James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

I have read this passage in James I would fair to guess atleast a few times over the past few years but never has it really hit me as it has been the last few days.

I am also still stuck on this one sentance that the Lord gave me a few days ago - "Remember, love is not a feeling. It is a commitment."

Last night I got to the gym with a good workout before picking up Kyle at wrestling. I am thankful I got to encourage a few of the guys for their matches tomorrow and to have a small voice into their life about leadership on the team. I got home, got some supper and then turned in for the night. I was pretty tired with the clock change and not much sleep Saturday night, things just catch up to me and I have to just step back at times and recharge and refocus. I sat in my chair and put on the Elevation Church App on my Ipad and began to listen to Pastor Steven preach his message from Sunday. "Took it...Blessed it...Broke it...Gave it" - what a powerful message and I just dont know how he does this but its always a Word from God I need in my life. Speaking through Luke 24:13-35 - He shared with us that the way God works in our lives is "Sometimes God is taking you, Sometimes He's blessing you, Sometimes He's breaking you, all so He can give you".
I sat in my chair with tears running down my face. Broken for sure. God has been breaking me in this season of time in my life. God surely taking some things out of my life but is also blessing me in the process by putting some great things into it. I feel as though I am in all these places at once.
Church leadership for 7 years at my last church and God moves me to another church breaking me in the process of those friendships and close people in my life all really over stupid stuff. It hurts knowing that hurtful words are still being spoken even after 4 months of being there but I thank God for the power and determination not to speak to it and take the higher road. I am responsibile only for myself and my actions. Never would I have thought that would be unfolding before my eyes but I am very thankful for our new church home in Elevation Church and the teaching and leaders there pouring into my family and I when in this season, I fully believe we are needing it like never before.
"Remember, love is not a feeling. It is a commitment." - really speaks out to me for the people in my life today. Begging God to show me what to do next while sitting on the beach nearly 4 years ago as the sun came up out of the ocean - He clearly told me to step up and lead in a family. Not having any idea what I was doing or how it was going to be received - I finally told God okay!!! - Its a commitment since then. A promise. No matter the road ahead, though hard at times, folks dont always understand it looking from the outside - my promise and commitment stands even if it is breaking me in the process.
I know there is blessing in the breaking. It may not show today or tomorrow but one day it will. I fully trust God in the process. As Pastor Steven unfolded "When God breaks you, its not something you pray for, but when you get to the other side of it, you see a purpose in it. Although its a lot more fun to be in the stage where God is blessing you, you'll never know Him more intimately than in the times where He is breaking you. God doesnt break us because He is careless or cruel; He breaks us because He intends to give us to the hungry world. Jesus broke the bread, but it never left His hands! He intends to use you more than ever before!"

Remember, love is not a feeling. It is a commitment. - I have not felt this close to the Lord in a long time. I am fully aware even with all that is going on around me that I am in his hands. He has a grip on me and though he is taking me to a place, he is breaking me and blessing me all at once. His love for me and for you is a commitment. Its a promise.
Its my commitment and promise to the Lyman family, to the Mitcheltree family, to the Beaver family, to my family - Carol, Kyle and Kate.
In my devotion time this morning Ill share - "Learn to appreciate the difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through the rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything. This knowledge is comprised of 3 parts; our relationship, promises in the Bible, and the past experiences of coping successfully during hard times. Look back and see how I have helped you through difficult days and always remember who I AM!"

Broken but never crushed. God shows us the process of taking us, blessing us, breaking us, and then giving us something significant.

