This has been a busy week but a week that has been most amazing. On Tuesday, me and a few of my students from Wed night youth group went to see the Passion Tour in uptown Charlotte. The Passion Tour is a group of musicians and bands that come together and tour the world to share, worship and praise our God and to send a message into the world to end world slavery. This movement is really gaining steam and laws are being passed each day to help the victims in the sex slave markets around our world. 27 million are forced in slavery, more than any other time in the history of the world and this all started because of one heart that broke and God ignited a fire in Christine Cain and she boldly took it to the world. So as these bands and musicians tour, they are spreading the love of Jesus and I want to tell you, what a concert - well not a concert really but a worship experience it was. Nothing like singing and praising our God with a few hundred folks in this small beautiful 150 year old church. Seeing Anna, Morgan, Maddison singing and raising their hands and smiling for 2 hours is well worth the $20 ticket. For them, their first Christian artist concert and one they will always remember. See these gals are leaders in their generation. They are in key club, they lead at church and in their youth group, they study hard and are wonderful young women. I love making and putting together opportunities for them to grow, to experience and have a chance to be involved in these kinds of things because it stretches us, it grows us, it gets us out of our comfort zones sometimes and that is exactly where God can use us. 

Meeting Kristian after the worship experience was awesome. Such a humbled and gentle spirit he has. He welcomed us in gave us a hug and a handshake and I thanked him for the workout session. He laughed and I said PassionP90X and it was awesome! Maddison said ever so quietly before we were next, - "I wonder if he knows he will be my husband?" - it was really funny and we all shared a good laugh.

When we can imprint amazing moments like this into our lives and into the lives of others, it has a lasting affect. Its like a fingerprint - it leaves a mark. These gals went home and shared their experience with their families. They shared with their classmates. They became contagious as they shared with others. The cost of this - Priceless. I just cant put a value on something with this much meaning. 

All I want, is by the end of the day, that my heart looks like His heart. I want to have the same things breaking me that are breaking Gods heart. I want to be able to honestly stand with my hands open and beg God to use me - WHATEVER - way he has willed me to do. 

Wednesday I put together a movie night to see the movie Home Run. I invited just about everyone I have contact info for as everyone was invited. Had a good turn out and the theater was pretty much ours and enjoyed a great movie with a powerful message to it. Pastor Tim, who has become such a great friend and brother in Christ this past year was very excited and happy that so many in his church came to see the movie and to hear the message of 2nd chances, that God loves us too much to leave us where we are and forgiveness.

As I wrap up this post, I just walked in from having lunch with my 5th graders. I got to share lunch with 3 different classes today as many sat with Lauren, Taylon and myself. Its such an amazing time being in their environment. All year the friendships grow and smiles and laughs and sharing comes more easily. Today, I found out one of my kids moved. Gone. Just like that. I was really making some leaps with him as he often pulled me aside and opened up. Sharing something about home or something funny. If a child is bold enough to ask me "Why do I come in and have lunch every week when i am not Taylons or Laurens dad?" - He is really thinking about things. Its awesome when they ask and I am not just telling them why I am there. They really seem to get the WHY then. As he finishes up 5th grade in the next few weeks, he will have a fresh start in middle school. I know he will rise to the occasion and flourish.

I will close with Psalm 116:1-2 as I read through my Bible plan in a year through LifeChurch.tv - "I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live."

