Kyle had another exciting wrestling match last night as parents, friends and students gathered to cheer him and the team on. Its such an amazing time together as our kids give their hearts on the mat. For some that means a LOT since they may have not started in a match yet but are getting a chance to show what they have learned through the preliminary matches. Coaches get to see how fast, strong or how much skill a student has on the mat. Parents scream the most during these matches because they know their son may not be on the mat again this season. For Kyle, it was like that all last year. Never starting, always at practice, giving it his all with a great attitude and a team spirit but also and most importantly - never giving up.
As Kyle won his match last night by pin in the 1st period - he is working hard and cutting weight as it as known by any wrestler - its part of the territory. Welcome to wrestling! We had some parents come over and speak with us as the parents all stood together waiting on the team to come out of the locker room. Some high fives and words of encouragement started to happen, one of the parents asked about Kyle and mentioned how good he is doing. We thanked them for that and shared with them to keep their son focused and to keep pressing through, their son had his first prelim and was excited to have been on that mat, we told them that Kyle was that last year - never starting and only got a prelim match at the end of the season and now he is leading, doing well and is a main part of the team. Its a testing of character, a testing of endurance and a testing of waiting on YOUR time.

Our faith is very much like this. Its always being tested. If you tell me that you are good and have been for 10 years with no problems issues or testing of any kind. I would have to say, that either you are lying or dont know Christ to be tested. I mean we all will have trouble!
Trouble is part of this sinful world and its in the woven fabric of this fallen world. Problem is with trouble, we are so fixed minded on fixing the problem that we often times mess it up and push God totally aside. This kind of thing frustrates us but it also puts distance between us and God. We are supposed to rely and lean on Him during our seasons of trouble. IN our seasons of waiting. IN our seasons of hard work with little pay off.
We are never limited to the capacity of what God can correct all around us but we are SO limited by what we can actually really fix.
James - the half brother of Jesus probably knew this more than most. I mean he was the half brother of Jesus and had a front row seat into everything in his brothers life. Every time out, every spanking, every bible lesson taught, every miracle performed, every life changed, every healing that took place and even in the death and resurrection. James knew first hand this world will have trouble.
James 1: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greeting. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.
I love how James begins by saying and admitting he is a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. His half-brother! Who would ever admit being a servant to their brother? I sure wouldnt have and I am sure you wouldnt either. But, James writes it here because he knows WHO Jesus, his half brother really is. I think James had many tests over his lifetime. I dont know about you but I was never fond of tests. I hated them in school, I hate them now as I have to do that from time to time here at work. Tests shows what we have learned and how well. Being on a college campus, I am surrounded by students taking tests all the time. I see the stress and hard work they put into passing with good grades. I also see often times how little they put into them preparing and studying. Our faith works the same way. God is testing you when you are in a tough season. He is testing you when you are struggling with something, money, people, a challenging boss, a teacher who is tough, someone talking behind your back, a call comes in from the doctor or the passing of a loved one. Testing, provides us an avenue to grow, to learn and to experience God in new ways, deeper ways and in COMPLETE ways.
I would never know what it would be like for someone to lose a mom, unless I too have lost a mom. I would never be able to relate to a person who was homeless unless I too was once homeless. I would never relate to someone hurting unless I too was hurt along the way.

