I almost never read my posts after I dump them off of me and hit submit. Today has been a little different in being that I have had such an incredible walk in faith today full of encouragement and folks just sharing Christ with me. I am totally pumped.....
I have to say that after my txt prayer this morning, my day kept getting better. I got to sit lend a heartful ear with a friend at work that I have not seen in some time catch me up on his summer, his trip to China and the mission work he did there. He is also student teaching and it was fun listening to his first weeks in front of the middle school kids - he is like me - he just loves them and clicks. I also got a series of text messages from one of my students that is a freshman and how from the beginning of the school year, she cleared the table at lunch with making a bold stand for Christ in conversation and today finds herself sitting with some very awesome people eager to hear about Christ and all that is taking place in her life. She is contagious for Jesus and it is showing and being fruitful. Tomorrow at LOL we will have some new visitors and what a great night to have them - a great month ahead with a full schedule of outreach and fun things going on. Carol and Kyle are at skate night for school and I got a call from from one of my close kids that she needed a shake, so after the gym, she, her sister and I shared a shake and had a great evening talking about and through some things. I said on my way home before dropping them off - I hate this part the most. They asked whats that Mr. Lonnie - I said dropping ya'll off because I enjoy this time together. I really truly do - its such a great investment in people and that is what Christ's biggest investment was ...people.
Tonight I get home and in my inbox there is a comment from todays post that just tops off the day. I will be sure to be thanking Christ extra for a day like this. Not asking for another day but just for the timing of it - I needed it and I feel it.
Thanks Aunt Sharon for those kind words - you always lift me up after talking or an email with you. Love you and yes wish mom was here with us on this journey together. Awe the smile she would have - she has a heavenly smile today and I bet its much bigger than we can ever imagine. Love you.....
Randy
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I have been clinging to a little encouragement the last few days. Being that encouragement is one of my spiritual gifts, I too have to sometimes cling hard to it and remain focused. I too have to sometimes dig deep to find it and stay positive. I can't walk around with my head down because it affects everyone around me. So, even during those times I am discouraged, there is not time to stay there. As Jesus said, - Pick up your mat and walk. I too must pick up my mat, my hurt, my feelings and walk. How we carry ourselves affects everyone around you. Don't you just love being around folks who seem to always be happy? I mean they find the good in all things and still continue to smile even when things are gloomy.
I had something happen to me that does not happen all that often. I had a student txt me this morning before school and pray for me and the things that I would be facing today. I did not prompt this txt message nor did I pray for this student first and this was in reply. This came from God prompting her to pray for me. Yes I have been praying for her before school. Yes I pray for her walk with Christ to be closer and be at a place in her walk to "Not Look Back" but to press forward with courage and boldness to stand for Christ and who she is in Christ. But this txt message really put my heart in a good place this morning and it reminded me why I love and care so much - for people to know Jesus.
The parable of Jesus and the planting of faith seed is shared with is in Mark gospel in Chapter 4.
Mark 4:13-20 - The Jesus said to them, "Dont you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no ROOT, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop - thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown.
I am currently reading a book "Just Walk across the Room" by Bill Hybels and it has come at such a perfect time in my walk to be reading it. I read this morning something I just had to write down because it so spoke to me and tied it into Mark 4.
"Man, this is hard." You know what? It IS HARD. Maybe this is why Paul encourages doing the "work" of evangelism. It is work, and hard work at that. You put your heart out there. You offer grace and acceptance and love to people far from God. You sow seed. You make the phone calls. You extend the hand of friendship. You pick up the phone in the middle of the night. And at the end of the day, you just feel like you've been ripped to shreds. But somehow you hang in there, determined to keep sowing seed. SUre, you may be a fool, but you're a special kind of fool. You're the fool who still believes that a tiny green sprout will one day rise up from the dirt.
I fully believe in that sprout in each of us. It may be hard to invest time and energy into a student and have a great time sharing and talking and then come Sunday morning the look on their face tells a thousand stories and them leaving you wondering - is it really worth it? What about that family that you have poured into for years and they continue to fall over the same stumbling blocks in life with partying, wanting to sleep in on Sunday mornings and only need God when they need him - never fully following Christ. I could continue all day with stories like this but the truth is - its hard no doubt about it. Pouring into the student ministry and into the lives of these teens who mean so much and them hearing Gods word, knowing right from wrong, wanting to do what Gods is calling them to do and then - blam - they do what they want anyways. Its tough - its a roller coaster in faith. I know I will be there to pick up the pieces, to wipe the tears and hurts, to refocus them on what God is wanting them to know.
