Happy birthday momma! I sure do miss you. Oh, the things we would talk about if you were here. I would have to stop myself and let you speak because you are in a much better place than I am. I wouldnt have anything to even tell you ... I would just love to hear you talk, share your experiences the last few years. Oh, I miss those moments sitting on the swing talking. I miss your bicuits and that first cup of coffee in the morning with you. I am a much better person because of you mom. Thank you for always being there for me. I know you still are because you are still influencing me. I pray I am making you proud. Tell everyone hey for me. Sit with Jesus a spell if you would do that for me. I have so much to do here and so much on my heart for those around me. I am ready though ... I am ready.
Miss you and love you... thanks for always touching my heart... especially when I need to hear from you. Today is one of those days.
I can't and wont say goodbye ...so I will wink and wipe the tear off my face now. A heart never heals back to where it once was and is changed forever.
Love you always,
Randy~
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
It has been a pretty busy day today. With many thoughts floating in my head and in my heart - its sometimes hard to put everything into words and then putting them out there for people to read. I have been pretty jacked up after our student ministry meeting on Monday night. There is a ton of stuff rolling in my head and after the meeting - I just knew I wouldn't be sleeping for a few days but I am here to say - I have been sleeping good. I have made a few changes. No coffee in the afternoons like before ... well every once in awhile is good but not mostly during the week. I am making a bigger attempt to hit the gym after work - ministry, students, phone calls, emails, facebook etc.. can wait an hour for me. Still having trouble with cutting the grass but thankful Carol has helped with that the last few weeks. Seems she has found my secret in grass cutting...back and forth - back and forth - nobody to yell at you, complain to you, need something ... just back and forth in your thoughts. Therapy.... dang my secret is out!
Anyways - I have really enjoyed the last 2 mornings. Reason being, I have spent a little extra in my quiet time and focusing on a few things and really trying to concentrate on some things. One thing for me this week is most of the middle school students have EOG's this week. I have prayed with every middle school student via text message that I have a listing for in my cell. I have had parents text me back - Thank You! - Students have thanked me, they have said "Mr. Lonnie I feel at peace now thank you!" "I will do my best". "That prayer meant so much to me and I really feel focused now". It has been a great few days sharing that. I look forward to having a ministry wide prayer text being sent out very shortly! That is making an impact for the kingdom, it keeps our students encouraged, focused on bigger things, grows us closer as we grow bigger and puts Gods name out front to start their day. I think that is a big victory!!
LOL is tonight and looking forward to hearing the heart of Pastor Travis. We will be in Colossians 3: tonight. McDonalds afterwards to share some smiles and a sweat tea. Doesn't sweat tea just make everything better? I think so ... heaven will have taps flowing I just know it.
I will share Colossians 3: I think it sums up where I am today.
Love ya'll~
Lonnie
Colossians 3:12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
.... God show us how to be thankful!
Anyways - I have really enjoyed the last 2 mornings. Reason being, I have spent a little extra in my quiet time and focusing on a few things and really trying to concentrate on some things. One thing for me this week is most of the middle school students have EOG's this week. I have prayed with every middle school student via text message that I have a listing for in my cell. I have had parents text me back - Thank You! - Students have thanked me, they have said "Mr. Lonnie I feel at peace now thank you!" "I will do my best". "That prayer meant so much to me and I really feel focused now". It has been a great few days sharing that. I look forward to having a ministry wide prayer text being sent out very shortly! That is making an impact for the kingdom, it keeps our students encouraged, focused on bigger things, grows us closer as we grow bigger and puts Gods name out front to start their day. I think that is a big victory!!
LOL is tonight and looking forward to hearing the heart of Pastor Travis. We will be in Colossians 3: tonight. McDonalds afterwards to share some smiles and a sweat tea. Doesn't sweat tea just make everything better? I think so ... heaven will have taps flowing I just know it.
I will share Colossians 3: I think it sums up where I am today.
Love ya'll~
Lonnie
Colossians 3:12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
.... God show us how to be thankful!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Weather is just one of those topics that always seems to fit with whom ever you are talking with. You know the deal, meet someone for the firs time or in an awkward circle of people and the weather is for sure a common ground and safe topic to talk about. Some topics are not so on the table. I can remember my father n law always saying - I wont discuss politics and religion with people I don't know very well. He played it safe - mostly because people with those rules of having topics that are off limits is that their point of view will be heard and in many cases trumped over anyone elses views.
