I took some time this morning to get alone and get some quiet time - some fresh air. I have been thinking and praying the last few days about Walt hanging in there and fighting. What is it that keeps him here - can he hear me? -Does he know we are there with him?
I realized something this morning that if Walt would have waited one more day, his salvation would have never had happened. At least for us to know he was saved or have someone lead him in prayer. A man who spent 73 years fighting and turning away from religion that on his last awake day - was lead to Jesus by a 10 year old who could not bare the fact that he might not ever see his grandpa again. I am thankful and so blessed to just be a part of this.
I am going to be 41 or something this year and I don't see myself slowing down any. My past years I have given some thought about retiring and doing the good life, taking up golf and really learning how to fish. I hear folks who I work with talk about it all the time. 9 more years and I am out of here they say ....
Yes, I value my work and my job and I am blessed and thankful for it. It puts food on the table, it provides for my family and it helps me be the generous person and family that we are. But there is more than that - there is more to walking with the folks at work, opportunities for folks to come into my office and tell me their struggles and pray with them. I have experienced many things over the last few years and I take that part of my job more serious than I do the actual work! Because it is Gods work ... and that is what He has placed on me to do at this time.
It occured to me this morning that a life with vision - is a life! A life with no vision, you are just going through the motions and not engaging or investing in anything. Just waiting on the next thing, the new car, or jewelry or whatever it is the infomercials are selling. I want my family to have not my vision, or the vision of Hollywood or the latest fad - but Gods vision. I want all the folks who I am serving with and have influence with and doing life with -to have Gods vision. I want 'My Kids" to know that God has a vision for them. They can remain pure and grow into that very person that God created them to be. Imagine a life with vision and purpose. I may not be changing a generation but I am going to serve and work hard for God with whom all I have contact with. If I live to be as old as Walt - that gives me 32 or something years left and I want to serve the Lord for each and every moment until that time comes.
I want to see folks serving in our church, I want to see every Project 252 kid (our middle/high school kids) serving and getting the vision of God. I want to see our k-5 kids bugging their parents to take them to church so that they can see their friends, hear the band play and build Godly and lasting relationships all while learning about Christ. I want us to hold each other accountable for where they are, our choices and decisions, I want us to extend a hand to help those around us who are hurting, who need a hand, who are divorced or widowed.... I want to see folks serving each other! These past few weeks after moving Walt here in the home with us, I have seen this serving thing first hand and it is amazing. Last night part of our Rock Group went and built bears to give to a family who is hurting... they have the vision of serving one another. A few weeks ago we had a group of folks go and serve at the nursing home where Walt spent 5 months at - they have the vision!
I do believe with all the things my family and I have done over the last few years - Walt got to see that vision - he didnt experience it but he got to see it. He was afraid to step further into it because he reminded us all the time - he was too old to change. I do believe that he thought God could not use him - but he is now. God is using Walt to pull people together and give an opportunity to serve each other.
I challenge you loved ones, to serve one another - to plug yourself into a church and get Gods vision for your life. Retirement for me is when I take my last breath on this earth - I will rest then for all eternity. Until that time comes, I will carry out God's vision for my life and continue to be the best example I can be to those in my life.
Let me share this, I visit lots of k-5 kids in the community and have lunch with them at school. Its an investment in them that is far greater than the sometimes inconvenience of leaving work, driving and being time consuming. Its more than going into work early to cover that extra time I spend at lunch with them - its more than that vacation time I take from work so that I can invest in that special day at school - like space camp. If I was any other parent having lunch only with my child and the school busting me what seems like every day at my sons school, I would not go back. But I am determined to let the kids I have influence with to share with them a vision that God loves them, they too can be used by God and their lives do matter - no matter what their situation is or if their family is struggling or if there is divorce in their life.
My son at 10 years old has done so many just incredible things in his young tenure - he has endured the loss of 3 grandparents. He serves in our church and doesn't complain at all about going for sometimes 7-8 hours each Sunday. He busts his friends when they miss 4-5 weeks or promise to come and they dont. He loves everything about church and the reasons why he is there. I tell him that God has a vision and a purpose for his life and I will continue to tell him that - even if he stops me and says, "I know daddy".