Its easy to get down and get in a place of being discouraged. God knows that and knows where our hearts are. Knowing that I am sometimes feeling like all my effort is for not - He prompts a heart of a student to txt me a prayer and pray with me. That is flippin awesome!
God you are so wonderful and the fact that you love and care for us so much that you not only created everything we can see, touch, smell and taste - you care enough about each of us to be personal and come to us when we need that soft reminder. Thank you for that whisper this morning Lord and thank you for the reminder that all this effort, tears, hurts and joy in serving you does produce fruit - in Your perfect timing. I believe in your faith seed Lord and even though my walk may not be that victory dance of taking someone far from you all the way across the finish line - Its a blessing to be any part of the play in the big game. If my walk takes someone from -10 yards to -8 ...then I am happy with that. That is my place and I am grateful to be used by you for those 2 little steps forward. Amen
I will end todays post from Mark 4:26-29
"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soul produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the fill kernel in the head. s soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
Lonnie~
I had something happen to me that does not happen all that often. I had a student txt me this morning before school and pray for me and the things that I would be facing today. I did not prompt this txt message nor did I pray for this student first and this was in reply. This came from God prompting her to pray for me. Yes I have been praying for her before school. Yes I pray for her walk with Christ to be closer and be at a place in her walk to "Not Look Back" but to press forward with courage and boldness to stand for Christ and who she is in Christ. But this txt message really put my heart in a good place this morning and it reminded me why I love and care so much - for people to know Jesus.
The parable of Jesus and the planting of faith seed is shared with is in Mark gospel in Chapter 4.
Mark 4:13-20 - The Jesus said to them, "Dont you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no ROOT, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop - thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown.
I am currently reading a book "Just Walk across the Room" by Bill Hybels and it has come at such a perfect time in my walk to be reading it. I read this morning something I just had to write down because it so spoke to me and tied it into Mark 4.
"Man, this is hard." You know what? It IS HARD. Maybe this is why Paul encourages doing the "work" of evangelism. It is work, and hard work at that. You put your heart out there. You offer grace and acceptance and love to people far from God. You sow seed. You make the phone calls. You extend the hand of friendship. You pick up the phone in the middle of the night. And at the end of the day, you just feel like you've been ripped to shreds. But somehow you hang in there, determined to keep sowing seed. SUre, you may be a fool, but you're a special kind of fool. You're the fool who still believes that a tiny green sprout will one day rise up from the dirt.
I fully believe in that sprout in each of us. It may be hard to invest time and energy into a student and have a great time sharing and talking and then come Sunday morning the look on their face tells a thousand stories and them leaving you wondering - is it really worth it? What about that family that you have poured into for years and they continue to fall over the same stumbling blocks in life with partying, wanting to sleep in on Sunday mornings and only need God when they need him - never fully following Christ. I could continue all day with stories like this but the truth is - its hard no doubt about it. Pouring into the student ministry and into the lives of these teens who mean so much and them hearing Gods word, knowing right from wrong, wanting to do what Gods is calling them to do and then - blam - they do what they want anyways. Its tough - its a roller coaster in faith. I know I will be there to pick up the pieces, to wipe the tears and hurts, to refocus them on what God is wanting them to know.
Its easy to get down and get in a place of being discouraged. God knows that and knows where our hearts are. Knowing that I am sometimes feeling like all my effort is for not - He prompts a heart of a student to txt me a prayer and pray with me. That is flippin awesome!
God you are so wonderful and the fact that you love and care for us so much that you not only created everything we can see, touch, smell and taste - you care enough about each of us to be personal and come to us when we need that soft reminder. Thank you for that whisper this morning Lord and thank you for the reminder that all this effort, tears, hurts and joy in serving you does produce fruit - in Your perfect timing. I believe in your faith seed Lord and even though my walk may not be that victory dance of taking someone far from you all the way across the finish line - Its a blessing to be any part of the play in the big game. If my walk takes someone from -10 yards to -8 ...then I am happy with that. That is my place and I am grateful to be used by you for those 2 little steps forward. Amen
I will end todays post from Mark 4:26-29
"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soul produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the fill kernel in the head. s soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
Lonnie~
Monday, August 30, 2010
Just got in from lunch and 2 miles - they are getting harder the older I get. I can feel my toes hurting with each step and my knees ache in the morning. I guess I have to suck it up at times and continue to press through those sticky places. That is what I was thinking during the pounding of the pavement this afternoon. So many of us are at a sticking point in our faith walk. We are not strong enough in our faith or feel we know enough to press through. You really want to walk closer to Christ but you are unable to because you will have to change some things. You will have to change a few things with how you life, how you feel about things and people, the way you talk, think and even love. So many of us come to a place in life where all of a sudden because of some painful thing we come to know Christ during that season. Everything comes together, there is new energy and a purpose in your heart and church on Sunday mornings really speaks to you. You pray and God answers your prayers, you get the best parking places at the mall. Everything is going your way. Then that season ends... God seems quiet. You get the furthest parking place from the mall. That dress you wanted is out of stock. Your best friend doesn't stand up for you and you have to walk away from them. Faith seems to be a thing of the past and the once close God is not even on the radar. You can't lean back on your faith because you have only been walking with a little bit of God and not fully walking with him.