I wont start to talk about the weather, even though I am a weather nut but I am a bigger nut for Jesus. Thats a good place to be for many reasons.
Today I am in Romans 15 - this is from some extra time spent this morning in my quiet time this morning after getting up early and a change of driving plans. I am thankful for the time though as I got to sit and relax. Had some breakfast with Carol who made something special for Kyle and the guys here at work to begin EOG week. She has done that for the past several years and the house smelled of bacon even this morning YUMMO! I also had a chance to text and call a few students to pray with them for their day ahead. It was such a nice start in prayer with them and a few were caught by surpise and I am sure those prayers sunk a little deeper in their hearts this morning. I love when God presses me to do things like that with reaching out in kind and loving ways. This brings me to Romans 15 today. Hope is speaks to you like it did to me this morning.
Romans 15:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
I pray that everything you do today, lifts someone's spirit, glorifies God, have done your best at whatever it is you have set out to do and did all this all out of your love for Christ. Weather conversation is fine for some ... but sooner or later our conversations have to have more meat to them. No more surface level stuff loved ones.... sometimes we have to move past those things and into the things that matter. Don't like the weather, wait a little while and it will change. Gods grace and love never changes and we must always be ready to shine for it - to some - you may be the only Jesus they have today, this week, this month, this year or even in their lives.
Lonnie~
I wont start to talk about the weather, even though I am a weather nut but I am a bigger nut for Jesus. Thats a good place to be for many reasons.
Today I am in Romans 15 - this is from some extra time spent this morning in my quiet time this morning after getting up early and a change of driving plans. I am thankful for the time though as I got to sit and relax. Had some breakfast with Carol who made something special for Kyle and the guys here at work to begin EOG week. She has done that for the past several years and the house smelled of bacon even this morning YUMMO! I also had a chance to text and call a few students to pray with them for their day ahead. It was such a nice start in prayer with them and a few were caught by surpise and I am sure those prayers sunk a little deeper in their hearts this morning. I love when God presses me to do things like that with reaching out in kind and loving ways. This brings me to Romans 15 today. Hope is speaks to you like it did to me this morning.
Romans 15:
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
I pray that everything you do today, lifts someone's spirit, glorifies God, have done your best at whatever it is you have set out to do and did all this all out of your love for Christ. Weather conversation is fine for some ... but sooner or later our conversations have to have more meat to them. No more surface level stuff loved ones.... sometimes we have to move past those things and into the things that matter. Don't like the weather, wait a little while and it will change. Gods grace and love never changes and we must always be ready to shine for it - to some - you may be the only Jesus they have today, this week, this month, this year or even in their lives.
Lonnie~
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mothers Day~
Just wanting to wish everyone a happy mothers days today. I have been pretty good leading up to this day. This is a day that is very different than years past in my house. With Carol and I, and Kate not having a mom with us - it for sure takes on a different feeling. Last Friday God placed it on my heart to share flowers with the students in the Flood at Rocky River Church. So yesterday, I stopped and got a big bunch of them knowing that there are some with the same piece of their heart missing as well. Its a bond and understanding that only we know and feel. It was awesome sharing some words with a few of the students - a few cried, I cried, hugged, and in turn I think we are a little closer. The left over flowers I gave a few to the students that were hanging around afterwards - some needing to talk, some not wanting to go home yet... whatever the reasons ... they got a few fresh cut flowers.
I am blessed mom because of you - your dedication to family and living your life as an example to those around you. You shared, you toughed things out, you remained faithful and loved all those around you.
Proud to be your son always ..... I left the students with this - This book, the bible, is not a collection of words wrapped between 2 covers .... with rules over your life. This is a book written as a love story bound in 2 covers where the words are alive and in 3D.
Prayers for my brother Craig today and for his family and my dad as they try and figure out what is going on with him.
Miss you mom..... love you always. I'll see you when I get there but until then, I will shine.....
Lon~
I am blessed mom because of you - your dedication to family and living your life as an example to those around you. You shared, you toughed things out, you remained faithful and loved all those around you.
Proud to be your son always ..... I left the students with this - This book, the bible, is not a collection of words wrapped between 2 covers .... with rules over your life. This is a book written as a love story bound in 2 covers where the words are alive and in 3D.
Prayers for my brother Craig today and for his family and my dad as they try and figure out what is going on with him.
Miss you mom..... love you always. I'll see you when I get there but until then, I will shine.....
