Hope ya'll had a great weekend and had a chance to get outside. It was near 80 here in the Carolina's yesterday which is just delightful for being still February. I'll take these days when they come thats for sure.
A couple of things that I am excited about that I will share.
* I am excited with all that God is teaching me and how our church, our rock group families and in my own personal walk with Christ seems to be in step these days. Even with a tough week last week - as I will share more about John 9 - I was blind, now I can see. There is such light shining just down the road and the journey ahead is going to be just awesome.
* Plans for our mission trip to Jamaica is moving forward and folks are committed to going and that pumps me up. For what did not look possible as far as folks being able to afford to go, God has moved some mountains for us to experience all that He has for us on this trip. Lots of work still to do but things are moving forward
* I have been enjoying leading LOL on Wednesday nights. I look forward to the new building and the chance of things. Change is good sometimes - I am feeling good about what God is having on my heart to lead these students with. Sundays, I just dont have that same feel but I know God will break that soon as well.
* Relationships are deepening together with the folks around me. The last week or so God has really been pushing me in this place where hearts are at in just being like Jesus and loving the people around you. I mean less of us and more of Him and that means sometimes we need to love the hard to love. Love the ones who suck the energy from you, the heavenly sandpaper people and even those students who are just tough at times. I never used the word ANNOYING in middle school, at least to my knowledge but I hear it all the time now. Since when did everything and everyone become annoying in middle school? I laugh thinking about that because chances are if everything and everyone might be annoying to you - LOL - then you are probably the one thats annoying. Im just saying :)
* Carol is making plans for us to head to the beach for Spring Break. Kate will be joining us for a few days on her spring break. I cant tell you how much I miss that girl and I have really enjoyed the conversations with her the last few weeks. I am so encouraged by the path she is on. We all need to learn something from all this. Its not about where you are today but sometimes its ok to say you know what? - Look how far I have come! - Thats the important thing, not feeling down because you have a long way to go... but dang girl - you have come a long way! Keep it going!!!
* I am looking forward to upcoming weeks of rock group as we study "prayer" together. I plan to stretch every single person in their prayers during these coming weeks. Not sure what that looks like yet but I just feel it - this growth spurt about to happen and as we prepare for Jamaica.
I want to talk a little bit about John 9 today. I wont type it all out but if you would just pause and break away from this for a few minutes and read John 9 - I will pick it up from there.
True Blindness ~
Jesus while walking down the road, probably traveling from city to city along with his disciples, he came across a blind man. Blind from birth and never being able to see, his only occupation was to beg for money. Not being able to use his hands, kept this man from being able to work. During this time manual labor was the normal in terms of employment and what options does anyone have who cannot see? So as Jesus passed this man, He reached down and made a clay paste from his saliva and he rubbed it on this mans eyes. Imagine what this man was thinking because he couldnt see what Jesus was doing. He just had to feel it. See this man as the disciples asked Jesus who was to blame for this mans blindness - Jesus said that nobody was to blame but that his glory would be shown because of his blindness. The man got up, with the help of his friends and took him to the Pool of Siloam. This pool meaning "Sent" and the man got on his belly and washed his face. He saw. He could see. Could you image seeing for the very first time in your life. How you thought things looked was now real. Imagine the excitement in this man as he could match up a life time of things he only could imagined what they looked like. He was now seeing them. Colors, and textures, what clouds and the sun looked like. What people looked like and finally being able to see his friends and what they really looked like. The town buzzed as they started seeing the man all over town. Recognizing him as the blind beggar but now he sees? They wanted to know how this happened. In revealing his story that Jesus healed him it made the religious leaders angry. They couldnt deny that this man was healed - they were looking at him. The only fault they could find is that this healing took place on a holy day. This man didnt care at all about that because he could see. They called his parents in to testify the story and what exactly took place. They told him to ask their son, he was old enough to testify on his own behalf. So this blind man shares with them that its well known that God isnt at the beck and call of sinners but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened my eyes, a man who has never seen, if this man didnt come from God he would be able to do anything. Being angry now, they threw the man into the street. Jesus heard the story and went and found the man. He not only saw Jesus this time but he also recognized his voice. Jesus told him that he came into the world to bring everything into the clear light of day, making all things clear so that who have never seen will see, and those who have made a pretense of seeing will be exposed as blind. Jesus told some of the Pharisees who were listening that if they were really blind, they would be blameless but since they claim to see everything so well, they were held accountable.
Friends, often times we are blind to the things that God is doing in our own lives. What seems like a loss of everything, maybe a business failure, a loss of your job or home, what seems hopeless just might be God setting you up for something big. Maybe a restored relationship - a friend that was lost years ago or one that you really want to get off the ground just hasnt had any traction to step forward and now God is opening doors. His work is changing hearts and setting things up in peoples lives in order to bring folks together. I said yesterday while teaching on forgiveness - its a way to move forward in any relationship. It keeps the past from poisoning the future.
So much in life is in the past but if we focus on that past it will keep you from moving forward in life. Life is ahead of you and its a place where Jesus is because he goes ahead of you when you have things lined up in your life correctly. The things that once you didnt notice become full spectrum when Gods plan is revealed and you get a front row seat into what God is doing. Last week was a tough week for me. Lots of hurting people needing my time and prayers. Relationships just not working and as I ended my week last week. God spoke and I wrote it down on my calendar here on my desk. "I can't Lord, but YOU can."
Perspective is a good thing and when we can step back and get the Lords perspective on things - It opens our eyes so that we can see things clearly, differently and with his eyes. Tapping into the power that Christ has for us is all in his power. Not in our own. Not in our own timing but in his.