I was excited last night to get back to study in our LifeGroup. We have some new folks that have plugged in and its just exciting to have the energy and focus back as we come together as family and share in Gods word together. Its so important in your faith journey to have people in your life that accept you as you are. Regardless of the baggage, the struggles, and the ugly toes you have.
Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didnt live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for Gods promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Excited for that next step to deepen my relationship with Christ as well as walking along side some great people to help them deepen their faith walk. In doing so, we bring praise and glory to Christ. A thousand different things to keep us distracted and from plugging into a spiritual family. We are each called to do life together and until you step out in faith - you will never experience what having a spirtual family is like. It may be your next step in your faith walk and a deeper relationship with our heavenly father.
13: I pray that God, the sourse of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lonnie~
I was excited last night to get back to study in our LifeGroup. We have some new folks that have plugged in and its just exciting to have the energy and focus back as we come together as family and share in Gods word together. Its so important in your faith journey to have people in your life that accept you as you are. Regardless of the baggage, the struggles, and the ugly toes you have.
Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didnt live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for Gods promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Excited for that next step to deepen my relationship with Christ as well as walking along side some great people to help them deepen their faith walk. In doing so, we bring praise and glory to Christ. A thousand different things to keep us distracted and from plugging into a spiritual family. We are each called to do life together and until you step out in faith - you will never experience what having a spirtual family is like. It may be your next step in your faith walk and a deeper relationship with our heavenly father.
13: I pray that God, the sourse of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lonnie~
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The day after....
Yesterday being the first day of school had me up early yesterday morning. I sent out a txt to the entire student ministry and then took the opportunity to pray personally with as many of our students as I could before school. My phone was blazing until 9 and then it went silent. During the day it was odd not getting txt messages throughout the day asking how my day was, can you pray for this person, or answering a question about something. Yesterday afternoon it fired back up with reports of how the day went from students. Last night at LOL, our student ministry bible study, the looks on the faces showed some had a great day, while others had not such a good day. I prayed again this morning with a handful of students before school. Its such an honor to do so and in my quiet time this morning, yes I have to make time for that, am in Romans 7.
Paul has an amazing way of putting sin into perspective. He says in verse 18- And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. Verse 21- I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love Gods law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sun that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey Gods law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Talking with the students last night they were reminded through Pastor Travis that they ultimately know right from wrong. We all do really. Some choose to follow the lead of others and go down paths that are hurtful and much harder than they need to be. While others, try hard to do what is right. There are some seeking the Bible in their day, asking to be challenged in their walk, and at lunch taking a stand for Christ and the entire table goes silent. I love being around these folks because their fired up faith is contagious!
I think we all want to do what is right and follow Christ with all we have but sometimes we are afraid and we often feel like we don't know enough. I think not knowing is a matter of taking the time and letting God fill your heart with the things of him. One way we can do that is to remove the junk we put into our minds. Turn off that tv show that shows a little bit of sex, a little bit of cussing, a little bit of drinking or doing drugs. Delete those songs on your Ipod that have messages of sex, drugs, gangs, and a host of other things that we are filling our minds with. Fill those things with praise and uplifting messages that can fill your heart, soul and mind with good things from above. Garbage in = garbage out
Spending time reading his word is a huge one! See God doesn't desire more of our time sometimes - I think he desires more of our attention all the time. Ever feel frustrated because you want to get closer to God, you see books on how to do that, you hear a message on how to do that and you have the desire to do so but you have so much to do already and guilt then takes you over. I think we all feel that way from time to time.
Psalm 16:8 - "I have set the Lord always before me."
Psalm 25:15 - "My eyes are ever on the Lord".
These are words spoken from King David who had a country to lead and he made time for God. The only way he could do that is to keep his eyes on the Lord all the time. Its a continual awareness of God that we are needing not so much more time devoted to Him. See I believe we can pay attention to God while you are doing everything else. Driving to work, in that math class, at the lunch table, in that meeting, in that conversation with your son or daughter while asking how their first day of school went and even during the shopping trip at the mall. Its all about bringing God in to the boardroom of your life and letting him lead and seeing God in everything you do. See, he is already there in those places but we are not looking for him there. We think he is only with us in our quiet time, at church or the wed night bible study. We have to set our minds in being aware that God is there at all times. This is what it means to set the Lord always before us. That opportunity to stand for Christ in the lunch room, that conversation that took place because you didn't want someone to sit alone, that walk across the room to say hello to someone new, that mean kid who you refrained from cussing out and in that conversation with your child become more precious to us because we are aware that God is with us all along.