Testing as James tells us, produces perseverance so that we can be mature and complete lacking in nothing. I like lacking in nothing. As I posted yesterday as I began to think about this - I am not the perfect husband, father, stepdad, uncle, brother, Christian but thankful that God is not done with me yet. I AM NOT DONE YET. GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET!
I want to scream that sometimes. I want others to know that life is not over because of whatever it is that has you held down today. That boy can find another girl but this girl will carry on knowing God created her and loves her perfectly. He aint worth the tears girl!
That job you just got let go from, there is a better job that awaits and one that will be more fulfilling than this one. That child who is giving you a ride of everything you have to keep them straight in life will one day come to their senses and be thankful and say the words "I love you".
If your prayers seem to be hitting the ceiling and nothing seems to be happening - James 1:5 should be your prayer right now. James 1:5-6 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.
If you are in a season of trouble or difficulty today - Pray to God and ask for wisdom. Ask him to show you the purpose, the plan, the process, to pass through and reaching the other side. He will provide if you believe and not doubt. God give me wisdom on what to do with my child who is running in the wrong directions. God give me wisdom on my next step to finding work. God give me wisdom on who I should be dating and the kind of person I am attracting.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Lord I love you enough to go through this season of difficulty in my life. I love you enough Lord knowing that no matter what I face ahead, I know you are there with me. I love you enough Lord that my child is running and pushing me away that You are protecting them far more than I ever could.
Passing the test today - what does that look like for you? Maybe I touched on something here in my heart that touches yours. Maybe you have been hurt by someone and you want to lash out, make the public known what kind of person this person really is. Maybe you lost your job and are feeling as low as you have ever experienced. Loved ones, trials come, testing happens - are you preparing yourself to pass the test? Are you striving forward under the strain and hurt? If you are like most people, its easier to jump ship, its easier to change jobs, its easier to change marriages, its easier to give up on that child, its easier to move neighborhoods, its easier to write off a parent - but there is blessing on the one who perserveres under trials.

I want to be blessed, how about you? Stay focused today loved ones on the trials you are in. They are serving a purpose. God has a plan for letting those things happen and it may not be today you see the reasons why but one day you will.
As I reflect back on the passing of my mom years ago, knowing today what I know now because of my moms passing in through that hard and difficult season - I know why mom left. God had purpose in it. God had a bigger plan. Bigger than her even.
Testing of our faith...... in lifes journey. It will be YOUR season again soon :)
Lonnie~

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Our time together at the cabin was much needed and was really great. Our extended family, the Lymans, came out on Thanksgiving evening and we enjoyed spending time together over a few days. Friday we got to roll through Asheville - a very nice city with lots of artsy and craftsy kind of place. Folks there seemed be laid back and relaxed and UNC Asheville was a small campus which we got to explore. Saturday was more relaxed around the cabin and Sunday was church at Elevation Church which we had an entire row of peeps with us! I love when that happens and you can look down the row and I get this warm fuzzy feeling knowing that the people in my row that I am standing with, praying with, holding hands with, learning with and doing life with - I love these peeps with all I have. I would do anything for them and that I dont hide from. Sunday afternoon spent wrestling with the million leaves in the back yard. I put it off as long as I could and it had to happen.

As I came into work this morning, I asked God to help me be a favor finder for others. Help me to point others to the good things that they may be missing in their life, maybe something they are overseeing, maybe focusing on something tough and not so much in what that tough thing is doing IN their life, maybe its just a smile to say to someone - Hey... Its okay.
Today is my bosses birthday so I stopped at Bojangles on the way in for some country ham buscuits. I did not eat any of them in case you are wondering. I had a chance to talk with one of our students this morning and catch up a little with him. He is working hard in his personal ministry as he serves the homeless in our community. He spoke of a tent city that is not far from my house where people who are homeless stay together. I am amazed at where this is and I hope to catch him later in the week to organize going with him next time he goes to serve them. It really bothers me deeply that there are people right in my own back yard who are homeless. Who dont have money for food, have kids living in the cars and with the economy the way it is and people 1 paycheck away from losing their home or apartment or who are only 1 paycheck away from stepping back up to a place to live - it really hits home for me. The truth is as Carol and I were watching tv last night - A show came on and spoke about homeless children in america and 1 out of 4 live in poverty. This is just unaccetable to me as I think about Kyle, Kate, Morgan and Taylor and so many other kids I do life with - what would it look like for them if they didnt have a home? An address for their friends to come over after school? A place to be safe, warm, a bathroom and a hot shower.