Lonnie~

This picture was taken August 2010 after Kate spent some time in a place in Georgia. There she experienced the best care and counseling that is available today. She got to learn a LOT about herself. The reasons why she does things, the reasons why she cares do deeply about things and in the process has helped her in the long run in making choices. I love this picture because there is healing in this moment. A tough year before for her and for us as a family but in this moment its where love is discovered that its not about a feeling. Its about a commitment. It has me really praying and thinking hard the last few weeks as her day to move to NC and back into our family is this coming Saturday. Its a new beginning in many ways. Its a redo from what happened 2 years ago. Its about grace and learning to love when its hard, when its not often convenient and even when you just dont think its possible any longer.
I learned in that season of time to really love deeply. Though tough things happening, grace pours out from the heart and forgiveness is given and love deepens to a new level.
I am so excited to have Kate back. Though for sure it will change the dynamics of my home, the freedoms we all share currently but all those things are worth it. There is not a time table on this journey ahead and I am thankful for that. I think far too often we have people in our lives, often times our own children and when they turn to a tough road in life, we often think of them as a project. We need to get them fixed. We need to do something to get them back on the right paths again. We need to do something on our end - but often enough, it has to be on their end. Its their decisions and paths and not ours.
People are not projects and I am in a place in my heart and in my relationship with Kate that this is not about fixing anything - its about opportunity - its about comittment.
Being comitted to lead, to love, to be a role model, to show her Jesus, to accept as she is, and just love her.
I think about this acceptance when I go visit my family in VA. It was our family reunion yesterday in Ararat VA as we do each year on the first Sunday in November. Its a day that often times I get to see my family for the first time since that exact day last year. Its hard to get up that way and harder even to see everyone with everyone all over the mountain. But its a day, I get so excited for. Its a day that Uncle Homer addresses the family, speaks to us as one, no matter how plugged in we are with each other or not - He reminds us to be thankful for all the blessings God has given us this past year. We remember the ones not with us and it is a meal shared like no other. Carol, Kyle, Morgan and myself got to share in such a great day - I got to spend a little time with my cousins kids and to see my grandmother and her sisters family and my aunts and uncles. Its just a day where we are happy to see each other. Happy for this day to share and accept right then where we are in life. Hey, dont care you havent been around for awhile or life is hard - today and right here we are glad and thankful you are here. It has always been that way.
My relationship with Kate is the same way. I accept you as you are today sweetie and I cant wait to move forward. To build something from where it is today. No hard or tough feelings of the past holding us back. Just like being a part of the family renunion - welcome back sweetie.
Welcome home.

James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Carol, Kyle and a host of families we do life with are comitted not because we love out of a feeling but because we are comitted. God gave us an example, a great example of loving others. I too have lost my mom, Carol has lost her mom and for that - those experiences in life we have each other to lean on. God has taken away so that we can relate. So that we can rebuild and move forward. He has given us each other.

Love you more than you will ever know Kate. 5 days let the rebuilding begin. Deeply comitted by the example of love that Christ has given us.

Uncle Lonnie ~

I really wanted to take a moment to share the last period of Kyles match last night with a video but I cant seem to upload it on here. Maybe its too large of a file size but I will have to say that Carol, Morgan, Taylor and myself sat waiting on Kyle's match biting each others fingers. His first start. Crowd loud and we are away from our home turf - lots of new kids wrestling for the first time, not sure what to do, first match of the season and the place is loud. Fan support was good on both sides but Mt. Pleasant is known for wrestling. Our first couple matches we got pinned and it was looking like a sweep as we all looked at the talent and toughness of the other team. Kyles match was up. He checked in, coach slapped him on the butt and the handshake took place right before the whistle. Kyle went up 4-1 in the match in the first period even though he almost turned into a pin in the last second. 2nd period found him on bottom and fighting for a good most of it trying to get out from under. Finally breaking free and rolling with a good move that was too fast for his opponent, Taylor covering her eyes, Carol screaming, I'm trying my best to scream, lean and take video, Morgan is yelling "Go Kyle" - Kyle makes the move and drives his arm over the guys shoulder and rolls him onto his back. With a pressing shoulder and driving legs he presses the shoulders onto the mat for the win. Pin - first time out. Crowd goes nuts, mom is out of control jumping up and down and sweaty hands, Taylor uncovers her eyes and Morgan is yelling "Way to go Kyle" - I am filming the back of the head of the person in front of me almost totally missing the shot of him taking the arm raised in victory.
Kyle shakes hands and greets all the coaches with pats on the head, smiles and Mavericks chant.
Gosh - what a great way to start. So much poured into that one match. See an entire year last year being the workout guy for the starter. Sometimes beating him and getting better week by week. He could have lost heart. He could have given up. He could have finished out the year and then no more deciding to not do that again.
Very proud of him sticking with it. You can tell he has that driving look on his face like - I got this. I can do this. I can win this! Its determination and not giving up when it gets tough. Im not saying he will win every match. I really hope he does but I do know in experiencing a loss - there will be much learned from it. But for now, mom and dad - are enjoying the Win even though the team lost big time... 6 points went up on the score board with Kyles name on it.
I love hearing the comments from the football players who are wrestling this year. "I thought football was tough but this wrestling is killer, coach is trying to kill us!" - YUP welcome to wrestling boys.
Its all you on that mat.... one on one.

