For so many of you - who know me - know my story. My testimony. My walk was planted not that long ago by by Uncle Buster and Aunt Sharon. A seed that over time grew and sprouted roots. Strong roots because as I look at faith - if I had to look at someone as an example in my family ... it would be my Uncle Buster and Aunt Sharon. For years they have prayed for me, Carol and Kyle and the rest of my family. They are where I get the prayers warrior status that some of you have labeled me with. We don't talk every day but our hearts are in tune with each other. My Aunt Sharon had a vibe so often times with my mom - they knew each others thoughts, feelings and could finish each other sentances. There have been many times over the last few years that I have felt Aunt Sharon or Uncle Buster in a special way ... and have called to find out whats up... she has done the same. Again ... Aunt Sharon shining for our Lord by reaching out and extending words of wisdom. Wisdom that runs deep in truth and wide as any mountain range. I do know I would not be in "mywalk" today if it were not for them.
I love you always Aunt Sharon and Uncle Buster .... you are 2 very special people and that is not only in my eyes.... All of heaven is proud of you for your continued years of serving our Lord Jesus and your faithfulness.
Sharing tonight ... with tears in my eyes.
*****
There is a song that Uncle Buster sings that I want to share with you at this moment. It is a "Rainy day blues" song, I think God means for it to be shared with you.It goes like this:
KNOWN ONLY TO HIM
When my eyes behold the stars, This heart of mine can't help but wonder.My poor mind cannot grasp the array, But the hand that spilled them thereAll across the wide HeavensHad a plan when He placed them that way.
Known only to HIm, are the great hidden secretsI'll fear not the darknessThough my flame shall dimI know not what the future holdsBut I know who holds the futureIt's a secret known only to HIM.
In this world of fear and doubtOn my knees I ask this questionWhy a lonely heavy cross I must bearThen He tells me in my prayersIt's because I am trustworthyHe gives me strength for more than my share.
Known only to Him are the great hidden secretsI'll fear not the darknessThough my flame shall dimI know not what the future holdsBut I know who holds the futureIt's a secret known only to HIM.
It's a secret know only to HIM.
I love you, ALWAYS here for you,Aunt Sharon
Monday, August 31, 2009
Rainy day blues....
As a follower Jesus - I should not be walking around like this today. I should be smiling and claiming victory in every area of my life - why - because Jesus has done that for me. So why the rainy day blues?
It was an emotional day yesterday at church. Feeling the weight building for the last few months, weeks, days and hours leading up to last week has been emotionally draining on me ...Carol included....Kyle included. Add the fact that school started and all the "new" that comes with that - 2 kids starting new schools... knowing very few people ... new routines with bus schedules and drop offs in the mornings... emotions of Kate being homesick and learning her new bounderies made for a hard week. Yesterday was such a powerful message at church and the music blew my heart away. Ending the service with people standing all around who need prayer - Pastor Jimmy praying for those in need and feeling those prayers really hit me hard. Emotions swelled and I am not much for holding them back these days. Thanks mom. So sometimes you just have to let it out........ and then evaluate, learn, grow and move on. God wants us moving forward and living life in the front of us.
After a great rock group meeting last night .... Carol and I finally had a chance to sit down and again emotions roll out with everything taking place and all that we have to do. Much is required these days .... and if I dwell on all that ... my head would just explode. God has us in a season of testing. What have we learned? What have I learned? Lord my trust is in you .... You will make a way for us. Myth~ that we have come to know as truth but is fully a lie, is the fact that God wont put on you more than you can handle. I used to believe that but I don't anymore. How is God to get your best out of you if He doesn't overload you? He wants to push you beyond our human limits so that we rely on Him. If we can do it on our own - who would need Him? .........
So as a parent - we want to fix things, we want to handle things and we want things to work out. Sometimes without the process to get there and sometimes we can't do those things and they really make our lives heavy. We begin to drag that around with us and if there are small failures along the way ... we make them HUGE when indeed they are not!! And there lie the lies that Satan has us believing ..living in defeat and living with our heads down and in the "Rainy day blues".
