The last few days I have been under the weather some. Nothing major but for sure it has taken a step or 2 from me. Today I am trying the work from home thing. Its harder than it looks! I am not sure how Carol does this everyday. I guess with my short attention span - its easy to get rolling on a few things at once including some work and answering emails and calls and then looking up and things are rolling everywhere! I did manage to get to the gym and that is a plus! Just not sure I am cut out for this isolation - I need my PEEPS around me and folks to talk to. I guess one would get used to it in time BUT FOR ME it would be a LONG time.
Anyways, had a good day today. Have some things that are bothering me and I need to pray through them. As I examine those things I am reminded of a few words that always bring me focus and direction.
When we honor God in the places no one sees ~ He will honor us in the places everyone sees.
Our walk with Jesus is not private at all. Its actually a very public one. As we do our best to reach out to others ... its very important to make sure our walk is in line with our talk. If its not - you will be exposed as a fake and that is not a place that is good to be in. As a follower of Jesus, people are watching and waiting - sad but true for us to mess things up.
Lord I pray that my heart today is in line with my words and actions. I pray that my intentions to reach the lost as well as those who need encouragement or just a smile would really feel the trueness of my intentions and care. Lord I pray that these things that are on my heart will be handed to you. Handle them for me Lord and provide the vision I need for them to come to pass. Lord I pray that the days ahead, though busy, will be fulfilling for your will above my own. I continue to pray that you give me the vision and trust Lord to continue to take those next steps -even if I don't see them. I pray I am bringing you glory and honor Lord today. Thank you for my family and "MyKids" Lord.... they are blessings that are from you.
Amen
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday Blah...
Sorry I am not feeling that well. Hanging tough though as I fight this crud off. Weekend was great with time spent at one of "MyKids" birthday parties, gym on Saturday morning followed by my first time ever ice skating - I can mark that off my list of things to do in my life :) - and then church Sunday morning and Pumpkins! Yes they are here .... I can tell with the cool temps this morning that its PATCH time again.
Love this time of year and with it brings a season of change. Who couldn't use some change in their lives? Anyways, here are a few pictures from yesterday. We had the biggest turn out of help ever on the patch and finished in about an hour. Awesome - isn't it amazing though when the church comes together and serves as one - things get done. More on this later...just enjoy the pictures as my cold meds are in affect. Looking forward to working the patch this October on Wed evenings with our student ministry..... should be a great time together!
Love you all,
Lonnie
Friday, September 25, 2009
Its who I am....
I found this picture a few days ago and it has really wrecked me. Honestly, taking a good look at this picture reminds me who I am today. If only mom could see this. To see who I have become and how life for me has turned into something far different than just a few years ago. This picture was taken during the summer at our Thirst Camp (student ministry camp) week. We got up early after a long day that went well into the morning hours. Very little sleep but ready for the day ahead because the Lord was the focus each day. Morning time spent in the bible for everyone, devotions and then we prayed together before we headed out the door. Why does this not have to happen each and every day? Why do we need to lose the vision like we had that week in our everyday lives? I am still working and serving hard to invest in the kids in this picture as well as many others. I am very blessed to be able to pour my heart into them as I do my best to show them Jesus. They in return are showing me Jesus and we are doing life together. Loving each other, sharing the good and tough times... its what its all about.
I was told at camp that week that I may have a job working at a university but it is not who I am. Those words still ring into my heart and soul today. I have become so much more. Not to say its all about me because I humbly pray each and every day that what I do and what I say will reflect the love of Jesus to others. I pray that for "MyKids" so that they too can do that to those in their lives and circle of friends. I have a lot of work to do. I am blessed to be doing life with some other caring and compassionate people who love Jesus as much or more than I do who share the same burn in their hearts. God has me where I am today and I am so very thankful to be serving Him in any way I can - big, small or whatever.
Yes Lord, Yes. Thank You ......... sweet Jesus thank You. Mom .... you have been on my heart that last few days really heavy. Wish we could sit and talk some.. maybe on the back swing or at the house on the carport. I would take anywhere right now. I know you are happy and enjoying all that heaven has its a much better place than here for sure. I long to be there when that time comes. Wont be any sad thing here but a party and something left for families and "MyKids" to remember that I loved with everything I had and cared for each of them with all my heart. I know you would be smiling and that alone makes me smile - even with tears in my eyes... I am still smiling because it is who I am.
