It has been a prayer morning thats for sure. I have been up since 4 and full steam ahead and so thankful for the people in my life that God has placed there, thankful for the calls and text messages for folks asking for prayer and allowing me to do that for them. Nothing bonds hearts together than through fellowship prayer. Its the church the way it should be - people coming together and leaning on each other, loving on each other and meeting needs of each other.
A few weeks ago as folks were showing up to rock group someone brought it to my attention that my welcome mat at the front door was backwards. We made it into a joke that it was for those leaving - meaning as they walked out it meant - Welcome to leave and that brought some more jokes and comments. I was awake this morning at 4 thinking about that welcome mat.

We - Come - Me - There are 3 very important words in there. My mat on the front step is old and even though its old it is still in good shape. I am ashamed of that. It should be worn out from inviting folks through my front door and into my home. Jesus would want it that way.
This past few days off, I admit I not only pulled my mat at the cabin in the house - I was just down right rude. Some folks we know up there stopped by for a quick visit while headed home from their family thanksgiving. Jets were on and I was watching the game. Everyone in the house had their place and doing their thing. The family came up and their 10 year old daughter walked in and said hey to me with a big smile. It was good to see her and we spoke briefly before she moved over to hang with the kids in the house. For the next 10 or so minutes I got to see them move away from her, avoid her, comment how annoying she was and was just down right mean. I mean who is the bigger person here - she is 10 and wanted to fit in, say hello, and spend some time. I was really upset and in being that upset - I did the same thing by not plugging into the adults who came to visit us. I didn't even get out of my chair or walk out and say welcome. The welcome mat to my home, people who don't know Jesus - I did not invite in and were not welcome. I was just as guilty as the kids were in their treatment to someone else.
We - As a family ..... we act as one when it comes to people coming into our homes.
Come - Yes we have to have arms extended to let folks come into our homes and into our lives.
Me - Yes Jesus met people right where they are in life. We have to be more welcoming to let people come into our lives as they are and not wait till they get life in order or up to some standard before they are welcome to come in.
I honestly think Christ would be ticked by our actions ...especially mine. I have to see the church and its people through Christs eyes and not my own. Focusing in on peoples problems, their struggles and where they are in life. I called and apologized last night for my rudeness and will work and serve them to make this right. I think this will allow a door to open for sharing the Gospel of Christ in a very practical way.
Luke 5:27-31
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me", Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

How can we follow Jesus and reach out to the lost if we are only grouped and hanging out with our peeps in a holy huddle? We need to extend the hand of grace and show them what Christ has done in our lives and we can't do that if we are huddled together in the same circles of people all the time. Levi being a tax collector at that time was considered the worst of the worst as far as people go. He was a crook, ran over people, took unfairly, had power over the people he collected from. He of course had friends and had people he hung out with ...we all have circles of friends we do life with. Jesus came and said those simple words - Follow me - and Levi dropped everything. Changed his way of life in that moment and left it all behind. He left the mafia of that time just like that. He then wanted to throw a party and celebrate and enjoy his new found teacher and friend. The one who changed him from the inside out - he invited his friends. As the leaders of that day sat and watched - they couldn't believe their eyes as Jesus sat with his disciples with these low life people who were far from God and the rules of that time. They asked and were ticked as to why Jesus was with them! And here is my point today loved ones, they were upset that Jesus was not with them.
Jesus reached out and touched those who would not be touched. He told the Samaritan woman all about her life and what did she do at the well? She left and went and told everyone she knew about the man who new everything about her. He didn't judge her or degrade her or tell her she should get her life straight and quit doing the things she was doing and then come back. He touched her where she was in life and while standing on his WELCOME MAT.

Loved ones, our welcome mats to our homes are exactly what our friends and neighbors should be - Welcome. - Welcome into our homes and into our lives. Community and doing life together.

As I think about all the prayers this morning for so many who need them - I am thankful that my heart and my life is open to them. As I pray and pour my heart out for them those prayers change us ...they change me.

Our life stories have to have something other than US in it..... Our lives should be lived with beauty in them and that begins by letting others in and welcoming them as they are. You are loved dear ones and the Gospel in my life needs to be shared because their is hope and beauty in it.