A few months ago I wrote my Chazown 2008 -I mentioned in there that one of the things I wanted to do this year was to hand off one of the ministries I current lead at church. The Strategic Volunteer Ministry is the ministry that plugs all volunteers into areas of service in our church. My vision is to not step down as leader of that ministry because I do feel passionate about it and a want in my heart for others to come to know Jesus like I have through serving. I want to partner with someone who can lead this ministry beyond my capabilities - I dont just want to spike the ball or sit on it to wait till the clock runs down. I want to still be in the game and doing my part. All of us can partner with each other to accomplish Gods vision in our lives. I can't change a generation but together we can. We can have a lasting impact on a generation that seems to care more about Hollywood than about God. Ever notice that Hollywood gives themselves a lot of awards? They give themselves so much credit, make so much money and still have messed up lives? I would rather have Gods blessings than Hollywood anyday!
People tore the roof off buildings to get to Jesus, they carried their family members and friends for miles to just get a touch from Jesus. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, made blind folks see who had NEVER seen before. He did things in peoples lives that can only be said - It was a God thing - there are no other answers or conclusions. The disciples were young men, late teens or early 20 somethings - by todays standards maybe too young to lead and have vision. I think we all sell ourselves short sometimes. My Uncle Buster sings at church every Sunday and while on the phone with him the other night - he sang me his new song. There is meaning in those words, passion in his voice and a love of God that just pours out of him. These are folks retired from work but serving their butts off for the Lord.
Abraham was 100 years old and God told him he was going to father a child and that child will lead a great nation. The Lord can do the same for you and your family........
Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to tear the roof off so you can get close to Jesus? Our children should not sleep in on Sundays - You need to lead your families so that their vision is not from anyone or anything else except from God.
What then in your life would change? And imagine how it would change with that vision from God......
Love you all,
Lonnie~
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The day that drags on ...
just q quick update to everyone on what has been happening here in the household. Walt is still with us but is unresponsive - has been since Saturday. I am just not sure why he is holding on - I keep thinking that the Lord has something to show us through all this. There is something to learn here and it may be well after all this over that we learn what that is. Everything happens for a reason and I know deep in my heart that there is something to learn here.
I keep telling myself that this is Walts story - not mine. It doesn't matter how hard this is or how much pain that Carol, Kyle and I are walking in right now - and Carol's brother Bob and his family because they too have now experienced it as this drags on. But this is Walt's story and his ending. I am thankful that his end is just a passover to the next beginning with Walt accepting Jesus last friday night. I am thankful this is not as hard as it could be if Walt had not given his heart to the Lord.
Last night our extended families from our Rock group got Kyle after school and took him to the Build a Bear place at the mall. There is a family that we know through a dear family that has a little boy who is in the hospital taking chemo this week. This family has 3 children, 6,3, and 1. We built the bears for the kids and hopefully they will enjoy them half as much as "My Kids" enjoyed making them. They knew why they were making them and that is part of the lesson. Later this week the rest of our extended families in our Rock Group will build some more for other children that our friend knows in the hospital.
Life is all about those train tracks with 2 rails .... one for good in our lives and one for the tough things in life. Last night I got a chance to sit with Walt and pray with him. I read Romans 8 to him last night ~ Carol got some MUCH needed sleep and for that I am very thankful. Thanks to everyone for their calls, emails, suppers each night - my waste is busting my belt now!
Continued prayers~
Lonnie~
I keep telling myself that this is Walts story - not mine. It doesn't matter how hard this is or how much pain that Carol, Kyle and I are walking in right now - and Carol's brother Bob and his family because they too have now experienced it as this drags on. But this is Walt's story and his ending. I am thankful that his end is just a passover to the next beginning with Walt accepting Jesus last friday night. I am thankful this is not as hard as it could be if Walt had not given his heart to the Lord.