Got to love it..... Kyle Proud of you buddy! I know why my mom and dad looked the way they did all those years in the stands while I was on the mat at Judo or on the mat at wrestling. My turn to have that look now :)

Cold and rainy here today. Got a coffee going this afternoon with miss Holly. Tomorrow might try to hit the handicapped basketball game with miss Nicole and then help Carol with some stuff. Sunday is reunion day in VA! I love getting together with everyone! A year since seeing most of my family. Ready for some banana pudding and way to much to eat.

Have a blessed Friday everyone,
Lonnie~

I wanted to take a moment today and share an article that was in my inbox this morning. This is from the Simple Youth Ministry out of Saddleback Church that Rick Warren leads. These guys that run the student ministry there are brilliant and their articles often really hit home for me. Todays article did just that - so much so - I had to share. As I read it over for the 2nd and 3rd time this morning, I cant help to think about those couple students who I took extra energy into pouring into. They were and still are special students, special young adults with amazing qualities, gifts and talents that God has given them. I reflect back on the student last year at WinterJam and they made the announcement during the concert for all youth pastors, leaders and key volunteers to go and meet in this huge back room where some of the band members that were playing on stage that day would have a word of encouragement for us, pray over us and thank us for investing into the young people today. As I grabbed one of my students, we walked to the back room, got to meet a few of the band members from Third Day and NewBoys - all she had on her face was a huge smile. Something special was taking place. I often hear the words from her about being a youth pastor someday. This is a special and cheering her on in life is often all they need to realize that things are so more important and bigger than the drama struggle of right now. Her mom called me to thank me for doing this as she was told in great details about the experience. I also remember one of our key students leaders last year setting great examples to the other students. Always willing to lead, help out in anyway possible - It was an honor to write a letter of recomendation for college. Its an honor to be called for a job reference. Then there is also the honor to answer the question about honoring God while in a dating relationship while spotting a bench press lift. Little moments leading to giant moments. As my church, Elevation Church, is getting ready to launch its new worship album, For the Honor, I cant help but to think about all the young people I have had to honor to lead, to share special moments like these with and guide them in these tough awkward years being a teenager. It really is an honor
Informing, Inspiring, Connecting, Equipping. These are just a few words that come to mind which in time, I hope to share my heart with each of them.
Enjoy the article today :)
Lonnie~

I will never forget the day, it was a few years ago and I was meeting my former Sunday School teacher for lunch. The cool thing was that after almost 15 years from being in his class we were still friends and we still get together for lunch from time to time. He was one of my favorite teachers that came along in my tween years when things were awkward and weird, and he contributed greatly to my life.

This particular day I was beaten down and upset. I had 3 kids, worked a full time job, and still served as a youth pastor, and I was frustrated trying to balance all these things. During the lunch I remember telling him that I wish my church could hire me full time, or I wish that I could be normal and happy working a regular job. In typical mentor style he bought my lunch, gave me a cd of new music I hadn't heard yet, and told about a few podcasts that may help me out.I don't remember him really doing anything or even addressing my problem, but it was exactly what I needed. I left that fine Chinese restaurant a little encouraged and stoked that along with my new music I found that he had added a few tracks from the new Muse album.