Each day is new.... Each day has its own victories and success stories in them. Build from there......
I started a day early in my NT90X - reading the New Testament for the next 90 days.... Pretty excited about this new adventure but I do plan on keeping with my study quiet time in the mornings flipping pages and letting God lead me to where He wants me. Maybe that is not the way others go about their quiet time but it seems to work for me.
I am in Psalms 62 today: 1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Shaken I am feeling today .... but rest assured ... I have to carry my cross, look whats up ahead and take comfort knowing that heaven is cheering me on. As I think about the people in my life... the people I am walking with.... if its their hurts or mine - you can tell when there is that genuine love. I am blessed to be doing life with many who are walking with me and my family. I take comfort in the hand that laid on my shoulder yesterday with my wifes hand wrapped around mine and on my chest as I wept during the prayer. I thank you for that! I am blessed to sit with one of "MyKids" yesterday at the 11:00 service who moved to come and sit with me, as mom was somewhere else ... she reached and we held hands as we prayed. I am proud of her for picking up her cross and making it personal. Its hers ... she owns it .... and its to be shared and experienced with others.
There is more to do ... there are more folks to reach.... and I will not rest... until my name is called.
Psalm 62: 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Lonnie~
It was an emotional day yesterday at church. Feeling the weight building for the last few months, weeks, days and hours leading up to last week has been emotionally draining on me ...Carol included....Kyle included. Add the fact that school started and all the "new" that comes with that - 2 kids starting new schools... knowing very few people ... new routines with bus schedules and drop offs in the mornings... emotions of Kate being homesick and learning her new bounderies made for a hard week. Yesterday was such a powerful message at church and the music blew my heart away. Ending the service with people standing all around who need prayer - Pastor Jimmy praying for those in need and feeling those prayers really hit me hard. Emotions swelled and I am not much for holding them back these days. Thanks mom. So sometimes you just have to let it out........ and then evaluate, learn, grow and move on. God wants us moving forward and living life in the front of us.
After a great rock group meeting last night .... Carol and I finally had a chance to sit down and again emotions roll out with everything taking place and all that we have to do. Much is required these days .... and if I dwell on all that ... my head would just explode. God has us in a season of testing. What have we learned? What have I learned? Lord my trust is in you .... You will make a way for us. Myth~ that we have come to know as truth but is fully a lie, is the fact that God wont put on you more than you can handle. I used to believe that but I don't anymore. How is God to get your best out of you if He doesn't overload you? He wants to push you beyond our human limits so that we rely on Him. If we can do it on our own - who would need Him? .........
So as a parent - we want to fix things, we want to handle things and we want things to work out. Sometimes without the process to get there and sometimes we can't do those things and they really make our lives heavy. We begin to drag that around with us and if there are small failures along the way ... we make them HUGE when indeed they are not!! And there lie the lies that Satan has us believing ..living in defeat and living with our heads down and in the "Rainy day blues".
Each day is new.... Each day has its own victories and success stories in them. Build from there......
I started a day early in my NT90X - reading the New Testament for the next 90 days.... Pretty excited about this new adventure but I do plan on keeping with my study quiet time in the mornings flipping pages and letting God lead me to where He wants me. Maybe that is not the way others go about their quiet time but it seems to work for me.
I am in Psalms 62 today: 1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Shaken I am feeling today .... but rest assured ... I have to carry my cross, look whats up ahead and take comfort knowing that heaven is cheering me on. As I think about the people in my life... the people I am walking with.... if its their hurts or mine - you can tell when there is that genuine love. I am blessed to be doing life with many who are walking with me and my family. I take comfort in the hand that laid on my shoulder yesterday with my wifes hand wrapped around mine and on my chest as I wept during the prayer. I thank you for that! I am blessed to sit with one of "MyKids" yesterday at the 11:00 service who moved to come and sit with me, as mom was somewhere else ... she reached and we held hands as we prayed. I am proud of her for picking up her cross and making it personal. Its hers ... she owns it .... and its to be shared and experienced with others.