Psalms 22:24 God does not ignore the suffering of the afflicted. He does not hide his face but listens to the cry for help.
Thank you Lord that we can see your face. As the insider goes - LUVURFACE Lord. I am just thankful I can see it - though more clearly than other times - when asked, he reveals.
I got to share a great heart story this morning from a dear friend. She and her family are going through some tough times and yesterday after church she sat in the backyard and had her talk with God. She had a peace come over her and the sun came out. She knew right then that all things were under His control.
Loved ones, sometimes you have to lean on the faith of others, until you can stand on your own. We are in this together, sharing, learning, leaning, holding each other accountable, loving, smiling, laughing - Oh I want to laugh more on my journey. Laughter is the universal language and something we all could use some more of it. Who has ever laughed too much in their life?
Do you have some laughter people in your life? You know the ones that always bring a smile to your face?
I hope I am that person for someone today in my life.... this just might be a GREAT week ahead :)
Lonnie~
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
This has been a long, tough week. Ministry wise as well as personal. Yesterday, I just could not take in one more thing and I was so thankful that a few of my close kids invited me to the movies. Though I didn't have much to say and they spoke to each other mostly, it was good to just sit and watch the big screen and let my mind, body and heart just unwind.
Today in my book as I continue moving forward in it - "Do Something" - It has really wrecked my day with the challenge today. I wont share it today but I fully plan on doing this before I head out this evening to see one of my students perform in her talent show. She is my compassionate kid and I am really hoping she has fun and not so much as to the pressures of winning. Takes some nerve to get on a stage and sing - no way could I do that. I dont have the gift of song that for sure... I have trouble clapping in rythm. :)
I want to challenge you today and not so much as to share a bunch of stuff for this Friday. Let me leave you with a question that you can fill in your own blank.
This _____________ was just another opportunity for God to prove is faithfulness.
As you go through your days and through your struggles, what is that thing that you carry around that if looked at differently, it would not be that struggle but an opportunity for God to prove himself once again in your life? God was is it in my life that this big huge weight is really an opportunity for you to show me your faithfulness.
As the song goes from Chris Tomlin - "Not to us but to your name, Be the glory."
So I will leave you with that today. Praying you are at a place today where in your heart -"but because of all God has done for me over the years, I know He will continue to take care of me".
Lord the next time we are in pain, being ridiculed or frustrated, I ask that you show us who you want us to be a model in suffering for. I pray that we would have the maturity to share the hope and comfort with others even while we are still hurting. And please give us the strength to be an enouragement to those who are trying to encourage us. I pray that your word in Romans 1:12 would speak to us today. Amen
Today in my book as I continue moving forward in it - "Do Something" - It has really wrecked my day with the challenge today. I wont share it today but I fully plan on doing this before I head out this evening to see one of my students perform in her talent show. She is my compassionate kid and I am really hoping she has fun and not so much as to the pressures of winning. Takes some nerve to get on a stage and sing - no way could I do that. I dont have the gift of song that for sure... I have trouble clapping in rythm. :)
I want to challenge you today and not so much as to share a bunch of stuff for this Friday. Let me leave you with a question that you can fill in your own blank.
This _____________ was just another opportunity for God to prove is faithfulness.
As you go through your days and through your struggles, what is that thing that you carry around that if looked at differently, it would not be that struggle but an opportunity for God to prove himself once again in your life? God was is it in my life that this big huge weight is really an opportunity for you to show me your faithfulness.
As the song goes from Chris Tomlin - "Not to us but to your name, Be the glory."
So I will leave you with that today. Praying you are at a place today where in your heart -"but because of all God has done for me over the years, I know He will continue to take care of me".
Lord the next time we are in pain, being ridiculed or frustrated, I ask that you show us who you want us to be a model in suffering for. I pray that we would have the maturity to share the hope and comfort with others even while we are still hurting. And please give us the strength to be an enouragement to those who are trying to encourage us. I pray that your word in Romans 1:12 would speak to us today. Amen
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Guest comments for today~
There are just some things that dont need to be hidden in a comment at the bottom of some webpage but out in the open. This is a heart of my Aunt Sharon that these words come from below. No matter what age we may be in life, having a true real friend is priceless. I say that all the time about some of the students in my life who have friendships as close and special as my aunt and my mom. It really is a treasure in life. Accountablility, friendship, sharing, feeling, doing life together, praying for each other, sharing in hurts, laughs, and smiles - it all goes together.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Love you Aunt Sharon. Mom is proud of you without a doubt. Keep serving the Lord with all your heart.
Not to us but to your name, Be the glory ~
Randy~
Some things are forever in your heart. No matter where you go or what you do, some things will never go away. But, those things have a way with the help of God, to change from heartache to peace. That is the way it is with Feb 23, 2006 in my heart. Oh, I still cry, I still feel sad, but I concentrate more on the good things and her smile instead of the suffering and dying. Her life made so much more of an impression on my life than her death did. I know that is the way she would want it.
I feel her presence with me all the time, just as I feel the presence of God with me all the time. I still hate cancer, and I still hate her being gone from me, but as David said in the Bible when his son died "I can't bring him back, but I can go to him".
I will never be the same person I was while she was alive, she showed me how precious life is, and she showed me how special our love was. Even though our family was so "disfunctional" she helped me with my struggle through it with me never knowing just how bad it was, how bad her struggle was until her time came. She sacrificed her feelings of it all to help me with mine. That was just the way she was. She was always there for me, ALWAYS, either in person or on the phone. She is still there for me always, in my heart. I was proud to call her my sister and my best friend. I still proudly speak of her, but I try to speak of her life instead of her death. She encouraged me, just like you Randy, just exactly like you.