As Thanksgiving becomes a past memory, the Black Friday crowds get their $48Billion credit card bills in the mail, and Christmas fast approaches - let us regain focus on serving others. Let us keep in sight the hurting around us and who could use a little help up. Let us serve together helping a needy family, offering a meal, a coat, a warm cup of coffee and a "Hey" that shares out of our hearts.
I recently was at one of Kyles band concerts a few weeks back and their is a mom who I see often and her daughter is friends with Kyle and its always good to see them. I came in after Carol cause I was talking with some folks, yeah I know imagine that, and I came over and said "Hey" as I entered their circle. She looked at me and said, "Are you always like this? I mean like, I never see you any other way except with that smile!" - It was a nice compliment and at times that smile is not on my face but most often it does. God placed things in my heart and focusing on those things keeps everything else in line. As I mentioned just this past weekend to one of my close kids - We have a very special relationship, being that, its one of a kind. God put us in each others life for a reason and He is behind all this. When we get distracted, too focused on friends, facebook, work or whatever and lose God in our friendship - it suffers. It was a tough conversation over some things but one that we both came out on the other side knowing we are testing and passing. Those things will happen in friendships. The ones that matter most, forgive, forget and love even deeper.

I want to close today with a little encouragement from Acts 4:8- Then Peter, filled wiht the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulders and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness being shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is, 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschoolded, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

God uses ordinary people, like me and you, to do unordinary things. God used Peter and John, ordinary people before they knew Jesus. After spending time with him, learning about WHO he is- God enabled them to do amazing things. Spending time with Christ loved ones, learning WHO he is and striving to be more like him in your daily life - he will use you to. People will notice something different about you. Your heart will burn and be more passionate about other things in life. Other things will break your heart and it will be all you can do to keep from not doing something about it. People hurting will have an affect on you. Children with tears will break you in half. Ordinary people doing unordinary things. Spend some time with Jesus, before the bills come due, the 5 pounds you gained this Thanksgiving, before the work or school week gets into week 3....

Blessing to you today and may this week you find Favor through Christ.
Lonnie~

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving. All the hype, shopping, travel and get together plans underway, stress, blackFriday, football on tv - For my family, we try and keep things simple.
Its great to have these times to get together with family and share a meal together as we reflect and give thanks. Most people who have a platform to speak talk about being thankful and wishing their time tomorrow was in another time when people in their lives were alive. I will have that same reflection tomorrow as I will be missing my mom, Carols parents and many others. Looking across the table at the people in our lives who come together once a year often times thinking how much we dont like each other or the words that were shared years ago and that painful place has never healed. Maybe tomorrow finds you at a place where some people in your life have left and have never come back...
Tomorrow is very much a reflection day over a meal, some family and friends time, a football game but for some - maybe its a new day to start over. Maybe its a day of redemption and making things right. Maybe its a day for a hard conversation between family members. Maybe its a day for a dad to lead his family. Maybe even for the first time ever. Maybe its a day for that phone call to happen and the words, "I miss you" come to the surface.

Whatever your day tomorrow is like - be thankful in it as you reflect in looking back, looking ahead but also loved ones, in looking at yourself.
"True courage does not consist in the absence of fear but in doing what God wants even when we are afraid, disturbed, and hurt." - John White

Acts:4:32 - All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

May this be at your table tomorrow, as the turkey is carved, the dressing is hot, the stuffin is homemade and the glass of wine is tasty. Remember those who have not, who would love a meal or a family to sit with them - You are blessed beyond measure and I pray your table tomorrow reflects that of the Apostles - all in one heart and in one mind- Giving thanks and sharing together because of the love that Christ has put in your heart.