My prayers the last 2 days for the student have been to focus on seeing God in the details of their day. Look for Him and He will be there and will go with you throughout your day.
I think with the right focus we can chose to do what is right, what is just and push sin further out of our lives. Seeing God in all we do will bring us to always living in the Spirit. Put that in action with reading Gods word each day is a recipe that will make a huge difference in your life.
Faith - if what we hear doesnt move from our heads to our hands, it will probably never make it to our hearts.
Shine on loved ones, you have the power in you that raised Christ from the grave. Take a stand today and know God is with you always and in everything you do.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Paul has an amazing way of putting sin into perspective. He says in verse 18- And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. Verse 21- I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love Gods law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sun that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey Gods law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Talking with the students last night they were reminded through Pastor Travis that they ultimately know right from wrong. We all do really. Some choose to follow the lead of others and go down paths that are hurtful and much harder than they need to be. While others, try hard to do what is right. There are some seeking the Bible in their day, asking to be challenged in their walk, and at lunch taking a stand for Christ and the entire table goes silent. I love being around these folks because their fired up faith is contagious!
I think we all want to do what is right and follow Christ with all we have but sometimes we are afraid and we often feel like we don't know enough. I think not knowing is a matter of taking the time and letting God fill your heart with the things of him. One way we can do that is to remove the junk we put into our minds. Turn off that tv show that shows a little bit of sex, a little bit of cussing, a little bit of drinking or doing drugs. Delete those songs on your Ipod that have messages of sex, drugs, gangs, and a host of other things that we are filling our minds with. Fill those things with praise and uplifting messages that can fill your heart, soul and mind with good things from above. Garbage in = garbage out
Spending time reading his word is a huge one! See God doesn't desire more of our time sometimes - I think he desires more of our attention all the time. Ever feel frustrated because you want to get closer to God, you see books on how to do that, you hear a message on how to do that and you have the desire to do so but you have so much to do already and guilt then takes you over. I think we all feel that way from time to time.
Psalm 16:8 - "I have set the Lord always before me."
Psalm 25:15 - "My eyes are ever on the Lord".
These are words spoken from King David who had a country to lead and he made time for God. The only way he could do that is to keep his eyes on the Lord all the time. Its a continual awareness of God that we are needing not so much more time devoted to Him. See I believe we can pay attention to God while you are doing everything else. Driving to work, in that math class, at the lunch table, in that meeting, in that conversation with your son or daughter while asking how their first day of school went and even during the shopping trip at the mall. Its all about bringing God in to the boardroom of your life and letting him lead and seeing God in everything you do. See, he is already there in those places but we are not looking for him there. We think he is only with us in our quiet time, at church or the wed night bible study. We have to set our minds in being aware that God is there at all times. This is what it means to set the Lord always before us. That opportunity to stand for Christ in the lunch room, that conversation that took place because you didn't want someone to sit alone, that walk across the room to say hello to someone new, that mean kid who you refrained from cussing out and in that conversation with your child become more precious to us because we are aware that God is with us all along.
My prayers the last 2 days for the student have been to focus on seeing God in the details of their day. Look for Him and He will be there and will go with you throughout your day.
I think with the right focus we can chose to do what is right, what is just and push sin further out of our lives. Seeing God in all we do will bring us to always living in the Spirit. Put that in action with reading Gods word each day is a recipe that will make a huge difference in your life.
Faith - if what we hear doesnt move from our heads to our hands, it will probably never make it to our hearts.
Shine on loved ones, you have the power in you that raised Christ from the grave. Take a stand today and know God is with you always and in everything you do.
Peace,
Lonnie~
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
There is only a few more hours left of summer 2010. It has went fast for sure. Actually this entire last year has went fast. This time last year we were getting reacquainted with Kate and settling her into her new NC home. School tomorrow with Kate going into HS and Kyle going into MS. It really has flown by. Kyle and so many of his peers will be entering into a new middle school tomorrow morning - a brand new beautiful school with all kinds of technology and familiar faces with the new zoning. It has me excited for them and last week at open house it was great seeing so many smiling faces and hugs all around. I just love this season in my life and where God has me.