There are so many things that remind me so much of her that I could never mention all of them. The way I see her now, in Heaven, singing and smiling and being free in the presence of God, just what she was looking for all her life, She wanted everyone to be happy, even if it meant she was not happy herself. She is looking for the rest of us to join her so we can be together again, and I will never let her down. The best thing anyone could do for her memory is to accept God, that is what she wanted, she wanted a close family, and that is what we will be one day, in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. She and I never knew a real father here in this world, but we have a real Heavenly Father in Heaven. And that is where the real peace comes from.
I know your momma is so proud of you, Randy, you are carrying on just how she would have wanted you too. And I believe with all my heart that your momma is proud of me too. She is smiling at both of us and she is at peace. She finally found the love and acceptance she always wanted. She found the true purpose of love and she is content knowing she will be there waiting for us. It was just like her to go first, so we wouldn't have to. I am not afraid of dying, if she can do it, I know I can too, and Heaven is so much sweeter knowing she will meet us there with Jesus.
I love you dear one, Your "adopted mom"
Aunt Sharon
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
February 23rd.
The date for some have huge significance. Its a day that will be forever on our hearts and minds. Its a day of choice really. A choice in remembering the tough dark moments and the loss that we all experienced or we can chose to remember the good and glorious moments of wonderful life and a story that ended with Christ and heaven.
Its really up to us. That season of time in 2006 unraveled the toughest pain in my life. There are few fewer hurts than losing a mom. Cancer is a mean and ugly word but one we have to live with. And living with is something Christ has called us to do. He is bigger than cancer and is bigger than our problems and bigger than some medical report.
This day is tough but chosing to remember the good - The I Promise - on a napkin, the long talks of heaven and you touching your big toe on heavens floor, the ministry of talking to all those hurting in the family, the days of being awake, the long rides from Mt. Airy to Harrisburg where I dont remember any of it, the long talks with Sharon and Patty, the heart conversations with Craig, Danny and pops.... I choose to remember those moments Lord.
Pastor Rick Warren said this morning, "There is no faith without a struggle."
Mom your struggle has made my faith where it is today. Faith is believing in the things we cant see but know will happen. Walking this life living by what we see is easy. As I think back just a few years ago while at the beach, I was at a place in my walk that it was time to either step up or step out. God had done amazing things in my life and had walked with me through some tough things. He was calling me to step up in my ministry, in my presense to a family, and me obeying what he was calling me to do to step up into student ministry. I remember seeing the tide that day and not knowing what was to come. I had no idea where to start and looking back, it was exactly where God wanted me to be. I had to lean on him in order to move forward. As the tide goes out, they soon come back in. There are seasons in life where things are hard and the valleys are deep. Those are the seasons that God builds our faith. Pain is a great motivator and attention getter. Its easy to follow Christ when everything is good, when we are healthy, when the kids are on the honor roll and colleges are calling for a full ride. Its easy to follow when you are at a place where God just shows up in everything you do and in everything you say.
Mark 5:35-42 - While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?" Ignoring what they said, "Dont be afraid; just believe." He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brotherof James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said them, "Why all this commotion and wailing" The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "little girl, I say to you, get up!" Immediately the girl stood up and walked around, she was 12 years old. At this they were completely astonished.
I remember the cold morning that my mom had passed. It was the last of a few days on egg shells knowing that mom was close. My aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster leaving late that evening before, making me promise that I would call if anything happened. I know they knew it would be in the next few hours. My brothers and I in the living room and my dad in with mom. Dad come in and said, she is gone. Jesus while speaking some men came to the house where he was at. The news saying that the mans daughter was dead. Jesus did something that most people dont do when a tough decision is to be made. He ignored them. He did what he was going to do. He said - Dont be afraid; just believe. - I can honestly say that this season of time there was no fear. God had pressed on my heart early on that he would heal my mom, just not in the way I wanted it. He pressed on me that my eyes and heart had to be open during this time in order to receive the blessing that I would receive. Not knowing what on earth that meant, I trusted God and followed him. God put me in so many positions to minister to my family and my moms friends. He put me in the path of faith to minister to my mom and talk about life, heaven, Jesus, and all that was on her heart. He put me on the path to be able to say prayer after prayer after prayer for my dad to know Christ so that "I Promise" on that napkin one day will come true for my mom. I promise when said today is a tough place for me and one I hold very close. As I accepted the step up on that beach that morning to rise to do what God was calling me to do. I promise came from my heart to Morgan and Taylor but also all those who he would put in my heart. A promise is a promise and the words - Dont be afraid; just believe is rest assurance today that God in all the big picture knew exactly what was happening.
As my mom was rolled out of the house, friends, family all crying and upset. It was sunrise that morning. Not dark but not yet light. Its when the earth seems to stand still and time seems to stop for a few moments. Birds began to sing, oh how my mom loved the birds. It brought her such peace even on those cold winter days. I had a sense of peace on me. It was like saying through those moments that she was ok. The next few days were hard. Funeral and the wake brought many tears. Pastor Jimmy told Carol and I after the funeral that it was the sweetest funeral he had ever been a part of.
Jesus went in to see the little girl. He put everyone out of the house. He spoke life into the little girl and she woke. Mom got to experience that on the 23rd of Feb 5 years ago. All in one day, stepping from this world into heaven.
When you have faith and trust in Jesus - this season of time you will be astonished. Though hard and life has its painful things, its faith that gets you through. People of no faith dont understand it because they live a life of what they can see.
