Love is Here - 10th Avenue North
Come to the waters, you who thirst and you'll thirst no more.
Come to the father, you who work and you'll work no more.
And all you who labor in vain and to the broken and shamed:
Love is here.
Love is now.
Love is pouring from His hands, from his brows.
Love is near, it satisfies.
Streams of mercy flowing from his side.
Cuz love is here.
What a great song to be jamming to while at work. Most everyone I know is off today but I dredged myself into work this morning and in many ways - very thankful for that. I got to go with 2 of my sweet kids last night to a horse ranch who's main purpose is to offer therapy to disabled children. They offer riding lessons for them and they get to experience these wonderful animals and exercise while riding.... nothing but smiles for sure. I fully enjoyed the peace I experienced while there as well as hanging out with both of "MyKids". Got some great pictures!
This morning I got a bug to do some printing on our color photo printer. Its been awhile since I have done that and glad I did. I am reminded at how blessed I am. How blessed my family is for all these wonderful people we are doing life with. Looking over these photo's really makes me realize how awesome that God has placed these families and all these awesome young people in my life. It really is amazing that life is fully alive with them in my life. I have to say that if God took me this afternoon - I have indeed left some kind of mark on their life. I am blessed to know that and feel it in my heart.
Today's post will be in part, which I will finish next week but I have had this on my heart the last few weeks and have shared it with a few of "MyKids" already and this won't be new news to them but hopefully it will be for someone.
Relationship as its defined by Dictionary.com:
1. a connection, association, or involvement.
2. connection between persons
One of the big things that I want "MyKids" and the students I am leading is this:
I CARE ~ Simply put – when you make a step to connect with a student screams how much you care. In a teenage world of too-busy parents, virtual friendships and fast-paced relationships, our efforts to develop a relationship with them shows how deeply you care for them. Every minute you spend with them, every text you send, every time you show up – they speak volumes without a spoken word.
I do my best to always be in the moment when an opportunity arises for those teachable moments. I so much enjoy talking and sharing my experiences with them because I have been there and know some of the things they are going through and struggling with. We have to be authentic when we are building these relationships which means everything we do - counts. Some days you make progress forward and some days you go backwards. Part of my role is to encourage them as they navigate life. It's challenging to have them think for themselves and rethink everything they are seeing in life because the world is showing them OPPOSITE of the truth of Jesus Christ.
I have it on my heart today to make sure you know - I care. When they know that - they stick! they see it...they feel it... and they in time ... will really know it. An hour a week with most of "MyKids" and students but its really felt in those + moments .... those + moments could be a facebook post, a text message, a visit to a ball game or cheer - It could be spending time over a Sonic Shake after cleaning horses for a few hours. These are special moments indeed.
I care ..... and thank you for caring me back.
With all the love I have,
Lonnie~
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friends,,,,,,
They can either make you or break you. I guess it has been about a year ago that I had the chance to talk to one of my sweet kids about a situation at school. This is where God spoke the verse into our hearts and has been there ever sense.
1 Corinthians 15:33 -“Bad company corrupts good character.”
No matter what kind of person you are, young or old, you are who you hang out with. Doesn't matter if you are in middle school, high school, 22 in college, 40 hanging out with the "Friends" at the bar (yeah right) or 55 and looking at retiring. My youth was splashed with many different colors and I can honestly say that today I feel more in touch with the youth then I did back then. Maybe its just because I am doing life with so many of them now and maybe I just see things differently now. I feel more in touch with people in general because I am willing to walk with those around me. I see the influences taking place. I see how people navigate to others even if its not a good relationship to be around. Navigating the ocean waters of a teen and a young person is tough stuff today. Heck some adults too! Many bumps and obstacles in those waters -currents that swallow us up and dump us on the shore. Life has no mercy and it is MEAN out there at times. Some of those things you can see and some are very well hidden. For some people its a really tough walk and choices have not been the best. For some they are just now prying free from under mom and dad. Some are experiencing a little freedom with no rules or boundaries. Some try their best to be just friends and holy cow - BFF's with everyone. Some have BFF's that change weekly. Some move from one group to the next without hesitation. People are messy at times.... but they can also be wonderful when chosen correctly.
Make deliberate choices about who you want to invest in and who rubs off on you. Decide the kind of people you need to associate with, the ones who will be your real, heartfelt, lots-of-time-together friends. Then choose them and love them but be prepared for those relationships to change. Its a living thing our relationships .... and they part ways, they only last a season or 2 as people come into our lives and then go out of our lives - forgiveness is a big part of healing and growing. Forgiving in a relationship means its ok to let people in and out of our lives. Its ok to have some bumps as others enter our relationship circles. Taking things personal means you are going to be hurt.... so let God move people in when they are supposed to be there and when its time to move on. Trust in His guidance....
As I am walking with my son Kyle and some of "MyKids" - their school year didn't start off with many familiar faces. They have had to stay true to who they are, what they stand for and choose who to be friends with. See there are lots of choices in life. You have so many different kinds of people and none of them are alike even though they are grouped together in band, drama club, sports, AIG, kids who dress and look different and even the "bad" kids who seem to always be flexing their differences because of some internal pain they are dealing with. College campus is no different as is our workplaces. But its up to us to choose wisely.
Proverbs 12:26 clearly tells us, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully.” Not everyone is good friendship material so we’ve got to be mindful of this.
You became like the people you hang around with. We all do. It follows then that you need to choose your friends wisely. Your friends will affect your life in 2 ways .... Good - Bad.
I pray you face is showing the love of Jesus today. A true sign to being a great friend. That is who I want in my life. Someone who will encourage me when I down, to listen to when I am frustrated and someone who will be there when I need them. Its the Paul Timothy relationship that God has given us as an example.
Looking forward to working at the ranch tonight - groom some horses, shovel some poop and invest in some awesome young people in my life. Kyle is off to be scared tonight with lots of his peeps as tomorrow he will be doing the scaring ..... also praying for a good trip to PA for miss Kate and some rest and unwinding for Carol. She is in need of it for sure.......
Lonnie~
1 Corinthians 15:33 -“Bad company corrupts good character.”
No matter what kind of person you are, young or old, you are who you hang out with. Doesn't matter if you are in middle school, high school, 22 in college, 40 hanging out with the "Friends" at the bar (yeah right) or 55 and looking at retiring. My youth was splashed with many different colors and I can honestly say that today I feel more in touch with the youth then I did back then. Maybe its just because I am doing life with so many of them now and maybe I just see things differently now. I feel more in touch with people in general because I am willing to walk with those around me. I see the influences taking place. I see how people navigate to others even if its not a good relationship to be around. Navigating the ocean waters of a teen and a young person is tough stuff today. Heck some adults too! Many bumps and obstacles in those waters -currents that swallow us up and dump us on the shore. Life has no mercy and it is MEAN out there at times. Some of those things you can see and some are very well hidden. For some people its a really tough walk and choices have not been the best. For some they are just now prying free from under mom and dad. Some are experiencing a little freedom with no rules or boundaries. Some try their best to be just friends and holy cow - BFF's with everyone. Some have BFF's that change weekly. Some move from one group to the next without hesitation. People are messy at times.... but they can also be wonderful when chosen correctly.
Make deliberate choices about who you want to invest in and who rubs off on you. Decide the kind of people you need to associate with, the ones who will be your real, heartfelt, lots-of-time-together friends. Then choose them and love them but be prepared for those relationships to change. Its a living thing our relationships .... and they part ways, they only last a season or 2 as people come into our lives and then go out of our lives - forgiveness is a big part of healing and growing. Forgiving in a relationship means its ok to let people in and out of our lives. Its ok to have some bumps as others enter our relationship circles. Taking things personal means you are going to be hurt.... so let God move people in when they are supposed to be there and when its time to move on. Trust in His guidance....
As I am walking with my son Kyle and some of "MyKids" - their school year didn't start off with many familiar faces. They have had to stay true to who they are, what they stand for and choose who to be friends with. See there are lots of choices in life. You have so many different kinds of people and none of them are alike even though they are grouped together in band, drama club, sports, AIG, kids who dress and look different and even the "bad" kids who seem to always be flexing their differences because of some internal pain they are dealing with. College campus is no different as is our workplaces. But its up to us to choose wisely.
Proverbs 12:26 clearly tells us, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully.” Not everyone is good friendship material so we’ve got to be mindful of this.
You became like the people you hang around with. We all do. It follows then that you need to choose your friends wisely. Your friends will affect your life in 2 ways .... Good - Bad.
I pray you face is showing the love of Jesus today. A true sign to being a great friend. That is who I want in my life. Someone who will encourage me when I down, to listen to when I am frustrated and someone who will be there when I need them. Its the Paul Timothy relationship that God has given us as an example.
Looking forward to working at the ranch tonight - groom some horses, shovel some poop and invest in some awesome young people in my life. Kyle is off to be scared tonight with lots of his peeps as tomorrow he will be doing the scaring ..... also praying for a good trip to PA for miss Kate and some rest and unwinding for Carol. She is in need of it for sure.......
Lonnie~
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A little extra ....
I have been really in music mode the last 2 days. Let me share with you what that means. About a month ago, I was trying my best to explain to one of my teenagers that we have to watch we fill our minds with - meaning the music we listen to. Music has such an influence on our emotions, attitude and mood right? After listening to me for a minute explaining it - it was said that not all music has a message to it. That means I don't want to listen any longer. :) - Ok I am ok with that.... Hey some folks look at the words and some just listen to the beat. I want to fill my heart and my mind with good things - encouragement - and uplifting things.
So after making a play list for one of dear kids this afternoon - a new song by Steven Curtis Chapman came across the Ipod. I can't help but to have tears in my eyes as these words just speak volumes to my heart. I feel this in so many ways, so many emotions and in "MyKids". I have been having some conversation the last few days about what our reflection shows others. Our smiles reflect our hearts and I read a quote yesterday from a church leader that said - "We have too many walking around talking about church - but we don’t have enough people walking around with the beauty of Jesus on their face". I can see Jesus on some faces around me and I am so very blessed to be looking inside them and to also be walking with them.
I hope this song moves you just a fraction as it did me.