I have been really challenged lately on a few things and I will just touch on them and then focus on tomorrow morning. I think as we look at our lives we tend to focus in on our struggles and the things that are bothering us right now. We are like I said the drive through generation and the things we are dealing with right now are at the drive through window. We tend to focus on the right here and now and not the tomorrow or even this evening! Its easy to get caught up into the drama of the day and blow things out of perspective. As tomorrow morning rolls around there will be a LOT of tired frowns, grumpy teenagers and smiling parents but everyone nervous for the day ahead. I have been challenged the last few days in focusing in on how big our God really is. I posted on FaceBook yesterday - "My God is _____." and I got a few responses and thats cool and all but really - How big is your God today. Right now ... the things you are dealing with and the tomorrow that is coming - How big is God?
He is bigger than all you can imagine, bigger than any problem, struggle, in everything and in everywhere you go. He is almighty, powerful, knowing, perfect, loving and already in the next moment in time waiting on you to meet him there. He has given you salvation in a blink of an eye and all you did was ask him for it. He is able in all things and he is the meaning of victorious. So as I think about the students and the teachers walking into school tomorrow - I think about those being scared in their new school, maybe not knowing anyone or very few. Maybe not on the team they wished they were. Classes and the homework and expectations of so many building up. The possibility of not fitting in, drama club, football, softball, chess clubs pulling you. Do they still have chess clubs? What about my friends? Will they be my friends still? What about new friends? Now that I have accepted Christ and have this new heart that is on fire for God, what do I do with that? Will people think I am weird? How can I follow Christ and not have people make fun of me? I lost all my friends because of Christ over the summer and now I only have like 5 friends.
Loved ones, you have the spirit and power inside of you that raised Christ from the dead. You are already in victory over these things. Its better to have 5 good friends who will lift you up and carry you when you need it that 150 bad influence friends and 407 facebook friends who couldn't tell you what your favorite food is. Walk into school tomorrow with your chin held high, knowing that God has your back, the leaders in your church have your back, your parents have your back and that God loves you if you make the softball team or not. You are priceless in his eyes. He created you with a purpose and in His image. Not everyone you meet this year can say that. Share the practical love of Jesus by not so much in your words but in your actions. People around you should notice something different about you. Your actions speak loudly before you even open your words. That cross on your neck is there for a reason and honor God in all you do because people are watching, they are looking, they are learning about Christ through you. Its time to shine dear ones, to rise up, stand up and show up in your walk of faith. The government makes you go to school - Christ wants to use you in your school. Its your mission field to share Christ with anyone willing to walk with you and fed up with "Normal" - its time for a new normal and that change begins with you. You are capable and fully equipped to be Gods hands and feet.
I am proud of each of you, I am honored to be walking with you, and I am proud to be follower of Jesus Christ.
I challenged my Rock Group this past Sunday - the students are fasting from Facebook for a week and the parents are fasting food for 24 hours. You have a big cheering section in your corner loved ones. Always know that ..... be the Light on a Hill tomorrow - each of you are bright!
The new Jeremy Camp album came out today - one song on the album is "Not Ashamed" - I wont be turning this song off for a few days for sure.....
"My God is - my Everything" -
Lonnie~
I have been really challenged lately on a few things and I will just touch on them and then focus on tomorrow morning. I think as we look at our lives we tend to focus in on our struggles and the things that are bothering us right now. We are like I said the drive through generation and the things we are dealing with right now are at the drive through window. We tend to focus on the right here and now and not the tomorrow or even this evening! Its easy to get caught up into the drama of the day and blow things out of perspective. As tomorrow morning rolls around there will be a LOT of tired frowns, grumpy teenagers and smiling parents but everyone nervous for the day ahead. I have been challenged the last few days in focusing in on how big our God really is. I posted on FaceBook yesterday - "My God is _____." and I got a few responses and thats cool and all but really - How big is your God today. Right now ... the things you are dealing with and the tomorrow that is coming - How big is God?
He is bigger than all you can imagine, bigger than any problem, struggle, in everything and in everywhere you go. He is almighty, powerful, knowing, perfect, loving and already in the next moment in time waiting on you to meet him there. He has given you salvation in a blink of an eye and all you did was ask him for it. He is able in all things and he is the meaning of victorious. So as I think about the students and the teachers walking into school tomorrow - I think about those being scared in their new school, maybe not knowing anyone or very few. Maybe not on the team they wished they were. Classes and the homework and expectations of so many building up. The possibility of not fitting in, drama club, football, softball, chess clubs pulling you. Do they still have chess clubs? What about my friends? Will they be my friends still? What about new friends? Now that I have accepted Christ and have this new heart that is on fire for God, what do I do with that? Will people think I am weird? How can I follow Christ and not have people make fun of me? I lost all my friends because of Christ over the summer and now I only have like 5 friends.