We all get to choose how much God blesses us in life. My moms life was a blessing. She lived life full and even though it was shorter than we all wanted. It was FULL nonetheless. She loved Christ, she loved people, she carried worry and other peoples burdens on her shoulders because that was the kind of lady she was.
Faith is believing before you receive. Its easy to have faith afterwards. But if you eyes, hearts and willingness to the things of God before hand, you will experience Him.
Mom, I hope I am making you proud today. Sometimes it feels like you are so far away and time goes by without feeling you at all. Other times like a few weeks ago I felt you so close and I dont know why. Last Friday night while on my walk at the cabin was just unreal. Looking up at the stars you spoke words of faith and encouragement into me mom. It was such an unbelievable moment with you that I have not yet experienced. God surely has you in a great place. One day, that sun will rise and our mornings over coffee and conversation C&C will take place again. I look forward to that day. Until then, I will press on sharing Christ to all those willing to listen and walk with me. Though some may go, that part of ministry hurts the most, but for those that stay will know that part of you lives in me.
I am choosing to remember this day mom as a good day, though hard and I am in the office with tears running down my face but my heart is over flowing with joy. Preaching tonight mom on integrity to 30 or so teenagers and handful of leaders. Something you knew a lot about.
Miss you bunches - especially your smile and your laugh and who could ever forget your biscuits and gravy..... that really makes me smile.
Love you always,
Randy~
The date for some have huge significance. Its a day that will be forever on our hearts and minds. Its a day of choice really. A choice in remembering the tough dark moments and the loss that we all experienced or we can chose to remember the good and glorious moments of wonderful life and a story that ended with Christ and heaven.
Its really up to us. That season of time in 2006 unraveled the toughest pain in my life. There are few fewer hurts than losing a mom. Cancer is a mean and ugly word but one we have to live with. And living with is something Christ has called us to do. He is bigger than cancer and is bigger than our problems and bigger than some medical report.
This day is tough but chosing to remember the good - The I Promise - on a napkin, the long talks of heaven and you touching your big toe on heavens floor, the ministry of talking to all those hurting in the family, the days of being awake, the long rides from Mt. Airy to Harrisburg where I dont remember any of it, the long talks with Sharon and Patty, the heart conversations with Craig, Danny and pops.... I choose to remember those moments Lord.
Pastor Rick Warren said this morning, "There is no faith without a struggle."
Mom your struggle has made my faith where it is today. Faith is believing in the things we cant see but know will happen. Walking this life living by what we see is easy. As I think back just a few years ago while at the beach, I was at a place in my walk that it was time to either step up or step out. God had done amazing things in my life and had walked with me through some tough things. He was calling me to step up in my ministry, in my presense to a family, and me obeying what he was calling me to do to step up into student ministry. I remember seeing the tide that day and not knowing what was to come. I had no idea where to start and looking back, it was exactly where God wanted me to be. I had to lean on him in order to move forward. As the tide goes out, they soon come back in. There are seasons in life where things are hard and the valleys are deep. Those are the seasons that God builds our faith. Pain is a great motivator and attention getter. Its easy to follow Christ when everything is good, when we are healthy, when the kids are on the honor roll and colleges are calling for a full ride. Its easy to follow when you are at a place where God just shows up in everything you do and in everything you say.
Mark 5:35-42 - While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?" Ignoring what they said, "Dont be afraid; just believe." He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brotherof James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said them, "Why all this commotion and wailing" The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "little girl, I say to you, get up!" Immediately the girl stood up and walked around, she was 12 years old. At this they were completely astonished.
I remember the cold morning that my mom had passed. It was the last of a few days on egg shells knowing that mom was close. My aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster leaving late that evening before, making me promise that I would call if anything happened. I know they knew it would be in the next few hours. My brothers and I in the living room and my dad in with mom. Dad come in and said, she is gone. Jesus while speaking some men came to the house where he was at. The news saying that the mans daughter was dead. Jesus did something that most people dont do when a tough decision is to be made. He ignored them. He did what he was going to do. He said - Dont be afraid; just believe. - I can honestly say that this season of time there was no fear. God had pressed on my heart early on that he would heal my mom, just not in the way I wanted it. He pressed on me that my eyes and heart had to be open during this time in order to receive the blessing that I would receive. Not knowing what on earth that meant, I trusted God and followed him. God put me in so many positions to minister to my family and my moms friends. He put me in the path of faith to minister to my mom and talk about life, heaven, Jesus, and all that was on her heart. He put me on the path to be able to say prayer after prayer after prayer for my dad to know Christ so that "I Promise" on that napkin one day will come true for my mom. I promise when said today is a tough place for me and one I hold very close. As I accepted the step up on that beach that morning to rise to do what God was calling me to do. I promise came from my heart to Morgan and Taylor but also all those who he would put in my heart. A promise is a promise and the words - Dont be afraid; just believe is rest assurance today that God in all the big picture knew exactly what was happening.
As my mom was rolled out of the house, friends, family all crying and upset. It was sunrise that morning. Not dark but not yet light. Its when the earth seems to stand still and time seems to stop for a few moments. Birds began to sing, oh how my mom loved the birds. It brought her such peace even on those cold winter days. I had a sense of peace on me. It was like saying through those moments that she was ok. The next few days were hard. Funeral and the wake brought many tears. Pastor Jimmy told Carol and I after the funeral that it was the sweetest funeral he had ever been a part of.