Last night our extended families from our Rock group got Kyle after school and took him to the Build a Bear place at the mall. There is a family that we know through a dear family that has a little boy who is in the hospital taking chemo this week. This family has 3 children, 6,3, and 1. We built the bears for the kids and hopefully they will enjoy them half as much as "My Kids" enjoyed making them. They knew why they were making them and that is part of the lesson. Later this week the rest of our extended families in our Rock Group will build some more for other children that our friend knows in the hospital.
Life is all about those train tracks with 2 rails .... one for good in our lives and one for the tough things in life. Last night I got a chance to sit with Walt and pray with him. I read Romans 8 to him last night ~ Carol got some MUCH needed sleep and for that I am very thankful. Thanks to everyone for their calls, emails, suppers each night - my waste is busting my belt now!
Continued prayers~
Lonnie~
Monday, February 25, 2008
I want to share this today - Please read along~
Acts 8:
The Ethiopian Eunuch
26-28Later God's angel spoke to Philip: "At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza." He got up and went. He met an Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. The eunuch had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was returning to Ethiopia, where he was minister in charge of all the finances of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was riding in a chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah.
29-30The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the chariot." Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?"
31-33He answered, "How can I without some help?" and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was reading was this: As a sheep led to slaughter, and quiet as a lamb being sheared, He was silent, saying nothing. He was mocked and put down, never got a fair trial. But who now can count his kin since he's been taken from the earth?
34-35The eunuch said, "Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?" Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
36-39As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, "Here's water. Why can't I be baptized?" He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn't mind. He had what he'd come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.
40Philip showed up in Azotus and continued north, preaching the Message in all the villages along that route until he arrived at Caesarea.
I wanted to share this morning that accepting Jesus has nothing to do with what your friends or family may say or think, it has nothing to do with a membership class or if you really like the church you are attending. Accepting Christ is a personal decision and a decision that only you can make. Just because you are attending church does not mean you are saved. God does not care about how many times you went to church on Sundays, how many Sundays you missed or how much you helped those around you. God cares about your heart and your walk with Him. Accepting Jesus personally and with your whole heart is something to be shared. You cannot grow in your faith if you do not share your faith with others. Its not something you hide and keep to yourself. Yes God wants you serving Him, He wants you attending church and part of His family. What is it going to be like when our time comes and God asks you - why didn't you go to church? Why didn't you get plugged in, serving, attending a Small Group or Bible Study? Jesus loved the church and if that is something He was that passionate about ~ How can you sit on the sidelines? God has given you gifts, talents and passions in life - get busy and don't waste another day. There are only a few things we can do with our days on this earth. We can waste them, watch them or we can INVEST them.
Opportunities like the story above come along in life - make the most of them and follow what God is telling you to do.
Salvation is reason to celebrate ....
Lonnie~
Acts 8:
The Ethiopian Eunuch
26-28Later God's angel spoke to Philip: "At noon today I want you to walk over to that desolate road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza." He got up and went. He met an Ethiopian eunuch coming down the road. The eunuch had been on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was returning to Ethiopia, where he was minister in charge of all the finances of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was riding in a chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah.
29-30The Spirit told Philip, "Climb into the chariot." Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?"
31-33He answered, "How can I without some help?" and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was reading was this: As a sheep led to slaughter, and quiet as a lamb being sheared, He was silent, saying nothing. He was mocked and put down, never got a fair trial. But who now can count his kin since he's been taken from the earth?
34-35The eunuch said, "Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?" Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.
36-39As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, "Here's water. Why can't I be baptized?" He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch saw of him. But he didn't mind. He had what he'd come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be.
40Philip showed up in Azotus and continued north, preaching the Message in all the villages along that route until he arrived at Caesarea.
I wanted to share this morning that accepting Jesus has nothing to do with what your friends or family may say or think, it has nothing to do with a membership class or if you really like the church you are attending. Accepting Christ is a personal decision and a decision that only you can make. Just because you are attending church does not mean you are saved. God does not care about how many times you went to church on Sundays, how many Sundays you missed or how much you helped those around you. God cares about your heart and your walk with Him. Accepting Jesus personally and with your whole heart is something to be shared. You cannot grow in your faith if you do not share your faith with others. Its not something you hide and keep to yourself. Yes God wants you serving Him, He wants you attending church and part of His family. What is it going to be like when our time comes and God asks you - why didn't you go to church? Why didn't you get plugged in, serving, attending a Small Group or Bible Study? Jesus loved the church and if that is something He was that passionate about ~ How can you sit on the sidelines? God has given you gifts, talents and passions in life - get busy and don't waste another day. There are only a few things we can do with our days on this earth. We can waste them, watch them or we can INVEST them.