There is more to do ... there are more folks to reach.... and I will not rest... until my name is called.
Psalm 62: 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Lonnie~
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday...
It has been some time that I have been this relieved, excited and pumped about a Friday. Carol, Kyle, Kate and I are headed for a first ever as a family over night stay to the cabin. We have one of "MyKids" going with us and hopefully another family that IS family going with us too. I am especially pumped for it as we spend time together, invest and enjoy some smiles. This has been a long week - On a few different occasions we have had to adjust the game plan. We have had to take out an additional set of rules, call in for help (prayer) and examine the weakness that was dragging the family in the wrong direction. Much like a Panther Football game - as the coaches examine each drive - they have to sometimes adjust the play calling in order to win the game. They have to move people in and off the field in order to compete in the game. Much like our lives-we sometimes are unsure how the blowout started but we look up and we are knee deep in the crap and we have to do something different in order to have a different outcome. We may have never even seen it coming ... splat - a turnover and life needs to be adjusted.
A few nights this week I lay in bed thinking over the past few months, what was right, what went wrong, what I could have done better or did differently....A good evaluation .... but life so many times is lived living in the rear view mirror and God has a lot to say about living life that way. I am excited for Rock Group this Sunday and be able to lead on a few things as well as tackle a new lesson topic that deals with some big issues. I am hoping it will be a great followup to our Pastors Tag Team lifetalk on RESET. I am excited about it ........
I want to share something funny this afternoon - as this story has been unfolding all week. Donnie is our Pastor of Connections at church and on his blog he has been having some hair troubles.... so he decided to change his "DO" - you can check that out here.... http://www.donnieicenhour.blogspot.com/ - Donnie - you are one funny dude and I have needed the laughs this week bro.
I had the chance last night to take some of "MyKids" to the rollerskating rink. Yes they still do that after all these years. It was fun getting the chance to catch up on SO many of last years kids that I have missed over the summer and who are now in middle school. It was fun catching up with them and excitement was full tilt! Morgan does not skate so she and I headed for some ice cream and just time to hang out together. The great thing about it is, doesn't really matter what we do - its just fun. I am blessed to have stepped up my game for her and her sister this summer. Love you both! Here we are in Dicks Sporting Goods and I had Morgan try on some football shoulder pads and I handed her a football. Morgan .... you got stardom no matter what you set your heart on! Proud of you - Mean it!~ With love and Gods peace everyone, Lonnie~
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Influence..... is tough
Influence as defined from Dictionary.com = the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.
Influence is pretty powerful stuff. It affects adults as well as our children. It can be positive but can also be negative. We really have to be careful in our lives to what influences us ... what speaks to our hearts, what speaks to our minds and moves us in our actions. The road ahead could have dangerous curves.
These magazines that the young girls are reading today- it just upsets me. Their message, I can see it in reaching into the minds and hearts of our kids - especially those close to me. I have had conversations about it. What the magazines and society say what they are supposed to look like, how thin, hair color, makeup, dating ... its all there as sound advice right? but is it?
As I step further and further into this role being a youth leader - I am taking this more and more serious and sometimes I just get panic stricken to what influences our kids are under.
So what can I, what can we do about it? Scream, get mad, blame others, complain or shall we take a stand and talk with our kids - model to them with our actions, preach to them what God says on the subject and what He thinks about them? - I don't think that is happening enough today. I recently made a comment to one of my peers in our youth program at church that I thought we were from the same mold. Almost all the time we are encouraging someone, posting a positive note on a facebook page or making ourselves available to listen or talk with. Listening is key - where do we learn this skill? Its not taught in school really or at home ... but its VITAL to communicating properly. If we are talking all the time - we are not listening and often times missing important instructions or details.
So what can we do? I fully believe we can still make a difference.
