HIGHLIGHTERS, POST-IT FLAGS AND MARGIN NOTES

Call me crazy, but I can't help it.

I am reviewing books I've already written notes in and underlined. As I review, I add flags: "Wow, that's helpful. I need to remember that."

Oh, and as I added flags, I wrote reminders in my journal------which I am now rereading and highlighting.

Hmmm . . . makes me think of a new bike path I took Ray to, years ago. 

"We've been here, before," he said.

"No, we haven't."

"Yes . . ."

"No . . ."

Finally I said, "Well, there's one advantage of a short memory. Every day is new."

And so it is with books (including the Bible). I love how writers paint wisdom from a pallette of words; words that are worth enjoying again and again.

Third Time Around,
Lonnie

PS: One would wonder, though, why I need shelves FULL of books. Shouldn't I be able to read the same 5 over and over?

CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

"Do not concern yourselves with your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours."

Genesis 45: 20 New American Standard Bible

Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery and, yet, they are being promised the best in the land of Egypt. What's that about?

Forgiveness. Reconciliation. Seeing God's Hand in the midst of rejection, trials, and injustice. Wow! God, please give me the eyes and heart of Joseph.

The story of Joseph reminds me of heaven. In spite of all my sins I, like his brothers,  receive the best God has.

The best . . . that GOD has!

I hear the same words Joseph's family heard: "Do not concern yourself with your goods . . ."

 I don't hear, "You know . . . you can't take it with you."

What I do hear is, "Why would you want to?"

Getting A Little Excited,
Lonnie

COMING OUT GAY

If there was anyone wanting to find biblical approval for homosexuality, it would be Caleb Kaltenbach. Both his mom and dad came out as gay. 

Somewhat like Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel, Kaltenbach went to a Bible study to prove Christianity false. He'd seen his mom treated horribly by Christians. Why wouldn't he want to discredit them?!

I greatly appreciate his book, "Messy Grace," because it allows me to love Jesus AND LGBT folks.

God has been working in my heart for some time . . . 14 years I'd guess; way before my life became entwined from various sides with this issue. God has taken this heart of stone, that Jeremiah writes about, and has given me a heart of flesh . . . one of genuine, love-to-be-around-you-love, and compassion.

But, to be honest, sometimes I feel like I'm walking a tight-rope. I'm guessing maybe you do, too.

Kaltenbach gives 4 possible responses for when someone comes out to us. I find them helpful and pass them on to you. They seem like good responses to anyone in our lives who is LGBT, whether they come out to us or not.

1. "We can kick them out of our life.
2.  We can ignore it.  (them)
3.  We can change our beliefs so there's no tension between us.
4.  Or we can keep loving them and hold our beliefs firm."

Caleb Kaltenbach
Messy Grace   p. 95
Waterbrook   2015

I am walking that tight-rope now. I write this with fear and trembling--fear that someone I love will be hurt, become angry, turn away from Jesus--turn away from me. And so, while I usually post new blog entries to facebook, I am leaving this one in God's hands. 

God, You know who this will hurt or help. Give me love, wisdom and strength to respond well.

In Jesus Name.

Faithfully His ,
Lonnie

KEEPING SCORE

"Jealousy can be difficult to recognize because our reasons for it seem to make sense. 

But left unchecked, jealousy grows quickly and leads to serious sins.

The time to deal with jealosy is when you notice yourself keeping score of what others have."

Life Application Bible  p. 77


As For Me

Feel free to add to my list, because . . .

Jealousy isn't always about someone else's possessions.

Have you ever kept score (wished for, felt you deserved) someone else's . . .

Free Time?

Grandchildren?

Job?

Body Type?

Domestic Help?

Romantic Husband?

Grocery Cart? ( Don't tell me you haven't wished for that thick red steak, chocolate, or crispy broasted chicken.)

Drooling,
Lonnie

PS: Cure for Jealousy--gratitude.

Just journaled--"Others would love to have my free time, faithful and loving husband, my children+ with their creativity, courage, love of others and  love of learning. They have great laughs and smiles, but . . . only one likes coffee. 8-)"

JESUS FREAK

Just a quick note this morning as I think about my first year as a Christian (1972). 

I had arrived in Black Mountain, North Carolina to spend the summer as a camp counselor. Apparently, the first one there, I wandered along a beautiful singing creek. 

A man walked up to me and asked if I was one of those Jesus Freaks.

"If that means I love Jesus, then yes I am."

Today, however someone might phrase the question, or colour the label, I'd have to respond with the same question: Are you asking if I love Jesus?

Yes. 

Can't live without Him. Don't want to.

Lonnie

MORE PERSONAL THAN YOU'VE IMAGINED

Ken Gaub, no where near home, heard a pay phone ringing . . . and it kept ringing. Thinking it might be an emergency, he answered.

"Long distance call for Ken Gaub," the operator said.

He nearly passed out. Who wouldn't?

A woman, named Millie, had written a suicide note. She didn't want to carry through with it, but apparently felt she'd run out of options. She remembered seeing Ken Gaub on TV, and thought if she could just talk to him, he could help.

As she prayed, numbers popped into her head.

 She called.

Ken answered!

"With the millions of phones and innumerable combinations of numbers, only an all-knowing God could have caused that woman to dial that number in that phone booth at that moment in time."

