Life has its turns - that is for sure. Carol is now in Tupper Lake NY and half time in Burlington VT. Walter is in ICU at the Burlington VT hospital - he has scheduled surgery for 1:00 tomorrow. They are going to try and fix a pinched nerve in his neck that is keeping his arms and hands from moving. His spirits are good and he is looking forward to getting through this surgery and into recovery. No matter how much Walt is hard in the heart for Jesus - he is in His hands. We look forward and see nothing but cloudy vision right now - nothing is for certain - but then again what is in this life except for the Love of Jesus. That alone brings us the peace and comfort we need and that will get us through this hard and uncertain time.
Thanks to everyone for the calls, the emails, the step up in serving at church and leading by example - for our rock group and our awesome church family.
We love you all - and thanks to God for giving us our salvation and freedom.
Lonnie Carol and Kyle
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Appointment...
All of us have appointments in our lives. Doctor visits, dentist, meetings, work, out to eat with friends - so many things that fill up our palm pilots or black berry's - but the one big appointment we all will have is marked with a big red X - blocked out with marker - not to be changed - not to be late or early for; that appointment is with God. I look forward to the day to see my mom again and all the faces I miss from the past. I am serving the Lord hard so that one day I may hear those sweet words - Well done my child. I am not focused so much nowadays with pleasing people. I am more focused on pleasing the Lord and what He wants me to do with my life and how I treat others. We all will account for our actions and the things we have done at our big Appointment. That appointment may just come when we are not ready for it and when we least expect it. I know that IF I am doing my best to please Jesus and doing the things I feel in my heart that He is leading me on - I will please those around me.
See if you live your life doing your best to please others - you are in for one heck of a ride. How can we please people? We all have different demands - different expectations and personal agenda's - people change direction, feelings, attitudes at the drop of hat. If we listen to everyone and try to please everyone - our heads would spin off. You would be the master juggler! How do we know that all these folks are even speaking for God as we try to please them? Many times we become paralyzed where we are because we are trying to please everyone - afraid to say this and afraid to do that - afraid to step out of yourself and do something because it may hurt someone. I know so many people right now in my life that I know that are trapped in this bondage. They can never please the person who holds them in those chains. Once they mess up or obtain that goal and get the carrot hanging over them - the rules change, the bar goes higher - or the blame and guilt come because we let that person down. Many of us have bosses that are that way and NEVER is our job and duties enough to please them no matter how hard we work! People who base a relationship on performance will never be happy. People pleasing is destructive in the worst way.
Jesus said that we cannot serve two masters.
Focus yourself on pleasing God above all else. Its good to please people, especially those around you who you love and are family, but its wrong to live your life to please others.
Are you the one holding someone in bondage and chains? Do you even realize the mess its creating in that persons life around you - could it be your employee? Free them- if this is you..... and you will free yourself along with it. Do the things in this life that are pleasing to Jesus - our time here is short no matter how long we are here.... eternity is long and there is only one place where you want to be. HEAVEN
Prayers are needed for Carol's dad Walter - he is in ICU in Burlington Vt after a fall. He does not know Jesus and I pray his Divine appointment is not on the radar... I need more time to talk Truth and take the bold step in my faith to share Jesus - so his appointment will not be one of fear but of Hope and a chance to see all those who have went before - like my mom. Make that your prayer today too.
I love you all,
Randy~
See if you live your life doing your best to please others - you are in for one heck of a ride. How can we please people? We all have different demands - different expectations and personal agenda's - people change direction, feelings, attitudes at the drop of hat. If we listen to everyone and try to please everyone - our heads would spin off. You would be the master juggler! How do we know that all these folks are even speaking for God as we try to please them? Many times we become paralyzed where we are because we are trying to please everyone - afraid to say this and afraid to do that - afraid to step out of yourself and do something because it may hurt someone. I know so many people right now in my life that I know that are trapped in this bondage. They can never please the person who holds them in those chains. Once they mess up or obtain that goal and get the carrot hanging over them - the rules change, the bar goes higher - or the blame and guilt come because we let that person down. Many of us have bosses that are that way and NEVER is our job and duties enough to please them no matter how hard we work! People who base a relationship on performance will never be happy. People pleasing is destructive in the worst way.