I will be at Lowes this evening getting a new Welcome mat and you are invited to help me rub out those letters.
Love you all,
Lonnie~

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving and enjoyed the break and change of routine. I am glad to be back in routine but thankful for the change of pace. Odd for me these past few days - I actually had my phone off, checked facebook only a few times and mostly deleted my email through my phone so that it would be less to look at when I did plug back in. I think often times when we have a few days off we come back and are overwhelmed with things. I can tell when I am overwhelmed because I have trouble focusing on my thoughts and this is where it usually shows up.

On Saturday I had my Bible open and God placed something on my heart and so for the next few days I have been thinking about that. Do you ever wonder why the first 4 chapter of the New Testament is refereed to as the Gospels? It sounds odd to refer to the Book of John instead of the Gospel of John. So lets dig a little deeper into that word and maybe it will come to life in a new way today.

Gospel as per Dictionary.com -
1. Teaching of Jesus and the apostles; Christian revelation.
2 The story of Christ's life and teachings, especially as contained in the first 4 books in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
3. Something regarded as true and implicitly believed
4. Also called Gospel Truth - an unquestionable truth.

There is without a doubt that the stories written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are truth. Just using the word Gospel makes it that much more concrete. Without question .... it is the truth. That is being bold enough to stand on, to place your heart and life on. If life change has truly happened and you are following Christ, it will not only just affect some of the things you do - it will affect your heart, your words, your actions, your motives, your thoughts, your life and everything in it. It will be asking God for opportunities to talk with people, its listening for those life directional whispers, its being different for the right reasons. You will stand out and you will experience pain like you never have before. Its good pain though because its not about you, but your entire being will be broke for those around you.
As I look around and see the people that I have influence with - I can't be just instructing them. I cannot lead if they are not wanting or even willing to follow. People need to be reminded instead of instructed.
Our friendships have to have some Gospel in them. They have to be honest and pure and open - open in the mind, the heart and in that place where well being of the other person will trump over your own. The Gospels are that truth and that level and so a few of our friendships should be that way too.
I am so not that surface person. You know that level one of communication where we are just scratching the surface.... what I do for a living, the weather ...blah blah blah ... I just dont have much time for that mess. I am personal and am eager for those deeper conversations - especially when it comes to the those I have influence with but it can't be me just doing all the talking and leading all the time. I think in order to get to that place with people there has to be a level of acceptance of knowing WHO you are and WHERE you currently are. You cant let people in if you dont know where you are at right? There has to be some level of vulnerability otherwise you will never get past the surface. You will never get past the weather, what you do for a living, the Panthers..... stuck.
The only way to push to the next level is being vulnerable and that is a scary place for some because it may allow pain into your life. Its emotionally being wounded but see that is where the WHO comes into play. By knowing WHO you are and who you are following and who you are leading - you can be vulnerable because before anything else in this life - hopefully you are following Christ and you are HIS first before you are a husband/wife/parent or friend.
Show the Gospel - the truth - in your life and doing so sometimes you need to get naked. NOT clothes related silly dirty mind person, I know what you're thinking, I am talking about your guard and letting some people see the real you. Always preach the Gospel and on occasion, use words.
Being who you are isn't always easy. It's much easier to hide behind the masks we get so good at holding up to cover the real you. When you put the mask down and become transparent with who you are, you'll deepen your relationships...... one of which is the most important and that is with Christ.
He is the Gospel - the truth - the unquestionable truth!

Loved ones, in spite of our fears, we have a deep, inner craving to tell someone who we really are and what we really are like - without the masks. I see this all the time in student ministry and in other areas of my life as well. But this isnt easy to do but let me say that the old me, was a quiet self centered all about me person. I didn't have many friends, didn't care much for people unless they affected me or did something for me. I didn't let many people into my inner circle. Just when be begin to be real, our fears creep in and we quickly raise our shields of protection where we think its safe and comfortable ...... and LONELY.
One thing I have learned in leading and being in front of so many people is that you have to be transparent. You have to let your guard down and let people see, let the know, let them feel that you are just as jacked up as they are. Yes there are struggles and difficulties and fears but by letting other in to see that - you become real to them. You become honest and genuine and the word that our youth is looking and seeking today from people is AUTHENTIC.