Opportunities like the story above come along in life - make the most of them and follow what God is telling you to do.
Salvation is reason to celebrate ....
Lonnie~
Sunday, February 24, 2008
We are never to young or too old ....
What an emotional church service we had today! I did not get into church this morning to serve - Carol, Bob and I sat up till 2AM or so talking about the last 48 hours and the events leading up to Walt being saved - his long illness and some good memories in life... it was a much needed time to bring some closure to all that is going on here. Friday night after Walt accepted Jesus, we gave him permission to go - to say hello to my mom and Carols mom - we talked about heaven and just hours of intense uplifting stuff taking place - Looking back - it was the crash course- Heaven 101 but instead of a lifetime or a semester at the college level, it was the fastest and quickest hour ever!!!
A few months ago I shared with my Rock Group kids that they are not too young to serve God. That even at their age, God has a plan of service for Him. He can have them leading their lives for Jesus now - example in their school and praying at lunch time - they can be a good example by being a good Christian friend to their friends, inviting their friends @school to church .... there is much that they can do. Walt struggled for 73 years on this decision - and it took a 10 year old to pray with Walt to lead him to Jesus. Like Pastor Jimmy told us, it was probably many many things that brought Walt to that moment but it was my son Kyle who lead him. It is a moment I will never forget and a moment that I know Kyle will never forget.
Loved ones, encourage your children, encourage the young ones you have influence with and let them know they can do big things for Jesus - Sometimes, even more so than us adults. Our kids have a great understanding of things and they put things into a simple little voice so they can understand it. Jesus spoke to folks in simple terms so that we can understand it - that is why He spoke in Parables ..... life lessons and examples.
Luke 18:
The Little Children and Jesus
15People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
I am so blessed to have so many children and young adults in my life - I love them all and I look forward to serving them, praying with them, encouraging them, and honoring them in everything I do. "My Kids" ~ but they are Christ's kids before mine :)
love you all,
Lonnie~
A few months ago I shared with my Rock Group kids that they are not too young to serve God. That even at their age, God has a plan of service for Him. He can have them leading their lives for Jesus now - example in their school and praying at lunch time - they can be a good example by being a good Christian friend to their friends, inviting their friends @school to church .... there is much that they can do. Walt struggled for 73 years on this decision - and it took a 10 year old to pray with Walt to lead him to Jesus. Like Pastor Jimmy told us, it was probably many many things that brought Walt to that moment but it was my son Kyle who lead him. It is a moment I will never forget and a moment that I know Kyle will never forget.
Loved ones, encourage your children, encourage the young ones you have influence with and let them know they can do big things for Jesus - Sometimes, even more so than us adults. Our kids have a great understanding of things and they put things into a simple little voice so they can understand it. Jesus spoke to folks in simple terms so that we can understand it - that is why He spoke in Parables ..... life lessons and examples.
Luke 18:
The Little Children and Jesus
15People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
I am so blessed to have so many children and young adults in my life - I love them all and I look forward to serving them, praying with them, encouraging them, and honoring them in everything I do. "My Kids" ~ but they are Christ's kids before mine :)
love you all,
Lonnie~
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Salvation is here ...