We need to 1. pray for each other. We need to pray to remove the distractions in our lives that keep us unfocused. Even if you are grown and excuses get in the way to not come to church on Sundays - I am praying those distractions will not get in the way. We need to pray for our children's distractions ... their influences like their friends, the music that is so important to them and their relationships with their parents. Parents we have to step up and get involved - otherwise society will take on that leadership role in their lives - even if that means blocking MTV or some other avenue from the home. 2. As I am trying to do all the times is reflect a practical principle in life or in that struggle that God has something to say about it. We need the God wow factor to play a part in the solutions. God does have a lot to say about our influences - He is the master influencer! 3. Get involved. If a friend knows we truly care and love them ... they will be more open to us and respond. As I look around at the kids in my life - they know how I feel about them - they know I want to pour into them. I have their interest and their hearts on my heart. It is what God called me to do! As parents - its what you are called to do for your children. 4. I know I can't do this alone and there are times I am sure mykids need someone else to talk to. I am thankful for the other leaders and other parents who are involved to be there for them. A friend needs a friend. Therapist folks have couches that are full just for this reason - someone to talk to, someone to unload on and someone to trust in.
As parents, as the church, and as leaders we need to partner together to make a lasting difference. Great influences...... for long term positive results.
In closing comes from Ephesians 6 today.
A Fight to the Finish
10-12 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Influence is pretty powerful stuff. It affects adults as well as our children. It can be positive but can also be negative. We really have to be careful in our lives to what influences us ... what speaks to our hearts, what speaks to our minds and moves us in our actions. The road ahead could have dangerous curves.
These magazines that the young girls are reading today- it just upsets me. Their message, I can see it in reaching into the minds and hearts of our kids - especially those close to me. I have had conversations about it. What the magazines and society say what they are supposed to look like, how thin, hair color, makeup, dating ... its all there as sound advice right? but is it?
As I step further and further into this role being a youth leader - I am taking this more and more serious and sometimes I just get panic stricken to what influences our kids are under.
So what can I, what can we do about it? Scream, get mad, blame others, complain or shall we take a stand and talk with our kids - model to them with our actions, preach to them what God says on the subject and what He thinks about them? - I don't think that is happening enough today. I recently made a comment to one of my peers in our youth program at church that I thought we were from the same mold. Almost all the time we are encouraging someone, posting a positive note on a facebook page or making ourselves available to listen or talk with. Listening is key - where do we learn this skill? Its not taught in school really or at home ... but its VITAL to communicating properly. If we are talking all the time - we are not listening and often times missing important instructions or details.
So what can we do? I fully believe we can still make a difference.
We need to 1. pray for each other. We need to pray to remove the distractions in our lives that keep us unfocused. Even if you are grown and excuses get in the way to not come to church on Sundays - I am praying those distractions will not get in the way. We need to pray for our children's distractions ... their influences like their friends, the music that is so important to them and their relationships with their parents. Parents we have to step up and get involved - otherwise society will take on that leadership role in their lives - even if that means blocking MTV or some other avenue from the home. 2. As I am trying to do all the times is reflect a practical principle in life or in that struggle that God has something to say about it. We need the God wow factor to play a part in the solutions. God does have a lot to say about our influences - He is the master influencer! 3. Get involved. If a friend knows we truly care and love them ... they will be more open to us and respond. As I look around at the kids in my life - they know how I feel about them - they know I want to pour into them. I have their interest and their hearts on my heart. It is what God called me to do! As parents - its what you are called to do for your children. 4. I know I can't do this alone and there are times I am sure mykids need someone else to talk to. I am thankful for the other leaders and other parents who are involved to be there for them. A friend needs a friend. Therapist folks have couches that are full just for this reason - someone to talk to, someone to unload on and someone to trust in.
As parents, as the church, and as leaders we need to partner together to make a lasting difference. Great influences...... for long term positive results.
In closing comes from Ephesians 6 today.
A Fight to the Finish
10-12 God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Dragging....
I guess the day after the 1st day of school is not so exciting. Only 1 text this morning from one of my special kids .... loved hearing from her though early on and her saying well, the fun is over. Had to text back some encouragement this morning :)
I may be needing a little shot in the arm this afternoon as well. I was awake from 1-3 AM this morning. Tossing here and rolling there.... its time spent in deep thought and in prayer. This morning Ephesians was on my heart to in my quiet time this morning - I turned to it.
