Wow this day has flown by. I am especially excited today - I am taking some of our Rock Group kids to see the new movie -"Earth" tonight. The moms and gals will be heading out to "On the Border" for some good mexican food - kind of wish I had a doggie bag to take in the movie with me..... but thats ok - I can fill up on "MyKids". I know they are just as excited about it as I am.
A few weeks back during our Rock Group series on money - I give my peeps homework almost every week to read in the their Bibles to reinforce what we are learning together. I too do this homework and during this time of putting the handouts together and figuring out where the homework study leads - I had an Arbys moment. Not for a roast beef sandwhich but a moment that says - Proverbs - 31 of them - 31 days in May. Thus my challenge to read the book of Proverbs in the month of May. BUT - I am not that normal. Like many folks who set out to do something, fade out in the long run. Life is busy, 2 days missed and then we move onto something else right? - Well I prayed and asked God to give me a starting point. Not the beginning but a place I may not otherwise really get to read and understand fully if I am fading out. So thus my walk begins in Proverbs 20.
Some of the status things I am leaving on Facebook has come from Proverbs 20 and 21. So now you know where those are coming from.
Some of the things that stick out for me:
Proverbs 20:
1 Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun.
3 It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.
5 Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.
7 God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.
11 Young people eventually reveal by their actions if their motives are on the up and up.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see— we get our basic equipment from God! 13 Don't be too fond of sleep; you'll end up in the poorhouse. Wake up and get up; then there'll be food on the table.
18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.
19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.
27 God is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out.
28 Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.
Just some food for thought this Tuesday .... more to follow.
Peace in Christ Jesus,
Lonnie~
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
I just got in my from walk at lunch. It is breezy out and I am really hoping to get our garden planted this evening. I have Kyle all pumped about it and I am looking forward to spending some time working and talking with him. I have a couple visits this week to the schools to visit some of "MyKids" who I have not visited in awhile. I am still not up to eating really right - just not feeling 100% just yet so I am taking a break and eating light and taking a few slower steps the past few days.
Church Sunday was a long day yesterday. Setup/Breakdown, Kidsrock @11, couple errands after church and then Rock Group last night. It was good to get to sleep last nite and I knew it did me some good when I was up early and feeling refreshed this morning! Pastor Jimmy spoke extensively on leadership in his LifeTalk message. I know he was challenging a lot of folks yesterday~ Me included. It was an honor to be asked to come down front and lay hands on Pastor Jimmy as we were lead in prayer for our church and for our leadership. It was not long ago, I was sitting in the chairs during a service like that, watching and looking on. I do occasionally have to just smile and say, "Lord, I just can't believe how you are using me. I never thought you would be using me like this." I do have to say that over the last few years that my love for people has increased trifold. My love for children has increased trifold. My love for Jesus and the things of Him have increased trifold. Love is such an overused word these days and the meaning has been washed down. Jesus uses the word love in all the context it was meant for and not just a feeling or an emotion. He meant it be in action, alive and living.
During my walk @lunch I heard something that just really rocked me. "If you have a secret, you are giving it power." No matter how big or small that secret may be - it is alive and it will cause harm if it is no confessed and dealt with. Forgiveness is what God has given us, it is not what we deserve but by His grace, He has extended it to us. Others should do that same thing. As I think about my leadership in the church and the folks I am entrusted with and the children I am entrusted with - I don't want any secrets. I want everything to be above table and honest. Intentions pure and with Gods purpose in mind, His heart and with His passion. I treat my wife and my family this way and I know in my heart, this is the way it should be.
Many folks have secrets today that have power and are holding them hostage. Their secrets are defining them. Their secrets keep them from engaging others and really trusting people. Even people who are trying to reach them, love them, care for them and want to walk with them. This is a hard place to be not only for the bearer of the secret but also for the one who is reaching out to them. A wife who is waiting up late for her husband to come home while out with another woman. A wife who is home with supper on the table and 2 children wanting their bedtime stories while dad is at the bar. A husband and father who struggles with who he is because his business is failing and his identity and manhood is wrapped into that business. The past that continues to haunt. A teenager who keeps you up at night and the family core is being tested.