Lon~
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Best Man Honor
Back in 1989, in April, Carol and I got married. It was a big production wedding and a wonderful day because I was marrying my best friend. A friend who has seen the lowest in me when I was sick back in 1999 and have seen me at my highest point which I do believe, by Gods grace and love for me, I am living now. We have been without and have been blessed with so much but regardless - its been a wonderful friendship. ANY friendship that is worth fighting for has to have seasons of forgiveness. Seasons of not seeing eye to eye on things, job transfers, moving not only across the state but to a different part of the country, raising kids, passing of parents....there is a LOT that a married couple goes through but the key word there is THROUGH. I feel with all my heart that God has blessed Carol and I with having each other in this life. I don't know if we will be married in Heaven one day but I do know I am hoping she is at least my roomie.... or neighbor at least! LOL - anyways - my best man at my wedding - Tom - was married a few years back and has 5 children today and is living in Florida. How he got there was a moment in time like Saul had when Jesus blasted him with a white blinding light completely in an instant transforming his life.
Tom was on campus at Princeton University which is my old stomping grounds. He was pretending to be giving a lecture in one of the oldest classrooms on campus- standing at the front of the room behind the huge wooded podium pretending the room was filled with hundreds of students thirsty for knowledge. In that moment - I know and so does he, that God called him to teach. Far different than his desire for the law. Not being able to fight that calling in his life - He packed up his stuff and moved to Florida to attend Florida State. He graduated and got a job in Arkansas - then accepted a job in North Miami Florida at a small university there after a few years there in tornado alley. Together he and his wife have built together a family, moving across country, in hurricane alley, fought alligators and florida bugs together .... Today - I want to celebrate those vows with you bro. I know things are hard right now but this is worth sharing so that it may also encourage someone out there other than you and Kristine. God has given us marriage as a sacred bond and with His guidance, love, and help - any marriage can withstand today's pressures where most marriages end in divorce. Always keep close to your heart that when God is in your marriage - anything can happen, even when we don't see it. 1 Corinthians 13:7 tells us "Love believes all things, hopes all things. Ephesians 4:32 tells us "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Lastly, Ephesians 4:2 tells us "Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love".
Love is patient, kind, not selfish, thoughtful, not rude, not irritable, believes the best, not jealous, makes good impressions, unconditional, cherishes, lets the other win, fights fair, takes delight, is honorable, intercedes, promotes intimacy, seeks to understand, is impossible, is Jesus Christ, is satisfied in God, faithful, always protects, forgives, responsible, encourages, makes sacrifices, motivation, brings unity, completes each other, celebrates, is accountable, is Gods word, agrees in prayer, fulfills dreams, endures, and is a covenant.
Being a best man for a couple is not just a best friend speech, its a step in life when a friend is down. It is a step in when needed and is an honor to uphold. Brezman, we have been through some stuff together... this is no different. I hope you read your vows again here and remember that day you and your wife stood before God and pledged your partnership together. I remember how nervous I was but made it through it in front of all your family and friends. Its an honor to be a best man to your best friend. Though miles may keep us apart ... you are still a brother. Pick up Gods light man and light His torch in your life and bring your marriage to new heights, new places, and over that mountain in front of you. 5 kids need you to do that. God WILL move that mountain.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Best Man’s Honor
To Tom and Kristine,
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lonnie, also known as BATMAN. It’s an honor to return the favor of being the best man. I asked Tom to be my best man in 1989. Carol and I have been happily married for 12 great years and have a wonderful son. I hope and pray, Tom and Kristine, that you will have such happiness and peace in your lives. Brez, we have been friends, almost like brothers, for a long time. You have always been there for me - - if I ever needed advice, a pat on the back, or any help like 2 years ago when you came to my side when Carol and I needed you most. I never really had a chance to say “Thank You”. I will always be there for you, for that pep talk that you need occasionally, that pat on the back or just to talk about football, the METS or that OTHER NY team. Brothers we are, and brothers we will always be.
Kristine, welcome to the family, and I welcome you as a sister. I look forward to the times that we will spend together as friends.
I searched the Bible for some words of wisdom that I would like to read. It comes from Ephesians 5:31. It reads: “A man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh”. May you work as a team and put your friendship before everything else. My dad used to say, you only get out of something what you put into to something. May you put all your effort, love and compassion into this newly formed team. Brez, your dad and Mary Lou would be proud. May your marriage be blessed with lots of love, honesty, friendship and kids.