Happy thanksgiving everyone. Be blessed tomorrow
Lonnie

Yet another wrestling match last night. It was probably the most exciting wrestling match we have even been to. Last match and only up by a few points, everything rode on that match. Turns out "Big Sexy" as they have nicknamed him, won his first match by pin. Crowd went nuts and was very exciting. Kyle won his match and is now 5-1 and enjoying a few days off till next week. Kate has turned out to be an avid fan and screams about the entire time! Pastor Larry, our campus pastor at Elevation Church - University Campus was our referee last night and did a great job! He even held his composure with coach who lost his cool a bit over one of the matches. He is very passionate about his boys and wrestling. Love it when folks have passion about something because its contagious.

Just like our walk with Christ. I hope today finds you in a great place in your walk with Christ. I have just a few things to share today and nothing personally deep but important though.

Elevation Church has released a new album with all of their music written in house. Its available at any music store and on Itunes. "For the Honor" - More info can be had here: http://www.elevationworship.com/

I love the fact that $25,000 has been donated to help little children in Uganda reach the age of 5 years old. What an impact this will have in that area. I love the outreach that my church does to impact the world around us. Embrace your place - its a concept that we have instilled that we should all be involved to impact the world around us. Alone we cannot impact much but together, we can take the message of Christ to the ends of the world.

I am excited for my buddy Donnie who in January will be headed to Uganda to plant a church and to help the community there. Much like Jamaica, sometimes sending money is not enough and going and doing is what has been placed in our hearts. I am so excited for him because not only will he change the world there, his world is about to change in such an amazing way.

http://elevationoutreach.com/impact/ - Through Elevation church, we are making an impact. The church for too long has been seen through so many eyes as being on the take. When a church impacts an area, changes families, helps the hungry, lists up the poor, shows a struggling student Christ - these are reasons to celebrate. MTV, Disney, RedBull, Budweiser spends millions to get your attention and the attention of our young people today. Its great that our church, through the power of Jesus, is giving back in huge impactful ways. The Center of Hope for my LifeGroup has never been more special. The plans to return to Jamaica has never been more exciting. Giving a thanksgiving meal to a hungry family has never been more impactful. Keep begging God for opportunity loved ones....

Last thing I want to share today is a blog from my Pastor at Elevation Church. His schedule is so busy but yet he finds time almost every day to share with those he has been trusted with and follow him. There are not many posts on personal interests, BBQ sales, Panthers football or his political views - his posts are to encourage, to help, and to teach a point that you just may be needing today. I loved todays post because it is where I am at today with a person who was once in my life but continues to talk behind my back, take shots at me, to inflict pain in my life and in the life of my family. I have stood with the decision to stand against doing anything to such a low level to "Get even" because that would not honor God in the process and again this past Sunday confirmed the stance I am standing on is the right one. Pastor Steven spoke on "Favor" and isnt it amazing that God is fighting our battles for us?! - Yes I fully believe that and thankful that He is on my behalf. Continue to be focused and moving forward, keeping my eyes on Jesus. Its good to have company when you are marching forward.

Thank you Pastor Steven for your post today. As always, your heart through your words are inspiring not only me but so many!! Thank you!

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/

Blessings today for you and may you be seeking "Gods Favor" in your day today.

Lonnie~

Its another wrestling day today. Was pretty excited to see Kyle all jazzed up after his band concert and then want to skip hanging out with everyone to get to practice. Thats ownership right there! Proud of him for stepping in and stepping up! It was great seeing all the students and their families last night - its awesome as a group of parents with the same age kids when we can get together like that and just smile and catch up. #awesome