Loved ones, let the Gospel come from everything in you. Let it infect your spirit, your heart and in your soul. God can lead you to so many incredible places and give you so many incredible friendships and people in your life that you would never even know without Him.

I will end in Galations 6:9-10 - I pray something spurs your heart.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Friends, praying for the corn without knowing what we are planting leads to bad choices and decisions. Good voices lead to good choices. Pray for those seeds you are planting every single day. I believe a sprout will come from the ground when its in season and in the proper timing.

What is your Gospel in life showing others?

Lonnie~

Thankful as per dictionary.com - Feeling or expressing gratitude; Appreciative.

Gratitude as per dictionary.com - The quality or feeling of being thankful.

Do you know that it is possible to be thankful but not grateful? See being thankful usually comes from someone doing something FOR you. If someone does something for you and its a positive experience than we are usually thankful. If its not a good experience we are usually not. Being grateful happens regardless if we or someone does something for us. We are grateful for that friendship even though that person may not have done anything for us.

So as I sit down with millions of others tomorrow for Thanksgiving - I will be thinking about Gratefulgiving. I am not only going to be thankful this thanksgiving for all the blessings in my life, all the things I have done to serve others, thankful for all the things that others have done for my family and I but I will be grateful as well. Grateful because I dont deserve any of it. I did not earn any of it and its not because of my works and what God is doing in my life. I did not earn my friendships that mean so much to me -

Mark 12:41-44 - Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in 2 very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on."

Being grateful leaves a mark on our lives because its in us and regardless of what is happening, what we are going through, what people have done for us - its our heart that shows. Being grateful is showing your heart and that person shines their sunbeams through the clouds. The poor woman Jesus speaks of above in Mark 12 clearly shows us that she gave ALL she had and trusted God with ALL she had to give.
God has called us to be 100% following Him - to be SOULED out for Him. I will be thinking about the children and the families that my heart will get to personally touch this summer when I am in Jamaica. It changes everything when gratitude comes before being thankful. Being thankful is usually on the receiving end and gratitude is on the giving end.
It changes my priorities - It doesnt take a busy season for our priorities to get out of whack. Its easy to fall into the trap of self when our priorities are not aligned with Gods heart. A grateful heart is more open and aware of Gods work in our lives. It helps us understand whats REALLY important. It challenges us in our thinking about our "wants" and our "needs".
Being content in all situations shows us where our spiritual maturity is. Us being thankful trumps our I WANTS. The poor lady who gave all she had was thankful for her spiritual gifts that she has in Christ. We can't help but to have a greater compassion for others when we give Christ everything.
Gratitude builds our faith because we recognize what Christ is doing in our lives. When we think of Gods faithfulness, we position our hearts to trust him more. He has given us everything "we need".
So starting for some of us today and for the next few days - Are you going to be "Thankful" or "Grateful" ? Thanksgiving or Gratefulgiving?

Most people when they read this story they focus on the amount given that the poor woman gave. Its not the 2 coins that matter the most - Its the the 2 coins that represent her heart, her soul, her mind. She totally trusted God in her present and in her future.

"Thankful" to be giving and "Grateful" to do it. Thankfulness is being poured into but Gratefulness is pouring out. I pray that really sinks deep into your hearts and changes some perspectives for you. It has stretched me the last few weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. There is so much to be Grateful for.

Lonnie~

I just got a call a little while ago that a good friend of mine at a normal kinda routine doc appointment has been rushed to the ER for surgery. My family and I will be extending some help for them and their children. Please be in prayer for Gina and her family.

I woke in a pretty tough place this morning as I did not get any sleep last night. I hate that part of ministry and ministering to others. They keep me up at night and nothing but Gods grace on me will settle my heart down from the pain and give me peace and rest. I can try and talk myself into it, take an extra PM pill and still the hurt heart will keep you awake, the mind continues to run in all different directions and then suddenly, you realize that all this IS worth it. The people in my life are worth fighting FOR and if that means a season of hard tough things, I will do my part and more than my share of carrying the load, the hurt and doing without to fight for them. But to be honest and this is me showing my heart on my sleeve once again but I don't really care about it all that much because being humble is not such a bad place to be. Pride keeps us from our faith and being humbled gives us new eyes.