Heaven Is The Face by Steven Curtis Chapman
Heaven is the face of a little girl
With dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles
Heaven is the place
Where she calls my name
Says, “daddy please come play with me for awhile”
God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more
But God, You know, that this is what I’m aching for
God,You know, I just can’t see beyond the door
So right now Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep
Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing
And Heaven is the weight of her in my arms
Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams
And God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more
But God, You know, that this is what I’m longing for
God,You know, I just can’t see beyond the door
But in my mind’s eye I can see a place
Where Your glory fills every empty space
All the cancer is gone Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphans’ bed
Every lonely heart finds their one true love
And there’s no more goodbye And no more not enough And there’s no more enemy (no more)
Heaven is a sweet, maple syrup kiss
And a thousand other little things I miss with her gone
Heaven is the place where she takes my hand
And leads me to You And we both run into Your arms
Oh God, I know, it’s so much more than I can dream It’s far beyond anything I can conceive
So God, You know, I’m trusting You until I see Heaven in the face of my little girl
So after making a play list for one of dear kids this afternoon - a new song by Steven Curtis Chapman came across the Ipod. I can't help but to have tears in my eyes as these words just speak volumes to my heart. I feel this in so many ways, so many emotions and in "MyKids". I have been having some conversation the last few days about what our reflection shows others. Our smiles reflect our hearts and I read a quote yesterday from a church leader that said - "We have too many walking around talking about church - but we don’t have enough people walking around with the beauty of Jesus on their face". I can see Jesus on some faces around me and I am so very blessed to be looking inside them and to also be walking with them.
I hope this song moves you just a fraction as it did me.
Heaven Is The Face by Steven Curtis Chapman
Heaven is the face of a little girl
With dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles
Heaven is the place
Where she calls my name
Says, “daddy please come play with me for awhile”
God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more
But God, You know, that this is what I’m aching for
God,You know, I just can’t see beyond the door
So right now Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep
Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing
And Heaven is the weight of her in my arms
Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams
And God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more
But God, You know, that this is what I’m longing for
God,You know, I just can’t see beyond the door
But in my mind’s eye I can see a place
Where Your glory fills every empty space
All the cancer is gone Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphans’ bed
Every lonely heart finds their one true love
And there’s no more goodbye And no more not enough And there’s no more enemy (no more)
Heaven is a sweet, maple syrup kiss
And a thousand other little things I miss with her gone
Heaven is the place where she takes my hand
And leads me to You And we both run into Your arms
Oh God, I know, it’s so much more than I can dream It’s far beyond anything I can conceive
So God, You know, I’m trusting You until I see Heaven in the face of my little girl
Monday, October 26, 2009
2 little words
I can remember back not that long ago Carols dad teaching his grand daughter 2 very important words. Thank you. Sounds like something from Barney.... is that thing still around? Glad those days are over .... but I do agree with the Please and Thank You's for sure!
The last few days those words have been ringing in my ears. Not the fact that I hear them all the time but because of the fact we don't nearly say them enough.
So what is it that some people say those 2 words all the time and others just don't know them at all? A smile is a reflection of our hearts just like a mirror is when we are standing in front of it. What are we reflecting that others see? When people go out of their way to do something, whether its a nice thing or giving a helping hand - we should already have those words ready to say. Thank you - finishes up where the story ends.
Last night I was in the book of Luke 17. I am not sure why I ended up there but often times God places something on my heart and then He opens His book to a place that makes His words come alive and gives it application to life. Follow me in this story that Jesus shares:
Ten Healed of Leprosy 11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
The last few days those words have been ringing in my ears. Not the fact that I hear them all the time but because of the fact we don't nearly say them enough.
So what is it that some people say those 2 words all the time and others just don't know them at all? A smile is a reflection of our hearts just like a mirror is when we are standing in front of it. What are we reflecting that others see? When people go out of their way to do something, whether its a nice thing or giving a helping hand - we should already have those words ready to say. Thank you - finishes up where the story ends.
Last night I was in the book of Luke 17. I am not sure why I ended up there but often times God places something on my heart and then He opens His book to a place that makes His words come alive and gives it application to life. Follow me in this story that Jesus shares:
Ten Healed of Leprosy 11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
If Jesus only had 1 person out of 10 come back and say thank you - should we expect anything more? You know the biggest disappointment comes when we do something for someone and expect a thank you. Often times, its then that we never get one. The last few years working and serving the children and students through church and through school - you learn that lesson each and every time you pour into them. Some days you get them and some days you get plenty of them. Going to have lunch at the schools, planning opportunities to get together, those moments when a student pulls you aside to talk with you about something going on in their life, those times together over a Sonic Choc shake..... sometimes you get one and sometimes not. But regardless - you're changing lives. You are making the world a better place by pouring into them. Authentically available opens many doors to that relationship with that student and their family. I don't do it for the thank you's ... I do what I do out of love. It does make a difference and it may not be all that apparent at the time but down the road - when a student comes back after a few years of them walking with you - and they say thank you..... is for sure a special thing. Its that 1 victory reminder when the other 9 walk away. I am blessed to have some awesome students in my life who always, without hesitation - say thank you. It sometimes brings a smile when 2 thank you's come out .... what for? Just because...... just because we are doing life together and we appreciate each other. So to all the folks and students out there who make it point to appreciate, be grateful, to reflect their hearts in their smile and words - Thank You. Thank you for letting me pour into you, to walk with you, to show you Jesus and to just have a place in your life - even if its only for a season. For sure....
You are a rare treasure .......
Lonnie~
Monday thoughts....
Do you have 37 seconds? Doesn't sound like much does it? For some, it may feel like a long long time. Those 37 seconds for some dads, they are all they have in spending time talking with their children. Yes I know, sad. But that is the world we live in today. Busy for sure and I think I am guilty at times as well. See sometimes reaching a teenager is hard. Sometimes its awkward as anything. Especially when there is zero trust. Especially when you are an adult and you're labeled in with other know it all adults and thus I am not going to do anything you tell me. Hard place for sure for both ends. 37 seconds is not a lot of time if one is really wanting to know whats going on in the others life. It may be that child at home or it may even be that student in your care at school or at church. 37 seconds can be life changing though and impactful beyond anything you could imagine. But ----- it has to start somewhere in order for it to grow, get better, establish trust and for each to feel wanted, valued and loved. 37 seconds may be just long enough to listen and let the important things come out.... Yesterday was just that.
After our student message yesterday - I was asked to do a few announcements and then close it to dismiss the students. I started with a raise of hands of those who have been helping with the haunted trail that our church is doing for the community on Friday and Saturday nights. See - its not all about the scares and the spooky stuff - its about what happens at the end of their walk when the trail is over and everyone is excited and scared already. We have a few minutes to share Jesus with them. Each of these students, their families and their friends who come - take part in this. They are part of the body of Christ working together. I told them that their faith is just as powerful, meaningful and alive as my faith is - if they own it. A few other announcements were made ... then just a few minutes to hang out before they left. I had a student come to me along with her friend and began a conversation about the last time they were there. She wanted more haunted trail information and I shared that with her but more importantly is that I remembered her. I asked where she had been and the last time there she sat at this particular place ... and she smiled big. She began to tell me that she would be grounded if her parent found out she was at our church. I am not sure whats going on but she did tell me she would be back when she could. I felt it in my heart yesterday that those 37 seconds will pay off. I have a heart feeling that she will be back and will be looking for me when that time comes.
So how do we make those 37 seconds count? If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you know my passion for these students. For them to know and have a relationship with Jesus. No matter where they are in life or what has been done to them or what they have done - Gods grace extends to them ... personally. They matter, they count .... we have to work hard to be authentically available to them. They have to know we care about them. We may not have the answers to their problems or even their questions but to be available to listen and know that our heart hurts for them because their hearts are hurting too.
The last few weeks I have really been focusing on intensity. Removing some of the distractions in my life and daily walk to be more focused. What is dragging me down? What is building me up? Who and how am I reaching? When I talk to my kids do I sound like I am just preaching to them or am I really listening? What is God teaching me right now? What is moving around in my life so that God can speak to my heart? I am not focused on my struggles as much as I am focused on what is it Lord you want me to learn in that struggle?
Getting back to basics - ground zero.... a time in life where God was on fire. There's the passion, there is the focused intensity .. there is the real message. There is the change we so desperatly need. It all comes through Jesus. Start to finish...
Yes doing ministry is hard, its exhausting at times and the lows are low but the highs are higher. But 37 seconds could be life changing to someone. 37 seconds may be all a student needs to an avenue to talk and bring healing. 37 seconds could be a reminder that they are important and cared for. 37 seconds from someone investing in them other than their parents... think about it .... Someone other than their parent taking a genuine interest in their life can give them confidence like never before. A sense of belief, not just in themselves, but from someone else can be empowering – even life-changing – for a student. You breathe these words every time you build relationship with them.
Relational Youth Ministry ...... might be 37 seconds to send a text before that big game. 37 seconds to get info on showing up at a students concert or wrestling match. 37 seconds to post a world of encouragement on a facebook page. It all happens in small steps, one at a time... not always forward but committed steps regardless.
I have always been told before I started in this childrens ministry and student ministry - show me a child and they will show you their parents. That couldnt be further from the truth. I am also learning ... show a student Jesus and He can change a family.
Lord, I am praying hard for our students today and their families. Life happens and sometimes it gets to out of focus Lord we just get lost and life just spirals out of control. Help us remove the distractions today Lord so that we may just pause long enough to focus on you. Help us focus on the important things in our family relationships and the relationships between our students and our leaders in our churches who love and care deeply for them. Keep them encouraged and their hearts pure in being an example for you. Satan today has his grip on our families Lord and I pray for healing and intolerance to so many issues our families face today. Things are the way they are because of a lack to get involved, to lead and to do the hard things. Give us courage Lord to do what is right and what our families need. I thank You for placing it on my heart Lord this care and love I have for our students and our children. Teach me, keep my heart for the things of you and with your motives Lord for the days ahead. Committed steps Lord with you leading the way. I pray all this in your sons name in Jesus,
Amen
After our student message yesterday - I was asked to do a few announcements and then close it to dismiss the students. I started with a raise of hands of those who have been helping with the haunted trail that our church is doing for the community on Friday and Saturday nights. See - its not all about the scares and the spooky stuff - its about what happens at the end of their walk when the trail is over and everyone is excited and scared already. We have a few minutes to share Jesus with them. Each of these students, their families and their friends who come - take part in this. They are part of the body of Christ working together. I told them that their faith is just as powerful, meaningful and alive as my faith is - if they own it. A few other announcements were made ... then just a few minutes to hang out before they left. I had a student come to me along with her friend and began a conversation about the last time they were there. She wanted more haunted trail information and I shared that with her but more importantly is that I remembered her. I asked where she had been and the last time there she sat at this particular place ... and she smiled big. She began to tell me that she would be grounded if her parent found out she was at our church. I am not sure whats going on but she did tell me she would be back when she could. I felt it in my heart yesterday that those 37 seconds will pay off. I have a heart feeling that she will be back and will be looking for me when that time comes.
So how do we make those 37 seconds count? If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you know my passion for these students. For them to know and have a relationship with Jesus. No matter where they are in life or what has been done to them or what they have done - Gods grace extends to them ... personally. They matter, they count .... we have to work hard to be authentically available to them. They have to know we care about them. We may not have the answers to their problems or even their questions but to be available to listen and know that our heart hurts for them because their hearts are hurting too.