You are not meant to do this alone. The church is supposed to be a safe haven for folks to come and unload - to find forgiveness, to heal the broken hearted, to be accepted and to find peace and purpose in life. I am grateful and humbled to be a small part of this leadership team at Rocky River Church. I was where many were at not long ago - part of the crowd and on the sidelines. I continue to learn, be challenged, tested in my faith and understanding but the love I have for people, "MyKids", my family, my church family, my Rock Group families and our Lord Jesus continues to grow. I'll make mistakes along the way.. no doubt.
Nothing stays the same in this life. A rut in life is like a coffin with the ends kicked out. So many are living this way today.
I am reminded in Proverbs 19: 9 The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined.
That person in the mirror each morning is watching. Is he/she on the same page with you and the direction you are wanting to go or is he/she taking you far from it? It just may be time to honesty, to come clean, admit the faults, accept the forgiveness and turn life around. There are people who are waiting on you, wanting you to, praying you to, wishing you to.... because their lives hang in your balance as well.
Peace today in your decision,
Lonnie~
Church Sunday was a long day yesterday. Setup/Breakdown, Kidsrock @11, couple errands after church and then Rock Group last night. It was good to get to sleep last nite and I knew it did me some good when I was up early and feeling refreshed this morning! Pastor Jimmy spoke extensively on leadership in his LifeTalk message. I know he was challenging a lot of folks yesterday~ Me included. It was an honor to be asked to come down front and lay hands on Pastor Jimmy as we were lead in prayer for our church and for our leadership. It was not long ago, I was sitting in the chairs during a service like that, watching and looking on. I do occasionally have to just smile and say, "Lord, I just can't believe how you are using me. I never thought you would be using me like this." I do have to say that over the last few years that my love for people has increased trifold. My love for children has increased trifold. My love for Jesus and the things of Him have increased trifold. Love is such an overused word these days and the meaning has been washed down. Jesus uses the word love in all the context it was meant for and not just a feeling or an emotion. He meant it be in action, alive and living.
During my walk @lunch I heard something that just really rocked me. "If you have a secret, you are giving it power." No matter how big or small that secret may be - it is alive and it will cause harm if it is no confessed and dealt with. Forgiveness is what God has given us, it is not what we deserve but by His grace, He has extended it to us. Others should do that same thing. As I think about my leadership in the church and the folks I am entrusted with and the children I am entrusted with - I don't want any secrets. I want everything to be above table and honest. Intentions pure and with Gods purpose in mind, His heart and with His passion. I treat my wife and my family this way and I know in my heart, this is the way it should be.
Many folks have secrets today that have power and are holding them hostage. Their secrets are defining them. Their secrets keep them from engaging others and really trusting people. Even people who are trying to reach them, love them, care for them and want to walk with them. This is a hard place to be not only for the bearer of the secret but also for the one who is reaching out to them. A wife who is waiting up late for her husband to come home while out with another woman. A wife who is home with supper on the table and 2 children wanting their bedtime stories while dad is at the bar. A husband and father who struggles with who he is because his business is failing and his identity and manhood is wrapped into that business. The past that continues to haunt. A teenager who keeps you up at night and the family core is being tested.
You are not meant to do this alone. The church is supposed to be a safe haven for folks to come and unload - to find forgiveness, to heal the broken hearted, to be accepted and to find peace and purpose in life. I am grateful and humbled to be a small part of this leadership team at Rocky River Church. I was where many were at not long ago - part of the crowd and on the sidelines. I continue to learn, be challenged, tested in my faith and understanding but the love I have for people, "MyKids", my family, my church family, my Rock Group families and our Lord Jesus continues to grow. I'll make mistakes along the way.. no doubt.