Lonnie~
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Boundaries....
I want to share this and get some things off my chest this morning. I want to talk about boundaries. You know those things that are in place that keep our lives from going too far off the path. See its when we live outside those boundaries that life seems to hurt the most. Not saying that life is easy within the boundaries and guidelines but it sure is easier.
I remember back when I was a kid and my family and I visited YellowStone. I hope someday to take my family back there and maybe even a few of "MyKids" who would otherwise never have a chance to see such a place of beauty the way God created it. I think about the park boundaries and the safety that the park provides the animals stay within the park. Those animals live the way they are supposed to live - free. But once outside - they are like any other animal ... they can be hunted and killed. Farmers have rights to protect their farm lands and businesses which mostly means cattle. Within the park boundaries - life goes on just as it has for thousands of years. If we look at our lands today - we have fencing that provides the animals the boundaries on the farm. Life is good. If we keep the animals in the stalls and in the barns well we have to work extra hard at keeping them. See, while in the boundaries - they have everything they need. Outside those boundaries.... life takes a turn and probably for the worst.
Our walk in this life is very much the same. God has given us the boundaries to live our lives.
Lets look at Psalm 23: 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
James 1:25 -25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
John 8:32 -Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I have been giving this concept of boundaries a lot of thought and prayer lately. Its something as a parent, its vital to our success in raising our children. Its vital to our own lives and our spiritual journey. Prison is full of people who have had no boundaries or don't respect the boundaries that society has put in place. When we tell our children to operate in these set parameters and they instantly challenge us, sneak under them, go over them - we have to worry.
It is such a sweet thing getting to witness our youth making wise and sound choices because so many are not these days... or what seems like they don't. Just look at the news. I can remember my grandma always saying - "this younger generation has no respect for anyone other than themselves." I guess things are much different than when she was raised but the words still ring true to some degree. If only we would make the decision to live life in the boundaries that God has placed on us - surely life would have everything we need as we graze in the green pastures of life. These boundaries and foundations are built on a Father's love. Our kids need them.... too many today are running outside the safe zone ready to be taken down by the enemy. Kids will thrive in this environment. Families will thrive. Marriages will thrive. Its formed and put in place from love, concern and acceptance. Its where the light shines so that you can see the dangers ahead.
Its a tough place when we have to be jerked back inside the fences.... it hurts, its painful sometimes but often times needed. Just as my dad would often say - "this is going to hurt me more than its going to hurt you." I never understood that... but I am starting to. When you love that much. I wonder how God looks at his children and has to yank them back in the protected bounderies and out of harms way. Probably with tears in his eyes.... just like we do with our own children because we want what is best and safe for each and every one of them.
Lonnie~
I remember back when I was a kid and my family and I visited YellowStone. I hope someday to take my family back there and maybe even a few of "MyKids" who would otherwise never have a chance to see such a place of beauty the way God created it. I think about the park boundaries and the safety that the park provides the animals stay within the park. Those animals live the way they are supposed to live - free. But once outside - they are like any other animal ... they can be hunted and killed. Farmers have rights to protect their farm lands and businesses which mostly means cattle. Within the park boundaries - life goes on just as it has for thousands of years. If we look at our lands today - we have fencing that provides the animals the boundaries on the farm. Life is good. If we keep the animals in the stalls and in the barns well we have to work extra hard at keeping them. See, while in the boundaries - they have everything they need. Outside those boundaries.... life takes a turn and probably for the worst.
Our walk in this life is very much the same. God has given us the boundaries to live our lives.
Lets look at Psalm 23: 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
James 1:25 -25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
John 8:32 -Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I have been giving this concept of boundaries a lot of thought and prayer lately. Its something as a parent, its vital to our success in raising our children. Its vital to our own lives and our spiritual journey. Prison is full of people who have had no boundaries or don't respect the boundaries that society has put in place. When we tell our children to operate in these set parameters and they instantly challenge us, sneak under them, go over them - we have to worry.