Loved ones, you have the spirit and power inside of you that raised Christ from the dead. You are already in victory over these things. Its better to have 5 good friends who will lift you up and carry you when you need it that 150 bad influence friends and 407 facebook friends who couldn't tell you what your favorite food is. Walk into school tomorrow with your chin held high, knowing that God has your back, the leaders in your church have your back, your parents have your back and that God loves you if you make the softball team or not. You are priceless in his eyes. He created you with a purpose and in His image. Not everyone you meet this year can say that. Share the practical love of Jesus by not so much in your words but in your actions. People around you should notice something different about you. Your actions speak loudly before you even open your words. That cross on your neck is there for a reason and honor God in all you do because people are watching, they are looking, they are learning about Christ through you. Its time to shine dear ones, to rise up, stand up and show up in your walk of faith. The government makes you go to school - Christ wants to use you in your school. Its your mission field to share Christ with anyone willing to walk with you and fed up with "Normal" - its time for a new normal and that change begins with you. You are capable and fully equipped to be Gods hands and feet.
I am proud of each of you, I am honored to be walking with you, and I am proud to be follower of Jesus Christ.
I challenged my Rock Group this past Sunday - the students are fasting from Facebook for a week and the parents are fasting food for 24 hours. You have a big cheering section in your corner loved ones. Always know that ..... be the Light on a Hill tomorrow - each of you are bright!
The new Jeremy Camp album came out today - one song on the album is "Not Ashamed" - I wont be turning this song off for a few days for sure.....
"My God is - my Everything" -
Lonnie~
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wow, I can't believe that its been almost a week since my last post. Its been busy and days are jammed packed but living life large - why live it anyway else?
Its the first day of classes here at the university and thousands of people are on campus. Its exciting and I love this part of my job. Its probably the nurturing and helping side of me that shines out. This past Saturday I got the chance to finally take Morgan to Carowinds for her birthday along with her friends Jessica, Kyle and Zach. We had a great time and spent almost the entire day there on the rides and in the water park. It was Morgans first time on a roller coaster and riding the Intimidator for the first time was an experience for sure. The long slow line took some time and waiting can be a hard thing when you are anxious about something. Like the slow ride straight up the tracks, sitting next to her with her poor face as white as a ghost and fear in her eyes, we crossed over the top and then down 74 degrees to reach 80 mph and then 3:33 seconds later, the train comes to a stop. I look over and Morgan has this big smile on her face and she says - "Lets do that again!" - we rode it 3 times Saturday and almost every coaster in the park as well. The fear was gone and the wait was worth it.
See often times our waiting has purpose. Its not about us just begging God and making him more like us - God on our schedule. He has his own schedule and his timing is perfect. Our God is big and in Psalm 8:3-4 tells us this.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Our God is a big God, maker of heaven and earth but He is also small enough to come into your heart and in a blink give you salvation and eternity in heaven. He is small enough to hear your cries and pleads and small enough to love you personally. He is bigger than your struggles and bigger than your problems. He is bigger than your schedule and your timing. We so often want things in life right now. We have drive through fast food, popcorn at the movies already waiting on us, and carpool lanes to get us to our destinations faster. We are a generation short on time and we often think of God this way. He doesn't have a drive through prayer answer line even though we ask Him as if we are in the drive through line ordering a frappe. Our waiting is often times on purpose. God has a plan in our waiting and in doing so we discover that we often times don't need what we are asking for, are not ready for what we are asking for or it will do us harm if we got what we ask for. Our faith is not on the fast track drive through line. It takes a lifetime of learning, things to be patient over and trials to test us. I look around and see folks just complacent in their walk. Yes they have their salvation but they are just going through the motions in safety cruise control. They come to church when they can fit it into their schedule or feel like coming in if they don't sleep in. Faith is just taken for granted and doesn't have a punch in life. They have been to church for years, often times growing up in church knowing all the "church" things to say and do - They have the fire insurance and they are content with that. They know the church answers to the questions but yet are not living out their faith calling and really alive in their faith.
Much like the roller coaster on Saturday - there is the wait, the anticipation of something incredible, the excitement as the coaster makes the top, the plunge downward at full speed, the rise up on the other side and then another drop, the turn, the next turn, the fast ride back and a picture to capture the moment. Following Christ will have its thrills and seasons of excitement but it won't keep you from experiencing the wait and the scared moment in life, like when waiting on the doctors to give you the news. We don't send in a message to the OR room for them to hurry up do we? We want the doctors to take their time and get it right the first time. Its worth the wait even though we hate the wait.