Nothing stays the same in this life. A rut in life is like a coffin with the ends kicked out. So many are living this way today.
I am reminded in Proverbs 19: 9 The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined.
That person in the mirror each morning is watching. Is he/she on the same page with you and the direction you are wanting to go or is he/she taking you far from it? It just may be time to honesty, to come clean, admit the faults, accept the forgiveness and turn life around. There are people who are waiting on you, wanting you to, praying you to, wishing you to.... because their lives hang in your balance as well.
Peace today in your decision,
Lonnie~
Saturday, May 2, 2009
In the Mountains...
What a great 24 hours. Carol, Kyle, Madison and I got up to the cabin last night. Mid 50's, walk to the covered bridge under the moon shining down, talking to the geese that are nesting down there and a good nite sleep last night. Got up early this morning, 7:30 before anyone else... got some coffee and headed to the porch. Got a good half hour of reading done in my quiet time... just listening to the birds singing and animals waking up. So peaceful ... like no place on earth. Kids up and got some breakfast in - Bacon and eggs ... then got some work done. After lunch we headed to the lake. Kyle and Madison all smiles on the boat - water 71 degrees but we were in it. Rock jumping, tubing and some time at the "beach" will do a heart good. As this afternoon is passing by I am so thankful for this time and wishing it was not coming to a close. I am looking forward to church tomorrow, seeing all our peeps, Rock Group and all "MyKids" - but too bad I just couldn't push it off a day or 2. Maybe till Tuesday .... not too much to ask for right?
Drive home will be long but thankful and feeling refreshed and very blessed this afternoon. I will be praying tomorrow for those who are not at peace with things today.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
Drive home will be long but thankful and feeling refreshed and very blessed this afternoon. I will be praying tomorrow for those who are not at peace with things today.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
Friday, May 1, 2009
The last few days..
Before I get into the last few days ... I just want to take a moment and let you all know how much I appreciate my wife Carol. Carol, there is not much anyone can do for someone who has the stomach flu other than to check on that person from time to time. I mean there really isn't anything to do other than to wait till its finally over and through the persons system. You got me gatorade and crackers, you kept things quiet in the house and you even sent in Adger for the day to lay besides the bed with me. It is a comfort knowing that someone is there when you are really feeling that down and low. I don't think I felt as bad as that in a LONG time. Thanks babe! Love ya!
Tuesday night, I got a chance to hang out with my dad and my younger brother Craig. I got news yesterday that Craig got laid off from his job, so if you would keep him and his family in your prayers - I would really appreciate that. Craig has been worried sick the last few months if he was going to keep his job or not ... the company has been hanging on by a thread. He was one of the first hired and one of the last let go. Hate it for him and especially hate it for him that God is not part of his life or part of the solution. God will not be there for comfort him or guide him. He is on his own .... I think I would rather have my 90% and God 10% then 100% all me.
I had a great visit with my grandma up at the greenhouse. My aunts were there and a few of my cousins. It is a hard day of labor but a day I enjoy working. I am thankful I don't have to do that everday though - its some hard work! I love it when my Aunt Judy first sees me walking into the greenhouse and she yells "Randy - is today our day?" - I love that.
Anyways, I am a bit slow today - still regaining my strength and catching up on work, emails and this facebook thing. :)
I have began a new book - its by Robert Lewis - "Raising a Modern Day Knight" - Kyle and all your boy peeps out there... watch out! This book is for ya'll this time. I have really enjoyed my last 2 books on learning about Daughters and Leadership - so its time to throw in some SON stuff in there..... looking forward to it.