Jesus said that we cannot serve two masters.
Focus yourself on pleasing God above all else. Its good to please people, especially those around you who you love and are family, but its wrong to live your life to please others.
Are you the one holding someone in bondage and chains? Do you even realize the mess its creating in that persons life around you - could it be your employee? Free them- if this is you..... and you will free yourself along with it. Do the things in this life that are pleasing to Jesus - our time here is short no matter how long we are here.... eternity is long and there is only one place where you want to be. HEAVEN
Prayers are needed for Carol's dad Walter - he is in ICU in Burlington Vt after a fall. He does not know Jesus and I pray his Divine appointment is not on the radar... I need more time to talk Truth and take the bold step in my faith to share Jesus - so his appointment will not be one of fear but of Hope and a chance to see all those who have went before - like my mom. Make that your prayer today too.
I love you all,
Randy~
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
I have to be honest this morning - My mom has been heavy on my heart the last few days. I noticed this morning that my everyday "Good Morning Mom" has not happened in a few weeks since my route to work has changed due to road construction. For those who don't know the story - a few days after my mom passed I went back to work and during my ride in that morning, it was raining so hard - couldn't hardly see through the windshield and I screamed asking for a sign mom - tell me everything is ok and you are ok. The rain stopped right around my vehicle - the sun came out and shined right where I was - I could see the cars still going down the road and it was raining big time still but it was not where I was! It was a defining moment and a clear sign for me to know mom was ok. I will never forget that morning - ever.
I know the Lord was preparing me long before my mom even got sick with the things He was bringing me through and testing me on. I think that if the Lord would have come to me and told me that He was going to take my mom, I would have went kicking and screaming and my answer would have been "NO WAY." But see God sent His son Jesus to die for us - to die for my mom and for me and for you - so why would my answer change what God is needing to do. I can honestly say that it took my mom for me to really understand "Faith" - to really bring me to where I am today - to really have a personal relationship with Jesus. I have always thought that God would use my moms passing to bring others in my family to Him. I really question that the last few months and I really don't want to. I struggle everyday with the loss of my mom and the status of my family today. My promises to my mom hang on me like the heaviest weight you can imagine but I know I am doing everything I can possibly do and all I have left is to raise my family in prayer to Jesus. I know He can do what I cannot.
Mom - you were the glue to hold everything together. I know not everyone sees things the way I do and my heart is my heart and not theirs. My priorities in life are different than many today - Sometimes I feel like I am in isolation and I am on the outside looking in - into a giant mess of what we call our lives. Yes it is complicated and tough - I know things now that you sheltered me from my entire life and I am thankful for that but I don't know what to do or even how to lead - or even if I should lead or to speak truth or to fall back and hide in the shadows. How do I do that lovingly but yet be affective?
Hard times we will face again - The Lord is my foundation and if I have to stand alone - I will - but I know the Lord will stand with me. Carol, Kyle and my church family will stand with me because Jesus is their rock and it's because of Him - I have this support group - people to lean on and do this life together.
Today - my prayers are for you. To know Jesus and to drop what you are thinking others might think of you if you accept Jesus. All that matters is what God thinks - not people- Are you living the life He has planned for you? Are you living up to His expectations? I believe with all my heart - he used my mom to reach many in my family and in those around me -To use me for His purposes to reach others and to make a difference in the lives of others. I would still tell God "No" if I had a choice but I know deep in my heart that the bigger picture is with Him. Its through Christ - everything matters. Glory to God with all honor and praise......
Along with Christ - my mom has given me a defining moment in life that has turned everything upside down - and rooted in truth.
Randy~
Even through music - and Kenny Chesney - God is speaking..... we just have to learn to listen and to TUNE in with what God is trying to say to us.
Kenny Chesney - Never Wanted Nothing More
One Sunday I listened to the preacher and i knew he was preaching to me
I couldn’t help it I walked up front and I got down on my knees
Right then and there I swearI changed when I found the Lord
Right then and there I swearI changed when I found the Lord
Glory Hallelujah Good God Almighty
I never wanted nothing more no i never wanted nothing more
Monday, August 6, 2007
HOT HOT HOT
Man its hot here in the Piedmont of NC. They weather folks are calling for 98 today - 100 tomorrow and just down right boiling the rest of the week. We usually have one of these weeks every year and it is unbearable at times during those weeks... It is August folks!!!