Man this is hard. You know what? It is HARD! Maybe this is why Paul encourages us in doing the "Work" of ministry. It is WORK and hard work at that. You put your heart out there. You offer Grace and acceptance and love to people. You sow seed. You make phone calls. You send text messages. You send FaceBook posts full of encouragement. You extend the hand of friendship and leadership. You pick up the phone in the middle of the night. You drop everything to meet the cries and you shoulder the tears. You get involved in family and personal matters. You extend yourself far from the comfort zone. 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, I may be a fool, but I'm a special kind of fool. I'm the fool who still believes that a tiny green sprout will rise up from the dirt.

Proverbs 15:22 - Plans fail for a lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed. We have to have older people investing their wisdom into our lives. Submit yourself to older people of faith.
Everyone needs a Paul in their life to be poured into. Right voices lead to right choices.

A worn Bible is a beautiful thing.

Lonnie~

"He who aims with enthusiasm gets there every time." Enthusiasm is a powerful motivator.

I spend a good amount of time in front of people. Leading a small group of families, leading in the student ministry at church, working at work in an environment that folks come to me when they need things, I have students who work for me, I have students who call/email/txt at all hours of the day. I am in front of people a lot. I have never been much of this type of person in my life until God opened the doors for me to do this and in faith - I stepped through and stepped up. I am thankful in SO many ways that I did.
I just wish sometimes that people had a sign - a big neon sign that shared with the world what mood they are in, what place their hearts are in - it sure would make it easier. Teenagers often have signs that glow - "I'm bored, I'm tired, this sucks, I am in no mood to talk with ANYONE, leave me alone, I don't care, I hate my life, another Monday, I hate school and all my teachers HATE me." These teenagers are tough to be around at times.

Sadly though, far too many of us are hiding behind the masks, they are too focused on themselves, drama surrounds them and with standing in front of people - it is written on their faces.

But every once in a while you come across someone who is just enthusiastic about stuff. Enthusiastic about life and their sign may be flashing, " I love life, its a great day to be alive, YES!, thank you for being in my life, I want to make a difference!" That is fun to be around. That is contagious! These folks just simply stand out in a crowd because no matter their situation - their sunshine shines through the clouds. Their bubbles in life attract other people's bubbles.
So if I asked you today, "Where is your enthusiasm meter at right now?" What would you say?

There are positive people and energy drainers ~ Who are you going to become? Who around you is that enthusiastic bubble or that never ending energy drainer? No matter what you face, your face shows your heart. A positive optimistic attitude shows and will make you more attractive and someone others want to be around.
As I think about those enthusiastic bubble people in my life, a few really stand out. Its easy to be really excited for someone who is fired up about their new found faith in Christ or that "A" on the exam or some big decision in life.
Yesterday was just this point as I sat with a handful of students and a few thanked me for being interested in their life and cared about their walk with Christ. It was good to see that genuine smile and that "bubble" that is around them.
Take a second look and think about this - do people walk away from time with you refreshed and excited, or drained and exhausted?

Psalm 118:24- This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejouce and be glad in it.