It is such a sweet thing getting to witness our youth making wise and sound choices because so many are not these days... or what seems like they don't. Just look at the news. I can remember my grandma always saying - "this younger generation has no respect for anyone other than themselves." I guess things are much different than when she was raised but the words still ring true to some degree. If only we would make the decision to live life in the boundaries that God has placed on us - surely life would have everything we need as we graze in the green pastures of life. These boundaries and foundations are built on a Father's love. Our kids need them.... too many today are running outside the safe zone ready to be taken down by the enemy. Kids will thrive in this environment. Families will thrive. Marriages will thrive. Its formed and put in place from love, concern and acceptance. Its where the light shines so that you can see the dangers ahead.
Its a tough place when we have to be jerked back inside the fences.... it hurts, its painful sometimes but often times needed. Just as my dad would often say - "this is going to hurt me more than its going to hurt you." I never understood that... but I am starting to. When you love that much. I wonder how God looks at his children and has to yank them back in the protected bounderies and out of harms way. Probably with tears in his eyes.... just like we do with our own children because we want what is best and safe for each and every one of them.
Lonnie~
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A short story .....
As some of you know, many moons ago, I had Olympic stars in my youth. I never had that dream fulfilled but continue to love the Olympics and watching dreams come true for so many of our worlds athletes.
1992 - Barcelona Spain - Derek Redmond of Great Britain was on his way to winning the 400 meter. The gun sounded and Derek was out front leading the pack. He was running the race of his life. Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his thigh and he fell to the ground. He has tore his hamstring and he watched as his gold medal dreams came to pass as the other runners ran right past him. He got up and determined to finish the race. Hobbling on one leg with the finish line in site his dad appears on the scene as he busts through security and onto the field. His dad with tears in his eyes telling his son "You don't have to do this." Derek replied to his father- "Yes I do." Derek with his face in his fathers chest and with tears in his eyes walked across the finish line together. The crowd cheering and all standing as they witnessed those amazing moments. It touched everyone who witnessed this amazing story unfold. A son's determination and a father love and support.
I remember watching this amazing story - I think about it this morning and it touches my heart even more so today. See, I want to be that father who doesn't stand on the sidelines of life. I want to be in the lives of "MyKids". I want to know when they are hurting or when they are sick. I want to share in the victories of their day and in their defeat when its been a tough one. I want to be a "refuge" to not only Kyle but to many. Where they can come and be encouraged. Where they can come and in the mist of their troubles be reminded that God is in there with them. I don't want to carry "MyKids" but I want to walk with them. I want them to live life differently than what society tells them and sells them as truth. I know I am not going to be able to do this for all the kids that God has entrusted me with. There will be parents who don't get what my heart is breaking for. But for those who allow me to walk with them - You have me. I want to pour into you. I want to walk with you. I want to show you Jesus and you can show me Jesus.
What this means is - I have to ignore the stares and ignore the differences because this has a bigger purpose. Its what I have been called to do and I am praying for each step of this journey.
Do I see where this road leads? Nope... but I know that the Lord is leading me by the hand. I trust Him and I want to bring Him glory on this journey. Hopefully, prayers answered and lives changed along the way.
For those who are walking with me today - I love you with all my heart. Blessed to be off the sidelines. Far too many parents are living a life on the sidelines in life. I am not that story.
It may be risky, it may be unwise, it may be hard at times.... but in the end - one day... It will be worth it to hear Kyle or any one of "MyKids" say - "Thank You"
This speaks volumes to me this morning.
Luke 6:45
45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
May your life be an encouragement and a blessing to all those who are around you today.
Lonnie~
1992 - Barcelona Spain - Derek Redmond of Great Britain was on his way to winning the 400 meter. The gun sounded and Derek was out front leading the pack. He was running the race of his life. Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his thigh and he fell to the ground. He has tore his hamstring and he watched as his gold medal dreams came to pass as the other runners ran right past him. He got up and determined to finish the race. Hobbling on one leg with the finish line in site his dad appears on the scene as he busts through security and onto the field. His dad with tears in his eyes telling his son "You don't have to do this." Derek replied to his father- "Yes I do." Derek with his face in his fathers chest and with tears in his eyes walked across the finish line together. The crowd cheering and all standing as they witnessed those amazing moments. It touched everyone who witnessed this amazing story unfold. A son's determination and a father love and support.