Ephesians 6 really stuck out to me spoke into me.
Children and Parents
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
I love what it says here - which is the first commandment with a promise - "that it may go well with you" - what that is saying is kids - young people - listen to your parents or those that have influence and guidance over you. (teachers, aunts, uncles, trusted friends, youth pastors) They love you and won't steer you down the wrong road. In many cases - as parents - we want more and better for our children than we had it at their age. Today that mostly means stuff.... because our generation did not have much stuff. I think in many regards our children are stuff rich and relationship poor. They talk behind the keyboard, they text their 118 friends instead of talking, they type on blogs, myspace and facebook things they would never say or do in person. They have this image of something they are not ....I often times wonder if they are better than when we had it?!?
My time is important and recently it seems to be in shorter and shorter supply. In order to do something - it usually means trading off or making priorities of what is more important. I am good with that since most times our lives are bogged down in the details and time wasters and leaves little time for the important things. My focus has really been hammering down on the eternal investments.... family, my marriage, people, relationships, church, serving, and MyKids.
I am looking forward to a few things coming down the road ... scared to death concerning a few others but in total confidence that God is in all of that and that is where it needs to be.
Got to press on .............
I may be needing a little shot in the arm this afternoon as well. I was awake from 1-3 AM this morning. Tossing here and rolling there.... its time spent in deep thought and in prayer. This morning Ephesians was on my heart to in my quiet time this morning - I turned to it.
Ephesians 6 really stuck out to me spoke into me.
Children and Parents
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
I love what it says here - which is the first commandment with a promise - "that it may go well with you" - what that is saying is kids - young people - listen to your parents or those that have influence and guidance over you. (teachers, aunts, uncles, trusted friends, youth pastors) They love you and won't steer you down the wrong road. In many cases - as parents - we want more and better for our children than we had it at their age. Today that mostly means stuff.... because our generation did not have much stuff. I think in many regards our children are stuff rich and relationship poor. They talk behind the keyboard, they text their 118 friends instead of talking, they type on blogs, myspace and facebook things they would never say or do in person. They have this image of something they are not ....I often times wonder if they are better than when we had it?!?
My time is important and recently it seems to be in shorter and shorter supply. In order to do something - it usually means trading off or making priorities of what is more important. I am good with that since most times our lives are bogged down in the details and time wasters and leaves little time for the important things. My focus has really been hammering down on the eternal investments.... family, my marriage, people, relationships, church, serving, and MyKids.
I am looking forward to a few things coming down the road ... scared to death concerning a few others but in total confidence that God is in all of that and that is where it needs to be.
Got to press on .............
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
1st day.....
The day that officially ends the summer. It went fast and for some reason, summer seem to get shorter and shorter these days. Well the excitement was built up big time at our house. Having to change routines and get Kate out this morning and experience high school traffic in the mornings is pretty wild. Glad I had my coffee with me - but the funny thing was - my phone started at 6:00AM this morning with text messages and calls from lots of kids and even a few parents. I did make some rounds last night in calling some of our students from church as well as some text messages and emails. Man i love it when we all have a reason to come together - it just doesn't happen enough. I even had a couple students - well lets just say - needed the little pep talk. They needed to hear the bigger mission this year in going into school and they needed their confidence perked up a notch. I am grateful and very thankful for those opportunities.
As the reports start coming - my day seems to be days long. I am really excited to hear from from folks.... from lots of "MyKids" ... I really want to experience their joys, excitement and even their nervous times with them. This process has me thinking on a few things......... at lunch today I had some quiet time and headed out of the office and away from the jammed hallways and the thousands of students on campus to get some alone time. What would it looked like if we asked our students, our children and our kids that we have influence with - to really talk with us - someone - about their journey this year. We have really put some energy into pumping our students up with the name of Jesus and taking His name to their school, their peers, friends, teachers, bus drivers etc. Shine for Him - this is their time to take their faith personal and not make it a part of their parents or their uncles ... OWN IT. What if we made an avenue for them to share their daily walk .... through email, facebook, blog - something. I really feel this on my heart today and especially looking back and wanting to capture the energy from Thirst Camp - Regain that energy as well because our students at church are still flying on that experience!