You and only you can choose to smile. Infomercials sell dont they? Have you ever seen a infomercial where the sales person was not enthusiastic about the product they are selling? I have a sham wow, a nail polisher and P90X - which Kyle calls P457X! Ripped in 457 days instead of 90 but I got caught up in the enthusiasm!!
As a follower of Christ - do I really reflect the gift of salvation and all that God has done in my life by frowning, always down and depressed, sucking the energy out of everyone around you, never happy about anything - I think we can do better loved ones. I think the focus of so many is on themselves and themselves only. One of the big changes I made in my life that really keeps me up is my act of worship through music. I don't much listen to the stuff the kids play today, not that there is anything really wrong with it, we are in the world but not of the world, so knowing about the music is good enough for me and small doses is ok as long as those lyrics and those words are not sinking into our hearts. I usually listen to upbeat music that has a good message to them, shares Christ through it, or is generally happy.
If I woke every morning expecting a bad, horrible and sucky day - chances are that is what I will get. I think far too often we aim too low and it becomes easier to hit the mark. Enthusiasm drops and after awhile, its just another Monday.
I would love to hear someone try and make an argument against being enthusiastic ... I mean waking most mornings excited about what God is going to do in my life will raise your enthusiasm - He created it! We should be excited as anything!
I do know that one major draining factor in our lives that suck the enthusiasm out is being tired. I see if far too often day in and day out with teenagers. They are tired. Afraid to miss something, they stay up late texting, on Facebook - they stay plugged in because they are afraid to miss out on anything. Students have school loads, sports practices, some of them work, - their lives are stressed. In order for life to have enthusiasm again, you may need to rearrange it some. I have had to do that over the past few weeks and I can tell my enthusiasm in general has increased. As I am the last few weeks taken a small role and have increased my study time, reading time, writing time, spending and investing my time in the handful of close people and experiencing different churches to hear Gods word - it really has me fired up again. I think some of that reason is because I am connected with God. Not that I wasn't before but because He is teaching me some new things. He is showing me new things. I am seeing things a little differently. He is placing outreach on my heart and that is where Jamaica has come into vision, the Center of Hope is happening, the Salvation Army Christmas Center is coming up - there are some great things to show my heart to others for Christ.
Enthusiasm by definition - Greek word meaning "In God."

Over this Thanksgiving week as we look for ways to be thankful - pray that God will move your heart to be a more enthusiastic person. As Pastor Furtick said Saturday night - if you find yourself inbetween and not knowing what to do - "Just keep showing up." God will mold you into the person He wants you to become.
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Seek your enthusiasm through Christ since he is the sourse of our energy and passion. Enthusiasm has the power to change your life and the lives of the people around you. As a few students left church yesterday, you can tell which ones are the bubbles, they smiled, hugged and said "Thanks" - I am thankful that they trust in me and let me be enthisiastic for them in their daily journey in life and their walk with Christ.

Right voices lead to right choices.

Thank you for your bubbles
Lonnie~

Friday afternoon and its quiet for a change. I ate way too much for lunch and that has me thinking about a few things. After an all morning meeting, I was hungry and was ready to eat napkins by the time I got to the place where I met an old student worker of mine for lunch. As we all sat and talked without even realizing it, I ate way too much. Not aware of what was taking place and now too late to do anything about it.

I sat this afternoon looking through some pictures of Thirst Camp this past year and reflecting back to the missions work we all shared in while serving some families during that week. It was a lot of work but work that is so gratifying in the sense of being in a place to help someone who could really use a hand. I never look at those hands as being a handout but a hand UP. We are raising people from the place where they are - upward. For some last year, they really got the message of helping others and plugged in and took charge and really opened their eyes and hearts to the power of Christ serving others. Some though, were shut down before they even go there. They never gave God a chance to work in their hearts to serve these families. For whatever reason, they were cold hearted, minds already positioned to stay in that place where they were and they walked away from that week of Camp - not moved in anyway other than a week away from home. They had their expectations as to what they thought it was going to be like or maybe in years past were already aware of what was coming and really had it in their mind that it would just happen and when things just didn't FEEL the way it should - just stood on the sidelines and watched.
Those are the moments that slip by us. Its kind of like sharing Christ with someone and we have all done this by missing the moment we had in sharing Christ with someone. We missed the moment to step forward in faith and afterwards are really upset by it. I hate missing out on those opportunities even if I am not comfortable at times in doing so. I pray for boldness and courage to step in faith to do whatever God is presenting me - a person to share the message with, an opportunity to serve a meal, an opportunity to help someone in need, a phone call that would make the difference in someone's life, a stop at the hospital - whatever it is.
As my walk with Christ is growing deeper these past few weeks. I know that my faith is tried each and every day and He gently continues to show me that I have to put myself behind Him. One way in doing that is by serving others and stepping out of my comfort zone and trust him in my weakness. My greatest victories in my faith journey have been when I stepped forward in faith and allowed God to lead and show me the way. Though it may be hard at the time it becomes clear when you reach the other side.
Romans 10:14 - But how can people call for help if they dont know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the one who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? Thats why scripture exclaims, A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God! But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: "Does anyone care, GOd? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?" The point is" Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's word is preached, there is nothing to listen to.