I remember watching this amazing story - I think about it this morning and it touches my heart even more so today. See, I want to be that father who doesn't stand on the sidelines of life. I want to be in the lives of "MyKids". I want to know when they are hurting or when they are sick. I want to share in the victories of their day and in their defeat when its been a tough one. I want to be a "refuge" to not only Kyle but to many. Where they can come and be encouraged. Where they can come and in the mist of their troubles be reminded that God is in there with them. I don't want to carry "MyKids" but I want to walk with them. I want them to live life differently than what society tells them and sells them as truth. I know I am not going to be able to do this for all the kids that God has entrusted me with. There will be parents who don't get what my heart is breaking for. But for those who allow me to walk with them - You have me. I want to pour into you. I want to walk with you. I want to show you Jesus and you can show me Jesus.
What this means is - I have to ignore the stares and ignore the differences because this has a bigger purpose. Its what I have been called to do and I am praying for each step of this journey.
Do I see where this road leads? Nope... but I know that the Lord is leading me by the hand. I trust Him and I want to bring Him glory on this journey. Hopefully, prayers answered and lives changed along the way.
For those who are walking with me today - I love you with all my heart. Blessed to be off the sidelines. Far too many parents are living a life on the sidelines in life. I am not that story.
It may be risky, it may be unwise, it may be hard at times.... but in the end - one day... It will be worth it to hear Kyle or any one of "MyKids" say - "Thank You"
This speaks volumes to me this morning.
Luke 6:45
45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
May your life be an encouragement and a blessing to all those who are around you today.
Lonnie~
Monday, September 21, 2009
Continued....
Just take a few moments and read the post below from Joshua and then come back here.
Ready? With me? Ok........... This is a little different isn't it? I must say that I am still feeling Joshua from last week and from last night at rock group. I honestly believe that so many of us, me included, are on the doorsteps of something great. A breakthrough in your life and in your spiritual journey. So many of us find ourselves today - really wanting to trust God in a big decision or really praying for that miracle to come to pass. I believe that time is right in front of you. I am asking God to reveal the next steps.... shine that light 1-2 steps ahead and to have the faith to move forward. I know its scary not being able to see how it ends up or where you may go... but you have to get started! See Joshua rose from the ranks after Moses had died. A land he never get to fully live in as the land of milk and honey. See God provided this land for him and for His people but Moses and that generation complained and were not thankful for anything. They saw with their eyes a hard life- compared to slavery - at least there they had shelter, food and water. God provided for them but they were thankless. God let that generation come to pass before the next would step up and take it. See Joshua - like you today - inherited life. SO many of us have let life pass us by. We have not pressed forward and got in the game. We have debt up to our eyeballs, kids running wild, jobs we hate and so much more. Like Joshua - he needed to step up and do something different. I think about my own personal walk with leading the kids that God has put under my care. There have been some parents in the past that just don't get what I do. I am ok with that because not everyone is going to understand us when we are serving the Lord. Its different. Its not the normal. But in order to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ - we have to be in the game, mud on our faces, in the trenches being one with who we are reaching out to.
This past Saturday - I got a handful of leaders and a good handful of kids and headed out to serve a local family. We cut their grass, did all the edging, installed a screen door on the gazebo, pulled weeds, chopped 8 ft weeds and battled snakes, rats, spiders and bug bites and nobody complained. Excitement by Friday was awesome!!! The kids made brownies and cookies to be shared with the family and in return was a mom who could barely speak when we left, had tears in her eyes and was just so thankful for helping her. See life has her in some tough places. Her life has her in a set back - but by doing what God has called each of us to do - we were able to give her a step up. Blessings flow in those step up moments.
The church is called to when there is a need - fill the need. We each have a personal ministry and I am so proud of our students and leaders who went. It shows and teaches compassion in many different ways. Something Jesus just perfected and left as our example. Imagine with me a teenager who is in middle school who gets to experience such a thing. They are changed from that moment on. They look at people and life differently. Once most teenagers hit high school if they have not experienced things like this ... it usually becomes all about them. Time flies and before you know they are in their 20's ... 30's.... and still in the same selfish ways.