These words are from Hillsong -
God above all the world in motion
God above all my hopes and fears And I don't care what the world throws at me now
I'm gonna be alright
Hear the sound of the generations
Making loud our freedom song
All in all that the world would know Your name
It's gonna be alright
Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know His word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here Salvation is here Salvation is here and He lives in me
Salvation is here Salvation that died just to set me free
Salvation is hereSalvation is here and He lives in me
Salvation is here Cause You are alive and You live in me
Last night we had such a joyous evening - Carol, Kyle, Bob, Kaity and I sang songs from Walts Ipod, talked about vacations and the good ol days all while gathered around his bed. Kyle told grandpa that he wanted to see him again and that would only happen in heaven. Kyle asked him to accept Jesus and Walt said no - Kyle had a book mark that he got from somewhere - Written in it is John3:16 which Kyle read to him and again Kyles asked grandpa to accept Jesus and he said Yes. Carol and Bob asked him are you sure? He said yes and nodded ...... we spoke for the next 2 hours to him about heaven, letting go and saying hello to my mom, Carol and Bobs mom MaryLou - tell them how much we miss them and that they would be waiting on him looking all the more beautiful - more so than you ever remember.
It was such an awesome evening - hard losing a loved one as they lay near death - but now it is not death at all - it is just a stopover to better things ahead.
The entire house now has a different feel to it. The mood is joyous and has laughter. To think my son helped his grandpa to accept Jesus and lead him. It will be an important moment in his life forever!! I do believe with all my heart that Kyle was the only one to lead Walt to Christ - I know I could not do it or anyone else except Kyle.
I called Pastor Jimmy and gave him the news - a few of Rock Group families last night and my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster.......
It is reason to celebrate! Mom - 2 years ago today you left to be with the Lord. I have not forgotten this day but its a day to celebrate and maybe today - You will get to see Walt again. I told him to be looking for you because I know how much you loved Walt. What a great reunion this is going to be.
Love and miss you~
Randy~
God above all the world in motion
God above all my hopes and fears And I don't care what the world throws at me now
I'm gonna be alright
Hear the sound of the generations
Making loud our freedom song
All in all that the world would know Your name
It's gonna be alright
Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know His word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here Salvation is here Salvation is here and He lives in me
Salvation is here Salvation that died just to set me free
Salvation is hereSalvation is here and He lives in me
Salvation is here Cause You are alive and You live in me
Last night we had such a joyous evening - Carol, Kyle, Bob, Kaity and I sang songs from Walts Ipod, talked about vacations and the good ol days all while gathered around his bed. Kyle told grandpa that he wanted to see him again and that would only happen in heaven. Kyle asked him to accept Jesus and Walt said no - Kyle had a book mark that he got from somewhere - Written in it is John3:16 which Kyle read to him and again Kyles asked grandpa to accept Jesus and he said Yes. Carol and Bob asked him are you sure? He said yes and nodded ...... we spoke for the next 2 hours to him about heaven, letting go and saying hello to my mom, Carol and Bobs mom MaryLou - tell them how much we miss them and that they would be waiting on him looking all the more beautiful - more so than you ever remember.
It was such an awesome evening - hard losing a loved one as they lay near death - but now it is not death at all - it is just a stopover to better things ahead.
The entire house now has a different feel to it. The mood is joyous and has laughter. To think my son helped his grandpa to accept Jesus and lead him. It will be an important moment in his life forever!! I do believe with all my heart that Kyle was the only one to lead Walt to Christ - I know I could not do it or anyone else except Kyle.
I called Pastor Jimmy and gave him the news - a few of Rock Group families last night and my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster.......
It is reason to celebrate! Mom - 2 years ago today you left to be with the Lord. I have not forgotten this day but its a day to celebrate and maybe today - You will get to see Walt again. I told him to be looking for you because I know how much you loved Walt. What a great reunion this is going to be.
Love and miss you~
Randy~
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Biblical Friend~
As I look around my circle - I am amazed with the true friends Carol, Kyle and I have. I know I blogged this point yesterday, but let me say it one more time :)
I know that if my family and I were not in church, serving in church and being in the places God has called us to - we would be doing this life on our own. It would be just the 3 of us and that really scares me to think that we would be having to go through all we are going through right now alone.
Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
I take my friends very seriously. I want to be there for them when they need someone to walk in close when others pull away. As a Christian, I want to be in there battling, encouraging and praying with them.
Proverbs 18:24
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
As I look around right now and the struggles my family and I are facing - there are those who are moving in close and jumping right in there with us. I can't tell you how that is so uplifting!