I will be thinking the next few days along with Carol about cutting out some things we can identify as not needed. They are a "Want" and not a "Need". We can use this extra money to help with our find raising at church http://weneed400k.com. Maybe we can even cut enough out to sponser a child in a third world country. I have had that on my heart now for a few weeks. It keeps coming back and so I am going to start looking into this. It would be awesome to sponser a child who has nothing, no water, food, education or the life saving word of God to know. With all our struggles - we have it made and as I look around me and see the hurt on many faces - I think about how tough my grandparents are... living through the great depression, not having much in life but being content with what they do have. Material things have never really mattered much for them. They are good long lived country folks and that I admire most about them. The simple things... the important things.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Tuesday night, I got a chance to hang out with my dad and my younger brother Craig. I got news yesterday that Craig got laid off from his job, so if you would keep him and his family in your prayers - I would really appreciate that. Craig has been worried sick the last few months if he was going to keep his job or not ... the company has been hanging on by a thread. He was one of the first hired and one of the last let go. Hate it for him and especially hate it for him that God is not part of his life or part of the solution. God will not be there for comfort him or guide him. He is on his own .... I think I would rather have my 90% and God 10% then 100% all me.
I had a great visit with my grandma up at the greenhouse. My aunts were there and a few of my cousins. It is a hard day of labor but a day I enjoy working. I am thankful I don't have to do that everday though - its some hard work! I love it when my Aunt Judy first sees me walking into the greenhouse and she yells "Randy - is today our day?" - I love that.
Anyways, I am a bit slow today - still regaining my strength and catching up on work, emails and this facebook thing. :)
I have began a new book - its by Robert Lewis - "Raising a Modern Day Knight" - Kyle and all your boy peeps out there... watch out! This book is for ya'll this time. I have really enjoyed my last 2 books on learning about Daughters and Leadership - so its time to throw in some SON stuff in there..... looking forward to it.
I will be thinking the next few days along with Carol about cutting out some things we can identify as not needed. They are a "Want" and not a "Need". We can use this extra money to help with our find raising at church http://weneed400k.com. Maybe we can even cut enough out to sponser a child in a third world country. I have had that on my heart now for a few weeks. It keeps coming back and so I am going to start looking into this. It would be awesome to sponser a child who has nothing, no water, food, education or the life saving word of God to know. With all our struggles - we have it made and as I look around me and see the hurt on many faces - I think about how tough my grandparents are... living through the great depression, not having much in life but being content with what they do have. Material things have never really mattered much for them. They are good long lived country folks and that I admire most about them. The simple things... the important things.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Monday, April 27, 2009
Almost forgot ...
I got this yesterday during KidsRock (Childrens sunday school @church) from one of my sweet kids. She is such a great kid, with great brother and little sister and her parents are awesome as well! Love them ... but it just makes ya smile when you really only see a child for an hour a week - providing that mom and dad come to church and they come in with something that they made for you. It really shows what they are thinking of you and how much we are really making a difference.
You know who you are ... I love you too sweety and I am blessed to be doing life with you and your family.
Mr. Lonnie~
Monday morning....
I woke from my "coma" this morning and managed to get into work on time. I am so thankful that the Lord created coffee. I mean, these past few months, I just can't seem to get caught up and without a little kick in the mornings - I could see too many things slipping in life and I am not one to slip. I looked over my calendar this week and sure enough - its a busy week ahead. I am really excited to be headed to Mt. Airy NC tomorrow after work and spend some time with my dad and my brothers. I will be working at my grandma's on Wednesday in the greenhouse. It is a busy day working but a day that I look forward to all year. I always surprise them when I come because I don't let anyone know what day it will be but they know I will be there. I always love hearing my Aunt Judy - scream out - RANDY - TODAY IS THE DAY! We enjoy working all day together and catch up on life and family. Life on the mountain doesn't change all that much but it sure feels different the past few years with the passing of my mom and all of us getting older and kids (cousins) moving away or having families now. My grandma's front porch will always be the gathering place for family to sit, share, rock and talk.
