I were sitting and talking about it last night and how fast a year has went by. Loved ones, I am here to share with you that you have a bright light shining for the Lord. If you are praying for someone to know Jesus - don't give up. Let your light shine by the way you are living your life.... it shines brighter than you realize! Walt was an athiest for almost his entire life but the last 4 or 5 years - he really began asking questions about God. He got to see our passion for the ways of God by how we are serving Him, serving in church, leading at church and this Rock Group thing. There were many conversations that took place, some not so good but even in those hard conversatios - God was leading and working behind the scenes. Don't lose hope loved ones....... Walts last words on this earth was accepting Jesus....
We have snow here in Charlotte NC - lightening to go with it - that is 2 times now I have seen that in my life and that alone is very special! Miracles do happen!!...
Have Sunday evening everyone - enjoy the snow day tomorrow. Be safe.....
Love ya,
Lonnie~
Today, it has been one year since Walt passed. Carol and I were sitting and talking about it last night and how fast a year has went by. Loved ones, I am here to share with you that you have a bright light shining for the Lord. If you are praying for someone to know Jesus - don't give up. Let your light shine by the way you are living your life.... it shines brighter than you realize! Walt was an athiest for almost his entire life but the last 4 or 5 years - he really began asking questions about God. He got to see our passion for the ways of God by how we are serving Him, serving in church, leading at church and this Rock Group thing. There were many conversations that took place, some not so good but even in those hard conversatios - God was leading and working behind the scenes. Don't lose hope loved ones....... Walts last words on this earth was accepting Jesus....
We have snow here in Charlotte NC - lightening to go with it - that is 2 times now I have seen that in my life and that alone is very special! Miracles do happen!!...
Have Sunday evening everyone - enjoy the snow day tomorrow. Be safe.....
Love ya,
Lonnie~
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