Jesus went in to see the little girl. He put everyone out of the house. He spoke life into the little girl and she woke. Mom got to experience that on the 23rd of Feb 5 years ago. All in one day, stepping from this world into heaven.
When you have faith and trust in Jesus - this season of time you will be astonished. Though hard and life has its painful things, its faith that gets you through. People of no faith dont understand it because they live a life of what they can see.
We all get to choose how much God blesses us in life. My moms life was a blessing. She lived life full and even though it was shorter than we all wanted. It was FULL nonetheless. She loved Christ, she loved people, she carried worry and other peoples burdens on her shoulders because that was the kind of lady she was.
Faith is believing before you receive. Its easy to have faith afterwards. But if you eyes, hearts and willingness to the things of God before hand, you will experience Him.
Mom, I hope I am making you proud today. Sometimes it feels like you are so far away and time goes by without feeling you at all. Other times like a few weeks ago I felt you so close and I dont know why. Last Friday night while on my walk at the cabin was just unreal. Looking up at the stars you spoke words of faith and encouragement into me mom. It was such an unbelievable moment with you that I have not yet experienced. God surely has you in a great place. One day, that sun will rise and our mornings over coffee and conversation C&C will take place again. I look forward to that day. Until then, I will press on sharing Christ to all those willing to listen and walk with me. Though some may go, that part of ministry hurts the most, but for those that stay will know that part of you lives in me.
I am choosing to remember this day mom as a good day, though hard and I am in the office with tears running down my face but my heart is over flowing with joy. Preaching tonight mom on integrity to 30 or so teenagers and handful of leaders. Something you knew a lot about.
Miss you bunches - especially your smile and your laugh and who could ever forget your biscuits and gravy..... that really makes me smile.
Love you always,
Randy~
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
When a single person spends their time defending the person they are dating to the godly people who speak into their lives - there is a problem. ~ Pastor Perry Noble.
That is huge. Its what they are there for. Its speaking truth to you, just often times people don't want to hear it. Often times, they seek out people who will tell them what they want to hear and what they want to do anyways. Speaking truth into someones life is sometimes really hard. It can be a physical truth, an emotional truth or even a spiritual truth. Often times this comes with a great deal of pain. Sometimes for the friendship and sometimes down the road in the situation itself.
Its tough being pointed out to something in your life that maybe you know about but dont want to admit. Maybe you are having issues with your spouse and you continue to say its them and not you. Along comes a friend to point out some things you are doing or saying that is keeping things ugly. Maybe its a dating relationship and the close people in your life can all see that this person is wrong for you. You like them, you say you can change them, they are not going in the same direction you are going in but that can change. When dealing with people, two wrongs dont make a right.
Pain is a lesson in life that keeps us from doing it again. Pain says, STOP, - turn around and go in the other direction. Physical pain is picking up a boiling pot of water and it hurting your hands. Burns and blisters remind you of that for the next few days. Painful. Emotional pain might be the abuse of someone in your life tearing you down all the time. Constantly being reminded that you are not good enough, you will never be able to do that or you are the stupidest person on the planet. That is painful and any amount of time in middle school these days - you will see the emotional abuse taking place. Bullying signs everywhere and in constant reminder that emotional pain is real. Then there is the spiritual pain. This is real pain as well and often times it shows up years down the road afterwards. Maybe a decision to have sex at a young age leaves you pregnant and your hopes and dreams put on hold. Maybe God is calling you to do something but you have other plans and you continue to run. Maybe God is calling you to make a relationship right and in your pain, there is no way you could ever forgive that person. Years pass and your relationship with God is no closer. Your walk has faded because of the lack of FEELING God present in your life.
If you are finding yourself today living a self destructive life, it may be an indication that your relationship with God is distant - if it even exists at all. Some of you have lost your smile since dating this new person. You have time invested in it but its always something. You are not happy anymore and life seems to have such heaviness about it. Its time to turn and change direction. Pain can do more than hurt loved ones, it can teach you the boundaries between right and wrong and that includes in spiritual decisions as well. If you are living with your boyfriend or girlfriend or having sex with them and not married - there is a wall built between you and God and all the blessings He want to give you. Not only are you hurting your own heart, you are hurting Gods as well.
Our job is to let pain do its work in us. Allow it to bring us to Him for comfort.
After a few weeks of no sleep, grumpy, not smiling and just feeling the weight of a relationship in my life with someone very important to me - I had to do something. As we sat last night and spoke heart to heart ... It became apparent to me that this relationship is strong and even during tough spots like these it makes the relationship stronger. Pain brought us closer together. Next time, if we find ourselves getting to a tough place, (in pinkie shake agreement because that is a binding contract) we call a meeting over a sweet tea and get on the same page with everything out in the open.
Luke 5:17-19 - One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralysed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
Jesus was healing many and the news spread. Here a group of friends tired of seeing their friend sick - took action. Not being able to get into the house because of all the people, they did what I would have never thought to do. Dig a hole in the roof and lower their friend right at the feet of Jesus. Stopping him in the middle of his teaching, religious people getting upset because they were disturbed and with ceiling tiles and debris probably hitting Jesus - a man is lowered to his feet. I imagine Jesus smiling and saying - faith... this is faith in action. Jesus healed this man and told him to get up and walk. He got up and praised God on the way out right in front of the crowd and everyone in it.
Loved ones, learn from your pain. Get up and get moving. Make the phone call. Have the sweet tea conversation. Call that friend and share your heart with them and talk about the pain in their life. Hold them accountable and speak truth into their life. We can't do this alone. Just as the man that was sick, he couldnt do it alone. He had 4 friends pick him up and make something happen for him.