Are you a good friend to someone? Are you taking the steps forward for someone who needs a friend? So many folks come up with excuses and back off when someone they know is in need. It might be a family member or a neighbor - it might be a friend you know from church or work. It takes courage to step forward and to go to the place where its a little scary and it might get a little ugly and it for sure will get hard. But that is what friends do - Maybe you are not choosing your friends well or maybe you don't even know how you got the friends you do have but they are no good and a bad influence. Maybe they are the reason why you cannot grow in Christ or make the changes in your life for the better because they are dragging you down and are keeping you in the place where you are today.
1 Corinthians 15:33
33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
You might be one of the nicest folks around but if you are sourrounded by folks that are not encouraging you, uplifting you, walking life with you, praying for you - then you need to walk away - you need to take the steps and get out!
I think about someone who is close to me this morning and his place is at the bar. He has his seat - its like being Norm on Cheers - he has his spot in the place and his name is on the bar stool. He thinks these people are his friends, he goes through his day just ho-hum until he gets there and he is smiles, he is happy and he is in his comfort zone. Its all lies and I got to see it first hand not long ago. It was sad to watch really knowing that his life could be different and it could be so much better!
It does not matter how old you are or if you are a freshman in HS or college - retired, 10 years old or whatever - Choose your friends wisely. For they will make up your character and hold you accountable for your actions when we screw up - or praise us when we are doing good!
We were not made to do this life alone - we were made to have friends and people around us! I am not talking just opposite sex but I am talking friends... I am talking about family - I am talking about people who will spend quality time with! Find them and then love them - walk with them and do life with them.
Choose friends who are going in the direction you are wanting to go ~
So where are you going? Is this the path you want to be on?
I am thankful for the friends in my life - Our Rock Group families, our church, the PTA families who are stopping everyday - my family - Its the direction I want to go in - its the direction that God is leading my family and I in and we are so blessed to find this narrow road. I am so glad that our friends include the word of God and that is the basis and center of these friendships.
I am not afraid to have this cross on my neck - it lets everyone know where I am in life and my direction. My actions and my words should reflect that cross ... its something I take seriously and I take my friends seriously.
Sometimes your closest friend is not your sister in Cleveland but your friend you meet at the coffee shop - the one you cry with and laugh with.
I have this printed on my wall here at work:
Mark 3:31-35
The True Family of Jesus
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers[a] are outside asking for you.”
33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
love you all -
In Christ,
Lonnie~
I know that if my family and I were not in church, serving in church and being in the places God has called us to - we would be doing this life on our own. It would be just the 3 of us and that really scares me to think that we would be having to go through all we are going through right now alone.
Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
I take my friends very seriously. I want to be there for them when they need someone to walk in close when others pull away. As a Christian, I want to be in there battling, encouraging and praying with them.
Proverbs 18:24
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
As I look around right now and the struggles my family and I are facing - there are those who are moving in close and jumping right in there with us. I can't tell you how that is so uplifting!
Are you a good friend to someone? Are you taking the steps forward for someone who needs a friend? So many folks come up with excuses and back off when someone they know is in need. It might be a family member or a neighbor - it might be a friend you know from church or work. It takes courage to step forward and to go to the place where its a little scary and it might get a little ugly and it for sure will get hard. But that is what friends do - Maybe you are not choosing your friends well or maybe you don't even know how you got the friends you do have but they are no good and a bad influence. Maybe they are the reason why you cannot grow in Christ or make the changes in your life for the better because they are dragging you down and are keeping you in the place where you are today.
1 Corinthians 15:33
33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
You might be one of the nicest folks around but if you are sourrounded by folks that are not encouraging you, uplifting you, walking life with you, praying for you - then you need to walk away - you need to take the steps and get out!
I think about someone who is close to me this morning and his place is at the bar. He has his seat - its like being Norm on Cheers - he has his spot in the place and his name is on the bar stool. He thinks these people are his friends, he goes through his day just ho-hum until he gets there and he is smiles, he is happy and he is in his comfort zone. Its all lies and I got to see it first hand not long ago. It was sad to watch really knowing that his life could be different and it could be so much better!