Cheers,
BATMAN
Tom was on campus at Princeton University which is my old stomping grounds. He was pretending to be giving a lecture in one of the oldest classrooms on campus- standing at the front of the room behind the huge wooded podium pretending the room was filled with hundreds of students thirsty for knowledge. In that moment - I know and so does he, that God called him to teach. Far different than his desire for the law. Not being able to fight that calling in his life - He packed up his stuff and moved to Florida to attend Florida State. He graduated and got a job in Arkansas - then accepted a job in North Miami Florida at a small university there after a few years there in tornado alley. Together he and his wife have built together a family, moving across country, in hurricane alley, fought alligators and florida bugs together .... Today - I want to celebrate those vows with you bro. I know things are hard right now but this is worth sharing so that it may also encourage someone out there other than you and Kristine. God has given us marriage as a sacred bond and with His guidance, love, and help - any marriage can withstand today's pressures where most marriages end in divorce. Always keep close to your heart that when God is in your marriage - anything can happen, even when we don't see it. 1 Corinthians 13:7 tells us "Love believes all things, hopes all things. Ephesians 4:32 tells us "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Lastly, Ephesians 4:2 tells us "Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love".
Love is patient, kind, not selfish, thoughtful, not rude, not irritable, believes the best, not jealous, makes good impressions, unconditional, cherishes, lets the other win, fights fair, takes delight, is honorable, intercedes, promotes intimacy, seeks to understand, is impossible, is Jesus Christ, is satisfied in God, faithful, always protects, forgives, responsible, encourages, makes sacrifices, motivation, brings unity, completes each other, celebrates, is accountable, is Gods word, agrees in prayer, fulfills dreams, endures, and is a covenant.
Being a best man for a couple is not just a best friend speech, its a step in life when a friend is down. It is a step in when needed and is an honor to uphold. Brezman, we have been through some stuff together... this is no different. I hope you read your vows again here and remember that day you and your wife stood before God and pledged your partnership together. I remember how nervous I was but made it through it in front of all your family and friends. Its an honor to be a best man to your best friend. Though miles may keep us apart ... you are still a brother. Pick up Gods light man and light His torch in your life and bring your marriage to new heights, new places, and over that mountain in front of you. 5 kids need you to do that. God WILL move that mountain.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Best Man’s Honor
To Tom and Kristine,
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lonnie, also known as BATMAN. It’s an honor to return the favor of being the best man. I asked Tom to be my best man in 1989. Carol and I have been happily married for 12 great years and have a wonderful son. I hope and pray, Tom and Kristine, that you will have such happiness and peace in your lives. Brez, we have been friends, almost like brothers, for a long time. You have always been there for me - - if I ever needed advice, a pat on the back, or any help like 2 years ago when you came to my side when Carol and I needed you most. I never really had a chance to say “Thank You”. I will always be there for you, for that pep talk that you need occasionally, that pat on the back or just to talk about football, the METS or that OTHER NY team. Brothers we are, and brothers we will always be.
Kristine, welcome to the family, and I welcome you as a sister. I look forward to the times that we will spend together as friends.
I searched the Bible for some words of wisdom that I would like to read. It comes from Ephesians 5:31. It reads: “A man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh”. May you work as a team and put your friendship before everything else. My dad used to say, you only get out of something what you put into to something. May you put all your effort, love and compassion into this newly formed team. Brez, your dad and Mary Lou would be proud. May your marriage be blessed with lots of love, honesty, friendship and kids.
Cheers,
BATMAN
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Question....
I have been asking a very tough question to some of my close kids the last week or so and to be honest.. well..... Happy hump day everyone! Did I ever tell you I have a weakness - M&M's? Oh yeah ...... back to the question :)
So if Jesus came to you in the next moment and asked you a very important question - what would you say? - "_____ - Where are you in your faith today?"
I have had a wild array of answers: - "Its better than last year", "um well I um", "I don't know", "its hard to say exactly", "I'm good" ~ Just to name a few.
Wow, pouring into this student ministry with all my heart and these are some of the answers.
There is a file that I keep a lot of my journal note taking kind of stuff in. It is a collection of things, thoughts, scripture and other such stuff that I am learning over the years and I often read back over them and enjoy "the walk" through.
Funny thing is the file name is not what I would call a normal file name. Its not called - my walk, my journal, what I am learning, or even anything remotely close like that. The name of the file is:
"I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine"
This comes from Ephesians 3:20-21. It reads like this:
Ephesians 3:20-21 (New International Version)
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Does this sound like a piece of scripture that God himself has given us for us to answer a very important question like - Where are you in your faith today with um, better than last year, I don't know..... well...... This is the God that can move mountains in your life. Jesus picked 12 people and they took the message to the world. David had a God on his side and he defeated what couldnt be defeated by an army. Saul the most ruthless killer of Christians became Paul in a flash of light and set the example in starting what we call the church today!