Pain is good sometimes. Its just what we do with it that counts.
Thankful for my sweet tea meeting last night and sharing smiles again with a special young lady.
Lonnie~
That is huge. Its what they are there for. Its speaking truth to you, just often times people don't want to hear it. Often times, they seek out people who will tell them what they want to hear and what they want to do anyways. Speaking truth into someones life is sometimes really hard. It can be a physical truth, an emotional truth or even a spiritual truth. Often times this comes with a great deal of pain. Sometimes for the friendship and sometimes down the road in the situation itself.
Its tough being pointed out to something in your life that maybe you know about but dont want to admit. Maybe you are having issues with your spouse and you continue to say its them and not you. Along comes a friend to point out some things you are doing or saying that is keeping things ugly. Maybe its a dating relationship and the close people in your life can all see that this person is wrong for you. You like them, you say you can change them, they are not going in the same direction you are going in but that can change. When dealing with people, two wrongs dont make a right.
Pain is a lesson in life that keeps us from doing it again. Pain says, STOP, - turn around and go in the other direction. Physical pain is picking up a boiling pot of water and it hurting your hands. Burns and blisters remind you of that for the next few days. Painful. Emotional pain might be the abuse of someone in your life tearing you down all the time. Constantly being reminded that you are not good enough, you will never be able to do that or you are the stupidest person on the planet. That is painful and any amount of time in middle school these days - you will see the emotional abuse taking place. Bullying signs everywhere and in constant reminder that emotional pain is real. Then there is the spiritual pain. This is real pain as well and often times it shows up years down the road afterwards. Maybe a decision to have sex at a young age leaves you pregnant and your hopes and dreams put on hold. Maybe God is calling you to do something but you have other plans and you continue to run. Maybe God is calling you to make a relationship right and in your pain, there is no way you could ever forgive that person. Years pass and your relationship with God is no closer. Your walk has faded because of the lack of FEELING God present in your life.
If you are finding yourself today living a self destructive life, it may be an indication that your relationship with God is distant - if it even exists at all. Some of you have lost your smile since dating this new person. You have time invested in it but its always something. You are not happy anymore and life seems to have such heaviness about it. Its time to turn and change direction. Pain can do more than hurt loved ones, it can teach you the boundaries between right and wrong and that includes in spiritual decisions as well. If you are living with your boyfriend or girlfriend or having sex with them and not married - there is a wall built between you and God and all the blessings He want to give you. Not only are you hurting your own heart, you are hurting Gods as well.
Our job is to let pain do its work in us. Allow it to bring us to Him for comfort.
After a few weeks of no sleep, grumpy, not smiling and just feeling the weight of a relationship in my life with someone very important to me - I had to do something. As we sat last night and spoke heart to heart ... It became apparent to me that this relationship is strong and even during tough spots like these it makes the relationship stronger. Pain brought us closer together. Next time, if we find ourselves getting to a tough place, (in pinkie shake agreement because that is a binding contract) we call a meeting over a sweet tea and get on the same page with everything out in the open.
Luke 5:17-19 - One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralysed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
Jesus was healing many and the news spread. Here a group of friends tired of seeing their friend sick - took action. Not being able to get into the house because of all the people, they did what I would have never thought to do. Dig a hole in the roof and lower their friend right at the feet of Jesus. Stopping him in the middle of his teaching, religious people getting upset because they were disturbed and with ceiling tiles and debris probably hitting Jesus - a man is lowered to his feet. I imagine Jesus smiling and saying - faith... this is faith in action. Jesus healed this man and told him to get up and walk. He got up and praised God on the way out right in front of the crowd and everyone in it.
Loved ones, learn from your pain. Get up and get moving. Make the phone call. Have the sweet tea conversation. Call that friend and share your heart with them and talk about the pain in their life. Hold them accountable and speak truth into their life. We can't do this alone. Just as the man that was sick, he couldnt do it alone. He had 4 friends pick him up and make something happen for him.
Pain is good sometimes. Its just what we do with it that counts.
Thankful for my sweet tea meeting last night and sharing smiles again with a special young lady.
Lonnie~
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tough being back at work today after this past weekend. Weather is nice here in the Carolina's and being outside all weekend was surely a nice February treat. More cold weather will be coming I am sure but these nice sunny warm days are always so nice and a reminder that spring is around the corner. Friday night, I had a really great heartfelt talk with mom while at the cabin on my walk. I love to head out with no flashlight on those star full evenings where all is quiet and I can just open my heart. I miss that - talking with my mom. It was always knowing in my life that my mom knew what was on my heart, what I was struggling with, and she always had the words to make things a little better. She just had a peace about her that made everything feel right after a talk. Even if she was struggling with something or had a shoulder load herself, she always made time for others. I guess that is where I get that from. I drop things all the time to be there for someone who needs a hand, an encouraging word or just time to share a heart full.
This past weekend with Kyle and Madison just laughing and sharing and smiling - really did my heart good. It was nice to see them just hanging out, no outside pressures or expectations - just kids enjoying time together as friends. It makes for a fun time together.
Saturday morning, I got alone on the front porch as folks were still sleeping. Coffee in hand, Bible in the other and stopping long enough to take things in. In my book that I am reading - "Do Something" - it has been a great challenge at the each of these chapters. I am writing all over the book, as I pray in it, share in it, take a few notes - I have to say I have not had that quality time with God in a long time like I did on Saturday morning. It was so awesome and it for sure did my heart good.