It does not matter how old you are or if you are a freshman in HS or college - retired, 10 years old or whatever - Choose your friends wisely. For they will make up your character and hold you accountable for your actions when we screw up - or praise us when we are doing good!
We were not made to do this life alone - we were made to have friends and people around us! I am not talking just opposite sex but I am talking friends... I am talking about family - I am talking about people who will spend quality time with! Find them and then love them - walk with them and do life with them.
Choose friends who are going in the direction you are wanting to go ~
So where are you going? Is this the path you want to be on?
I am thankful for the friends in my life - Our Rock Group families, our church, the PTA families who are stopping everyday - my family - Its the direction I want to go in - its the direction that God is leading my family and I in and we are so blessed to find this narrow road. I am so glad that our friends include the word of God and that is the basis and center of these friendships.
I am not afraid to have this cross on my neck - it lets everyone know where I am in life and my direction. My actions and my words should reflect that cross ... its something I take seriously and I take my friends seriously.
Sometimes your closest friend is not your sister in Cleveland but your friend you meet at the coffee shop - the one you cry with and laugh with.
I have this printed on my wall here at work:
Mark 3:31-35
The True Family of Jesus
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. 32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers[a] are outside asking for you.”
33 Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 35 Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
love you all -
In Christ,
Lonnie~
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
What a day a difference makes....
I have to tell ya that I am just blown away by the kindess of the folks in my life - the folks in Carols life - Neither of us have family in the area but we have an extended family that is just unreal. Yesterday I spoke with one of our friends who was out of town over the weekend and her daughter just loves Kyle - they are in the same class together and she called to check on us, to check on Walt and wanted an update on everything - she has made arrangements for meals starting this Saturday till whenever next week. The PTA who serves with Carol at school has provided meals and smiles all this week, along with the comfort of knowing we are not alone - the hugs that tells us that we will make it through because people care. Our Rock Group families are providing meals, offers to watch Kyle, to come to the house and clean, to come over and get Carol out of the house for an hour or so - plus hugs, prayers, tears, people that are willing to stand right along side of us. Our church families are doing their part by seeing us on Sundays, talking with us, praying with us, calling and emailing - along with everything else I just listed above - I mean folks - I am blown away by the love and compassion that God has placed in our lives through our extended family.
Carol was telling Walt yesterday about all that is going on -and he said - you guys have some awesome friends to be doing all this for you and for him! I shared with him that is what the church is supposed to do - to bring community to the community through the power and Word of God. Our struggles and issues are not just our own because we have an extended family who loves and cares about us. It is so humbling - and we are so thankful that God has placed all this together.
I know without a doubt that if we were not in church -not walking with Jesus - not serving and leading at church - staying self centered and focused only on ourselves - coming to church on Sunday and leaving till next week (unchanged for the most part - absorbing Gods light instead of reflecting it) we would not be receiving the blessings that are all around us today!!!
This opens me up to share with you something this morning on a different subject - something that I am very passionate about. Serving - serving others and more importantly - serving in your church and serving God.
This past week we plugged in 3 new folks into our setup ministry at church. It has been awhile since that has happened. I can tell they were a little nervous, not sure of what they were getting into but as time went on - they found their groove and they met all kinds of new people that otherwise they would have never met by just coming to church and leaving. They have walked through the doors of serving and experiencing more of Gods blessings by serving Him - giving others the chance to experience God and life change because of their faith and wanting to be involved. I too, was that person who had excuses for not serving. I too put life and what I wanted to do ahead of serving and that obligation. But now - I see the benefit and am enjoying my time serving - I take ownership of being part of something so much bigger than myself.