Gods peace and favor,
Lonnie~

Carol and I had a very good anniversary yesterday. Thank you to all those who called, emailed, texted and sent messages on FaceBook or Twitter. We truly love you all. Carol, Kyle and I got to go out to eat to what I think is my favorite place to eat even though its a bit fancy. Holding pinky out here :) - Cajun Queen has got to be the cutest little place in Charlotte and the food it amazing. As you can tell by the name, its Cajun which means it has some heat in it. I like that. There in the upper room, a little 3 old man band was playing, a little drums, a little bass guitar and cutest old gentleman I have ever seen playing the piano. He was all crunched over and his arms didnt have to move much to have his hands on the keys and he just played. No notes. No sheet music. Nothing. Pretty awesome stuff as he played and smiled. You could just tell this man was at peace and enjoyed so much what he was doing.
I am sad to say that the tragedy yesterday in Boston played a big part in our day as with any tragedy like this, it really reminds us that life can turn in a moment. Thinking about 24 years of marriage and praying for another 24 years. Its humbling knowing that, especially at my age, that life has its major turns, battles and scars. My heart pours out to the folks in Boston and I just cant fathom why and how there is so much hatred in the world. I am comforted knowing that Christ is already at work in that area in the hearts of his people.

Yesterday during my quiet time as I am going through my YouVersion Bible reading plan in a year - I am in 2 Kings 5 and I came across this as it really came to life for me. I hope it comes to life for you in some way.

2 Kings 5

The Healing of Naaman

5 The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy.^[a]

² At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. ³ One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.”
⁴ So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. ⁵ “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold,^[b] and ten sets of clothing. ⁶ The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.”
⁷ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “This man sends me a leper to heal! Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.”
⁸ But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.”
⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. ¹⁰ But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
¹¹ But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! ¹² Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage.
¹³ But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir,^[c] if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’” ¹⁴ So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!
¹⁵ Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

I know the scripture is a bit long but its important to have the before and after from verse 12 and 13. See Naaman wanted to be cleaned from his leprosy. He was a mighty warrior, many killed in battles, a leader and people looked up to him and followed him but he had a major problem. He was sick. He had leprosy and it was probably hard to lead people in battle, to give commands to people and probably lots of them since he was the commander of the army. So he desperately wanted to be healed. So he went to see the prophet Elisha who would heal him but when he went, Elisha sent him away telling him to go wash in the Jordan. Naaman was furious. He wanted to be healed right then. He didnt want to do his part, follow directions or orders in army terms. He thought the waters of the Jordan were not different than other river waters and he had already tried all that and still he was infected. So after his officers spoke to him, reasoned with him, he went and did what Elisha told him to do. There ya go .... all clean. Skin like a baby. 

How often do we look for the big things in our lives when we should be paying attention and more importantly doing, the little things? We need a cure for something today but we refuse to go to the doctor. We need a miracle in our finances but we keep on spending. We are not happy in our relationship or marriage but refuse to sit down and work at it. We want our kids to make good choices but we dont show them a good example or invest more time with them. So often we need to listen to the people in our lives. We need to seek out our godly friends that God has placed in our lives and seek their advice. We need their counsel because they wont steer us wrong. Maybe we dont because we honestly, want to do things our way. We want to do the things we want to do regardless if it brings healing, hope, restoration. We know what they are going to tell us and that is honestly what we dont want to do. So we dont ask. We buy the house we cant afford. We rent the car that is too expensive and we get stuck even further with monthly bills. We go to the other college because boyfriend or girlfriend goes there.

I bet if we each take a look around at the godly folks in our lives today. You will have some. Maybe today, would be a good idea, to call them, text them or send them an email to thank them first but more importantly to set up some coffee time and share. Open up a little, seek some advice on that thing that you are struggling with. Lighten the yolk up a little and let this godly friend pour some wisdom into you. It may take only 10 seconds of courage to do it. Do it anyway...... 

Like the officers, they spoke to Naaman, reminded him to do the little things and stop looking for the big thing that is going to make a huge difference. Your miracle that you need today may just be a listening ear away. Stay obedient in the small things, the big things will work out to.