These articles were all about mentors, and none of us would have been the same without them. Just think if Luke Skywalker never met Obi Wan Kenobi, he would have been a whiney dead man instead of a Jedi Knight. If Frodo didn't have Gandalf in his life than he would have would have been unprepared and perished in Saurons attempt to dominant the world.I am anxious to finish this review because as soon as I finish I have the daunting task of writing a recommendation letter so a teenager in my youth group can score a college scholarship. This brings me to the second article I read that talked about Look Forward, Look Around, and Look Back. I felt pretty good about this article, I mean I know who is leading me, I know who Im leading with, and I know who I am leading. I was really intrigued by the idea of pouring a little extra into a few special students. One of my special students is the very teenager who asked my to write him the letter of recommendation. This kid is a natural leader, responsible, and he is the key cog in my youth group audience. I remember one time we were at a summer service conference and during a leaders meeting they told us that if our teens liked the could come early and sit in on the "prayer team" meeting, and then be allowed to help pray for people at the end of service.
Right before the prayer team meeting was about to start I saw this particular teen walking down the hall way I grabbed his shoulder and said, "Hey come here I want you to go to this meeting." He simply agreed and went to the meeting with no questions, no fight, no inhibitions. As much as I would like to attribute his actions to my leadership skills, I cant. He is just a special kid. I have to remember that God provides him with the skills, and I am to provide him with direction. Everyone needs to be led especially while they lead. These articles reminded me that while I have systems in place and people to guide me, I have to remember to take special interest, special time, and guide a few special kids.I struggle with remembering the importance of mentors, and when Josh referenced mentors from pop culture, it really struck a chord with me. Let me challenge you to stop reading this review and open your Bible to Titus 2. This chapter is all about how mentoring should work within the church. It's a biblical concept that I tend to forget about until I read articles like these. Do like the article says and take some time today to Look Forward, Look Around, and Look Back.

Devotional time today - GROW STRONG in the light of my Presence. Your weakness does not repel me. On the contrary, it attracts My power, which is always available to flow into a yielded heart. Don not condemn yourself for your constant need of help. Instead, come to Me with your gaping needinessl let the Light of My love fill you. A yielded heart does not whine or rebel when the going gets rough. It musters the courage to thank Me even during hard times. Yoielding yourself to My will is ultimately an act of trust.

In quietness and trust is your stength.

Psalm 116:6 - The Lord protects the simpleheartd, when I was in great need, you saved me.

It has been a tough day for reasons I wont explain but I do know for sure - as the playlist plays on my Itunes through my computer - "Surrender" by Jeremy Camp - there is not another song with softer, more gentle words like this one. Gosh, it really sinks into the heart.
Grateful that song came across the speakers this afternoon.

Grace changed everything.
Thats it for today,
Lon~

Monday - wondering a little bit how that happened so fast LOL !!

This past weekend was a good one even though it went by way to fast. Friday night was a world series night around the tv with a fire on in the fireplace and Saturday was a catch up over dinner with some old friends which was great! Kyle had a party to go to celebrating a birthday for one of his long time close Gal, friends. Sunday church which is always a great thing! Pastor Clayton King in the Elevation Church house! Always love hearing him preach and feel his passion when he shares his heart! I have just been loving everything about church the last month or so. I am not sure what is going on but things are just penetrating my heart deeper, the music and worship is amazing and its honestly all I can do to keep from jumping up and down and wipe tears from my face. The Word has been clear and understandable and applicable in so many ways that I am still feeling the words days later. I love seeing the greeters and the smiles on the way in and out of church. Helping with breakdown some and telling the band what a great job they did. I love watching Carol grow further in her faith and putting her day together around different things. I have some work to do in some areas of my life but I think this place right now is a really wonderful place to be in.
As I look ahead to this afternoon and the rest of the week - I cant help but to be excited in all that God is doing in and all around me. Though some are not exactly where I would want them to be in their walk, in our walk together - I know that God is working in all things for my good - for their good and I trust in that promise.
I want to put a plug in for a new Devotional that I have been reading each day over the past month. It has really got me excited each morning not because its a challenging book as you read a normal devotional - you know the routine, read the scriptures of that day on this page, read a little story and then read the prayer and go on about your morning.
No this is a little different because its written as if and in the point of, God speaking directly to you. So - let me share the first couple sentances of Sarah Young - Jesus Calling.