See it here when we are serving that God uses us, He teaches us and He focuses us on bigger things. Serving puts you in line with others who also struggle with life and who are looking for something more - something bigger and something with meaning and purpose. I want to plug in every person at our church to serve in some capacity. I know not everyone can sing in the band - but God has given us each talents and gifts that some of us don't even know we have! Not everyone can stand in front of a crowd and lead - but God needs folks to set up chairs - to work in the band behind the scenes - to work on the sound productions teams - to work with our kids in K-5 and Middle/High school ministries. Some folks have amazing personalities and smiles that are magnets to others - we need you to greet folks and use your talents to welcome folks and make them feel easy. So many folks feel uneasy coming to a new church - but why? They dont feel that way going to a store in the mall that they have never stepped foot in.
God wants to use you - He wants you to be grounded in Him before those times in life that You need Him! We can't come to God during those times when things are falling apart - we need Him before then! So during those hard times, it will be easier and you will learn something that God has to teach you.
Friends, I am encouraged this morning because of what God is doing all around us. He is even using Walt today because Carol's brother and his daughter are coming down. We are going to hook Kaity up to one of "my kids" on Saturday and on Sunday they are going to the Middle/High school Ministry together - Kaity has not spent much time in church or getting to know God at all - I just can't wait to see what God does with all that this weekend.
Come out of your comfort zones - get in the game and get involved - Jesus did not ask to come aboard the fishing boats when his disciples were fishing - He walked out on the water and got in -
Jesus said "Come follow me" and they did.
Lonnie~
Carol was telling Walt yesterday about all that is going on -and he said - you guys have some awesome friends to be doing all this for you and for him! I shared with him that is what the church is supposed to do - to bring community to the community through the power and Word of God. Our struggles and issues are not just our own because we have an extended family who loves and cares about us. It is so humbling - and we are so thankful that God has placed all this together.
I know without a doubt that if we were not in church -not walking with Jesus - not serving and leading at church - staying self centered and focused only on ourselves - coming to church on Sunday and leaving till next week (unchanged for the most part - absorbing Gods light instead of reflecting it) we would not be receiving the blessings that are all around us today!!!
This opens me up to share with you something this morning on a different subject - something that I am very passionate about. Serving - serving others and more importantly - serving in your church and serving God.
This past week we plugged in 3 new folks into our setup ministry at church. It has been awhile since that has happened. I can tell they were a little nervous, not sure of what they were getting into but as time went on - they found their groove and they met all kinds of new people that otherwise they would have never met by just coming to church and leaving. They have walked through the doors of serving and experiencing more of Gods blessings by serving Him - giving others the chance to experience God and life change because of their faith and wanting to be involved. I too, was that person who had excuses for not serving. I too put life and what I wanted to do ahead of serving and that obligation. But now - I see the benefit and am enjoying my time serving - I take ownership of being part of something so much bigger than myself.
See it here when we are serving that God uses us, He teaches us and He focuses us on bigger things. Serving puts you in line with others who also struggle with life and who are looking for something more - something bigger and something with meaning and purpose. I want to plug in every person at our church to serve in some capacity. I know not everyone can sing in the band - but God has given us each talents and gifts that some of us don't even know we have! Not everyone can stand in front of a crowd and lead - but God needs folks to set up chairs - to work in the band behind the scenes - to work on the sound productions teams - to work with our kids in K-5 and Middle/High school ministries. Some folks have amazing personalities and smiles that are magnets to others - we need you to greet folks and use your talents to welcome folks and make them feel easy. So many folks feel uneasy coming to a new church - but why? They dont feel that way going to a store in the mall that they have never stepped foot in.
God wants to use you - He wants you to be grounded in Him before those times in life that You need Him! We can't come to God during those times when things are falling apart - we need Him before then! So during those hard times, it will be easier and you will learn something that God has to teach you.
Friends, I am encouraged this morning because of what God is doing all around us. He is even using Walt today because Carol's brother and his daughter are coming down. We are going to hook Kaity up to one of "my kids" on Saturday and on Sunday they are going to the Middle/High school Ministry together - Kaity has not spent much time in church or getting to know God at all - I just can't wait to see what God does with all that this weekend.
Come out of your comfort zones - get in the game and get involved - Jesus did not ask to come aboard the fishing boats when his disciples were fishing - He walked out on the water and got in -
Jesus said "Come follow me" and they did.
Lonnie~
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