Love you all,
Lonnie~  

 

You might be thinking this is our wedding photo. You would be wrong. For those in our life right now who have teenagers going to prom, since its prom season, this is our prom picture. Looks like a wedding photo though doesn't it? Carol and I are one of the small % of couples that get married that dated in high school.  To clear a few things up, Carol is still just as pretty and sweet as she was back then. I did have hair back then since most people today know me with no hair. I probably couldn't see the photographer in this picture because I did not have my glasses on, my mom worked for company that barely had vision benefits so I always got the army surplus glasses that made me look like a raccoon or a satellite dish on my face. - But hey we were in love :)

24 years ago today I remember waking up in my apartment, Carol still lived at home with her mom and dad, and my best man and wedding guys slowly came over. It was a day full of excitement, full of dreams and full of rain. I am not talking like showers that pass by but I am talking a rain like Noah would be nervous about. It rained so hard that day that the limo couldnt come pick the guys up and take them to the church. We all piled into my dads white van to take us to the church in the last minutes before things got underway without being late. So many folks there that day and I remember seeing Carol at the other end of the church and thinking, gosh, is this for real? My walk with Christ at this time wasnt more than a walk that my mom had. My faith then was very much through her. I will always remember my moms love for Jesus was always quiet. Her spiritual side was kept very close to her until her last few months on this earth - it was only then that I saw how much my mom lived her life. So as our wedding day washed before our eyes, we danced, we sang, we partied and had so much fun. They say, rain on your wedding day bring the marriage luck. I hope that still is true today. I am so blessed to still be in love with Carol like we were when we were in our 20's and even before. As high school ended, college started, full time work began and Carol and I continued to make some good choices, dream big and work hard on those dreams. The day after our wedding we flew to Ocho Rios Jamaica for a week and fell in love with the island people. Who knew that 22 years later, Carol and my son Kyle and a bunch of close people, like family in our life, would be returning for a mission trip. Everything always comes full circle. Looking back I can see that more and more in my life as I get older. Everything has a season and everything comes back around. Its almost as if its like putting closure to so much. 

24 years of marriage has been wonderful, it has been hard work in some seasons of time, its been beautiful and its been fun. I think the key ingredient for us as I look back is, we were friends before we started dating. We liked each other first before we loved each other. It was a funship of friendship but working together to common goals while trying to always put the other person first. 

With most marriages ending today in a dismal 50% ratio - I think about our parents. Walt and MaryLou. Lonnie Sr and my mom Lois. A lifetime committed to marriage. I am so thankful we had good examples to go by. I am so blessed to see the struggles of our parents and being able to work things out and throwing in the towel was never an option. I can say that Carols mom and dad loved each other all the days of their lives. My dad loved my mom all the days of hers. There is such comfort knowing that your spouse has your back and no matter what happens - throwing in the towel is never an option. Honoring the other before self - that keeps the bad decisions few and far between. 

Carol I am so thankful for you. The way you love your friends, deeply, the way you love Kyle and our family and what that represents. Our family time is so important to you and giving Kyle a great example of how a wife and mom leads in the family. You loved Kate just as deeply and even though those wounds resurface from time to time. I know that love would never be in vain. Even though it didn't end the way we wanted. Even though we didn't listen to others as we took her in and loved her like our own daughter. We stuck to prayer and doing what God had called us to do. I know we wouldn't take that season of time back. It has made us closer. It has created a tighter bonded team. It has shaped us in so many ways. It has shown us to trust each other and God more. I am so thankful to have you as my teammate in life. I thank God for you and how richly blessed I am. 24 years and praying even better 24 more. 

You have always been the love of my life and the last few years since God has moved from someone I barely knew to the heart full that he continues to give me daily - Our love for each other is even stronger because of Him. 

I didn't have to think long about marriage as it is shared with us in Gods word. John 2 is the first miracle that Jesus performed. By turning water into wine, God revealed himself in such a huge way - A wedding celebration. His first sign of his glory. Our marriages today need God in them. Not as an add-on but as a centered piece. I am convinced that after living 47 years of my life, most of which being married, that the secret in marriage and honoring each other is putting Christ at the center of everything you do.