Serving in student ministry is much like the passage above. In their comfort zones, its almost impossible to move a student. Unless of course they are in a season of time and God is on the move in their hearts already. Adults are much the same way. We have to get out of our comfort zones and open our hearts to hear Gods word. Not everyone is ready for this and we are all in different places. Thats why faith is something you own. Its personal and its yours.
As I look back at camp and think about those who really had an experience this past year and where their faith is today. I am excited for them because God has done some great things in their lives because they got out of their comfort zones and they let themselves be open to something new.
God has to be an adventure. We must it in our hearts that we can pursue God and reach higher than we could ever reach with him. An adventure is exciting and at every turn we are expecting something awesome and something flippin incredible. I love the verse above - A sight to take your breath away! - When was the last time God took your breath away? - When was the last time something took your breath away? Far too many of us are so wrapped up in our own little selfish world that we have lost our smiles, lost the joy, lost the reason and purpose in life - when we get there and in those places, we lose our direction.
Jamaica is going to be one of those trips where I will be out of my comfort zone. Not knowing what is happening next, not knowing how that next child is going to affect my heart, not knowing that seeing those tears running down that childs face will rip my heart out, not knowing that Christ is at work in the heart of his people there regardless of what I see with my eyes and what things look like with poverty and living conditions. Not knowing if we are going to be safe or not as Kingston is one of the murder capitals of the world and drugs and kingpins run major operations there. Safety is an issue not only for me but also for my family, the friends that will be along but also "mykids". This will be a new understanding of relying on God for those things I cannot control. I wont have anything or anyone else to rely on.
The thing that has me thinking today loved ones, that these people who we will meet on this out of my comfort zone trip - are just like me and you. They are created, they are honest, they are funny, they too have smiles, they too hurt in the same ways I do, they too love their families, they can do the same things I do - things I take for granted every single day - but they dont have that chance. They dont have those opportunities. Chances are they wont own a tv, and Ipod, a computer, own a car or hold a well paying job that will provide for their families.
The greatest thing about this trip will be - being available to let God use us in anyway He will need us. Every day will be different. I would consider my faith and trust in Christ is pretty strong - but I am sure that will be challenged as I meet these folks that they are on a different level than I am with trust and faith in Christ. With so much less, they have so much more. I know my weaknesses will be exposed. But through those weaknesses - God will use them for his glory.
What more could I ask for? Faith with new eyes, a growing heart and a journey that just keeps getting deeper. All because I am choosing to get out of my comfort zone, open up and let Christ do something glorious in me. Our common ground together - Christ.

Have a great weekend everyone. Praying you let Christ do something in your hearts.
Lonnie~