I am going to work hard to arrange these types of experiences for our students because I want them to really experience the life and love that Jesus wants us to have. Some are going to get it and some are not.... but its the ones that do that really get on fire for the things of God. Not a step back but a huge step up in their lives.
Like I said, MANY are on the doorsteps of something great. 5 As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous - one more time.....Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Can you feel it? Can you see it? Its there.......... Its there. Yes Lord, Yes. My first real steps into our student ministry yesterday was welcomed with 60 folks. Awesome........
More to come for sure...........~
Lonnie
Ready? With me? Ok........... This is a little different isn't it? I must say that I am still feeling Joshua from last week and from last night at rock group. I honestly believe that so many of us, me included, are on the doorsteps of something great. A breakthrough in your life and in your spiritual journey. So many of us find ourselves today - really wanting to trust God in a big decision or really praying for that miracle to come to pass. I believe that time is right in front of you. I am asking God to reveal the next steps.... shine that light 1-2 steps ahead and to have the faith to move forward. I know its scary not being able to see how it ends up or where you may go... but you have to get started! See Joshua rose from the ranks after Moses had died. A land he never get to fully live in as the land of milk and honey. See God provided this land for him and for His people but Moses and that generation complained and were not thankful for anything. They saw with their eyes a hard life- compared to slavery - at least there they had shelter, food and water. God provided for them but they were thankless. God let that generation come to pass before the next would step up and take it. See Joshua - like you today - inherited life. SO many of us have let life pass us by. We have not pressed forward and got in the game. We have debt up to our eyeballs, kids running wild, jobs we hate and so much more. Like Joshua - he needed to step up and do something different. I think about my own personal walk with leading the kids that God has put under my care. There have been some parents in the past that just don't get what I do. I am ok with that because not everyone is going to understand us when we are serving the Lord. Its different. Its not the normal. But in order to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ - we have to be in the game, mud on our faces, in the trenches being one with who we are reaching out to.
This past Saturday - I got a handful of leaders and a good handful of kids and headed out to serve a local family. We cut their grass, did all the edging, installed a screen door on the gazebo, pulled weeds, chopped 8 ft weeds and battled snakes, rats, spiders and bug bites and nobody complained. Excitement by Friday was awesome!!! The kids made brownies and cookies to be shared with the family and in return was a mom who could barely speak when we left, had tears in her eyes and was just so thankful for helping her. See life has her in some tough places. Her life has her in a set back - but by doing what God has called each of us to do - we were able to give her a step up. Blessings flow in those step up moments.
The church is called to when there is a need - fill the need. We each have a personal ministry and I am so proud of our students and leaders who went. It shows and teaches compassion in many different ways. Something Jesus just perfected and left as our example. Imagine with me a teenager who is in middle school who gets to experience such a thing. They are changed from that moment on. They look at people and life differently. Once most teenagers hit high school if they have not experienced things like this ... it usually becomes all about them. Time flies and before you know they are in their 20's ... 30's.... and still in the same selfish ways.
I am going to work hard to arrange these types of experiences for our students because I want them to really experience the life and love that Jesus wants us to have. Some are going to get it and some are not.... but its the ones that do that really get on fire for the things of God. Not a step back but a huge step up in their lives.
Like I said, MANY are on the doorsteps of something great. 5 As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous - one more time.....Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Can you feel it? Can you see it? Its there.......... Its there. Yes Lord, Yes. My first real steps into our student ministry yesterday was welcomed with 60 folks. Awesome........
More to come for sure...........~
Lonnie
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday~~
What an amazing 2 days it has been. I will go into detail maybe tomorrow but let me share something that has been on my heart for the last few days.
I opened rock group tonight with a passage from Joshua. It has really spoke to me this week.
Joshua 1:
5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I hope this has a chance to sink in until next time......
Yes Lord, Yes.
I opened rock group tonight with a passage from Joshua. It has really spoke to me this week.
Joshua 1:
5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I hope this has a chance to sink in until next time......
Yes Lord, Yes.
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