I got my 2 miles in today at the track during lunch even with the hot blazing sun frying the top of my head - I thought to myself - How fired up am I about God? How fired up am I about church, my small group, my "kids" and the awesome people in my life? God is really using me for something! God is using my family for something big.... something with meaning and purpose and the longer we walk with Him - the more He is blessing us and the more we reach out to folks around us. Dude - I am talking on fire here..... As I sat yesterday through 2 services - the LifeTalks that Pastor JImmy is teaching us really hits home. I think to myself that YES Preacherman - I get it.... I am getting this message here. Me, a sinner, a man who has done some things in life that I am not proud of, who used to run with a tough crowd and thought he was bigger than everyone else - how humble I am now seeing myself as this small and feeble person - a nobody really - but I am important to God. I can look forward and see a bright future because "I get it". Yes I am a serving maniac - my thing here at work is - once I get my mind on something to happen - just stand back and watch.... because I am bringing the train with me. Folks know at work that I get things done that need to get done. I have never been a long term project man. I am fast and give it 110% - even if it sometimes means its harder and longer this way. When I took over the ministries at church that I lead - I said, "Lord, I know you are putting these wonderful opportunities in front of me, but surely someone else could do a better job - I can't do this." Yes I can is my prayer answer..... When I say Can't - God says CAN. When we give up on ourselves and our way - God provides in His way. Yes I am afraid of failure - of hurting someone around me with putting my foot in my mouth with saying something stupid. Its a fear I carry with me but God does not let it consume me. He knows my heart and He is providing for me during my times of doubt and during my times of "Can't." He is walking with me as I step forward....one learning foot after another. I am still amazed at what God is doing!
I think about the movies - Harry Potter came out a few weeks ago - there are parties and people lined up all over the place - midnight shows - book signings.... imagine how awesome it would be if we treated church like that! How life changing it would be for folks - we act like that with a movie but not church? Priorities...... what is important to you?
I think about Carols niece - Kaity - Kyle was dumbfounded when he asked her what church she went to - and she said she didn't go to church. He couldn't understand why! She said because her parents don't go. I just feel so bad about that that I don't even know where to start. Yes I know I can't bring everyone to church or lead them to experience God but it still hurts the same.
Many of ya'll know, my family and I sit in the front row at church. I would sit on stage if they let me because we are fired up and we don't want to miss anything. Many times I dont know who is there or who sits where because its all behind us. All I can do is look to my right and see part of the congregation - and I must confess there are times when I do look around and look at folks. Some are yawning, coming in late after the music starts, some are writing or talking with the person next to them or quieting a child or teenager.... and some are getting it! I myself sometimes find it hard not to just breakdown and cry because God is moving my heart or giving me a new understanding in His word. This is being on fire for our Lord. Its about not serving enough - Its about getting the privilege of taking part in the most important hour of the week -our small group. Its that important!!! Regardless who is there and who is on vacation - there are others in my group - I need my group and if they are getting half of what I am getting out of it - then they to are just fired up also! I love these folks and there are times where I will pray for them by name - 2 or 3 times a day. I confessed a few months ago to a dear friend at church - that I had been praying for her and her family for months. Not because I wanted her to know that but because God placed it on my heart to tell her there are people around you who care and love you. People care about her family and church is where these relationships flourish and grow. I am not a preacher and I have no teaching abilities - heck I still get nervous when I am leading small group and these people know me and hopefully feel the same about me as I do them.
There is a family that my family and I know who after months of asking them to come to church with us -finally came. They seemed to enjoy the service, the shorts and flip flop attire, the message was good but they have not come back. Other things keep them from coming. Maybe they are not telling us the truth - maybe, like Jimmy said yesterday, they aint telling the entire truth but its in the part they aint telling that makes everything just STINK BAD. They have other priorities that always seem to take place on Sunday mornings that keep them from church. Maybe they are still searching - a shopping deal at the mall - the car is dirty. I can't help but to think - one day they are going to be faced with something huge in their lives and then they will be asking for God. They will need Him then but while things are good and everything is ok - they choose differently. Now is the time to learn and to grow - to know Jesus and what He is all about and experience Him - to surround yourself with a loving church family and a small group who will help you through those hard times. Those times will be hard but they will be easier and with a softer landing and understanding if personally you know Jesus and have His support system around you.