October 31 - LEARN TO LISTEN TO ME even while you are listening to other people. As they open their souls to your scrutiny, you are on holy ground. You need the help of My spirit to respond approprately. As Him to think through you, live through you, love through you. My own Being is alive within you in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

I will stop there but I have to say - thats GOOD stuff right there.

The last few weeks of LifeGroup where a handful of families come together and we do life and study Gods word together on Sunday evenings - this is exactly what we all need to learn and press into our hearts and lives. So often we are and I am also talking outside our group, we are trying to do everything ourselves. Yes read our Bibles, we pray and then go about our day just like everyone else does but there is no difference really. No difference in the sense of being a follower of Christ and not - how can the world tell you apart? - When we go to work, to school to that business deal or that round of golf or the party at work - can people tell you are a little different? A lot different? That there is something about you that has some peace or just a smile of contentment about you? Do your words reflect your heart? Does love just pour out from you into everything?
See far too often we are on the culdesac of being a Christian. We are headed nowhere really. We have walked down this path to find ourselves in a big circle - do we go back - do we press through? What do we do? This is the place where we get stuck or give up our walk.

Following Christ has to be a part of who you are - He makes up your DNA. He is everything about you. He pours out of everything in you. Sure not perfectly because nobody can do that but I mean to the best of your ability and trusting God for the rest of it. Im talking about decisions in your day, the song selections on the radio, the tv shows you watch, the words you say to others, your actions, your business deals, the exam you have to take tomorrow, your study habits, the way you speak to your mom, the way you treat the lady in the grocery store, that annoying person in the lunch room - Its all about you through HIM!

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Because of the decision (to follow Christ) we dont evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly dont look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationshop between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering firgiveness of sins. God has given us the tast of telling everyone what he is doing. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with GOd; He is already a friend with you. HOW? You say. IN Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

I AM WITH YOU. I AM WITH YOU. I AM WITH YOU.

Those words ring in my ears. I feel closer right now in my walk with Christ than I have in a long time. I feel energized and in step with where God is taking me, pointing me, teaching me - Yes some folks have left my life and I have endured a tough season but God is doing something new. I am excited for the new as I lean in and carefully the best way I know how to follow him. He has to be in your ALL loved ones. You cant follow him just on Sunday mornings, wed evening during bible study or worship services but in everything you do in each moment of the day. Your life is an act of worship! ALL OF IT.
When we approach our day this way - it all changes. Imagine doing everything you do in a 24 hr time span in honor of God. It changes everything.
Fall short, sure...you bet but pressing on to the next moment ready for what comes next.
Challenge or Opportunity?

Challenges today focuses on the now and opportunity lets you dream and speak into the future.
Turn your challenges today into your opportunities for tomorrow :)

All IN,
Lonnie

We had an amazing night last night as Carol and I took a van full of folks down to Indian Trail NC to see the production walkthrough - Judgement House. Last year Pastor Travis and I took 3 van fulls of students, parents and leaders and all of us where impacted in some way. Some holding on to my arms crying, scared and then full of joy as we walked through the rooms being played out right in front of us. Last night was no exception but just on a smaller scale. After we had got back and Carol and I were sitting watching game 6 of the World Series which was by far the best baseball game I have ever seen :) - I got a call from a mom telling me and thanking me for being a person that truly cares for her family, is always extending myself to include their family in all we do and pointing so much of what we do to Jesus. As this student came in the house and began to unfold what took place last night, tears rolled down her face, emotions overcome her and daughter and mom spoke for "real" for the first time in months. Gosh, I almost have tears thinking about that as I type this. It really has such amazing impact on us when we see others who lives are changed, decisions being made that are good and bad and the reflection of those choices. So for this mom and daughter, though not a bad relationship by far but as teens get into their teenage years, space is a tough place to be. That once close relationship has its moments where it seems so much seperates them and for a an hour last night... it was made close again. Praise God for that.
Its sometimes hard pulling people together to do something. Some dont want to go, some make excuses, some want to be personally asked or they wont FEEL invited or that you want them to go. Some dont get along with this person or that so they want to be asked but you know wont go. It takes a lot of energy at times and I often wonder why am I putting myself through all this. 50 text messages and picking up students and arranging driving and its all time consuming. I will have to say that nights like last night knowing that this family sat down and shared for the first time in awhile, make it all worth it. Sad for the folks who chose to sit at home in front of the tube or playing on facebook caught up in the fake drama world.
I choose to plug in and experience what God puts in front of me and the opportunities ahead.