It took courage to get on that coaster Saturday. It took faith knowing that it was all going to be ok. It took a friend to walk with her every step of the way. It took someone who had gone before and could share the experience. Following Christ comes in Gods perfect timing. He is bigger than your struggles today but he is also small enough to be personal. My walk with Christ over the years makes me want more out of life and to inspire people to want more out of life - especially more out of their faith. Pursue more of His purpose and plans and to dream a BIG GOD size dream.
I bet there is someone in your life willing to walk you through that ride on the coaster. Faith journey ahead ... Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so does one friend sharpen another.
Follow Christ but always leading others in everything you do.
Lonnie~
Its the first day of classes here at the university and thousands of people are on campus. Its exciting and I love this part of my job. Its probably the nurturing and helping side of me that shines out. This past Saturday I got the chance to finally take Morgan to Carowinds for her birthday along with her friends Jessica, Kyle and Zach. We had a great time and spent almost the entire day there on the rides and in the water park. It was Morgans first time on a roller coaster and riding the Intimidator for the first time was an experience for sure. The long slow line took some time and waiting can be a hard thing when you are anxious about something. Like the slow ride straight up the tracks, sitting next to her with her poor face as white as a ghost and fear in her eyes, we crossed over the top and then down 74 degrees to reach 80 mph and then 3:33 seconds later, the train comes to a stop. I look over and Morgan has this big smile on her face and she says - "Lets do that again!" - we rode it 3 times Saturday and almost every coaster in the park as well. The fear was gone and the wait was worth it.
See often times our waiting has purpose. Its not about us just begging God and making him more like us - God on our schedule. He has his own schedule and his timing is perfect. Our God is big and in Psalm 8:3-4 tells us this.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Our God is a big God, maker of heaven and earth but He is also small enough to come into your heart and in a blink give you salvation and eternity in heaven. He is small enough to hear your cries and pleads and small enough to love you personally. He is bigger than your struggles and bigger than your problems. He is bigger than your schedule and your timing. We so often want things in life right now. We have drive through fast food, popcorn at the movies already waiting on us, and carpool lanes to get us to our destinations faster. We are a generation short on time and we often think of God this way. He doesn't have a drive through prayer answer line even though we ask Him as if we are in the drive through line ordering a frappe. Our waiting is often times on purpose. God has a plan in our waiting and in doing so we discover that we often times don't need what we are asking for, are not ready for what we are asking for or it will do us harm if we got what we ask for. Our faith is not on the fast track drive through line. It takes a lifetime of learning, things to be patient over and trials to test us. I look around and see folks just complacent in their walk. Yes they have their salvation but they are just going through the motions in safety cruise control. They come to church when they can fit it into their schedule or feel like coming in if they don't sleep in. Faith is just taken for granted and doesn't have a punch in life. They have been to church for years, often times growing up in church knowing all the "church" things to say and do - They have the fire insurance and they are content with that. They know the church answers to the questions but yet are not living out their faith calling and really alive in their faith.
Much like the roller coaster on Saturday - there is the wait, the anticipation of something incredible, the excitement as the coaster makes the top, the plunge downward at full speed, the rise up on the other side and then another drop, the turn, the next turn, the fast ride back and a picture to capture the moment. Following Christ will have its thrills and seasons of excitement but it won't keep you from experiencing the wait and the scared moment in life, like when waiting on the doctors to give you the news. We don't send in a message to the OR room for them to hurry up do we? We want the doctors to take their time and get it right the first time. Its worth the wait even though we hate the wait.
It took courage to get on that coaster Saturday. It took faith knowing that it was all going to be ok. It took a friend to walk with her every step of the way. It took someone who had gone before and could share the experience. Following Christ comes in Gods perfect timing. He is bigger than your struggles today but he is also small enough to be personal. My walk with Christ over the years makes me want more out of life and to inspire people to want more out of life - especially more out of their faith. Pursue more of His purpose and plans and to dream a BIG GOD size dream.
I bet there is someone in your life willing to walk you through that ride on the coaster. Faith journey ahead ... Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so does one friend sharpen another.
Follow Christ but always leading others in everything you do.
Lonnie~
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
I was such a spaghetti yesterday that I couldn't even keep a thought in my head. Up early to leave the beach and then coming right into work and all the days events kept me all over the place. But I am good now with some sleep and some things knocked out here at work. I want to share just a few things today as I reflect back on the weekend and being at the beach. It is such a peaceful place for me... yeah the beach is nice and I love the sand and playing in water with Kyle and Madison. But for me it was the "Pause" that I needed the most. Both Saturday and Sunday I was up at dawn and on the beach. I enjoyed sitting in the spot that last year God called me to step up and to see what He wants me to see and not what I was seeing or even what I was scared to see. I answered that call this time last year and I have not looked back. Though scary at times, though uncertain at times, though hard at times - I am blessed to have some close students and their families in my life because of it. I would never be in this place if God didnt call me to it or I continued to run from it. I never thought after a year of this walk ... I would be this blessed with so much.