I have to say, with the road we have traveled - its the one true thing that has held us together. Only by his power, his grace and his love have we been able to endure all we have, enjoyed the seasons of such joy, given Kyle a home with a mom and dad, and a loving example of what marriage kindashoulda - look like. Though nothing is ever perfect, nothing is ever worth having without a struggle to keep it. 

I love you with all my heart Carol. Looking forward to the next, whatever God has in store for us. The dreams are endless, the possibilities are awesome and I have someone to smile with along this journey. 

All my heart,

Lonnie~

Had a pretty busy weekend, as the weather was finally nice and had a chance to work in the yard. So far behind on some things and at times when I step back and look at everything in the big picture, its easy for me to get overwhelmed. Kyle and I had a good work day, removing pond, bushes, cutting and splitting firewood and getting grass cut and pool opened.

Yesterday was a good day as my family and I got the chance to visit a local church that has opened. Their first official launch was Easter Sunday and God blew the doors off this place with standing room only and I would have to say, a very successful launch. I am very excited that High Rock Church is here in our community. 15 years of looking at a building with a couple tenants and mostly empty for the past few years, I often asked and spoke to God about that location and how a church would be amazing there right on the main road of our small town of Harrisburg. God had plans for this location and I am so very thankful that Pastor Robbie and I have hooked up, teamed up, and share so much in common. Its going to be an exciting journey as people who don't know God will come to know Him because of the vision that this church has and Pastor Robbie and his staff and volunteers have to reach people. Service was packed yesterday, greeting was welcoming, band was on point and even 3rd worship song in was Elevation Church - I think they put that in there for me :) - and Pastor Robbie spoke a good word from Matthew 7 that talks about accountability and loving others by not calling them out and judging them because they are different. We need to not call people out because they dont believe or act the same way we do because they may not know Christ and we do, so how can they act and speak and do the things we do. They dont know Christ yet. So by humbling ourselves it leads to healing. It leads to a gentle heart and common ground so that through being humble, we can reach out and walk with those we are called to love.  Judging leads to judgement. A great 2 service High Rock! I look forward to serving the kingdom with ya'll in whatever roll that may be.

After church Carol and I hit the gym, had a good workout which was long overdue. Need to find time to make that happen more often. Its good for the heart, soul and mind - especially for me. I just feel better when I can tear it up in the gym. A little work in the yard, dinner and then Elevation Church last night. Pastor Steven brought an amazing word from God as we started our new series - "Gods Will Whatever". I have to say that I dont know how Pastor brings such good word to us every single week. It completely blows me away at times and this week was not any different. A Easter message where Pastor spoke to over 26000 people and he comes right back the next week with an amazing word as we dug in to figure out "What is Gods will for our life". A couple key points being:
~ We cannot do Gods will until we understand Gods will.
~ Gods will is through Works - we either get on board with him or we get steamrolled.
~Gods will is not the most undesirable option. Its not us picking his choice because its the one we think will suck the most and we just do it because.
~When we walk in Gods ways, we are in Gods will.

Collosians 3:17 - And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Here is where it really took a hold of me last night. I mean it really shook my core and its not anything I didnt already know but I am here to tell you it really SPOKE in me. Gods will for our lives as Pastor taught, is to do WHATEVER - being a student, work at a university, stay at home mom, work in the library, a doctor, work at the bank, a coach, a teacher, play sports, dance, sing, a fireman or a policeman - WHATEVER - you do, do it all in the name of the Lord. I get asked so often, especially being around students either in college or in high school. Mr Lonnie what is Gods will for my life? What am I to do? Do I want to be a teacher? Should I go out with this guy or gal? We are talking marriage but I am unsure. Those are all great decisions and yes, they need prayer, concentration and focus to make good wise choices. But WHATEVER you do - honor God in doing them. Take Christ with you wherever you go. 
Its not that important which college you go to but it matter more WHO you are when you do go. His will is in the present not the future. Its right now! Are you in Gods will in your situation, relationships, struggles, at school or in your job? Gods will isnt about who you are going to be because you are not there yet. Gods will is in the NOW so he can create who you are to BECOME.