Why am I so pumped? Because I get to share in that as well... this mission field - being on a campus of 28,000 students... this mission field is huge. What can I do? I can do a lot....and yes its time to get busy. Pastor Jimmy told me at Thirst Camp this summer that even though I work at this job - it is not WHO I AM!
I will never forget those words...... I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Who saved me, rescued me and loves me so much that He sent His only son to die on the cross and nail my sins to His hands and to die for me so that I may live and experience grace and forgiveness.
He would have done this for just me .... and just for you but he didn't - He did this for everyone.
Excited to hear from everyone tonight ..... and to help walk along side each and every one that will let me. This is my mission field........
May God shine His everlasting light and blind us with his saving grace so that we may see nothing - but Him.
Lonnie~
As the reports start coming - my day seems to be days long. I am really excited to hear from from folks.... from lots of "MyKids" ... I really want to experience their joys, excitement and even their nervous times with them. This process has me thinking on a few things......... at lunch today I had some quiet time and headed out of the office and away from the jammed hallways and the thousands of students on campus to get some alone time. What would it looked like if we asked our students, our children and our kids that we have influence with - to really talk with us - someone - about their journey this year. We have really put some energy into pumping our students up with the name of Jesus and taking His name to their school, their peers, friends, teachers, bus drivers etc. Shine for Him - this is their time to take their faith personal and not make it a part of their parents or their uncles ... OWN IT. What if we made an avenue for them to share their daily walk .... through email, facebook, blog - something. I really feel this on my heart today and especially looking back and wanting to capture the energy from Thirst Camp - Regain that energy as well because our students at church are still flying on that experience!
Why am I so pumped? Because I get to share in that as well... this mission field - being on a campus of 28,000 students... this mission field is huge. What can I do? I can do a lot....and yes its time to get busy. Pastor Jimmy told me at Thirst Camp this summer that even though I work at this job - it is not WHO I AM!
I will never forget those words...... I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Who saved me, rescued me and loves me so much that He sent His only son to die on the cross and nail my sins to His hands and to die for me so that I may live and experience grace and forgiveness.
He would have done this for just me .... and just for you but he didn't - He did this for everyone.
Excited to hear from everyone tonight ..... and to help walk along side each and every one that will let me. This is my mission field........
May God shine His everlasting light and blind us with his saving grace so that we may see nothing - but Him.
Lonnie~
Monday, August 24, 2009
The day before.....
I am going to take that title - "The Day Before" and head in both directions. Stick with me ....
The day before - looking back - was a great being at church. Pastors Jimmy and Travis spoke from the stage on "Reset" - God is all about 2nd chances and that message really hit home for me. There are some folks that I know who really need to hear that message as well. Just because your past or the place you find yourself today is not what you had planned doesn't mean that God can't put you in a better direction. With my neice living with us now, I can't explain this important point enough. It is oozing out of my heart these days. Yes loved ones, look forward with renewed excitement - God wants to lead you the way. How many times in ones life do we really get a 2nd chance? Marriages fail due to neglect and unfaithfulness... friendships take on new directions due to selfishness ... our children rebel because of a lack of understanding and communication ... businesses fail because of a lack of focus and changes that need to be made. God can wash away those past mistakes and give you a fresh place to start again. Last night as I was talking with "MyKids" from our rock group - I couldnt help but to carry on with that message. Evaluate while you look back, what was good about the past - what is bad about the pase - what worked - what didn't - and then ask God to move you forward. If you have had some bad influences with friends - drop them! If they are on your cell phone - delete them! How many folks do we have that is allowed to speak truth to us? No wonder our children and even US - are bouncing all over the place. Our lives are sometimes like the Ipod with so many good songs on it and we keep changing songs on the speakers when we haven't fully listened to a complete song yet.... just flip, flip, flip.......