In my step up in a bigger role in student ministry - its hard to keep a handle on things, the progress of those I am in front of and their expectations. Some want personal time, while others want a hands off approach. Some need to talk more than others and some need prayers in their life right now. There are big issues that folks do need someone to walk with them for a season. I was reminded Sunday morning as I was watching Pastor Furtick preach, which a few weeks ago I got to see live but I was in a little different place then than where I am currently. He spoke about the 5 biggest mistakes he has made in ministry over the past 5 years. He was speaking directly on the fact that he has seen a life time of people come into his life and out of his life.
This part of ministry is really hard and sometimes I think that I am not tough enough to endure that painful part of this. I really struggle and really have a hard time with it. A few years ago I invested crazy hours and time into this child and her family. It was a learning experience, a wonderful experience at times, tough at other times but I know that child is different today because of that investment. I have not seen her in a few years and often times wonder how she is. Where her faith is and if she is still following Jesus. A few months ago when Pastor Travis announced he was leaving to lead a church in Maine, I had a tough conversation with one of my close kids. She was going to another church and for months, she had toughed it out in making each Sunday even as her mom and dad went to another church. She felt connected here, she felt at home here ... but in the end -she had to leave. A text message out of the blue came telling me of her decision. Though at the time it hurt like crazy - in the end that student is changed because of that investment. Thank you Uncle Lonnie for treating me like your own since I was 9. I love you and promise to keep in touch and visit from time to time. I know I can always count on you and will always keep you as "MyRoot".
Another one of my close kids is out on the perimeter today. Not exactly sure where she is at in life and what struggles she has that keeps space in between. Praying really hard the last few weeks for her. Its this part of ministry that sucks. Pastor Furtick spoke about Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a right time for everything. There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.
Its ok for people to come and go in your life. There is a season for all things but the things to realize is this: When people leave in your life - its not your fault.
Gosh, I had tears in my eyes Sunday morning.... Its not my fault. Carol yelled from the bathroom - Do you hear that Lonnie?! - Yes, I hear it..... and that weight is lighter today because of it. So here is what I am learning through this. Still with me?
Loving the "Least of these" - not saying these are least of these people but all people - even those who are hard to love and who drive you nuts most of the time.... you know you have a few of them! - Loving people who cannot pay you back, or increase your social status - this is not a charity event. It is not something you do to feel good. It is not how you get into heaven, but it is evident in the lives of those who ARE going there.
My job as youth leader, dad, friend, step dad, life coach what ever it is my role is at the moment -is to not make them like me but to help them become the person God created them to be - so that they may fufill their purpose of obeying God in their own lives. They have been called by God to do something great in their life. Jesus called us to make disciples, people who will multiply in others what you are investing in them. God has given us a "dry sponge of a soul", ready to soak up everything God wants to give through you. All you need to do is give yourself and share your experience, lessons in life and your discoveries with them.
Galations 6:2 - Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Being present and to hurt with those who are hurting. Your presence and willingness ot share the burden of those who are suffering is all that God has asked you to do.
Loving them is not only about what you can give them but what Jesus himself will teach you about love - THROUGH them.
Unconditional love ~ its what we all seek in life for someone to love us regardless of what anyone does or doesnt do.
Thanks for your words and moving my heart this weekend Lord.
Lonnie~
This past weekend with Kyle and Madison just laughing and sharing and smiling - really did my heart good. It was nice to see them just hanging out, no outside pressures or expectations - just kids enjoying time together as friends. It makes for a fun time together.
Saturday morning, I got alone on the front porch as folks were still sleeping. Coffee in hand, Bible in the other and stopping long enough to take things in. In my book that I am reading - "Do Something" - it has been a great challenge at the each of these chapters. I am writing all over the book, as I pray in it, share in it, take a few notes - I have to say I have not had that quality time with God in a long time like I did on Saturday morning. It was so awesome and it for sure did my heart good.
In my step up in a bigger role in student ministry - its hard to keep a handle on things, the progress of those I am in front of and their expectations. Some want personal time, while others want a hands off approach. Some need to talk more than others and some need prayers in their life right now. There are big issues that folks do need someone to walk with them for a season. I was reminded Sunday morning as I was watching Pastor Furtick preach, which a few weeks ago I got to see live but I was in a little different place then than where I am currently. He spoke about the 5 biggest mistakes he has made in ministry over the past 5 years. He was speaking directly on the fact that he has seen a life time of people come into his life and out of his life.
This part of ministry is really hard and sometimes I think that I am not tough enough to endure that painful part of this. I really struggle and really have a hard time with it. A few years ago I invested crazy hours and time into this child and her family. It was a learning experience, a wonderful experience at times, tough at other times but I know that child is different today because of that investment. I have not seen her in a few years and often times wonder how she is. Where her faith is and if she is still following Jesus. A few months ago when Pastor Travis announced he was leaving to lead a church in Maine, I had a tough conversation with one of my close kids. She was going to another church and for months, she had toughed it out in making each Sunday even as her mom and dad went to another church. She felt connected here, she felt at home here ... but in the end -she had to leave. A text message out of the blue came telling me of her decision. Though at the time it hurt like crazy - in the end that student is changed because of that investment. Thank you Uncle Lonnie for treating me like your own since I was 9. I love you and promise to keep in touch and visit from time to time. I know I can always count on you and will always keep you as "MyRoot".
Another one of my close kids is out on the perimeter today. Not exactly sure where she is at in life and what struggles she has that keeps space in between. Praying really hard the last few weeks for her. Its this part of ministry that sucks. Pastor Furtick spoke about Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a right time for everything. There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth.
Its ok for people to come and go in your life. There is a season for all things but the things to realize is this: When people leave in your life - its not your fault.