God has placed you in the moment right now, not wishing you were doing something else, or what you could do or what someone else says you should be doing. 
That really hit me hard. As I posted on Facebook last night, as I couldnt hold this in any longer. People ask me from time to time. Why are you working there? You should be on staff at a church somewhere. You should be leading mission teams, leading a student ministry, you are so good with people. Yes, I have asked myself those same questions. I have a job leading a student ministry from my long time friend and pastor - (Travis) I just have to move to Maine. I love what I do. I love the people in my life that God has placed around me. I love loving on the families and the students while pointing them to Jesus. I love encouraging and serving others and leading people to do the same, to serve along side of me. Its a passion I am so passionate about. 
Last week I got invited to speak at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, which is a women and children homeless facility in Charlotte NC for their volunteer luncheon. I was a little nervous as I have not spoken in front of a crowd that large in some time. I didnt have any notes but just wanted to share my heart about my volunteer time there. I got started a little tough but my heart poured open and I think I landed it pretty well. I got to meet a lot of folks with the same desire to invest in others. To see people regain hope and get back on their feet while being shown and reminded that people care about them and love them. Its such an honor being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need not a hand out but just a hand up.

If we really sink in and examine the WHY - we do things, serve, work, preach, study, etc... God will work it all out right. We will be in Gods will because we will understand WHY its Gods will. Its a motive before its an action. Far too often as Pastor explained, we wait around looking for the burning bush instead of just being WHO God has called us to be. 

Be WHO God has called you to be. The where will work it out. 
2 Samuel 22:31 - “God’s way is perfect " All the Lord’s promises prove true.
Romans 8:28 -^"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." 

God will take your entire life, the good, the bad, the ugly, the pretty and use it for his purposes. You are never too far from God that He cant use you. Your story, your testimony, is the account in your life of what God has done to those who dont know Him. God will and can use everyone's story. Your story matters. 

So today - go and do your day - student at school, gym teacher, professor, on the wrestling mat, in your studies, in your relationships - WHATEVER.

You are Gods representative and just maybe, the only Bible some will see today. 

Thanks for an amazing day yesterday Lord as you spoke directly to my heart through High Rock and Elevation church. Praying I bring you praise, honor and glory as I go about my day sharing what You are teaching me for my life. Amen,

Peace today,
Lonnie~  

It has been a busy week to say the least. A lot going on as we entered this incredible week between Palm Sunday and Easter. Its always a week I reflect a lot on not only personally but also outwardly. I reflect a lot on the ministry serving that I am doing and pray through those outreach things I am carrying. Are they making a difference in the lives of others? Am I effectively sharing the good news of Christ? Is there something I should stop doing and start doing something else? Is there someone I am investing in that isn't responding that I need to just give the space to? Is there someone else that I need to pour into? This is a great week to do those things because its all in the grace of Christ that we have this week in the first place.
Last night while serving at a local church in their student ministry, I spoke through Luke 19 and had a video after my message and I really felt like the spirit was working in them. I could see it in their eyes as they hung on every word spoken. I am truly blessed to be asked to have a lead in this student ministry, as one student messaged me last night and shared: Mr Lonnie you have such passion when you speak about Jesus. I love coming here because you make it fun to learn about Christ. Thank you!