If you know Jesus and are not attending church or sharing your faith with someone else helping them grow as you grow in your faith. Well, you are missing out. Its not about the music or the choir or your money.... Its about Jesus. I am fired up because God has brought me through some tough things in my life and He is growing me in the areas He needs me to grow. My faith and trust in Him continues to be tested and it continues to flourish. My small group family means the world to me - my church means the world to me - my family means the world to me but Jesus is bigger than all that because I know everything starts with Him.
Yes its hot outside...but my heart is burning up.
Ok - got to find the A/C....
Randy~
I got my 2 miles in today at the track during lunch even with the hot blazing sun frying the top of my head - I thought to myself - How fired up am I about God? How fired up am I about church, my small group, my "kids" and the awesome people in my life? God is really using me for something! God is using my family for something big.... something with meaning and purpose and the longer we walk with Him - the more He is blessing us and the more we reach out to folks around us. Dude - I am talking on fire here..... As I sat yesterday through 2 services - the LifeTalks that Pastor JImmy is teaching us really hits home. I think to myself that YES Preacherman - I get it.... I am getting this message here. Me, a sinner, a man who has done some things in life that I am not proud of, who used to run with a tough crowd and thought he was bigger than everyone else - how humble I am now seeing myself as this small and feeble person - a nobody really - but I am important to God. I can look forward and see a bright future because "I get it". Yes I am a serving maniac - my thing here at work is - once I get my mind on something to happen - just stand back and watch.... because I am bringing the train with me. Folks know at work that I get things done that need to get done. I have never been a long term project man. I am fast and give it 110% - even if it sometimes means its harder and longer this way. When I took over the ministries at church that I lead - I said, "Lord, I know you are putting these wonderful opportunities in front of me, but surely someone else could do a better job - I can't do this." Yes I can is my prayer answer..... When I say Can't - God says CAN. When we give up on ourselves and our way - God provides in His way. Yes I am afraid of failure - of hurting someone around me with putting my foot in my mouth with saying something stupid. Its a fear I carry with me but God does not let it consume me. He knows my heart and He is providing for me during my times of doubt and during my times of "Can't." He is walking with me as I step forward....one learning foot after another. I am still amazed at what God is doing!
I think about the movies - Harry Potter came out a few weeks ago - there are parties and people lined up all over the place - midnight shows - book signings.... imagine how awesome it would be if we treated church like that! How life changing it would be for folks - we act like that with a movie but not church? Priorities...... what is important to you?
I think about Carols niece - Kaity - Kyle was dumbfounded when he asked her what church she went to - and she said she didn't go to church. He couldn't understand why! She said because her parents don't go. I just feel so bad about that that I don't even know where to start. Yes I know I can't bring everyone to church or lead them to experience God but it still hurts the same.
Many of ya'll know, my family and I sit in the front row at church. I would sit on stage if they let me because we are fired up and we don't want to miss anything. Many times I dont know who is there or who sits where because its all behind us. All I can do is look to my right and see part of the congregation - and I must confess there are times when I do look around and look at folks. Some are yawning, coming in late after the music starts, some are writing or talking with the person next to them or quieting a child or teenager.... and some are getting it! I myself sometimes find it hard not to just breakdown and cry because God is moving my heart or giving me a new understanding in His word. This is being on fire for our Lord. Its about not serving enough - Its about getting the privilege of taking part in the most important hour of the week -our small group. Its that important!!! Regardless who is there and who is on vacation - there are others in my group - I need my group and if they are getting half of what I am getting out of it - then they to are just fired up also! I love these folks and there are times where I will pray for them by name - 2 or 3 times a day. I confessed a few months ago to a dear friend at church - that I had been praying for her and her family for months. Not because I wanted her to know that but because God placed it on my heart to tell her there are people around you who care and love you. People care about her family and church is where these relationships flourish and grow. I am not a preacher and I have no teaching abilities - heck I still get nervous when I am leading small group and these people know me and hopefully feel the same about me as I do them.