The last few weeks I have really been focusing on intensity. Removing some of the distractions in my life and daily walk to be more focused. What is dragging me down? What is building me up? Who and how am I reaching? When I talk to my kids do I sound like I am just preaching to them or am I really listening? What is God teaching me right now? What is moving around in my life so that God can speak to my heart? I am not focused on my struggles as much as I am focused on what is it Lord you want me to learn in that struggle?
Getting back to basics - ground zero.... a time in life where God was on fire. There's the passion, there is the focused intensity .. there is the real message. There is the change we so desperatly need. It all comes through Jesus. Start to finish...
Yes doing ministry is hard, its exhausting at times and the lows are low but the highs are higher. But 37 seconds could be life changing to someone. 37 seconds may be all a student needs to an avenue to talk and bring healing. 37 seconds could be a reminder that they are important and cared for. 37 seconds from someone investing in them other than their parents... think about it .... Someone other than their parent taking a genuine interest in their life can give them confidence like never before. A sense of belief, not just in themselves, but from someone else can be empowering – even life-changing – for a student. You breathe these words every time you build relationship with them.
Relational Youth Ministry ...... might be 37 seconds to send a text before that big game. 37 seconds to get info on showing up at a students concert or wrestling match. 37 seconds to post a world of encouragement on a facebook page. It all happens in small steps, one at a time... not always forward but committed steps regardless.
I have always been told before I started in this childrens ministry and student ministry - show me a child and they will show you their parents. That couldnt be further from the truth. I am also learning ... show a student Jesus and He can change a family.
Lord, I am praying hard for our students today and their families. Life happens and sometimes it gets to out of focus Lord we just get lost and life just spirals out of control. Help us remove the distractions today Lord so that we may just pause long enough to focus on you. Help us focus on the important things in our family relationships and the relationships between our students and our leaders in our churches who love and care deeply for them. Keep them encouraged and their hearts pure in being an example for you. Satan today has his grip on our families Lord and I pray for healing and intolerance to so many issues our families face today. Things are the way they are because of a lack to get involved, to lead and to do the hard things. Give us courage Lord to do what is right and what our families need. I thank You for placing it on my heart Lord this care and love I have for our students and our children. Teach me, keep my heart for the things of you and with your motives Lord for the days ahead. Committed steps Lord with you leading the way. I pray all this in your sons name in Jesus,
Amen
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wild week~
For sure this has been a wild week. Up and down with extreme in the middle. The last time I had went to the amusement park - I got to ride the latest roller coaster - The Batman Ride. Being that is my nickname as a kid and me loving roller coaster - it just seems natural that I would love this ride. I do ......but life is so much like a roller coaster with its up and down - twists and turns... and fast speeds full of screams and full excitement. I am thankful its Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend and its moments of downtime in there somewhere. This past week has left me in moments of complete breakdown and not knowing what my next step would be never the less how. I had a conversation with one of my students this week and it made me dig a little deeper into Gods word for an answer and not only an answer with guidance for her but also for me and where I am standing these days. As she told me about life at home and family and some of the things she is struggling with she looked me in the face and smiled, "God doesn't put more on our shoulders than we can handle". I smiled at her..... and then revealed something big. I told her that if God didn't put things on our shoulders that we couldn't handle and need him - "why would we need him if we can handle them ourselves?" God often times puts things on our shoulders that we can't handle so that we do have to come to him for His help to get us through. This morning I was in Kyles school along with another 170 students for the YCI club that meets in the media center. It was awesome today as the students led most of the meeting with opening prayer, testimonies from 2 of the students and then a closing message from Pastor Travis and prayer. Pastor Travis spoke of the trials in our lives and instead of focusing on the trial and asking God "Why" - ask Him "What" - Lord what is it you want me to see here? What is it that you want me to learn through this? Lord grow my faith and trust through this that I am facing so that I may trust you and know you deeper than I do now. It for sure spoke to me this morning with the week I have been through. I have asked God all week, what instead of why. I am blessed to be in a place in my faith walk to be asking those things and I want more than anything to help guide these students and their families to get to that point in their relationship with Christ. Life's challenges need not steal my joy. There is good in all things and through all things when looked at it with Christ's eyes. This trial that we are going through, my week this week, builds character. It shapes us and molds us and that is exactly what God is wanting to do because He wants us more like Him. God gives us new mercies each morning to ride the difficulties of each day. He understands how we're each wired. But hear this: the grace of Jesus is not fully seen in our lives until weakness is fully experienced. You never really get the grace unless you see the need for it. And even that's a grace.
2Corinthians 12:9-10 "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." When you humble yourself to God and say, Lord, I am weak and You are strong -Show Yourself sufficient in me right now. When that's your attitude ~ there's a power coming into your life that you haven't experienced before. There's something about our weakness that opens the flow of God's strength. Ask Him for it today....and then experience Him like never before.
I am thankful for a God who knows when we are weak and when we are humbled in it ... and not putting his foot down on our necks for the knock out blow. He pulls us in, puts us in His lap and loves on us like a good father would do with his children. I have had a few moments like that this week as well and I am so thankful for "MyKids". I dont much like some things that they do but I love it when its all said and done - that my arms are around them and theirs are around me and there is peace and love in that moment.
May God use your weakness to bring Him glory through all those things in your life today,
Lonnie
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Directions.....
God is our spiritual GPS system.
Wow, how do I follow up with that statement? For one thing I can tell you, I don't have a GPS system in my car. If I am lost - I am lost. Funny thing is, I don't go anywhere really where I don't know where I am. I have been there before. Getting lost or having to make a detour - means I just follow those detour signs and it should eventually lead me back to the main road right? In theory I guess.... but I am an old school map person. I love maps period. I have them in my office at work and hanging in my garage. World maps, US maps, NC state maps and even a old NJ state map. Hey I did love living and working at Princeton.
But I like to have the trip planned for the most part as far as the travel aspects goes. Once there... I am all about just going with the flow and whatever everyone else wants to do. I did my part in getting us there, planning the route, preparations for gas, tolls, travel time and packing the vehicle.
Wouldn't it be great if life would work that way? I find myself these past few weeks just in the middle of one of those traffic circles and I can't seem to make my way over and get off the thing. Life is going on by and I keep going around and around and as soon as I get over to get off the thing, blam, something pops in and pushes me back to the center.....
So as I am going around in what seems this never ending and dizzy loop - here are some things that come to mind.
~Plan for the detours in life but don't dwell on them. Things happen - Life happens - teenagers happen..... its coming but don't get caught in the trap of dwelling all your time, energy and focus on them. Take a breath, pray, ask for others to help and above all else... Ask God to help you navigate!
~Plan your rest stops. I have been on many long trips and there is nothing better than to have a destination in mind at the end of the day even if you are not at the final destination yet. A quick stay to rest, a great meal - even a bathroom break can help. It will keep you energized, focused and awake for what is next and will keep you in the plans to reach that destination.
~We have to learn to balance our speed. I said this just the other night with one of "MyKids" and I think I got an AMEN from her mom when I said it. Growing up is hard and our kids face so many challenges today. Go at your own speed!!! I can't say that enough. So many of our kids are so quick to experience life and some of the time - those experiences are rushed and end up on the not so good choices list. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing! Go at your own pace. Don't compare what you don't have and be thankful for what you do have. One of the greatest blessings in life is to come to know deep in your heart how much God loves you and how much you mean to Him. You are in the race but be the turtle ... it may not be as fun but in the long run you will pass all your friends being the rabbits running in every direction and going crazy along the way.
Getting lost, hitting those detours in life are one of those things that we can focus on being late and plans not going according to plan - but you know what.... its also where we have a chance to get off life's highways.... slow down a bit...rest, re-energize, gain our focus back, pray, build relationships that need building upon, evaluate where we are, and to enjoy some of the scenery going by. I love those back roads...... they take us longer to get there but for sure there is a different blessing to be found.
Lord thank You for being our spiritual GPS system. May we continue to look to You in our journey in this life. May we slow down from time to time and enjoy those moments when you refresh us, refocus us, re-energize us, build love into our lives with you and those around us and also to enjoy the scenery going by. You have made all things beautiful and for the last few days Lord, thank You for pausing me long enough to be still to see with my eyes, feel with my heart and reach out during those few moments every day when heaven meets earth where time seems to stand still.
Amen
Wow, how do I follow up with that statement? For one thing I can tell you, I don't have a GPS system in my car. If I am lost - I am lost. Funny thing is, I don't go anywhere really where I don't know where I am. I have been there before. Getting lost or having to make a detour - means I just follow those detour signs and it should eventually lead me back to the main road right? In theory I guess.... but I am an old school map person. I love maps period. I have them in my office at work and hanging in my garage. World maps, US maps, NC state maps and even a old NJ state map. Hey I did love living and working at Princeton.
But I like to have the trip planned for the most part as far as the travel aspects goes. Once there... I am all about just going with the flow and whatever everyone else wants to do. I did my part in getting us there, planning the route, preparations for gas, tolls, travel time and packing the vehicle.
Wouldn't it be great if life would work that way? I find myself these past few weeks just in the middle of one of those traffic circles and I can't seem to make my way over and get off the thing. Life is going on by and I keep going around and around and as soon as I get over to get off the thing, blam, something pops in and pushes me back to the center.....
So as I am going around in what seems this never ending and dizzy loop - here are some things that come to mind.
~Plan for the detours in life but don't dwell on them. Things happen - Life happens - teenagers happen..... its coming but don't get caught in the trap of dwelling all your time, energy and focus on them. Take a breath, pray, ask for others to help and above all else... Ask God to help you navigate!
~Plan your rest stops. I have been on many long trips and there is nothing better than to have a destination in mind at the end of the day even if you are not at the final destination yet. A quick stay to rest, a great meal - even a bathroom break can help. It will keep you energized, focused and awake for what is next and will keep you in the plans to reach that destination.
~We have to learn to balance our speed. I said this just the other night with one of "MyKids" and I think I got an AMEN from her mom when I said it. Growing up is hard and our kids face so many challenges today. Go at your own speed!!! I can't say that enough. So many of our kids are so quick to experience life and some of the time - those experiences are rushed and end up on the not so good choices list. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing! Go at your own pace. Don't compare what you don't have and be thankful for what you do have. One of the greatest blessings in life is to come to know deep in your heart how much God loves you and how much you mean to Him. You are in the race but be the turtle ... it may not be as fun but in the long run you will pass all your friends being the rabbits running in every direction and going crazy along the way.
Getting lost, hitting those detours in life are one of those things that we can focus on being late and plans not going according to plan - but you know what.... its also where we have a chance to get off life's highways.... slow down a bit...rest, re-energize, gain our focus back, pray, build relationships that need building upon, evaluate where we are, and to enjoy some of the scenery going by. I love those back roads...... they take us longer to get there but for sure there is a different blessing to be found.