I know I shouldn't put a huge amount of value in the affirmation of others but sometimes its what we need to keep moving forward, that you are in track, that what you are pouring into is making a difference in someones life. When a student asks you about baptism and what it means and then asks the Pastor when is the next baptism - thats crossing over right there. Thats something to get excited about! Gosh I cant type this fast enough while thinking about these conversations :)

I have been learning some things about "Joy" and "Happiness" lately. I have been really pressing myself to dig a little deeper in these 2 important things in life. I do believe there are some people that totally have about zero % of these things in their life for whatever reason. They are just made that way or they have learned it over the years. Maybe they dont know what its like at all to be full of joy or being happy. Maybe they rely totally on the actions and words of others to fulfill these qualities and I can imagine that it doesnt always work nor does it last very long.
As the wise men in the Bible came to see baby Jesus after the angel of the Lord spoke to them and shared - "Don't be afraid, I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." That IS the gospel. JOY. Its central and its imperative. Its the Good News of Jesus. The announcement doesn't say to "some people" it says to "all people". Great joy! If you are a follower of Christ, there is no reason to walk around with your head down or a frown all the time on your face. One of the things I have been learning as I continue "MyWalk" with Christ is to talk less, listen more, and pray with others. I don't have to have all the answers, God has them, I just want to walk with you and pray with you.
People take themselves way to seriously and when that happens its like walking around with a grudge all the time. They fuss over their hair, their clothes, homes, friendships, spouses, school work jobs to just name a few. We have to be serious in life at times but not at the cost of taking the joy and happiness out of it. Happiness is always temporary and is usually a result of something or someone. Joy comes from the Lord. Its in our hearts and when God is fully behind out hearts, thats when the joy comes out.
We don't have to walk around with long faces and listing out all the things we are struggling with. Maybe today should be a day that we not pray for God to remove or be in our situations or difficulties but thank God for them. Ask God to change us instead of our problems so that we can rise over our problems. Our problems and our past do not define us, God does. Our paths ahead define us because God is in our definition as a person. We belong to Him. Nehemiah 8:10 "Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is our strength". That's the Good News!
You don't need a new mattress. You don't need to try harder. You don't need to exercise more or win the lottery or get that girl you have been chasing - Joy and strength come from the Lord.
Believe me, it has taken me a lifetime of learning, reflecting and praying to finally begin to understand this. I spend a lot of time with teenagers, you have really happy easy to get along with young people and then there are some that are as difficult as dealing with Shrek with hemorrhoids.
Happiness is an emotion and one that we can have complete control over because its a decision. Its easier for some than it is for others. I get that. But its still a choice. Accept the situation and make the most of it. Lean in and find out what God is trying to teach you through it.

As a parent, as many of us are, we can never base our happiness on our teenagers. Even stretching as far as the young people in your life if you are like me that has a host of young people surrounding you. If we base our happiness on them, we are doomed for failure. I admit its hard when others are struggling. We want to help. We want to talk things through. We want to be there for them. When they walk away or need some space, those are really some hurting times. We have all been there as teens begin pulling away from parents. Our teens are no different. They pull away from most adults as they learn to be an adult. Yes sometimes it doesn't make any sense nor is it easy to watch them wander in the wilderness making some bad choices, get caught off guard in some things that this life throws and just being naive enough not to know better. Some are more trusting than others, some more focused than others and some just a disaster waiting to happen. But thankfully God gives us and our young people the opportunity to struggle through life so that we might grow and mature. If we based our own happiness on how great things are with our teens - we would all wind up being some miserable people. Romans 12:12 "Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer".

I hope that this season of time, especially during this special week in the Christian faith, that you take some time to reflect and refocus and then renew. My family is especially excited for our church services to start tomorrow at 7pm. First of many worship experiences over the weekend at all our locations. We are then headed to the beach for a few days as Kyle is on spring break starting tomorrow going through all next week. Its time to focus as a family in what is ahead and also to have a little down time and some fun. I am excited for all the people who will come to church, some for the first time, some for the first time in a long time, and some regulars that need a fresh word from God. He is what truly matters in this life. In closing prayer last night, as I circled the students together for the first time in holding hands in a circle, I prayed over them and then spoke over them - that we were created by the dust of the earth as the Bible tells us in Genesis. We were not yet alive even though we had bodies. We were not alive until God breathed into us. His breath gives us life. I had all the students to take a deep breath. Think about the breath you just took, God gave you that. Without it you are dead. With it you are alive. Now go, breathing in the life that God gave you. Walk a life of worship in all you do. You have Gods breath giving you life.
I pray that for you today as well.
Have a great Easter holiday everyone. Remembering the Lord, Our God and all he has done for us. When we show God our faith, He will show us his faithfulness.
Lonnie~