I found myself this morning just running a little behind. Not only in my start to the day but also in my mind, my thoughts and in my spirit. I just felt a little out of sync. Do you ever have those days? Maybe you are in a season of just being out of sync and nothing seems to be real and concrete right now. I have to say that when this happens to me, I lean in and ask God - Lord what is it you are trying to show me or teach me because I am not getting it. I am trying but I need another voice or avenue to show me what it is you are pressing into my heart.
This morning as I rushed around I ran out without making lunch once again, I spilled my coffee on my shirt, I typed everything one character off while praying/texting with one of my kids and all I had when I looked down at it was a bunch of garble. Starting over seemed to be a good idea as I really wanted to get a few more hours of sleep and begin the day over again.
I pressed through, didn't say any bad words as I wiped my shirt off from the coffee, I resent the text message with my shared morning prayer and God blessed that. I got a text soon after from a student who I have not heard from in a few months. One who I prayed with a few times a week before school and she said that she was thankful to have her spiritual family back again and she has got through a tough place the last few months in her life. I am pumped about that.
I went to get lunch today and a band is playing from C4Charlotte - which is a church that is meeting here on campus and as the nice lady was making my sandwich, all I could think about was hurry up - I am missing the music! I ventured out into the atrium and dozens of people are watching. Sons praising Jesus was being played on a public university in this huge place with students listening as they walk by, some stopping, some meeting the volunteers there, some sitting and enjoying, some with arms raised and praising Christ.
I couldnt help but smile knowing that I needed this and God put it together. I could have sat in my office or took my 2 miles and missed all of this. The band took a break and I walked back to the office to eat and I grabbed one of my students who work for me and I said - break time from homework, hurry follow me. I am pretty jacked up now after a morning that was not going well and then being infused with Gods word through some worship music at lunch. Thats a great lunch if I may say so! I for sure will plan on attending some of their services on Sunday nights now.
The last few days have me really searching my heart and where God is leading me on this mission trip. I am really getting excited about it after talking with the missions pastor yesterday. The doors are opening right now for God to send my family and I, along with a few others to Jamaica this July. I can't help but to think about upcoming mission work in my own back yard through the Center of Hope, Christmas Center and my buddy Chad contacted me this morning and serving the folks through Operation Christmas Child on December 18th. This mission service work is just flying and pieces are coming together faster than I can keep up with. For a year now I have felt the heart pull to take a mission trip outside of the US - to really see how life is for folks in other parts of the world. To really experience what Jesus is to folks who are hurting and don't have much of anything but who are thankful and praising God for everything in their lives. Basics, loved ones, people who don't have the basics who love Christ and need some help.
Most people think of Jamaica as one of those fancy places to see beautiful beaches, eat too much and party too much at the all inclusive resorts but there is a side of Jamaica who is hurting and people there who don't have the basics in life. 60% of Jamaica's love Christ. They lives on less than $4000 a year. Homes made from huts, grass materials, mud whatever can be used as a shelter. Through this outreach mission, we will be grouped with 30-50 other folks who will go and serve a community with their basic needs. Prayers, support, building projects, VBS children's programs, shut ins who can't get out of their homes, visiting shelters, visiting orphanages.... the list is long.
Our ministry begins with each of us. Its personal. I dont want to go on a mission trip, stay in a 5 star hotel, hand out bibles for an hour while hoping that time goes by fast because I want to get back to the pool and conveniences.... You know what I am talking about with that kind of mission trip. I want to be used..... I want to be involved and I want to make a difference in the lives of people. I know with all my heart that God will put in front of me people and children who need to hear about Christ and as I begin to pray for them - I bet they will be praying for me first. I bet they will be meeting my needs through encouraging my heart and my spirit before I get to serve them in that way. I will be the one changed. I will be the one with eyes wide open. I will have the changed heart and renewed vision. My family and I will be impacted for Christ. Our mission to share the love of Christ will have new energy and a passion to do that because our hearts will be exposed to the compassion that Christ has for people.
I can't wait to play with the children of Jamaica on their own land, in their own place and share the smiles while we pray together, hug together, carry them on my shoulders. Imagine Kyle, Morgan and other 13 year old being part of this? Their lives changed in that moment for the rest of their lives. A turning point as to say - a week ago I was complaining about my cell phone, my clothes are not the right style now, my hair is not right or I am out of eye liner or the food stinks at school.
Having a bed, clean sheets, a warm place at night, a mom and dad who love me, healthy .... so much taken for granted. So much we overlook and lose the joy in our smiles.

God make the way for us to experience a new side of you and your love that you have for people. Help us see with your eyes Lord - move our hearts and change us from the inside. May our lives be worship to you in all we do. Pave the way Lord to opening doors so that we can go where you are calling us and where you want us. We are here Lord.... I am ready. Who is with me? Amen

Ephesians 3:7 - This is my life work: helping people understand and respind to this message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the message to people who had no background in Gods way, I was the least qualified of any of the available christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities. And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathers in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels. When we trust in him, we're free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go.

Lord its time to do something glorious, something wonderful and let us show others who is behind it all. I don't want to keep my faith to myself .... neither should you. Its too awesome to hold inside. Share it loved ones.....
God is on the move.... I am holding on for the ride.
Lonnie~