Lord thank You for being our spiritual GPS system. May we continue to look to You in our journey in this life. May we slow down from time to time and enjoy those moments when you refresh us, refocus us, re-energize us, build love into our lives with you and those around us and also to enjoy the scenery going by. You have made all things beautiful and for the last few days Lord, thank You for pausing me long enough to be still to see with my eyes, feel with my heart and reach out during those few moments every day when heaven meets earth where time seems to stand still.
Amen
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The big fat WOW~
I cannot even begin to describe the last few days. I am very blessed to have some close people in my life that I am doing life with to help, to pray and to talk to. I am blessed to have a heavenly father who listens to my heart and understands my tears- Feels my families heart and understands our tears. For some - we are in this together and for that I am so thankful for you that you just don't know and I couldn't ever explain it and do it justice. I love you ......
I look around at some of the things in my life - my experiences at the Center of Hope - the struggles of some folks around me - struggles of some of my students that are in reach of my care and I have to say that often times we become blinded by whats going on around us. Our eyes become out of focus and we just wait on the WOW to happen. For God to come down and fix this or fix that. We look for the big miracles and even though those happen every single day - we often miss the most impactful ones - ones that change the course of our struggles and our lives. Those can be found in the small miracles as God lines things up in our favor, as He puts people in our lives to speak to our hearts and opens doors that we never knew was there. Loved ones often times we look at the "Step Backs" but indeed they turn into "Step Ups". So even in your struggles, even as you walk with a dear loved one in their struggles or whatever the case may be .... there is something to learn in it. Ask God to reveal what it is you need to learn - what you need to experience and what your faith needs to grow. Then you will be on the right track and a turning point will begin to happen. Trust and Faith go hand in hand.
I am learning that its in the little victories and in the little blessings - come the bigger ones - the ones that WOW us ..... if you have a teenager that just refuses to come to church and hates being there and just fights you every step of the way ---- hang in there.... their WOW factor just might be around the corner. Your WOW factor might be around the corner in leading them.
Chin up loved ones.... do the best you can and leave it in the hands who created you, who knows you, who feels your pain and understands your tears..... He already knows the next move.... and is one step in front paving the paths ahead.
John 6:29-71
29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'[a]"
32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
I look around at some of the things in my life - my experiences at the Center of Hope - the struggles of some folks around me - struggles of some of my students that are in reach of my care and I have to say that often times we become blinded by whats going on around us. Our eyes become out of focus and we just wait on the WOW to happen. For God to come down and fix this or fix that. We look for the big miracles and even though those happen every single day - we often miss the most impactful ones - ones that change the course of our struggles and our lives. Those can be found in the small miracles as God lines things up in our favor, as He puts people in our lives to speak to our hearts and opens doors that we never knew was there. Loved ones often times we look at the "Step Backs" but indeed they turn into "Step Ups". So even in your struggles, even as you walk with a dear loved one in their struggles or whatever the case may be .... there is something to learn in it. Ask God to reveal what it is you need to learn - what you need to experience and what your faith needs to grow. Then you will be on the right track and a turning point will begin to happen. Trust and Faith go hand in hand.
I am learning that its in the little victories and in the little blessings - come the bigger ones - the ones that WOW us ..... if you have a teenager that just refuses to come to church and hates being there and just fights you every step of the way ---- hang in there.... their WOW factor just might be around the corner. Your WOW factor might be around the corner in leading them.
Chin up loved ones.... do the best you can and leave it in the hands who created you, who knows you, who feels your pain and understands your tears..... He already knows the next move.... and is one step in front paving the paths ahead.
John 6:29-71
29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'[a]"
32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
Monday, October 19, 2009
This is all I am going to say at this time. It has been a battle on many fronts and today I am so reminded that the spiritual battle is always taking place. Its only when things get heated up that things turn for something ugly ... because of the battle taking place. I am not going down easy. I am not ready to give in. I am standing and fighting and you should as well in the face of whatever it is you are facing today. Stand tall for God and let Him be your partner in the battles we face. Some are tougher than others .... but together the battle has already won. Carol thanks for talking things through and being in prayer last night and this morning. Shelley - Thanks for the talk this morning as you know first hand the battles that are taking place. We are in this together and we need others to help us when we have been wounded. Lets keep marching my brothers and sisters ..... its time to own your faith.
Ephesians 6 1-3
Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." 4Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
19-20And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time
Ephesians 6 1-3
Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honor your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." 4Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
19-20And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A Thursday lunch to remember...
Kind of a dreary day out today. I am much more a sunshine person! So I don't think I would do with living in a place like Seattle that has weather like this most of the year. But today - A lot of sunshine was casted on me and a few others who went with me to the Center of Hope for lunch. Didn't seem right as we were listening to these wonderful outreach and loving people tell us about all they did to reach the hurting and we are enjoying a wonderful lunch. The Center of Hope is run by the Salvation Army and its the largest woman and children's center in the southeast. They are over capacity which you are probably not surprised. They have families living on the floors but I bet they are happy to have a warm place to rest their heads.
It is such an amazing place in what they are doing there. I talked about compassion on people the last few days and being gentle - It is hard to believe babies that are just born and they come home from the hospital to begin their life with their families and its a homeless shelter. Its hard to believe that people 85 years old who have worked and raised families are in a place like this with nothing. How can we not have compassion and a deep love for people - especially those who are in a place in life that is this hard. It was obvious that faith and the love of Christ was there. It was in the hearts of everyone I spoke to. I bet faith is a big part of even the people that come through the doors because they need it, maybe they have lost it - but its also a place to remind them of what it is all about. The love and grace of Jesus with being his hands and his feet. I am excited to be serving meals in the kitchen soon. I am excited to be bringing eye opening experiences to not only to me, my family, church, but also to our kids and students. As we were leaving today and passing through the doors - there was a family that was behind us. Mom was holding the hand of a little girl. She was so cute, she was about 3 I would say. It is cold and raining here and the little girl began to cry. I am not sure why but it really was hard not to just walk over and give her a hug. To tell her its going to be ok. Those are tears loved ones, they are the same as mine, the same as yours and come from places in our hearts that are the same. There is an empty place there that is being filled with the worst pieces that life has. She doesn't deserve this nor did she ask for it. It is a place in life where this family finds itself. I am not to judge but to be the hand that reaches out and helps.
This morning in my quiet time - I knew going into today that it would be an emotional and very overwhelming day but also exciting. I will share with you my quiet time.
John17:20-26
Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Lord I am praying that there won't be any more just passing by. No more walking along the roads of life and looking the other way. No more seeing families and students hurting and not wanting to get involved. Lord your love is shown through the reach and willingness to get involved by those around us. I am excited to be on the door step of helping Lord. They are as you have said - the least of these. They too are important and worth reaching out to. Lord move us in our hearts to get involved. Move fear from our hearts so that we may experience the compassion that you so much have for us even if its just a tiny piece of it. Lord thank You for today and the experiences. I thank you for the people at the Salvation Army who are serving so hard to those in need. I pray for those who are coming through their doors Lord who need help. May they find comfort, rest and more importantly you while they are there. Be with us now as we plan, dream and move being your hands and feet Lord. I pray all these things in your sons name in Jesus,
Amen
It is such an amazing place in what they are doing there. I talked about compassion on people the last few days and being gentle - It is hard to believe babies that are just born and they come home from the hospital to begin their life with their families and its a homeless shelter. Its hard to believe that people 85 years old who have worked and raised families are in a place like this with nothing. How can we not have compassion and a deep love for people - especially those who are in a place in life that is this hard. It was obvious that faith and the love of Christ was there. It was in the hearts of everyone I spoke to. I bet faith is a big part of even the people that come through the doors because they need it, maybe they have lost it - but its also a place to remind them of what it is all about. The love and grace of Jesus with being his hands and his feet. I am excited to be serving meals in the kitchen soon. I am excited to be bringing eye opening experiences to not only to me, my family, church, but also to our kids and students. As we were leaving today and passing through the doors - there was a family that was behind us. Mom was holding the hand of a little girl. She was so cute, she was about 3 I would say. It is cold and raining here and the little girl began to cry. I am not sure why but it really was hard not to just walk over and give her a hug. To tell her its going to be ok. Those are tears loved ones, they are the same as mine, the same as yours and come from places in our hearts that are the same. There is an empty place there that is being filled with the worst pieces that life has. She doesn't deserve this nor did she ask for it. It is a place in life where this family finds itself. I am not to judge but to be the hand that reaches out and helps.
This morning in my quiet time - I knew going into today that it would be an emotional and very overwhelming day but also exciting. I will share with you my quiet time.
John17:20-26
Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Lord I am praying that there won't be any more just passing by. No more walking along the roads of life and looking the other way. No more seeing families and students hurting and not wanting to get involved. Lord your love is shown through the reach and willingness to get involved by those around us. I am excited to be on the door step of helping Lord. They are as you have said - the least of these. They too are important and worth reaching out to. Lord move us in our hearts to get involved. Move fear from our hearts so that we may experience the compassion that you so much have for us even if its just a tiny piece of it. Lord thank You for today and the experiences. I thank you for the people at the Salvation Army who are serving so hard to those in need. I pray for those who are coming through their doors Lord who need help. May they find comfort, rest and more importantly you while they are there. Be with us now as we plan, dream and move being your hands and feet Lord. I pray all these things in your sons name in Jesus,
Amen
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A couple personal things first....
It may be cool enough tonight to get the fire place cranked up this evening with the family and a good movie. I am already hearing from some of our students about cancelling LOL (hs/ms bible study) at the Pumpkin Patch tonight because of the rain. Sorry gang! Its such a great time together!
Have to drop some meals off to a 3 wonderful close families this evening and looking forward to some smiles, hugs and encouragement from them - hey it works both ways when people come together like this.
Kyle got sent home a note yesterday from school. He was one of a few selected out of the entire 6th grade class at his school to attend a year long leadership program. They will be meeting once a month for the rest of the year and will be learning about leadership skills and qualities of leadership. Dude, that is so awesome! Carol and I are just so excited about that. He wears his cross on his neck everyday and its not just a necklace to him, its not just a piece of jewelry - it is who he is. A light for Jesus going into his dark place in this world and shining. Proud of him ....
I just finished up a great read - "Guys are waffles and girls are spaghetti" by Chad Eastham. I am onto the dvd now and I have learned so much from this guy. I look forward to downloading what I am learning to some youth, students and anyone else for that matter soon! Can't keep this in my waffle compartment all by itself!
I am now onto reading "Emergency Response for Youth Ministry" and right out of the gate it is talking about a student who just lost a parent. I can relate... I have been there... I know what that is like... I know how you feel man.... I still struggle with it ..... I can help... I can walk with you....