Man, this fires me up because I want that kind of faith! I want to lean back and know fully that God has my back and is with me regardless of how I feel or what I see around me. I want that kind of faith knowing that all I have to do is ask and believe in His promises.
I want to have that kind of faith where I can reach out and touch his robe and be instantly healed because of my faith. I want that kind of faith that my friends have to drag me and cut a hole in the roof to lower me down to be healed because I couldnt get there myself. I want that kind of faith that is shared with those around me, who I can pour into and share life with because of what Jesus has done in my life. I want that kind of faith where your struggles and salvation become a priority in my life above my own wants and wishes.
The people that Jesus healed, the people who lead great things, the people that did life with Jesus and who walked with him in his day ... were just like you and me. Ordinary people.... Simple, complicated, confused most of the time, hurting, struggling, messy, talented, passionate, loving, compassionate people - but they believed in the God like Ephesians 3: tells us.
He can move mountains in your life and He is still in the miracle making business. He is BEYOND all you can ask or imagine. Sounds like a 1st round draft pick but even better. Why would you not pick Him for your team? Team Captain probably.......
So, what stops you from picking Him? What keeps you from really believing and claiming His power in your life? In your family?
Student ministry is a hard place sometimes. There are many moments of hurt, tears, awake nights, family time that is not shared, tough conversations but I have this calling on my life. Thankful and blessed for sure without a doubt because I am getting the front row seat to so many young and passionate students who love Jesus and seeing them do amazing things! Am I overwhelmed at times.... you bet. Am I scared sometimes,.... almost all the time. Do I believe that God can move mountains in my life, my walk, in the lives of students and their families? You bet I do ....... That mountain is there to be climbed.... You with me?
I tell many of my close students who sometimes appear to be unplugging, wandering, and sometimes lost.... "stick with me ....... we will climb this together." I mean that when I say it ... and sad that I have to say that as much as I do. So today ..... its
Time to get my climbing gear- Who is with me? Opportunities are ahead.......
Lonnie~
So if Jesus came to you in the next moment and asked you a very important question - what would you say? - "_____ - Where are you in your faith today?"
I have had a wild array of answers: - "Its better than last year", "um well I um", "I don't know", "its hard to say exactly", "I'm good" ~ Just to name a few.
Wow, pouring into this student ministry with all my heart and these are some of the answers.
There is a file that I keep a lot of my journal note taking kind of stuff in. It is a collection of things, thoughts, scripture and other such stuff that I am learning over the years and I often read back over them and enjoy "the walk" through.
Funny thing is the file name is not what I would call a normal file name. Its not called - my walk, my journal, what I am learning, or even anything remotely close like that. The name of the file is:
"I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine"
This comes from Ephesians 3:20-21. It reads like this:
Ephesians 3:20-21 (New International Version)
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Does this sound like a piece of scripture that God himself has given us for us to answer a very important question like - Where are you in your faith today with um, better than last year, I don't know..... well...... This is the God that can move mountains in your life. Jesus picked 12 people and they took the message to the world. David had a God on his side and he defeated what couldnt be defeated by an army. Saul the most ruthless killer of Christians became Paul in a flash of light and set the example in starting what we call the church today!
Man, this fires me up because I want that kind of faith! I want to lean back and know fully that God has my back and is with me regardless of how I feel or what I see around me. I want that kind of faith knowing that all I have to do is ask and believe in His promises.
I want to have that kind of faith where I can reach out and touch his robe and be instantly healed because of my faith. I want that kind of faith that my friends have to drag me and cut a hole in the roof to lower me down to be healed because I couldnt get there myself. I want that kind of faith that is shared with those around me, who I can pour into and share life with because of what Jesus has done in my life. I want that kind of faith where your struggles and salvation become a priority in my life above my own wants and wishes.
The people that Jesus healed, the people who lead great things, the people that did life with Jesus and who walked with him in his day ... were just like you and me. Ordinary people.... Simple, complicated, confused most of the time, hurting, struggling, messy, talented, passionate, loving, compassionate people - but they believed in the God like Ephesians 3: tells us.