I started off this morning running late after staying up late for the ballgame. No text prayer this morning, didnt make YCI, had to wait for Kyle this morning with his hair and drop him at school, work was well tense when I got in - so the day just hasnt started on the right foot. I decided to just pick up a book and look through it that I have read about 10 months ago and at the end of many of the chapters, I wrote prayers, seeking Gods wisdom and heart inbetween the pages and Im thinking, gosh - this is a treasure to find today. If you are inbetween reads take a moment and pick up "Do Something" by Miles McPherson. I am sure it will challenge you in many ways with its short stories.

I want to share that I have really been seeking hard the Lord heart in terms of Compassion. I think I have a good amount of compassion for people, the hurting, the lost, the sick, the ones with sad faces, the hurting students for so many reasons.... I do have a heart for people but I want it to be deeper and through the heart of Christ. Jesus was so compassionate for people. Often stopping in his preaching tours through the countryside to break bread and give fish. He sat with tax collectors, touched the unclean, healed the hurting - He crossed society lines, cast lines of people - he didnt care much for the typical but he pressed on to do whatever it took to touch the hurting. He had such great compassion for people - relationships was at the heart of Christ. It should be ours as well. There has to be a time in our lives where the normal, over looked, walk away from things that should be the things that make us mad, get up out of our seats to do something. We all should have those moments where we just have to get up, get out of our comfort zone and DO SOMETHING - it might be something that is breaking your heart and keeps you up at night. It might be that child that needs a fatherly figure or a motherly figure in their life. It may be that your heart breaks for the homeless, the hurting, the sick or old folks who are shut in. It may be the children in a 3rd world country who dont have enough to eat day to day or $5 medicine to give them health. It might be your friends who are about to toss everything away in their marriage and family and someone needs to speak into their lives over the choices they are making. It might be a friends son or daughter who is making very poor choices. It might even be cats at the shelter or the 49 of them at the barn who are all under weight. Whatever that is that breaks your heart - I pray that this season in time for you that it breaks your heart so much you do something about it.

In my book on page 100 there is a paragraph that just really speaks to me today. Its says:
Loving the "Least of these" - people who cannot pay you back, or increase your social status - is not an annual charity event. It is not something to do to feel good. It is not how you get into heave, but it is evedent in the lives of those who are going there.

That just really hits me. The reason why so many people chose to look the other way or to not get up and do something in their lives - is pride. Just my 2 cents of thought on that. Pride often keeps us focused on ourselves, worrying about the big guy and all our needs and wants and desires to keep us happy. This is what I wrote 2-20-11 on the page 101 in the little space right under the prayer that is written in the book to end this chapter.

Pride - it gets in the way of so many hearts. To move past pride @ times is so hard. Its often hard to see. Pride is personal and one that cant be lived through in someone elses life. It lives directly on our own shoulders. Pride keeps us from opening hearts to what God wants us to do because we only see ourselves and our points of view. As I sit on the porch @the cabin this morning, 2 cardinal birds are feeding @the bird feeder. The big bird checking on the lady bird fully aware where she is. No pride in serving her at all. Its in that bird that God created. We need to serve people that way. Serve them, love them, encourage them because like the cardinal, its already in us. God remove the pride so that I may help the "least of these". Center of hope later :) serving with a smile and a tender heart. Amen - Lonnie

So I will end this Friday post on "thewalk" with a question. What are you not doing because your pride is in the way? Who could you be serving, what could you be doing if your pride was not in the way?

Lord Please open our eyes of our hearts so that we may see who you want us to minister to. Please protect us from our pride so that we may receive a lesson from those who appear to be less fortunate. Amen.

Happy Friday loved ones,
Lonnie~