I guess the older I am getting the more compassion I have for people. I can remember in the book of John and recall his tone in his writing. It is to a much younger generation. He was the last of the Disciples and was very old when he passed. So he wrote and probably spoke like he was teaching a much younger generation and one that he had such love and compassion for. He was gentle.... don't you want to be gentle, kind, and loving when you get old? I do ...... people are beaten down today. They have so many struggles and hardships in this life. Our teens are no different even though as a teen once as well - I had those same struggles. I think kids are experiencing things earlier today than we did but also a more disconnected from family kind of way. With the age of texting, cell phones, email, blogs, facebook - there is a ton of communication taking place but our kids are becoming relationship poor. Its all online.....they miss out on body language. They miss out on the tone of a voice when communicating. They miss out on visual communication like where your eyes are when speaking to someone or when someone is speaking to you. They miss out on where your hands are when talking - are they in your pockets, folded, or touching the person you are talking to? These things are so important, especially later in life for them as they mature and work in companies that may have them doing presentations, business deals and interacting with people.
I am reminded today - especially as I think of a few of my close kids - "You are already shaping the type of person that you are becoming. It is simply an accumulation of your habits and decisions over time and they have already started."
Hey its ok to be you. Its ok to let others pass you by like rabbits in a race. They get tired, lost, confused and bored in life. Its too fast.... just do your pace loved ones. Experience the scenery as you go and learn from your mistakes.... better yet - learn from others... its always less painful.
One final thought today ... as I am thinking about those families tonight who will receive a warm meal and one of my sick kids home from school today..... You are not alone.... I hope you really know that. Even in the darkest of places Gods light can penetrate that darkness to bring light, hope and grace.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
With love and all the encouragement I have,
Lonnie
Have to drop some meals off to a 3 wonderful close families this evening and looking forward to some smiles, hugs and encouragement from them - hey it works both ways when people come together like this.
Kyle got sent home a note yesterday from school. He was one of a few selected out of the entire 6th grade class at his school to attend a year long leadership program. They will be meeting once a month for the rest of the year and will be learning about leadership skills and qualities of leadership. Dude, that is so awesome! Carol and I are just so excited about that. He wears his cross on his neck everyday and its not just a necklace to him, its not just a piece of jewelry - it is who he is. A light for Jesus going into his dark place in this world and shining. Proud of him ....
I just finished up a great read - "Guys are waffles and girls are spaghetti" by Chad Eastham. I am onto the dvd now and I have learned so much from this guy. I look forward to downloading what I am learning to some youth, students and anyone else for that matter soon! Can't keep this in my waffle compartment all by itself!
I am now onto reading "Emergency Response for Youth Ministry" and right out of the gate it is talking about a student who just lost a parent. I can relate... I have been there... I know what that is like... I know how you feel man.... I still struggle with it ..... I can help... I can walk with you....
I guess the older I am getting the more compassion I have for people. I can remember in the book of John and recall his tone in his writing. It is to a much younger generation. He was the last of the Disciples and was very old when he passed. So he wrote and probably spoke like he was teaching a much younger generation and one that he had such love and compassion for. He was gentle.... don't you want to be gentle, kind, and loving when you get old? I do ...... people are beaten down today. They have so many struggles and hardships in this life. Our teens are no different even though as a teen once as well - I had those same struggles. I think kids are experiencing things earlier today than we did but also a more disconnected from family kind of way. With the age of texting, cell phones, email, blogs, facebook - there is a ton of communication taking place but our kids are becoming relationship poor. Its all online.....they miss out on body language. They miss out on the tone of a voice when communicating. They miss out on visual communication like where your eyes are when speaking to someone or when someone is speaking to you. They miss out on where your hands are when talking - are they in your pockets, folded, or touching the person you are talking to? These things are so important, especially later in life for them as they mature and work in companies that may have them doing presentations, business deals and interacting with people.
I am reminded today - especially as I think of a few of my close kids - "You are already shaping the type of person that you are becoming. It is simply an accumulation of your habits and decisions over time and they have already started."
Hey its ok to be you. Its ok to let others pass you by like rabbits in a race. They get tired, lost, confused and bored in life. Its too fast.... just do your pace loved ones. Experience the scenery as you go and learn from your mistakes.... better yet - learn from others... its always less painful.
One final thought today ... as I am thinking about those families tonight who will receive a warm meal and one of my sick kids home from school today..... You are not alone.... I hope you really know that. Even in the darkest of places Gods light can penetrate that darkness to bring light, hope and grace.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
With love and all the encouragement I have,
Lonnie
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Blurry and foggy
Tough nite of sleep last night. I get these nights from time to time. I am dead in the middle of "Guys are Waffles and Girls are Spaghetti" book and I am fully enjoying it. Learning not only about women ..... but also about myself and dudes. Trying to be a manly since I am not reading about fishing or hunting. I was fully awake this morning at 3:30. Tired of laying and tossing back and forth I hit the ground and got to the gym at 5am. It felt good to get up and get moving hopefully trying to sort some things out. I am for sure in a different compartment of my waffle the last few days.
This morning I woke to a dream that was actually something that took place long ago in my life. As many of you know I practiced Judo when I was younger and it was very much in every detail of my life growing up. As I recall this dream - it was as real to me as it was when this took place. I am not sure how old I was but I can remember being maybe around 14 or so. It was a big judo championship and I think I was in about the 3rd round. I was fighting a kid that was much better than me as I have faced him a couple time before but that never feared me because everyone has off days and champions lose on any given day. I can remember fighting hard for the first few minutes and then making a mistake. Blam - walked right into a choke hold. If done right and applied correctly - the person in the choke hold will usually not even have time to tap out and give up. Done - I didn't even see if coming. I was out cold.... laying flat on the mat in front of a few thousand people. It felt like hours maybe that I was out. In reality it was only 20 seconds maybe. I can remember a giant light - bright as the son ... almost like being at the beach but with no water. It was so bright I couldn't look up at it and nearly blinding. I woke up.... on the mat in front of everyone in the gym was my mom grabbing my hand. Like any worried mother she ran down from the stands. She went through security and all the folks working the tournemant. She was on the mat in her shoes ... she ran to make sure I was ok. I was ... I was telling everyone including the referee and both judges at my "beach" experience. I had to be checked out by the doctors and was released.
I am not so sure why this morning that dream - that event - is on my mind and heart. All I know is that the past couple weeks, it has been on my heart with people in the ditches of life. Students at church... families breaking down.... jobs being lost.... a coworker just yesterday who was layed off a few months before - shot and killed his wife, shot his 2 sons and then himself. Hopefully his 2 boys live so they can tell the story to find out what really happened. Life is short and for many life is hurting. 24 people every second die in this world because they don't have enough to eat.
Sometimes in life, like the passing of my mom - we never see it coming. Its like that choke hold from years ago.... once applied we have no way out. Done...... out like a light.
Like my mom on that day, Jesus is there to pick us up - to make sure we are ok. He's got us. Life may have us with cob webs in our minds after we have been beaten down and we may not know which direction to go in but if we hang on to His hand... He will help us get up.... even if we don't see it coming. Are you being that person today that is helping that friend or that family by reaching out to them?.... life happens and we often times dont see it coming.
What a great picture to wake up to this morning....... and a reminder that God is there willing and able to reach out a hand. A hand that I often think about - what does that scar look like? A scar that was for me and you....and a perfect picture of grace.
This morning I woke to a dream that was actually something that took place long ago in my life. As many of you know I practiced Judo when I was younger and it was very much in every detail of my life growing up. As I recall this dream - it was as real to me as it was when this took place. I am not sure how old I was but I can remember being maybe around 14 or so. It was a big judo championship and I think I was in about the 3rd round. I was fighting a kid that was much better than me as I have faced him a couple time before but that never feared me because everyone has off days and champions lose on any given day. I can remember fighting hard for the first few minutes and then making a mistake. Blam - walked right into a choke hold. If done right and applied correctly - the person in the choke hold will usually not even have time to tap out and give up. Done - I didn't even see if coming. I was out cold.... laying flat on the mat in front of a few thousand people. It felt like hours maybe that I was out. In reality it was only 20 seconds maybe. I can remember a giant light - bright as the son ... almost like being at the beach but with no water. It was so bright I couldn't look up at it and nearly blinding. I woke up.... on the mat in front of everyone in the gym was my mom grabbing my hand. Like any worried mother she ran down from the stands. She went through security and all the folks working the tournemant. She was on the mat in her shoes ... she ran to make sure I was ok. I was ... I was telling everyone including the referee and both judges at my "beach" experience. I had to be checked out by the doctors and was released.
I am not so sure why this morning that dream - that event - is on my mind and heart. All I know is that the past couple weeks, it has been on my heart with people in the ditches of life. Students at church... families breaking down.... jobs being lost.... a coworker just yesterday who was layed off a few months before - shot and killed his wife, shot his 2 sons and then himself. Hopefully his 2 boys live so they can tell the story to find out what really happened. Life is short and for many life is hurting. 24 people every second die in this world because they don't have enough to eat.
Sometimes in life, like the passing of my mom - we never see it coming. Its like that choke hold from years ago.... once applied we have no way out. Done...... out like a light.
Like my mom on that day, Jesus is there to pick us up - to make sure we are ok. He's got us. Life may have us with cob webs in our minds after we have been beaten down and we may not know which direction to go in but if we hang on to His hand... He will help us get up.... even if we don't see it coming. Are you being that person today that is helping that friend or that family by reaching out to them?.... life happens and we often times dont see it coming.
What a great picture to wake up to this morning....... and a reminder that God is there willing and able to reach out a hand. A hand that I often think about - what does that scar look like? A scar that was for me and you....and a perfect picture of grace.
Monday, October 12, 2009
There are ditches on the side of the road
I have been in a study the last few weeks that has been all wrapped around the story from Luke 10: - Here is that recorded story~
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[d]"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
The amazing thing for me in this story is that we are often times just too busy. Our schedules and the places we need to get to keep us from pausing in this life long enough to get involved. We pass right by those in need. We pass by on that phone call to cheer up a friend. We pass by on that visit to the sr home to visit that aunt. We pass by because its easier. We just dont make the time but we have the time to do what we really want don't we?