He can move mountains in your life and He is still in the miracle making business. He is BEYOND all you can ask or imagine. Sounds like a 1st round draft pick but even better. Why would you not pick Him for your team? Team Captain probably.......
So, what stops you from picking Him? What keeps you from really believing and claiming His power in your life? In your family?
Student ministry is a hard place sometimes. There are many moments of hurt, tears, awake nights, family time that is not shared, tough conversations but I have this calling on my life. Thankful and blessed for sure without a doubt because I am getting the front row seat to so many young and passionate students who love Jesus and seeing them do amazing things! Am I overwhelmed at times.... you bet. Am I scared sometimes,.... almost all the time. Do I believe that God can move mountains in my life, my walk, in the lives of students and their families? You bet I do ....... That mountain is there to be climbed.... You with me?
I tell many of my close students who sometimes appear to be unplugging, wandering, and sometimes lost.... "stick with me ....... we will climb this together." I mean that when I say it ... and sad that I have to say that as much as I do. So today ..... its
Time to get my climbing gear- Who is with me? Opportunities are ahead.......
Lonnie~
Monday, May 3, 2010
MoNdAy, already. Enjoyed a great weekend at the cabin. Got the boat in the water on Saturday morning and that is always a great day! That means summer is here and with that comes some fun times ahead at the cabin on the lake. There is just so much that happens while spending time with folks in that little place. This past weekend was no different. Got to spend some time with someone new that has plugged in and very much enjoyed her company and smiles the last few days. As always, we all shared smiles together, smores in the fire pit, boating and laughing our faces off tubing, rock jumping at frog rock, and our long walks to the creek. Had a great conversation with mom last Saturday night looking up at the stars. It was good to really "speak" with her. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my mom - I think what made it special this time around was the heart place we are all at this time at the cabin. I do believe my heart is where it needs to be and that is something I pray for every day - especially with the trust that my family has with students - especially for me. That level of trust is so vital to be able to walk with people and have that kind of heart access. I am truly blessed to be where those relationships are. Without it ... I wouldn't be doing what I am doing in serving God and all those He has put in my life. Through Him, I can share my heart and provide an example of what He has done for me. Isn't that what its about? Sharing the love of Jesus to others by living and loving the people around us? If I had something so wonderful and so life changing and that I love so much --- how can I keep that a secret and keep it to myself?
We all have to make a decision in following Jesus or not. No matter the decision you make -You WILL make it. Our faith rests solely on our own 2 shoulders.
Trust is a must and something that once broken is really hard to re-establish and sometimes- never gets back to where it once was. Ask that to any parent of a teenager.
Trust is the centerpiece of being a Christian. If you are doing great at trusting God, then you are doing great in your faith. If you are not going great at trusting God, then you could use some encouragement in your faith.
I value so much the trust that I have with those around me. I continue to put that trust in Gods hands - especially when there are times where tough conversations take place and hearts are exposed. Without it - you can't move forward. I can't move forward. With out Trust in God - WE can't move forward. So today - on my heart is simple... if you are walking with me - I want to thank you for your trust but I hope that through that trust you will see and grow in your trust with Jesus. Its all about Him. Its why I do and do what I do. My heart breaks for so many and I value all the relationships because of my relationship through our heavenly father. Each of them are special - "Without a doubt - YOU are with me."
Psalm 25:
1 O Lord, I give my life to you. 2 I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. 3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. 6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. 7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. 10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
Peace and blessings today~
Lon
We all have to make a decision in following Jesus or not. No matter the decision you make -You WILL make it. Our faith rests solely on our own 2 shoulders.
Trust is a must and something that once broken is really hard to re-establish and sometimes- never gets back to where it once was. Ask that to any parent of a teenager.
Trust is the centerpiece of being a Christian. If you are doing great at trusting God, then you are doing great in your faith. If you are not going great at trusting God, then you could use some encouragement in your faith.
I value so much the trust that I have with those around me. I continue to put that trust in Gods hands - especially when there are times where tough conversations take place and hearts are exposed. Without it - you can't move forward. I can't move forward. With out Trust in God - WE can't move forward. So today - on my heart is simple... if you are walking with me - I want to thank you for your trust but I hope that through that trust you will see and grow in your trust with Jesus. Its all about Him. Its why I do and do what I do. My heart breaks for so many and I value all the relationships because of my relationship through our heavenly father. Each of them are special - "Without a doubt - YOU are with me."
Psalm 25:
1 O Lord, I give my life to you. 2 I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. 3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. 6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. 7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. 10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
Peace and blessings today~
Lon
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