Last night after work I had a not what so ever planned meeting with a buddy of mine. It just kinda happened as we sat and began to talk. What spawned the entire conversation that then leaded into a flood gate was the comment I made, which I repeated from Pastor Perry Noble - "The church is the only organization where we shoot our wounded."
Thats a shame really and as our stories unfolded, each of us knowing a little of each, it was so apparent that we both are in the same place. Having served above and beyond the local church where we learned about God, grew as a Christian, made friends in the years of dedicated service doing what ever was asked or needed, only to find ourselves on the outs. Pushed out the door. Given little options to stay and heal, to be loved on and shown grace. Just blasted out the door. It was shared it was like being on a cruise ship and a good steward who faithfully served the people of this cruise line falls overboard. Aint worth going back for ya broh - the ship doesnt have it in them to turn back and pick you up. There are more where you came from.
I am thinking how sad is that? Nobody throws you a life perserver. NOBODY reaches out and helps. Thankfully on my end, we are very blessed to have folks in our lives who have. Not from that cruise line but from other cruise lines! I am so thankful for them and so blessed to have them help us continue on this journey. Let me just say though, if they hadnt picked us up and we were left to sink or swim on our own ... I would probably not be getting back on a ship.
How often does that happen in our faith?
We have a falling out at church and something terrible happens because of a misunderstanding, an attitude, someone showing off their power from stage or just right down to it, MEAN - How many folks never go back to any church? Maybe its years before they are healed enough, broken enough and have no place else to turn to in life..... its then they come back and they are hurting so badly that its YEARS before they ever get back again.
How can all this glorify God? Yes a church is full of sinful people but shouldnt we be better at extending grace, offering forgiveness, willing to talk through something in order to find peace and understanding - LIKE what Christ has taught us, shown us and is often preached from the stage?
We sat and prayed after our talk and tears running down the cheeks - the comment was made. What ever happened to really following Christ?
I mean its something my lifegroup has been talking about the last few times we have gotten together but I mean really - really following Christ!!!!
Fake is the norm when we come to church. Its written on our faces, its in our smiles, its in our comments because it shows up. Its shows.
Growth never happens. Check box Sunday - live life the way you want the rest of the week. Sunday again, maybe we go - maybe not. Check.
Nothing ever changes, you are shopping while listening to the message, you are thinking about lunch or whatever it is you need to buy to bring a little happiness to yourself because you deserve it.
There just has to be more.
John 1:14 - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

The Word - this is Gods word. This is his message. These are his words spoken to us from a God who created ALL THINGS! The WORD! Became...... BE CAME - it was given to us to become. Be being Christ - Came as in sent to us. Do you see the importance of that. God gave us His Word, his Word BECAME Flesh! - TO walk with us, among us, dwelled in and through us. It is who we are and without the Word in the Flesh that Became US - we are nothing.
In US! - us being everyone. Us being not a person excluded. Everyone included. Doesnt matter rich or poor. Tall or short. From Africa or Antartica. White, black, yellow or tan. US means everyone.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

I havent read anything in a long while that one sentance has been with me for so long and impacting me like this has. It turns a corner for me in my faith journey.
It turns a corner in my buddy and with tears running down his cheeks - wondering what ever happened to Following Christ? Life is all about following Christ - even when it hurts. Even when you have been tossed out. Even when the cruise line doesnt come back for you but thankful that another is ready to accept you in. As you are. Bruised, hurt, tears, crushed in spirit but ready to invest and rebuild you back into the person God created you to be and ready to be used again by God because of what the journey has been.

May the Lord humble you enough to always be willing to say these precious grace filled words.
"Im Sorry"
Lonnie~