I will be wrapping up our Rock Group series this coming Sunday on money. There is so much to learn about financing and what God has to say about it. I will challenge myself for the month of May to read Proverbs - there are 31 Proverbs and 31 days in May.... sounds like a good plan and I am excited to learn what God will teach me through this. I know so many of us are struggling with things. Loss of job, bills, debt and marriage issues from all that - I want to refocus myself the next few weeks to really listen. I want to really remove the distractions when people are talking to me, to not finish their sentences or already in my mind know what I am about to say before they are finished. To be a good listener is hard ... its something that people really don't teach you how but it is so necessary to communicate and understand. What if we never really listened - listened to our teachers, our bosses, wives or husbands - what if we didn't listen to our children when they wanted to talk with us about something important going on - what if we are not listening to God. Our lesson in KidsRock yesterday which Carol did an awesome and fantastic job at leading - was about listening.... even with distractions, Ipod, TV, Radio, friends, just all around life noise. We still have listen for instructions in life -
So for the next few weeks I am going to do my best to listen more and talk less. We should preach the Gospel every where we go and use words only when necessary.
Doesn't talking and our opinions just get us in hot water most of the time? Speak before we think?
Want to join me? Let me know, so that I can be praying for you and for your spiritual ears.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
Heavenly Father, I thank You for this day Lord. I pray that today brings a new level of listening like one we have not had in a long time. Something different and on a new level. Help us remove the distractions Lord in our daily lives so that we may hear the directions and encouragement that You are giving us. Lord help us really tune in to what people are telling us, really focusing in on what they are saying, give us patience for allowing people to finish what it is on their hearts, help us not complete their words before they are finished and Lord I ask that You help us not judge folks by what they are sharing. Lord I pray for those important relationships that we have, wives, husbands, children, bosses and from You - that we really take the time to listen - to pause before we speak and be humbled by what we hear. Lord thank You before hand as we tune our ears on the things that give us direction and encouragement. Lord I ask that You speak to us now in a clear and understanding voice and guide us to the things of You.
I pray all of this in Your sons name in Jesus,
Amen
I will be wrapping up our Rock Group series this coming Sunday on money. There is so much to learn about financing and what God has to say about it. I will challenge myself for the month of May to read Proverbs - there are 31 Proverbs and 31 days in May.... sounds like a good plan and I am excited to learn what God will teach me through this. I know so many of us are struggling with things. Loss of job, bills, debt and marriage issues from all that - I want to refocus myself the next few weeks to really listen. I want to really remove the distractions when people are talking to me, to not finish their sentences or already in my mind know what I am about to say before they are finished. To be a good listener is hard ... its something that people really don't teach you how but it is so necessary to communicate and understand. What if we never really listened - listened to our teachers, our bosses, wives or husbands - what if we didn't listen to our children when they wanted to talk with us about something important going on - what if we are not listening to God. Our lesson in KidsRock yesterday which Carol did an awesome and fantastic job at leading - was about listening.... even with distractions, Ipod, TV, Radio, friends, just all around life noise. We still have listen for instructions in life -
So for the next few weeks I am going to do my best to listen more and talk less. We should preach the Gospel every where we go and use words only when necessary.
Doesn't talking and our opinions just get us in hot water most of the time? Speak before we think?
Want to join me? Let me know, so that I can be praying for you and for your spiritual ears.
Love you all,
Lonnie~
Heavenly Father, I thank You for this day Lord. I pray that today brings a new level of listening like one we have not had in a long time. Something different and on a new level. Help us remove the distractions Lord in our daily lives so that we may hear the directions and encouragement that You are giving us. Lord help us really tune in to what people are telling us, really focusing in on what they are saying, give us patience for allowing people to finish what it is on their hearts, help us not complete their words before they are finished and Lord I ask that You help us not judge folks by what they are sharing. Lord I pray for those important relationships that we have, wives, husbands, children, bosses and from You - that we really take the time to listen - to pause before we speak and be humbled by what we hear. Lord thank You before hand as we tune our ears on the things that give us direction and encouragement. Lord I ask that You speak to us now in a clear and understanding voice and guide us to the things of You.