Gosh, I had tears in my eyes Sunday morning.... Its not my fault. Carol yelled from the bathroom - Do you hear that Lonnie?! - Yes, I hear it..... and that weight is lighter today because of it. So here is what I am learning through this. Still with me?
Loving the "Least of these" - not saying these are least of these people but all people - even those who are hard to love and who drive you nuts most of the time.... you know you have a few of them! - Loving people who cannot pay you back, or increase your social status - this is not a charity event. It is not something you do to feel good. It is not how you get into heaven, but it is evident in the lives of those who ARE going there.
My job as youth leader, dad, friend, step dad, life coach what ever it is my role is at the moment -is to not make them like me but to help them become the person God created them to be - so that they may fufill their purpose of obeying God in their own lives. They have been called by God to do something great in their life. Jesus called us to make disciples, people who will multiply in others what you are investing in them. God has given us a "dry sponge of a soul", ready to soak up everything God wants to give through you. All you need to do is give yourself and share your experience, lessons in life and your discoveries with them.
Galations 6:2 - Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Being present and to hurt with those who are hurting. Your presence and willingness ot share the burden of those who are suffering is all that God has asked you to do.
Loving them is not only about what you can give them but what Jesus himself will teach you about love - THROUGH them.
Unconditional love ~ its what we all seek in life for someone to love us regardless of what anyone does or doesnt do.
Thanks for your words and moving my heart this weekend Lord.
Lonnie~
Friday, February 18, 2011
Romans 12:15-16 "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Dont be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And dont think you know it all".
I am so ready for the cabin tonight it is not even funny. The company I will be going with are really true deep friends and I am thankful for them. I will enjoy their company this weekend, as I unplug and unwind and have a chance to pause in life, but they are not ordinary people. See these friends have my back, call to encourage me, call me out when I am out there somewhere and they hug when they see me and they are real hugs. You can tell alot about a person in their hugs. I am huggable and if you know me for any amount of time, its just part of who I am. I am a dear friend when called upon and someone who cares and hurts with you when you are hurting. My mom used to tell me that I carry the weight of those around me on my shoulders. I like to think of it as them leaning on my faith until they can stand on their own. Its hard sometimes and in this season of change, I can really feel God changing my heart. I struggle like everyone else and not immuned to the hurt and the power of words or lack there of.
I had a thought that I wrote down yesterday that I think I will unpack a little on where my heart is at with it. Its getting close to the season last year when a bunch of us got on a cruise ship for the first time and headed to the Bahamas. It was not a good trip and during many of those hours looking for this teenager at 2:00 in the morning or looking for that teenager right before dinner and nobody has seen her - you get to walk up a lot of rows of cabins that all look the same. The only thing that makes things a little different is the door hangers on the cabin doors.
Do not disturb.
Do not bother us .... leave us alone... go away ..... I am busy .... I dont have time for you.....
Disturb can also mean that your heart is bothered and deep inside there is this thing that has a hold of you. You are bothered by it. It keeps you up at night. There is no real answer really to the solution other than to endure it. Heart disturbed.
Mom I look forward to our talk tonight under the stars. I look forward to sitting at the bridge that you only got to see once but a place I dreamed in you visiting us for long weekend that never happened. I look forward to looking east over the tree line as the sun comes up and heaven and earth seem to touch in those moments that its not dawn and its not dark but somewhere inbetween. I look forward to rest this weekend surrounded by deep relationships and people who understand me. What a treasure it is in this broken world to have friends who understand you.
Opportunity to refresh while my do not disturb sign hangs out.
Lonnie~
I am so ready for the cabin tonight it is not even funny. The company I will be going with are really true deep friends and I am thankful for them. I will enjoy their company this weekend, as I unplug and unwind and have a chance to pause in life, but they are not ordinary people. See these friends have my back, call to encourage me, call me out when I am out there somewhere and they hug when they see me and they are real hugs. You can tell alot about a person in their hugs. I am huggable and if you know me for any amount of time, its just part of who I am. I am a dear friend when called upon and someone who cares and hurts with you when you are hurting. My mom used to tell me that I carry the weight of those around me on my shoulders. I like to think of it as them leaning on my faith until they can stand on their own. Its hard sometimes and in this season of change, I can really feel God changing my heart. I struggle like everyone else and not immuned to the hurt and the power of words or lack there of.
I had a thought that I wrote down yesterday that I think I will unpack a little on where my heart is at with it. Its getting close to the season last year when a bunch of us got on a cruise ship for the first time and headed to the Bahamas. It was not a good trip and during many of those hours looking for this teenager at 2:00 in the morning or looking for that teenager right before dinner and nobody has seen her - you get to walk up a lot of rows of cabins that all look the same. The only thing that makes things a little different is the door hangers on the cabin doors.
Do not disturb.
Do not bother us .... leave us alone... go away ..... I am busy .... I dont have time for you.....
Disturb can also mean that your heart is bothered and deep inside there is this thing that has a hold of you. You are bothered by it. It keeps you up at night. There is no real answer really to the solution other than to endure it. Heart disturbed.
Mom I look forward to our talk tonight under the stars. I look forward to sitting at the bridge that you only got to see once but a place I dreamed in you visiting us for long weekend that never happened. I look forward to looking east over the tree line as the sun comes up and heaven and earth seem to touch in those moments that its not dawn and its not dark but somewhere inbetween. I look forward to rest this weekend surrounded by deep relationships and people who understand me. What a treasure it is in this broken world to have friends who understand you.
Opportunity to refresh while my do not disturb sign hangs out.
Lonnie~
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