Things have been busy the last few weeks with lots of family stuff going on, church and serving in various places and last Saturday Carol and I and a handful of amazing you people served at JoyProm. This is a prom for those with special needs. Last year we got to serve for the first time and was overwhelmed at what we got to see first hand. This past weekend was no different, except being much bigger. Carol and I got to serve alongside some amazing young people who fully enjoyed themselves, serving, hugging, sharing smiles, helping out of limos, greeting, dancing, serving all night long. Our friends Sherry and Donnie lead the way in leadership, vision and passion for serving those in our community with special needs. We had one family come all the way from Indiana to be a part of this. So very honored to have the opportunity to serve. It really has such a huge impact on your life when you step far out of yourself to serve the needs of others.

We have a couple amazing things happening lately - Kyle for one cleared medically after his dislocated knee. He is clear to begin working out and running again. Carol and I are very thankful for this especially after not having to have surgery. There is a new church coming to our small hometown of Harrisburg and we are excited to have High Rock Church and Pastor Robbie and his core team opening this Easter. They are going to make a huge impact into our community for Jesus. Carol and I have met with Pastor Robbie over dinner to speak student ministry, outreach, tour of the building and we are very excited to have them in our community. I remember that building 17 years ago sitting there mostly empty the last 10 years and saying, God, that location would be a perfect location for a church. I have prayed many times over that idea and to see it actually happen now is very cool. We plan to visit them often and to partner with them in doing outreach in our community. Churches should partner together - its for the Kingdom and not for the safety of our congregations. I have always had an issue with how churches build walls and then protect their people from visiting another church or throwing them under the bus when they leave for whatever reasons. We have been given grace by God and we should extend that Grace to others. This leads me to my post today - Grace.

What is it? - Why do we have it? Why does God give it to us?
Grace is unearned favor. We didnt do anything to receive it or earn it. God extends his Grace to us and was obsessed with showing mercy to those who least deserved it. He was committed to showing grace to the worst of sinners and last time I checked and if totally being honest, that includes me. Sin is sin and only in our minds do we label which ones are worse than the others. We are all sinners and do wrong - we make unwise choices, we manage to screw things up, we repeat offenses time and time again - all the while promising to do better. Sometimes even begging God to help us do better. But then we dont. If my sins are not as bad as the other person - it separates us and in doing that it makes us feel better about ourselves because our sins are not as bad as their sins. Because comparing to them - we are doing pretty well. I think a lot of that mindset comes when we look at the homeless for example. Through the Opportunity House and serving a meal, message and worship to the homeless in our community now for the past year or so - I dont look at these folks differently anymore. I at times can see myself sitting at the table and being served a meal. Most of us are 1 or 2 decisions away from there anyways. God loves them just as much as he loves me and you. They are people. They have times of good and bad just like we do. They are less fortunate and their situations are difficult just like ours is. It just looks different and I can honestly say, that most of these folks are really amazing people. There are hugs, laughs and a love of Jesus in them that I dont get to see in others often times and even in myself at times. Problem with separating ourselves from sinners just puts a wall up to say - I dont have to deal with their pain. Jesus was not like that and neither should we. Jesus came for them. He came for the hopeless, the oppressed, the hurting, the struggling, the sinners! He pointed at the Pharisees because they have the rules of looking spiritual but they were dead on the inside. Our hearts should bleed with compassion and not be looking to justify our actions or how we treat others.
I have a long way to go to be able to relate to people like Jesus did. I admit that in my early walk with Christ I was learning so much, not that I am not now, it was just a little different then. I think today, my journey is less about telling people - especially the young people in my life, what to do and more about listening, sharing a hug and praying together.
We should never lose sight of the person (sinner) because of the sin. Jesus knew the sin of the people he ministered to because the person was more important.
Pharisees had the rules down pat. Man made rules keep us looking good on the outside but does nothing for the inside. As I think about my niece and the place and condition we got her in years ago - I have learned that rules only modify the outside, our behavior, but doesnt do anything on the inside.
Grace changes the heart. It helps us make better choices because its working on the inside.
There is a passage from Matthew that I will close with today. Its a perfect picture of Gods grace extended to us.
Matthew 6:6