I pray all of this in Your sons name in Jesus,
Amen
Friday, April 24, 2009
Push the the last part of the week,,,
It has been a long week. I am glad its Friday. Got plans to serve with Carol, Kyle, Madison and myself at the talent show at Kyles school. We are not IN the talent show but we are serving it, meaning drinks, cookies and smiles. I am really pumped about it and there is something special about seeing our young ones serving along side of us. Proud of Kyle and Madison for doing so. Too many kids today are all about themselves, drawing the most attention, screaming with every word and action hey its "ME".......
Anyways, yesterday was one of my out days. I was just dragging and maybe that is because I am not getting enough sleep, I am too out of shape to keep up or I am just not getting the proper rest these days but I tell ya, I slept in, got home from work and after supper, I dosed off for like 2 hours and then slept all nite and could have stayed sleeping this morning when the alarm went off. We did have a great time at Texas Roadhouse for lunch - Carol and I got to go with the PTA president, Kyles teacher and their entire class for lunch there. It was a lot of fun sitting with the kids and really just hanging out with them. I think the grown ups were glad I was there to talk and entertain the kids so they could have a peaceful lunch... heck I even ordered off the kids menu! Hey, being with the kids is what I am all about..... just in case you didn't know.
I am looking forward to the weekend. Some of our good peeps are headed to the coffee shop tomorrow evening for some ice coffee, icecream and listen to our worship pastor play the shop out. Should be a great time together as the weather should be good and relaxing. Looking forward to investing some time into these relationships and having some fun to boot!
I want to leave you today with a song played last night on the Dove awards by an amazing young band ... Tenth Avenue North - "By Your Side" - they accepted the Dove award and said that this award one day will just be dust, like me and you but we will have the chance to place it at the feet of Jesus and that is why we wrote this song, so that people would experience Him through this song.... it really is an amazing song. YouTube, Itunes... its worth getting.
Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run To where will you run
And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
(Chorus 2x)
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go
Love you all, Praise God for Him never letting us go and for loving us that much. What a picture of our face, covered in tears and pain and Jesus holding it in His hands...... His hands with scars for what He has done for us and they are on our cheeks loved ones.... He smiles and tells us to lift up our face, don't turn away, He has us ... right in His hands.
Lonnie~
Anyways, yesterday was one of my out days. I was just dragging and maybe that is because I am not getting enough sleep, I am too out of shape to keep up or I am just not getting the proper rest these days but I tell ya, I slept in, got home from work and after supper, I dosed off for like 2 hours and then slept all nite and could have stayed sleeping this morning when the alarm went off. We did have a great time at Texas Roadhouse for lunch - Carol and I got to go with the PTA president, Kyles teacher and their entire class for lunch there. It was a lot of fun sitting with the kids and really just hanging out with them. I think the grown ups were glad I was there to talk and entertain the kids so they could have a peaceful lunch... heck I even ordered off the kids menu! Hey, being with the kids is what I am all about..... just in case you didn't know.
I am looking forward to the weekend. Some of our good peeps are headed to the coffee shop tomorrow evening for some ice coffee, icecream and listen to our worship pastor play the shop out. Should be a great time together as the weather should be good and relaxing. Looking forward to investing some time into these relationships and having some fun to boot!
I want to leave you today with a song played last night on the Dove awards by an amazing young band ... Tenth Avenue North - "By Your Side" - they accepted the Dove award and said that this award one day will just be dust, like me and you but we will have the chance to place it at the feet of Jesus and that is why we wrote this song, so that people would experience Him through this song.... it really is an amazing song. YouTube, Itunes... its worth getting.
Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away
Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run To where will you run
And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
(Chorus 2x)
Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go
Love you all, Praise God for Him never letting us go and for loving us that much. What a picture of our face, covered in tears and pain and Jesus holding it in His hands...... His hands with scars for what He has done for us and they are on our cheeks loved ones.... He smiles and tells us to lift up our face, don't turn away, He has us ... right in His hands.
Lonnie~
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