Yesterday after church, Kyle, Madison and I went to get our Sunday chicken and we decided to eat in for a change. Finishing up after a great lunch and great conversation we noticed an elderly couple coming in the door. They must have been in their 80's, they were holding hands and the man being the gentleman that he was, opened the door for her. I smiled and thought how awesome is that! I carry these little prayer cards in my wallet and asked Kyle and Madison to pick one out to give to them. They read each one, as if to say they needed the perfect one and on our way out gave them the card. "God is my strength" was written on that special card. They smiled and we walked out knowing that we probably touched their hearts in a special way today. Here are 2 young people doing something like this in today's time. Awesome - It was also their idea to then go to the senior home and visit some of seniors there. Our one friend and favorite lady had just left for the hospital and that was a little upsetting since they can't tell you if Mary is ok or not. I am praying she is and will be back soon. Being 94 though .... being called home would be ok too. She is such a lovely lady who is always smiling and has had so many stories to tell about her life.
This coming Thursday I am headed to the Center of Hope which is a homeless shelter for women and children. I am especially excited to be part of this, to get lunch, tour the facilty and look forward to bonding my rock group, our student ministry and possibly our church to partner with them in serving these families meals. They dont have anything... remember that next time you brush your teeth. They don't have basic things.
Our churches need to be this object that people see as hope when they see no hope. When people are hurting, people need to see the love and care that a church has for people. God is about people right? The church should be about people. Right where they are - do for them not as a handout but a handup. We should be engaging our young people to get involved and to be reminded that they have it good. Even those teenagers who are flexing that independent spirit but still rely on mom for their toothpaste, food and cell phones. The definition of a bad day is totally different between what hurting place you are coming from.
I have said this before but it just rings in my heart. If people want to know you care you have to show them how much you care. Show them how much you love them. If we are to be Gods hands and feet we have to love people right where they are. No more standing on the side of the road like in the story above. My bond with the students at church comes from being available to them. Authentically available. They know I am there for them. They bank on it. They trust it. They can come to it when they need answers or need a shoulder. Available ..... and willing. Willing to get off the life's highway and get down in the ditch and help pull the hurting out. Its a bridge to grab one hand of Gods to theirs ...we are supposed to do that. Jesus had compassion on people and by them healing them - all he asked was - Do you believe?
If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord then reach down loved ones and get a hand. There are folks needing that life line and its in your hands. Jesus has the scars on his to prove it.
Our light is to take the love of Jesus to the dark places in this world. Where there is light - there is no darkness.
37:Go and do likewise......
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[d]"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
The amazing thing for me in this story is that we are often times just too busy. Our schedules and the places we need to get to keep us from pausing in this life long enough to get involved. We pass right by those in need. We pass by on that phone call to cheer up a friend. We pass by on that visit to the sr home to visit that aunt. We pass by because its easier. We just dont make the time but we have the time to do what we really want don't we?
Yesterday after church, Kyle, Madison and I went to get our Sunday chicken and we decided to eat in for a change. Finishing up after a great lunch and great conversation we noticed an elderly couple coming in the door. They must have been in their 80's, they were holding hands and the man being the gentleman that he was, opened the door for her. I smiled and thought how awesome is that! I carry these little prayer cards in my wallet and asked Kyle and Madison to pick one out to give to them. They read each one, as if to say they needed the perfect one and on our way out gave them the card. "God is my strength" was written on that special card. They smiled and we walked out knowing that we probably touched their hearts in a special way today. Here are 2 young people doing something like this in today's time. Awesome - It was also their idea to then go to the senior home and visit some of seniors there. Our one friend and favorite lady had just left for the hospital and that was a little upsetting since they can't tell you if Mary is ok or not. I am praying she is and will be back soon. Being 94 though .... being called home would be ok too. She is such a lovely lady who is always smiling and has had so many stories to tell about her life.
This coming Thursday I am headed to the Center of Hope which is a homeless shelter for women and children. I am especially excited to be part of this, to get lunch, tour the facilty and look forward to bonding my rock group, our student ministry and possibly our church to partner with them in serving these families meals. They dont have anything... remember that next time you brush your teeth. They don't have basic things.
Our churches need to be this object that people see as hope when they see no hope. When people are hurting, people need to see the love and care that a church has for people. God is about people right? The church should be about people. Right where they are - do for them not as a handout but a handup. We should be engaging our young people to get involved and to be reminded that they have it good. Even those teenagers who are flexing that independent spirit but still rely on mom for their toothpaste, food and cell phones. The definition of a bad day is totally different between what hurting place you are coming from.
I have said this before but it just rings in my heart. If people want to know you care you have to show them how much you care. Show them how much you love them. If we are to be Gods hands and feet we have to love people right where they are. No more standing on the side of the road like in the story above. My bond with the students at church comes from being available to them. Authentically available. They know I am there for them. They bank on it. They trust it. They can come to it when they need answers or need a shoulder. Available ..... and willing. Willing to get off the life's highway and get down in the ditch and help pull the hurting out. Its a bridge to grab one hand of Gods to theirs ...we are supposed to do that. Jesus had compassion on people and by them healing them - all he asked was - Do you believe?
If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord then reach down loved ones and get a hand. There are folks needing that life line and its in your hands. Jesus has the scars on his to prove it.
Our light is to take the love of Jesus to the dark places in this world. Where there is light - there is no darkness.
37:Go and do likewise......
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A new path in lifes walk
Sunday night ... its been a weekend to remember for sure. My dad and his fiance was married Saturday. It was a day with many emotions for sure. I do want nothing more than for my dad to be happy. It has been 3 years since mom passed and it has led my dad down some long dark paths during that time. It was such a blessing for my dad and for the family when Neila came into it. She is very much a God loving woman and I am especially thankful for her. A step mom. Wow... I always thought those words were for someone elses family but its not anymore. I am good with it and want nothing more than my dad and Neila to be happy and to build a life together. So as we venture this new walk with our paths now together I pray there will be many great memories in the future.
I want to take a moment and share what I said during my talk to address the families Saturday. It was a message that I got lots of handshakes and lots of compliments on - even a few AMENS! I also wanted to take a moment to thank Aunt Sharon, Uncle Buster and their friends for serving and putting this celebration together. It was a great day for sure.
I printed this and placed it in a nice frame for my dad and Neila. Nobody ever remembers the toast speech, the effort it takes to write, the emotions that go into it ... everyone always remembers just the toast. So that has changed... and I think its a good one :)
It has been an eventful past couple of years to say the least.
I never thought I would be standing here today witnessing the union of my dad and Nelia in marriage. As our families are joined together this day, I am reminded of what love really means.
Until the good news of Jesus Christ burst onto the human scene, the word LOVE was understood mostly in terms of seeking one’s own advantage. Loving the unlovely was incomprehensible. A loving God reaching down to sinful humans was unthinkable.
Love says:
I respect you; I care for you; I am responsible for you;
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
The important thing to remember here is that God loved you first. A good marriage is not “made in heaven” but here on earth. Carol and I have been married for 20 years now and I have learned that love is a fragile commodity which needs to be cultivated and nourished constantly. And I am still learning those lessons….
Billy Graham said: “The perfect marriage is a uniting of 3 persons – a man, a woman, and God. That is what makes a marriage holy. Faith in Christ is the most important of all principles in the building of a happy marriage and a happy home.”
I fully believe with all my heart that God is at the center of your marriage. You both have found something that is more valuable than happiness. You have found “joy” in each other through Jesus.
Proverbs 24:3-4
3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
I never thought I would have a step mom... that was always for someone else’s family. Kyle never thought he would have a grandma again. We are thankful that he does now and has a chance to experience the love of a grandmother that he so much misses. Lots of Banana pudding doesn’t hurt either :)
Dad – Neila may your marriage bring many good memories. May it bring many rare and beautiful treasures… not only for here in this life but heavenly treasures as well.
We look forward to sharing this journey that is ahead for both of you. We love you and I know that my mom is smiling in heaven today.
I want to take a moment and share what I said during my talk to address the families Saturday. It was a message that I got lots of handshakes and lots of compliments on - even a few AMENS! I also wanted to take a moment to thank Aunt Sharon, Uncle Buster and their friends for serving and putting this celebration together. It was a great day for sure.
I printed this and placed it in a nice frame for my dad and Neila. Nobody ever remembers the toast speech, the effort it takes to write, the emotions that go into it ... everyone always remembers just the toast. So that has changed... and I think its a good one :)
It has been an eventful past couple of years to say the least.
I never thought I would be standing here today witnessing the union of my dad and Nelia in marriage. As our families are joined together this day, I am reminded of what love really means.
Until the good news of Jesus Christ burst onto the human scene, the word LOVE was understood mostly in terms of seeking one’s own advantage. Loving the unlovely was incomprehensible. A loving God reaching down to sinful humans was unthinkable.
Love says:
I respect you; I care for you; I am responsible for you;
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
The important thing to remember here is that God loved you first. A good marriage is not “made in heaven” but here on earth. Carol and I have been married for 20 years now and I have learned that love is a fragile commodity which needs to be cultivated and nourished constantly. And I am still learning those lessons….
Billy Graham said: “The perfect marriage is a uniting of 3 persons – a man, a woman, and God. That is what makes a marriage holy. Faith in Christ is the most important of all principles in the building of a happy marriage and a happy home.”
I fully believe with all my heart that God is at the center of your marriage. You both have found something that is more valuable than happiness. You have found “joy” in each other through Jesus.
Proverbs 24:3-4
3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
I never thought I would have a step mom... that was always for someone else’s family. Kyle never thought he would have a grandma again. We are thankful that he does now and has a chance to experience the love of a grandmother that he so much misses. Lots of Banana pudding doesn’t hurt either :)
Dad – Neila may your marriage bring many good memories. May it bring many rare and beautiful treasures… not only for here in this life but heavenly treasures as well.
We look forward to sharing this journey that is ahead for both of you. We love you and I know that my mom is smiling in heaven today.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Attitude ~ Balcony or Basement?
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Kyle. He is feeling better today even though he will be on soft foods the next few days. We get to do this again in 2 weeks when he has another 3 teeth pulled. Poor fella.... feel bad for him but its the steps to that awesome smile!
Last night I just fully enjoyed hanging out with our Students at the Pumpkin Patch. Middle and High school students are full of energy for sure. Got to play some touch football last night, something I have not done in a long time.... hey I can still catch running full speed. Proud of myself :) No Jerry Rice for sure.....Who? never mind..... I was going to go with Fran Tarkenton.
Anyways, I posted a comment on my FaceBook page this morning. Attitude: What is yours telling others today?
I have to say that attitude is so very much a part of our every day life. We have 2 kinds of people in our lives. Balcony people and Basement people.
Basement people are those folks in our lives who live in those murky places... who have things to say about you, have said some things about you, have injured you and keep you from the things of God. They basically drag you down and keep you from doing something significance in your life. Negative with everything. They see the can't in you. Got some basement people in your life? I bet you have a few.....
Balcony people are those in your life that just fire you up. You want them to walk by and say hey, "I hope they have time for me today." They build you up, they encourage, they speak truth and faith into your life. They point you to God in every way possible. They give you the vision that you can be of significance to God and in your life. Postive in everything. They see the can in you. Got some Balcony people in your life? I bet you don't have enough....