There is a family that my family and I know who after months of asking them to come to church with us -finally came. They seemed to enjoy the service, the shorts and flip flop attire, the message was good but they have not come back. Other things keep them from coming. Maybe they are not telling us the truth - maybe, like Jimmy said yesterday, they aint telling the entire truth but its in the part they aint telling that makes everything just STINK BAD. They have other priorities that always seem to take place on Sunday mornings that keep them from church. Maybe they are still searching - a shopping deal at the mall - the car is dirty. I can't help but to think - one day they are going to be faced with something huge in their lives and then they will be asking for God. They will need Him then but while things are good and everything is ok - they choose differently. Now is the time to learn and to grow - to know Jesus and what He is all about and experience Him - to surround yourself with a loving church family and a small group who will help you through those hard times. Those times will be hard but they will be easier and with a softer landing and understanding if personally you know Jesus and have His support system around you.
If you know Jesus and are not attending church or sharing your faith with someone else helping them grow as you grow in your faith. Well, you are missing out. Its not about the music or the choir or your money.... Its about Jesus. I am fired up because God has brought me through some tough things in my life and He is growing me in the areas He needs me to grow. My faith and trust in Him continues to be tested and it continues to flourish. My small group family means the world to me - my church means the world to me - my family means the world to me but Jesus is bigger than all that because I know everything starts with Him.
Yes its hot outside...but my heart is burning up.
Ok - got to find the A/C....
Randy~
Looking backwards.....
It was great being at church yesterday and having Rock Group last night also! I am looking forward to this week... I am excited for our dear friends Donna and Dawn who will be taking their families to the cabin this week. I am excited because, God has blessed us with that wonderful hideout and it was built with the intention to "get away" - to share it with others to get away. To have a place where folks can unwind, be with nature, fish, walk and listen to the waterfalls - be close enough to enjoy going out to eat or go shopping but far enough away from everything else! - It is a place my mom never got to see and its a place when I am there - I feel her more than I do any place else. I am not sure why that is ... and I am thankful it is that way.
One day last week, I had the chance to sit and talk with a friend here at work for a few minutes. She had just got married a few weeks back and I asked her how things were and if married life so far is what she thought it would be. She said "no" - she said she thought it would different in such a way that it would be easier. See they are still learning, still feeling their way around their relationship and how to best communicate. Communication is so important in any relationship and without it, we tend to be on different pages and going in too many"different" directions. That is one thing that Carol and I have always put high on our list. Communication - we are on the same page with things, raising Kyle, our marriage and what we are doing in life. It hasnt always been that way and we have drifted at times but I think the past 3 or so years - we have been in complete tune. I can say that Jesus gets the credit for that.... because since He has come into our hearts, into our home and more importantly - into our marriage.... we have such a driving and determined attitude about everything. Carol is very passionate about her friends, her church and small group - her school and her kids. She is organized and is easy to talk with on any subject - she is always looking out for the needs of others before herself. She has the serving attitude and it shows in everything she does. Looking back - I just wonder where we would be today if we had asked Jesus to be in this partnership with us way back when. I know in all my heart that the past 3 years have been just amazing - so many new doors being opened - the love we have for our "Kids" - our church, the families that have become our family - serving in a variety of different places - us leading a ministry at church.... come on now, God had this all planned out and I just have to stop from time to time and say - "This is crazy!!! come on now.....this can't be real..." But it is.....
Carol and I will be married 19 years next year. Hope thats right! LOL - Yes I said it...19 - The past 3 - with Jesus being a partner in everything aspect of our lives has been such a wonderful experience. I look forward to the next 19+ with great expectations ..... with My soul mate...... forever.
I love you Carol - You and Kyle mean the world to me. Thank you for putting up with me and accepting me - Partnering with me to do this life together. You are a wonderful wife, a great mom and great friend to everyone around you. A great example for others in serving at church and at school - the PTA - our life "kids" - you got it going on girl!!! May the Lord continue to shine through you with all His brilliant light. I am so proud of you and honored to be yours. Looking forward ...