The Day Before - looking forward - is the day before school starts. Wow that is exciting. I know for many, there are nerves and butterflys. I have them too ... 2 young people under my roof with middle school and high school... how did that happen so fast? I have been praying hard for you students ... for good friends who will surround you, for your teachers who are trying to train you, and for your parents who have to hold your lives all together. Just remember that you are not alone in your journey and this year may be that year that you blossum into who you really are shaping to be. Deep in your hearts is that place where God has spoken into. Its in that place where if you answer that call - He will shape you into what He wants in you...and not what you want, your parents want, your teachers, the magazines, your friends..... Its that place where God calls you and blinds you with His light ... life takes on a new meaning. I see it happening to some of you as I get to be more involved in our students at church and those in my life. For those who have let that special place out in your heart and God is leading your life now - Lead on loved ones! I am proud of you ..... your life is your mission field and all those around you are part of you building an awesome testimony for God. Folks are watching, they are learning as you lead .... your light is bright!
A few weeks from now - as I also step forward - I think about all those lights shining (you) Friday morning before school starts and Pastor Travis addresses you all, tells you all about Jesus, encourages you to make good choices and to be who God is calling you to be..... and then prays for you...... that is exciting! Today is that "Day Before"....
I want to share 2 Peter 1:3-4 this morning:
Don't Put It Off
3-4Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by sin.
The day before - looking back - was a great being at church. Pastors Jimmy and Travis spoke from the stage on "Reset" - God is all about 2nd chances and that message really hit home for me. There are some folks that I know who really need to hear that message as well. Just because your past or the place you find yourself today is not what you had planned doesn't mean that God can't put you in a better direction. With my neice living with us now, I can't explain this important point enough. It is oozing out of my heart these days. Yes loved ones, look forward with renewed excitement - God wants to lead you the way. How many times in ones life do we really get a 2nd chance? Marriages fail due to neglect and unfaithfulness... friendships take on new directions due to selfishness ... our children rebel because of a lack of understanding and communication ... businesses fail because of a lack of focus and changes that need to be made. God can wash away those past mistakes and give you a fresh place to start again. Last night as I was talking with "MyKids" from our rock group - I couldnt help but to carry on with that message. Evaluate while you look back, what was good about the past - what is bad about the pase - what worked - what didn't - and then ask God to move you forward. If you have had some bad influences with friends - drop them! If they are on your cell phone - delete them! How many folks do we have that is allowed to speak truth to us? No wonder our children and even US - are bouncing all over the place. Our lives are sometimes like the Ipod with so many good songs on it and we keep changing songs on the speakers when we haven't fully listened to a complete song yet.... just flip, flip, flip.......
The Day Before - looking forward - is the day before school starts. Wow that is exciting. I know for many, there are nerves and butterflys. I have them too ... 2 young people under my roof with middle school and high school... how did that happen so fast? I have been praying hard for you students ... for good friends who will surround you, for your teachers who are trying to train you, and for your parents who have to hold your lives all together. Just remember that you are not alone in your journey and this year may be that year that you blossum into who you really are shaping to be. Deep in your hearts is that place where God has spoken into. Its in that place where if you answer that call - He will shape you into what He wants in you...and not what you want, your parents want, your teachers, the magazines, your friends..... Its that place where God calls you and blinds you with His light ... life takes on a new meaning. I see it happening to some of you as I get to be more involved in our students at church and those in my life. For those who have let that special place out in your heart and God is leading your life now - Lead on loved ones! I am proud of you ..... your life is your mission field and all those around you are part of you building an awesome testimony for God. Folks are watching, they are learning as you lead .... your light is bright!
A few weeks from now - as I also step forward - I think about all those lights shining (you) Friday morning before school starts and Pastor Travis addresses you all, tells you all about Jesus, encourages you to make good choices and to be who God is calling you to be..... and then prays for you...... that is exciting! Today is that "Day Before"....
I want to share 2 Peter 1:3-4 this morning:
Don't Put It Off
3-4Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by sin.
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