Mark Batterson
Draw The Circle  p.217-218
Zondervan 2012

As For Me

I could think someone is stretching the truth, except . . . as I read Insanity of God, by Nik Ripken, Muslims coming to faith in Jesus Christ have experienced similar happenings.

God IS that personal!
God's LOVE is that personal!
God's love FOR YOU is that personal!
We are never out of His sight, never out of His heart, never separated from His love.

Trusting and Believing,
Lonnie

BORROWED FAITH

"When we share a testimony, we are loaning our faith to others. When we listen to testimony, we are borrowing faith from others. Either way, the church is edified and God is glorified."

Mark Batterson
Draw The Circle   p.177
Zondervan  2012


Recently, a friend was given  something I've dreamed of for decades. I wasn't encouraged, as Batterson might expect. I was jealous! Covetous!

GOD: "If I can do, for her, what seems impossible--could I not also do it for you?"

That (sorry) "line" has never worked on me before. But like that seedling that pushes its way through blacktop, I felt an inkling of faith emerge.

Mayyybe . . .

Borrowed Faith.
Thank you, Friend,

Lonnie

A few weeks later, another friend shared about her incredible trip to warm, exotic places. Knowing I could never afford such luxury, she looked puzzled when I said, with genuine enthusiasm, "I am SO happy for you. So glad you had a good time."

God is working.

UNDESERVED SUFFERING

I got the part about always being ready to give a reason for our hope . . .

How did I miss the context?!

Peter, in I Peter 1 & 2, writes about suffering . . . undeserved suffering, at that. It's in that environment that we are to defend our hope in Jesus.

I find it no accident that I'm reading Peter at the same time I'm reading about persecuted Christians in China and Somalia.

I WONDER . . .

"Do I undersrand their sufferings more, because of the Scriptures?

Or, do I understand the Scriptures more because of their sufferings?"

Either Way, I'm Awakened,

Lonnie

REMINDERS--GOTTA LOVE 'EM

I get irritated when people remind me of things I already know. It feels like they're insulting my intelligence, or wasting my time. (just being honest)

Yet, Peter said, "I consider it right as long as I am in this earthly dwelling to stir you up by way of a reminder."  (2 Peter 1:14)

Does that sound like a parent, or what? "As long as I'm alive . . . "

Our children get irritated, especially when we remind them of things they don't want to remember. But, we hope that when situations arise, our repeated words will guide and protect them. That was certainly the heart of Peter, as well. He knew he was going to die. He wanted to leave believers solid in their faith.


I Heard:

"Don't get into cars with strangers."

"If a warning light comes on, pull the car to the side of the road ---immediately."

"Keep a dime in your pocket ( before cell phones). If you find yourself in a bad sitation, call me."

Those reminders saved my life and certainly reduced car expenses (and further reminders).


 Thank you Mom and Dad.
Lonnie


Reminders might be easier heard if some of them are,

 "I love you."

"You're smart (strong, talented); I know you can do this."

"If you wash the car, Dad is more likely to say, "Yes, you can use it."

TRADING ONE DREAM FOR ANOTHER

"One of the greatest days of my life was the day I decided to die to my dream of being a success and become alive to the dream of being a blessing."


Matthew Barnett
Misfits Welcome  p.63 Nook
Nelson Books 2014

As For Me

Often one blessed person will bless another, who will bless another, who . . .

Won't blessings outlive success?

God, help me see the opportunities today; and then act on them. Put a gentle breeze behind the blessing and keep it moving and touching lives with encouragement.

Lonnie

CHATS WITH GOD

God: Lonnie, you are strong and getting stronger.

Me: Hmmm . . . For what God? For what do I need to be strong? 

God: Don't be afraid. I am here.



God: Lonnie, you are strong.

Me: No, I'm tired.


I don't set an alarm. I wake up, glance at the clock and whimper a little. But I love (!!) 4 am. Waking isn't easy--at least not until I reach the bottom of the stairs. There, Someone I love waits for me.


I nuke a cup of coffee, gather my Bible, devotion books, journal, and pens. I set Pandora on instrumental music and sometimes light a white pillar candle. This is "God and Me" time. 

I may stay up for 30 minutes or 2 hours; often reluctant to leave but allowing common sense and droopy eyes to have their way.

7:00 a.m. I'm not so fond of.

You're strong Lonnie. 
No, I'm tired . . . 

But------I wouldn't miss 4 a.m. for anything!

Love You Jesus,
Lonnie

Little Backstory: The combo of Lonnie and Lorna means, "strong and prepared for battle." When I tell God, "I need to be," He says, "You are."

OUR PRAYERS OUTLIVE US

A woman, with 12 children, prayed for them (by name) 3 times each day; mostly that they would give their lives to Jesus Christ.

On her death bed when six had, and six had not, accepted Christ, she said, " I'm going to die, but the power of my prayers will come to pass in each of your lives."

Fifteen years later, her eldest son was invited by a neighbor to attend church. When this son stepped into the church, all he could hear was his mother's voice praying for him.

When an invitation was given to the congregation to put their faith in Jesus Christ, this 92 year old man raised his hand.

Ninety-two years old!


As For Me

These are my lessons.

1. NEVER give up! It's NEVER too late.
2. This woman didn't die worrying or discouraged. She died "assured."
3. When was the last time "I" invited an unbeliever to church?

Still Praying,
Lonnie

(Story taken from a favorite book: Draw The Circle  p.110-111
                                                                     Mark Batterson
                                                                      Zondervan  2012