Kyle won his match last night. Very exciting especially knowing his finger is not even close to 100% yet but the trainer on duty last night did something that I was going to ask her to do but glad she did without me saying anything. She taped both hands so his oppontent wouldnt know his hand was hurt. Thats awesome! Kyle had a tough match but finally pinned him down for the pin in the 3rd period. The team matches was close but lost the last match. It hard to match the intensity thats for sure. Hours later still wound up. Not sure if I just had too much on my mind or wound tight from the match but I didnt sleep all that well last night so I am hoping for a good nights rest tonight after Kyles concert at 7.
As I look out my window this morning and this afternoon - the weather is warm and foggy with periods of rain and even a downpour. I am thinking about this fog and how it applies to my walk these days with Christ. Though I know I am secure, I know that I am called to be the best example for Christ that I can and to lead others in my integrity, example, words, actions and the way I care for others through the compassion that overflows from my heart. Its tough sometimes when things are not all that clear.
Direction and what to do next are often places that keep us idle or uncertain which next step to take. I am at that place. Thanks to a FAVOR, which if not asked for a FAVOR is often times not a FAVOR at all - I am just not certain what they are at this very moment.
So today as I looked at the day before me, it was foggy, stressful, it shows in some of my relationships and branches going in all kinds of directions. Focusing in on WHO HE IS and remembering that Christ is always with me - is always with you - is always with us, the fog will settle and I will come over it. As I think about only being able to see a few steps in front of me, I am reminded that is exactly where God wants us. If we see down the road too far, it becomes about our walk and not his and often times we get scared, we run away from it or we give in and say thats impossible and quit before we even get started.
So those few feet in front of me, I can see. You can see those next steps in front of you as well. Often times when speaking to a student, its that clarity they need. They get overwhelmed with all they have to do and are trying to accomplish and even pleasing others is a huge one! But when broken down and the NEXT STEPS clearly pointed out and a heart and mind can get around those next steps, progress begins and moving forward takes place.
So in that fog today, tomorrow I will see clearly but in the process I am reminded and have learned another lesson to keep my focus on Him and the path just ahead of me.
Psalm 73:23-24 - Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Lord help me keep my focus on you. Help me clearly see above the fog the next steps along the path that I should be on. Though some folks think that they are more important, bigger and have something to say over what I say and even what you say, I remain focused on you. Help me do that Lord. It would be easy to fire back but then you tell us to let you handle the reprocussions. I trust in that Lord and in your words. I have to fine where I am today so that I can stand ready to move forward when you tell me to move. Holding on to you today Lord.
Amen

Bucket List

I just had to share what came in my email inbox. Im 45 years old (often wordering how did that happen) and only in the last 5 or so years have I really began to LIVE my life because of the saving grace through Jesus. I am so grateful for where I am today. As many of you have seen the movie "The Bucket List" I too have crossed off something on my list and I hope you have as well. This email came in today and where I am right now in my life journey, I am reminded of the #1 item on this list.
Tell my kids every day that I love them.
I say it even when I sometimes dont hear it back. I say it in text messages, in emails, in person and in front of others. It is my heart and them knowing it daily helps tomorrow. So many of my generation grew up never really hearing the words "I love you" from their parents. We knew it dont get me wrong but its in those little words that we can rest assured that no matter what - those words will never change.
They have never meant more to me than they do today and the last few years - my family and my extended family. Kyle, Kate, Morgan, Taylor, Marissa, Zach, Madison, Christa, - I love you and am so thankful for you and your (our) families doing life together.

Carol without you and your support there couldnt ever be a #1 listing here. Love you with more than I have words for <33333

Enjoy the list :)
Lonnie

Come up with a "bucket list" - things you'd like to accomplish before you die. Here are a few examples and share some of your own with us below.
1. Tell my kids every day that I love them.
2. Tell my wife every day that I love her.
3. Quit worrying so much about money and status.
4. Have a plan to be completely debt-free, mortgage included, by age 50.
5. Watch less TV. Read more.
6. Do my last will and testament.
7. Do an annual physical.
8. Make sure my kids leave college debt-free.
9. Embrace the fact of impending death and use this to motivate right living.
10. Eliminate time bandits – unimportant activities that take up my schedule.
11. Utilize car time to really talk with my kids.
12. Have a blessing ceremony when my son and daughter turn 13.
13. Do one romantic thing a month for my wife.
14. Take more home movies and preserve them.
15. Honor the memory of my parents. Tell my kids stories about them.
16. Eat dinner together as a family at least 4 times a week.
17. Speak less. Listen more.
18. Mentor the younger. Encourage the older.
19. Love and help the fatherless.
20. Prioritize my relationship with God.