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

 

I am still learning, thankfully. A work in progress but today, as I learn more and more about this abundant Grace from our heavenly father - the more I want to share it with others. I have to have it in order to give it. I am thankful today that God touched my heart. Grace is the fuel of our faith. 

Grace IS Jesus.

 

Lonnie~

It is spring break week here at the university and most of the students are gone as well as the skeleton of folks who stay and keep things running. Its a nice pause in the semester even though when you think of "Spring Break" you would think warm temps and time to get outside with some fresh air. Not the case this year with highs here only in the 40's most of the week.
The cold nights reminds me of the critters that come to our front porch almost every evening. Carol is a big time animal lover and she often feeds our leftovers to the animals that live outside our home, down in the woods, along the creek and in the trees. We have had "Opey" the possum that was as white as snow, the racoons that would come and bring the entire family (the babies were do cute) and the occasional putty. Carol would set out warm milk for the cat - who visited us for years each and every day looking for something to warm her belly. Carol often said she wanted to bring her in and and really make her a part of the family. I always said no as I dont like cats all that much and having an outdoor cat was just fine with me. Over the years though we all grew fond of our little underweight visitor. We often would sit on the front porch and rub her back and head and she seemed to enjoy it but that tooks months to get to that place. Not knowing if she was abandoned or abused, she was always skittish of us and would quickly run off when we walked out, or hid in the bushes until the coast was clear. See no matter how much we wanted her to feel comfortable or how badly we wanted to bring her into our home and make her a part of the family, she just couldn't do it. Maybe she had made huge steps into allowing us to pet her after years of of being afraid and maybe in a few more years of running, hiding and full of fear she may have accepted us as her family. Our walk with Christ is about the same way. We run from God in so many areas of our lives, we are often, hurt, beat up by life itself, carrying baggage by our life choices, afraid, unable to trust others due to some hurt along the way - we hide when there are others in our lives fully accepting us into their lives. God is not different.
Thankfully, God accepts you the way you are. With all the hurt, baggage and scars. He loves you and wants to take you in and give you a home. Much like the little putty we had visiting for years, we kept accepting, kept feeding, kept looking after, kept trying and kept loving no matter what condition, level of fear, or appearance she came to us in. God accepts you the way you are and is constantly after you because he has his sights on you. He knows your life would be so much differently, probably much better than the armpit of life we often find ourselves in, that he continues to reach out to you.

Deuteronomy 33:27 - "The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you."

No matter how much you tank in life, however many bad choices you have made or how far you have run from God - He is still there. He is not giving up on you and he will use every chance he gets to remind you - how valuable you are to him.

Carol, Kyle and I loved our little visitor each night. We accepted her the way she was, tiny, dirty, afraid and untrusting but we loved her anyways. We kept after her, loved her and made her a part of the family. It was up to her to slowly put the fears down and raise the bars to trust. What fears are keeping you from God today? What is holding you back from fully trusting him?

Why not let God love on you today, feed you when you are hungry, clothe you when you are cold and hold you when you are hurting? God will do those things and so much more. A little more trust and a little less fear goes a long way. Get the journey started today....

Lonnie~