Forever yours,
Lonnie~
PS: I am not saying where I got the picture from... :)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
20 - Things to remember....
A dear friend sent this to me - I am going to share this with my small group tonight. Some of these really hit home - Don't they?
TWENTY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic. 2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry. 3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day. 4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot. 6. Do the math. Count your blessings. 7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts. 8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me. 9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted. 10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging. 11. The most important things in your home are the people. 12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. 13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open ...Come onin. 14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry. 15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. 16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.. 17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay. 18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done. 19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage andrisk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when itsticks out it's neck. 20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while yourreputation is merely what others think you are.
TWENTY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic. 2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry. 3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day. 4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot. 6. Do the math. Count your blessings. 7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts. 8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me. 9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted. 10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging. 11. The most important things in your home are the people. 12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional. 13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open ...Come onin. 14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry. 15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. 16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.. 17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay. 18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done. 19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage andrisk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when itsticks out it's neck. 20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while yourreputation is merely what others think you are.
Friday, August 3, 2007
I want to take a moment to let everyone know that my Aunt Sharon lost her cat this week. He was not acting right just a few short weeks ago and she took him to the vet where they found out he had blood cancer and there was nothing for them to do. Please keep her in your prayers, losing an animal can be really painful on us.
Looking at this past week while I am sitting here in the office with my brain half functioning - half a sleep and trying to keep my head from hitting the keyboard LOL - I am so encouraged and thankful for the people in my life. All this week, Carol - Kyle and I have been surrounded by folks from church, our small group, Donna and her family, Kyles friends from school last year and getting to spend time with them.... it has been such a great week. We are investing in lasting relationships and with folks who are just awesome! Sure we are tired but honestly - I can't wait to see everyone again! I look forward to church - to our small group this Sunday - family tomorrow and seeing some folks I have not seen in a few months - Kyles friends coming to swim next Tuesday afternoon and spending a few hours with my kids and their families. These are not burdens in anyway shape or form! I look forward to serving Sunday and attending both services.... seeing and supporting those around us who may come that we have invited and have decided to come to church. To encourage those who have only been coming for a little while as they stand at the doorstep of their faith - our church and experiencing God. Then I can let them go.... pray for them in different ways because they have come to know Jesus and its their relationship with Him now.
Take a second with me - think about who right now is in your life. Are you surrounded by uplifting and encouraging folks - people that are praying for you and doing life together? Are you being dragged down in every direction and the more you give - the more they want.... are you not surrounded by anyone or are your days are filled with loneliness and isolation? Think about your circle of folks who are around you today..... you can do something about it. Start investing today..... start by looking up!
Randy~
Looking at this past week while I am sitting here in the office with my brain half functioning - half a sleep and trying to keep my head from hitting the keyboard LOL - I am so encouraged and thankful for the people in my life. All this week, Carol - Kyle and I have been surrounded by folks from church, our small group, Donna and her family, Kyles friends from school last year and getting to spend time with them.... it has been such a great week. We are investing in lasting relationships and with folks who are just awesome! Sure we are tired but honestly - I can't wait to see everyone again! I look forward to church - to our small group this Sunday - family tomorrow and seeing some folks I have not seen in a few months - Kyles friends coming to swim next Tuesday afternoon and spending a few hours with my kids and their families. These are not burdens in anyway shape or form! I look forward to serving Sunday and attending both services.... seeing and supporting those around us who may come that we have invited and have decided to come to church. To encourage those who have only been coming for a little while as they stand at the doorstep of their faith - our church and experiencing God. Then I can let them go.... pray for them in different ways because they have come to know Jesus and its their relationship with Him now.
Take a second with me - think about who right now is in your life. Are you surrounded by uplifting and encouraging folks - people that are praying for you and doing life together? Are you being dragged down in every direction and the more you give - the more they want.... are you not surrounded by anyone or are your days are filled with loneliness and isolation? Think about your circle of folks who are around you today..... you can do something about it. Start investing today..... start by looking up!
Randy~
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