Our attitudes have such a powerful grip on our lives and on our hearts. Are you a complainer? Bet you dont even know it if you are. I got some complainers in my life. Why is that? I am not so sure but for one thing, it reflects the persons heart. Complaining is negative. It brings a person down. They see the bad side of things and the glass is half empty. It should not be that way. The Apostle Paul, even while in prison had such an outlook on life. He encouraged his prison mates. He sang songs and taught all those who would listen all the while behind bars and a future that could end at any moment. We should be focused on the cross and what Jesus did for you and for me - always. When we have that vision ... how can we not be thankful, full of joy and see the good in all things?
A balcony person does not just see the faults in the people around them, they see the possibilities and the potential. Philippians 1:6 “He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Last night I got to talk with the teenagers for just a few minutes. Hope this brings a smile to Pastor Travis who normally does this but I just had it on my heart to "get real" with them. They have so much potential. They have so many gifts, talents and passion learning to Live Out Loud their faith. When I was their age, I thought church was for old folks. I had it all wrong for sure. They are the church today. They don't have to wait to get old to be the church. Their church is doing life with them. In their schools, in their classrooms, in the football locker room and on the field. In the cheer practice, during homework and class changes. At the diner table with their families .... they are the church. They are being the practical love of Jesus in their every day life. You know what was funny about all this? I was on the picnic table (balcony) - and a few of the students got up on the table with me - some on the roof of the building (higher balcony) - the special part came when some asked to talk and I got to pray with them and fill them with encouragement. Change of attitude? hopefully.....
Closing this long heart post out today with this loved ones: Attitude: What is yours telling others today? Your attitude surely shows folks if you're in the Balcony or in the Basement.
1 Thessalonians 5
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Last night I just fully enjoyed hanging out with our Students at the Pumpkin Patch. Middle and High school students are full of energy for sure. Got to play some touch football last night, something I have not done in a long time.... hey I can still catch running full speed. Proud of myself :) No Jerry Rice for sure.....Who? never mind..... I was going to go with Fran Tarkenton.
Anyways, I posted a comment on my FaceBook page this morning. Attitude: What is yours telling others today?
I have to say that attitude is so very much a part of our every day life. We have 2 kinds of people in our lives. Balcony people and Basement people.
Basement people are those folks in our lives who live in those murky places... who have things to say about you, have said some things about you, have injured you and keep you from the things of God. They basically drag you down and keep you from doing something significance in your life. Negative with everything. They see the can't in you. Got some basement people in your life? I bet you have a few.....
Balcony people are those in your life that just fire you up. You want them to walk by and say hey, "I hope they have time for me today." They build you up, they encourage, they speak truth and faith into your life. They point you to God in every way possible. They give you the vision that you can be of significance to God and in your life. Postive in everything. They see the can in you. Got some Balcony people in your life? I bet you don't have enough....
Our attitudes have such a powerful grip on our lives and on our hearts. Are you a complainer? Bet you dont even know it if you are. I got some complainers in my life. Why is that? I am not so sure but for one thing, it reflects the persons heart. Complaining is negative. It brings a person down. They see the bad side of things and the glass is half empty. It should not be that way. The Apostle Paul, even while in prison had such an outlook on life. He encouraged his prison mates. He sang songs and taught all those who would listen all the while behind bars and a future that could end at any moment. We should be focused on the cross and what Jesus did for you and for me - always. When we have that vision ... how can we not be thankful, full of joy and see the good in all things?
A balcony person does not just see the faults in the people around them, they see the possibilities and the potential. Philippians 1:6 “He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Last night I got to talk with the teenagers for just a few minutes. Hope this brings a smile to Pastor Travis who normally does this but I just had it on my heart to "get real" with them. They have so much potential. They have so many gifts, talents and passion learning to Live Out Loud their faith. When I was their age, I thought church was for old folks. I had it all wrong for sure. They are the church today. They don't have to wait to get old to be the church. Their church is doing life with them. In their schools, in their classrooms, in the football locker room and on the field. In the cheer practice, during homework and class changes. At the diner table with their families .... they are the church. They are being the practical love of Jesus in their every day life. You know what was funny about all this? I was on the picnic table (balcony) - and a few of the students got up on the table with me - some on the roof of the building (higher balcony) - the special part came when some asked to talk and I got to pray with them and fill them with encouragement. Change of attitude? hopefully.....
Closing this long heart post out today with this loved ones: Attitude: What is yours telling others today? Your attitude surely shows folks if you're in the Balcony or in the Basement.
1 Thessalonians 5
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
I am going to have a short post today. I do have a prayer request for my son Kyle, if you would keep him in your prayers today and the next few days that would be awesome and we would appreciate it. I will be picking Kyle up from school in an hour from now and will be headed over to the dentist office. There he will have 4 teeth pulled and another appointment made for 2 more pulled in the coming weeks. This is all in preparation for braces and the hunt for that award winning smile to go along with the award winning personality! Keep him in your prayers....
My dad and his fiance's wedding is winding down. Saturday is the big day. I have some emotion to go along with this big event and all but I am cool with the plans and know that God will honor this new union between them. I am especially excited for Kyle who gets a chance in his young life to have a grandma again. Both his grandma's left for their heavenly home too early in his life and I am very thankful he will get to experience the love of a grandmother again.
Tonight I will be with some of the other Student ministry leaders and our students (middle/high school) at the Pumpkin Patch. I am hoping for a good turnout, a little prayer time but more so for building relationships and friendships as we come together to serve the people in the community and have some fun also! We will be there from 6-8 tonight!
I got some information today that I am really excited about. Its a film festival that is coming up near the end of the month and there will be live music, movie screenings and food. All for free...so I need to work that in with our church vision and get a plan in action! I am currently in a great book - The Father Connection by Josh McDowell. I am hoping to finish it up in the next few days because I have 2 more on order that I am really excited about reading and learning some things.
The last few days I have been looking over some things in my life. Above all else I want to be a follower of Jesus with all my heart and in all I do. In doing so we have to be humble and thank some dear people that help us in our daily walk. I have shared some things with a few of my dearest closest peeps that my family is doing life with and I am so blessed to able to do so. I am thankful for the dearest in my life who listen to me, sometimes babble, and walk with me no matter what.
I have been loving the Y the last 3-4 weeks. No more on camus gym with nasty tv shows and folks just hanging around trying to get a date! Thanks Carol for signing our family up and giving us a chance to work off some stress, get healthier, see so many people in the community and to get a good work out as well! But being fit is only part of the equation .... Spiritual fitness is even more important.
1 Timothy 4:
6-10You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God. Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
Peace out,
Lonnie
My dad and his fiance's wedding is winding down. Saturday is the big day. I have some emotion to go along with this big event and all but I am cool with the plans and know that God will honor this new union between them. I am especially excited for Kyle who gets a chance in his young life to have a grandma again. Both his grandma's left for their heavenly home too early in his life and I am very thankful he will get to experience the love of a grandmother again.
Tonight I will be with some of the other Student ministry leaders and our students (middle/high school) at the Pumpkin Patch. I am hoping for a good turnout, a little prayer time but more so for building relationships and friendships as we come together to serve the people in the community and have some fun also! We will be there from 6-8 tonight!
I got some information today that I am really excited about. Its a film festival that is coming up near the end of the month and there will be live music, movie screenings and food. All for free...so I need to work that in with our church vision and get a plan in action! I am currently in a great book - The Father Connection by Josh McDowell. I am hoping to finish it up in the next few days because I have 2 more on order that I am really excited about reading and learning some things.
The last few days I have been looking over some things in my life. Above all else I want to be a follower of Jesus with all my heart and in all I do. In doing so we have to be humble and thank some dear people that help us in our daily walk. I have shared some things with a few of my dearest closest peeps that my family is doing life with and I am so blessed to able to do so. I am thankful for the dearest in my life who listen to me, sometimes babble, and walk with me no matter what.
I have been loving the Y the last 3-4 weeks. No more on camus gym with nasty tv shows and folks just hanging around trying to get a date! Thanks Carol for signing our family up and giving us a chance to work off some stress, get healthier, see so many people in the community and to get a good work out as well! But being fit is only part of the equation .... Spiritual fitness is even more important.
1 Timothy 4:
6-10You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God. Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
Peace out,
Lonnie
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thankful...
I am so very blessed to be doing life with some awesome people. I am very thankful looking back over the last week or so. God has put some people in my life to speak truth and remind me what matters most. They are my friends, my family and "MyKids".
I just finished with a conversation in my office that has just fired me up. Sitting and talking through some past things and some things that God is doing in this young persons life is the "real" work here at work. Its who I am not what I do. When you can love someone to Jesus so that one day they can love someone to Jesus - then you got things right.
~I am thankful today for my wife Carol for her faithfulness and her giant giving heart. You are my soul mate Carol and I am blessed to have such a God honoring woman to have my back and do life with. I couldn't do this without you. I am excited to see her with her new "Do". I am sure its going to look awesome. I dont have any hope for a new "Do" ... so I guess I have to live it through hers :)
~I am thankful for my son Kyle who has just an incredible heart of compassion for others and such a funny sense of humor. Dude, you make me proud and I am so excited to see what God is going to do in your life. Love you man!!
~I am thankful for Kate. Even though its had its ups and downs as we learn about each other with her under my roof. There is a bigger mission behind everything and that is the outcome of getting through school and onto bigger things in life. I am still praying you find Jesus through this miss Kate. I love you and want so much for you to live life ALIVE and doing what God has instilled in your heart.
~I am thankful for my rock group. The families who are doing life with my family and I. I feel blessed to have folks who have my back, where I can be myself, where I can love and invest in their children and Kyle in theirs. Its a safe haven for hurts and a winners circle to share the victories.
~I am thankful for "MyKids" who I get to invest in and spend quality time with. They are as close to being my real kids as they can get. I want to teach you and show you Jesus in everything I do because ya'll are showing me and teaching me Jesus in what you all do. I love you and you know who you are!
~I am thankful for my Pauls in my life who are teaching me and holding me accountable in the things I do and say. I am thankful they take time to invest in me as I walk in my ministry in following Jesus.
~I am thankful for our students at church and their families. How awesome it is to be spending time with them and be at that place in life where I know I have something to give back to them and show them the love that Jesus has for them.
~I am thankful for my mom and dad and soon to be step mom. I am thankful for their marriage this Saturday and the covenant they are making before God.
~I am thankful today for the simple things in life. The Cabin that gives me, my family and so many others a small place to hide, rest and share time together.
~I am thankful to be learning how to forgive and move on with a teenager. How the little things said are just that... little.
~I am thankful I am a Waffle and not spaghetti because I have a hard enough time focusing and getting through one thing at a time in my life before moving onto 3 other things. Thank you Revolve tour.....!