After a morning prayer and some quiet time just listening to the sounds of the beach, waves washing up on the beach, people walking, the warm sun hitting me ... I hit the beach for an hour walk. Kyle joined me on Sunday morning which was awesome and gave us a chance to sit and talk. We then hit breakfast and tore up some pancakes and eggs.
This pause was so needed for me - a huge stop sign that I didn't just drive through. It has me at a peaceful place as well as a renewed energy in my spirit. With life so fast today, people always needing things and the life of doing Ministry never seems to shut off - I needed this down time, some quiet time and some much needed focus time. What does the next year look like in my faith walk? Where does God want me to reach next? How do I do that? What do the relationships in my life look like and what is next?
I don't have those answers yet but I do know they are already being worked out because they are in Gods hands.
I think about those moments when the sun was coming up - God showing off his glory and masterpiece in such an amazing way ... we don't take the time to pause and enjoy what is around us. We run here and rush there - we just don't take the time to enjoy the pause moments in life. What if God asks us when we get there - I created those beautiful things for you to enjoy and make you pause to focus your life on and you didn't take the time for them. Why?
I can say that I felt close to God this weekend during those early mornings. I am glad I didn't rush past that sunrise, that rainbow, that sunset because its moments like those that God wants us to seek His presence. I have breath in my lungs, an awesome family, close friends and students in my life that I love like my own and I know I don't deserve any of it. I don't deserve forgiveness but I have been granted all this nonetheless. All because God chose me to be near to him.
I recently heard a saying "One day, God will hold us accountable for all the things he created for us to enjoy, but we refused to do so". God is closest when we are grateful for all these things that he created for us to enjoy. I remember not long ago talking with a dear friends of mine before he passed - we were on our way to the Salvation Army and there was a beautiful sunset that evening as we drove down the highway. Joe looked at it and then looked over at me and said - "Lonnie, each one of those are numbered for us to enjoy. We never know how precious they are until you know they are counting and there are not many left."
Time to be still and refresh, get close to God, and remove the hurry in life.
I cant lead anyone, if I am not letting God lead me and letting him restore me, fill me and reconnect with me.
Rest your spirit from time to time loved ones~
Lonnie~
After a morning prayer and some quiet time just listening to the sounds of the beach, waves washing up on the beach, people walking, the warm sun hitting me ... I hit the beach for an hour walk. Kyle joined me on Sunday morning which was awesome and gave us a chance to sit and talk. We then hit breakfast and tore up some pancakes and eggs.
This pause was so needed for me - a huge stop sign that I didn't just drive through. It has me at a peaceful place as well as a renewed energy in my spirit. With life so fast today, people always needing things and the life of doing Ministry never seems to shut off - I needed this down time, some quiet time and some much needed focus time. What does the next year look like in my faith walk? Where does God want me to reach next? How do I do that? What do the relationships in my life look like and what is next?
I don't have those answers yet but I do know they are already being worked out because they are in Gods hands.
I think about those moments when the sun was coming up - God showing off his glory and masterpiece in such an amazing way ... we don't take the time to pause and enjoy what is around us. We run here and rush there - we just don't take the time to enjoy the pause moments in life. What if God asks us when we get there - I created those beautiful things for you to enjoy and make you pause to focus your life on and you didn't take the time for them. Why?
I can say that I felt close to God this weekend during those early mornings. I am glad I didn't rush past that sunrise, that rainbow, that sunset because its moments like those that God wants us to seek His presence. I have breath in my lungs, an awesome family, close friends and students in my life that I love like my own and I know I don't deserve any of it. I don't deserve forgiveness but I have been granted all this nonetheless. All because God chose me to be near to him.
I recently heard a saying "One day, God will hold us accountable for all the things he created for us to enjoy, but we refused to do so". God is closest when we are grateful for all these things that he created for us to enjoy. I remember not long ago talking with a dear friends of mine before he passed - we were on our way to the Salvation Army and there was a beautiful sunset that evening as we drove down the highway. Joe looked at it and then looked over at me and said - "Lonnie, each one of those are numbered for us to enjoy. We never know how precious they are until you know they are counting and there are not many left."
Time to be still and refresh, get close to God, and remove the hurry in life.
I cant lead anyone, if I am not letting God lead me and letting him restore me, fill me and reconnect with me.
Rest your spirit from time to time loved ones~
Lonnie~
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