~I am thankful to be serving the Lord where I am today. For His amazing love for me and using me even after all the things I have been through and done in my life. He chose to use me anyways. I am thankful for my heart to learn more about Him and to love those around me for Him. I heard today that if I could love a person to Jesus, they too will love a person to Jesus. Amen Amen Amen....... some of ya are hard to love but I am not mentioning names.
~I am thankful for my health. Both spiritually and physically.
This is where I am today...... its a good place to be.
Lonnie~
I am reminded in 1 Timothy 4:
6-10You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
I just finished with a conversation in my office that has just fired me up. Sitting and talking through some past things and some things that God is doing in this young persons life is the "real" work here at work. Its who I am not what I do. When you can love someone to Jesus so that one day they can love someone to Jesus - then you got things right.
~I am thankful today for my wife Carol for her faithfulness and her giant giving heart. You are my soul mate Carol and I am blessed to have such a God honoring woman to have my back and do life with. I couldn't do this without you. I am excited to see her with her new "Do". I am sure its going to look awesome. I dont have any hope for a new "Do" ... so I guess I have to live it through hers :)
~I am thankful for my son Kyle who has just an incredible heart of compassion for others and such a funny sense of humor. Dude, you make me proud and I am so excited to see what God is going to do in your life. Love you man!!
~I am thankful for Kate. Even though its had its ups and downs as we learn about each other with her under my roof. There is a bigger mission behind everything and that is the outcome of getting through school and onto bigger things in life. I am still praying you find Jesus through this miss Kate. I love you and want so much for you to live life ALIVE and doing what God has instilled in your heart.
~I am thankful for my rock group. The families who are doing life with my family and I. I feel blessed to have folks who have my back, where I can be myself, where I can love and invest in their children and Kyle in theirs. Its a safe haven for hurts and a winners circle to share the victories.
~I am thankful for "MyKids" who I get to invest in and spend quality time with. They are as close to being my real kids as they can get. I want to teach you and show you Jesus in everything I do because ya'll are showing me and teaching me Jesus in what you all do. I love you and you know who you are!
~I am thankful for my Pauls in my life who are teaching me and holding me accountable in the things I do and say. I am thankful they take time to invest in me as I walk in my ministry in following Jesus.
~I am thankful for our students at church and their families. How awesome it is to be spending time with them and be at that place in life where I know I have something to give back to them and show them the love that Jesus has for them.
~I am thankful for my mom and dad and soon to be step mom. I am thankful for their marriage this Saturday and the covenant they are making before God.
~I am thankful today for the simple things in life. The Cabin that gives me, my family and so many others a small place to hide, rest and share time together.
~I am thankful to be learning how to forgive and move on with a teenager. How the little things said are just that... little.
~I am thankful I am a Waffle and not spaghetti because I have a hard enough time focusing and getting through one thing at a time in my life before moving onto 3 other things. Thank you Revolve tour.....!
~I am thankful to be serving the Lord where I am today. For His amazing love for me and using me even after all the things I have been through and done in my life. He chose to use me anyways. I am thankful for my heart to learn more about Him and to love those around me for Him. I heard today that if I could love a person to Jesus, they too will love a person to Jesus. Amen Amen Amen....... some of ya are hard to love but I am not mentioning names.
~I am thankful for my health. Both spiritually and physically.
This is where I am today...... its a good place to be.
Lonnie~
I am reminded in 1 Timothy 4:
6-10You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday flush......
I learned this weekend something very important. Guys brains are bigger than womans brains. Yes I said it.... and its a proven fact. Girls brains actually work better than guys do.... there I said it again. This past weekend I and a few other leaders from church took 20 teenage girls to the Revolve tour here in Charlotte NC. It was awesome to say the least and yes I even learned a few things too. It was great for these young women to hear from leaders around the country who they are in Gods eyes... not the boyfriends, not their friends, not their parents but who they are in Gods eyes. When you get that vision of who we really are and how much he loves us regardless of our past or where we are today - it changes everything. Power and Beautiful came up again from Thirst Camp. Saturday I had one of my favorite shirts on ...we all have a favorite shirt right? Well mine happens to be my Batman shirt. I got a chance to talk to 7 of our girls on the way home about the masks we were in life. We hide from who we really are - always putting on a different mask according to who is around us. I had each of the girls share what masks they have on during their day. For some it was a mask for them to hide behind at cheerleading, at tumble or during class change ...and some even at home in front of mom and dad. Its awesome to know that God sees through that mask and knows the real us - the real me. When our relationship with God is true and we are seeking His heart for our own hearts the masks seem to fake. They dont have much value because we are being REAL and being us all the time. God shines through that and it leaves no room for playing games. Who are you trying to tell the world you are?
Tough question ..... We have a generation that's just preoccupied with life. We all are wrapped into this thing called life and its moving fast and for many of us, we are getting pulled into a thousand directions. But we are Gods spiritual GPS system and our calling as a follower of Jesus is to have a passion for the lost in this broken world. We are not called to judge, critisize but to bridge the gap by taking the hand of someone who is dear in our life who doesn't know Jesus and take Gods hand in our other hand and bridge that gap. We are to be that lifeline between a hard and dark place and shed light on it through us.
Just this past week was a tough week. Struggling with some things, I had to really dig deep for a few days and examine my heart. I had to make sure that my heart beats for that what God's heart beats for.
I had a few of our students sit with me at the conference on Saturday and share with me that not only do I have a compassion compartment in me but I have a few of them. I was almost in tears and what a great compliment. I love that people can see what my heart has passion for and what my heart beats for. I would walk through fire for them - "MyKids" - our kids ..... they matter and if I would do such a thing for them ... imagine what God would do for them. Its time for many of us to stop putting on the mask of being a Christian and love a person to Christ so that one day they will love a person to Christ. Its that simple .......
Romans 12:2
Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Tough question ..... We have a generation that's just preoccupied with life. We all are wrapped into this thing called life and its moving fast and for many of us, we are getting pulled into a thousand directions. But we are Gods spiritual GPS system and our calling as a follower of Jesus is to have a passion for the lost in this broken world. We are not called to judge, critisize but to bridge the gap by taking the hand of someone who is dear in our life who doesn't know Jesus and take Gods hand in our other hand and bridge that gap. We are to be that lifeline between a hard and dark place and shed light on it through us.
Just this past week was a tough week. Struggling with some things, I had to really dig deep for a few days and examine my heart. I had to make sure that my heart beats for that what God's heart beats for.
I had a few of our students sit with me at the conference on Saturday and share with me that not only do I have a compassion compartment in me but I have a few of them. I was almost in tears and what a great compliment. I love that people can see what my heart has passion for and what my heart beats for. I would walk through fire for them - "MyKids" - our kids ..... they matter and if I would do such a thing for them ... imagine what God would do for them. Its time for many of us to stop putting on the mask of being a Christian and love a person to Christ so that one day they will love a person to Christ. Its that simple .......
Romans 12:2
Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Hair on fire....
Wait, I don't have any hair but I am feeling the heat. It's a good thing for sure as things are flying all over the place. The last few days have been all over the place for me. Tuesday I was home from work, sick but working as we try out some new procedures at work as we gear up for what is expected a big flu season and things must go on. What can I do from home and still be productive? I ended up all over the place and doing lots of things.... not sure I am cut out for that or not but in the short term I think it would be fine. Last night our LOL high/middle school met on the land to work the pumpkin patch. It was a great time together as we share time together and build important relationships. Tomorrow I am part of a leadership team that is headed to Bojangles area for the Revolve tour. It is a conference for young girls/women in middle and high school and the focus is all on them! What are they facing today, what struggles they are facing and how does God see them. He sees them perfectly and wonderfully made for sure. I think society is really messing up our children both boys and girls. As a parent and as a follower of Jesus who has a heart for these kids - it just burns me up with some of the things they are going through and what they are dealing with. I am really excited about these 2 days and what will be filling their hearts and minds. Tomorrow morning we are going to school to kick off the YCI at Kyles school. Hoping to reach out to over 200+ students as we bring some worship music, a message from Pastor Travis and prayer over them all.... I can't wait to pump the energy up and give out a few hundred high fives.... it will be great to see some faces and smiles!
John 18:37
37Then Pilate said, "So, are you a king or not?"
Jesus answered, "You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice."
Lord I pray this afternoon that we are indeed listening to your voice. Help us remove the distractions in our every day life so that we may hear from you and feel you with a clear direction. Help us remove the fears and all that keep us from moving forward in doing your work and your will. I pray we shine that awesome light ahead of us even if its just a few steps ahead so that we may see with your eyes Lord. I pray for those who are around me today who are sick and need your healing hands on them. Comfort them Lord and restore them in both health and spirit. I pray for a great reach both wide and high for you tomorrow as we are at school. May your presence be there with us as we enjoy our time investing in those students. May your words and vision penetrate the hearts and minds of those young ladies Lord that we will be taking to the conference tomorrow and Saturday. Help them see what You see Lord above all else and help them let go of what society and what is normal today. Keep us safe in our travels. Thank You for my family Lord and for Carol always having my back. We seem to be running in all directions the last few weeks and I pray we stay on the same page with things and our communication builds during the days ahead. Lord I appreciate all she does, all the juggling and all the little stuff that needs attention. Her sacrifices in life are showing her true heart Lord and its touching so many around us. Keep us strong and guide us as we serve you and those around us with compassion and a heart that burns for the things of you. I pray all these things in your sons name, Amen
John 18:37
37Then Pilate said, "So, are you a king or not?"
Jesus answered, "You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice."
Lord I pray this afternoon that we are indeed listening to your voice. Help us remove the distractions in our every day life so that we may hear from you and feel you with a clear direction. Help us remove the fears and all that keep us from moving forward in doing your work and your will. I pray we shine that awesome light ahead of us even if its just a few steps ahead so that we may see with your eyes Lord. I pray for those who are around me today who are sick and need your healing hands on them. Comfort them Lord and restore them in both health and spirit. I pray for a great reach both wide and high for you tomorrow as we are at school. May your presence be there with us as we enjoy our time investing in those students. May your words and vision penetrate the hearts and minds of those young ladies Lord that we will be taking to the conference tomorrow and Saturday. Help them see what You see Lord above all else and help them let go of what society and what is normal today. Keep us safe in our travels. Thank You for my family Lord and for Carol always having my back. We seem to be running in all directions the last few weeks and I pray we stay on the same page with things and our communication builds during the days ahead. Lord I appreciate all she does, all the juggling and all the little stuff that needs attention. Her sacrifices in life are showing her true heart Lord and its touching so many around us. Keep us strong and guide us as we serve you and those around us with compassion and a heart that burns for the things of you. I pray all these things in your sons name, Amen
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