THE CULTURE IS ME

" . . . it's not the role of the government to 

solve all of our problems through legislation.

But they must be attended to nonetheless.

AND HERE'S THE PROBLEM:

The less culture attends to these things, the more the government will attend to them and the less freedom there will be."

Eric Metaxas

If You Can Keep It  p.46

Viking 2016

(emphasis mine)

Lest we miss it, 

WE ARE THE CULTURE.

Likewise, 

WE ARE THE CHURCH.

I pray for the Body of Christ, sometimes as a "they."

Convict them of sin.

Let them watch their words and responses on facebook.

Help them behave like Christians should.

Let them live in such a way that the world sees a difference.

Eeeeesh!

I catch myself and stop. I ask God's forgiveness.

The Body of Christ is not a them.

It's a ME.

Was it St. Francis Assisi who penned,

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."?

How about,

Let their be compassion, generosity, morality, and  words of kindess, thankfulness, and encouragement---

And Let It Begin With Me?

lonnie

BUT WE KEEP TRYING

" . . . contentment,

security,

peace, 

and hope for the future.

NONE OF THESE CAN BE FOUND IN A JOB, A HUMAN RELATIONSHIP, MONEY, POWER, OR POSITION.

THEY ARE GOD'S ALONE TO GIVE."

(emphasis added)

Billy Graham

Unto The Hills  p. 98

Word Publishing   1996

But, we keep trying, don't we?

And yet, we often feel like we fall just shy of success;

Or that success, finally reached,

 is as temporary as an ice cream cone in a child's hand.

Or an adult's,

😉

Lonnie

CHANGE "SOMETHING"

" . . . You will never change your life until you change 

something 

you 

do 

daily."

John Maxwell

Today Matters  p. 14, 19

Warner Faith   2004

This should be so easy!

Why is it so hard?

"I" think because we don't believe it will really matter.

But . . .

What do we have to lose?

Anything come to your mind for something to start with?

For lent, I'm giving up car noise--radio, c.d.s . . .

I'm going to pray or just be quiet and listen.

I could sing . . . God asks for a joyful noise.

Maybe I'll see one change and be encouraged to try another.

Join Me,

lonnie

COME FIND ME

"I have wandered down the wrong path

like a lost sheep;

Come find Your servant,

because I do not forget your commandments."

PSALM 119:176

Psalm 119 probably tops my favorites of the Bible. Yet, in spite of many reads, I missed this verse. 

Since it's discovery, I find myself praying it ----when I feel lost, overwhelmed, confused or just in need of the company of my Shepherd.

Come Find Me,

lonnie

HISTORY GUFFAWS

"In our day everyone seems to know that helping the poor is important,

 for example, or that slavery is wrong, 

or being good stewards of the environment is important, 

but

what we have completely forgotten is that these ideas all stemmed from the 

Judeo-Christian tradition in the West.

We seem to think that whatever virtues we do possess arose by themselves.

HISTORY GUFFAWS AT THE VERY IDEA."

(emphasis mine)

Eric Metaxas

If You Can Keep It  p. 62

Viking  2016



I started this some time ago -- before the sneeze, blow, cough, sleep sleep sleep.

I still like the quote, but have nothing to add.

lonnie

EASIER SAID THAN DONE

Years ago, I struggled to forgive.

We are commanded to do so -- and I was trying; but deep hurt kept bombarding me, and that led to anger and a desire to speak my piece -- to the offender and to anyone else who would listen.

Forgiveness seemed impossible.

My husband, Ray, suggested I date the day of my forgiveness; then each time the ugly thoughts returned to say,

"I forgave them."

Easier said than done, but it got me through. 

Today is the 11th anniversary of my forgiveness and my freedom.

" Forgive me my trespasses as I forgive those who tresspass against me."

With God's Help I Do,

Lonnie

GOD HAS A PLAN!

The king of Egypt, fearful of how quickly his Hebrew slaves were multiplying, said to the midwives,

"when you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy,

kill him . . ."

The midwives feared God and could not bring themselves to follow the king's orders.

THEN

Pharoah gave orders to all his people to throw every Hebrew boy born into the Nile.

Later,

When Moses had grown,

 a pharoah, again, tried to kill him.

But God had a plan.

God had a deliverer.

MOSES SURVIVED!

King Herod, having heard of the birth of Jesus, the "one who has been born the king of the Jews,

gave orders to kill

all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under."

But God had a plan.

He guided Mary and Joseph away from danger.

JESUS SURVIVED!

Not unlike Moses, when Jesus was grown men tried, again, 

to kill Him.

They succeeded,

Or thought they did.

God had a plan.

Our Deliverer.

Jesus rose from the dead!

HE SURVIVED . . . Again!

I am so disappointed----so disturbed, that men and women, for decades, have allowed the ending of unborn life, but life and humans just the same.

AND NOW . . .

they callously vote/agree 

to kill a child

who survives abortion.

That's so far beyond my understanding. I can't wrap my head or my heart around it.

But I believe, as before, that

God has a plan.

He has a deliverer.

I may not live long enough to see the deliverer, but one is coming.

One of those babies may survive, despite all plans to rid the earth of him.

OR

JESUS WILL RETURN.

"AT THAT TIME THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY.

WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO TAKE PLACE,

STAND UP 

&

LIFT UP YOUR HEADS

BECAUSE YOUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR."

I don't want to face Jesus without having defended the very lives He created.

lonnie

DEATH OF A CHILD

"I need God. I just need God. It's hard. When this happened (fatal car accident), if Jesus didn't come through for me, trust me when I tell you that I would have stopped preaching, but I have to say to you, it's all true.

I HIT BOTTOM AND GOD WAS THERE."

(emphasis mine)

Greg Laurie

Jesus Revolution  p. 215

Baker Books 2018

" . . . the reality of faith didn't anesthetize the pain."  p. 216

This whole book is good, but the last half, and especially this chapter, is excellent.

I've read what Pastor Greg Laurie went through and  I've wondered . . . how did that happen to such a committed and faithful Christian? 

I grew up in an era where you were told to say, "Praise the Lord" and your circumstances would turn around.

They didn't. 

I was told to plant a seed (of money) even if I was in need. That seed would multiply right into prosperity.

It didn't.

I wavered between accusing God and blaming myself for not being committed and faithful.

I've hit bottom, too.

And

God WAS there.

He's not my genie, but He's absolutely loving, wise, and faithful.

He is worthy of trust and praise.

And someday . . . my tears will be wiped away.

lonnie

PLAYING GOD

"Those who must make instant life and death decisions are put in the position of being God,

and being God is woefully addictive.

The great physicians are those who know that it is not their mortal hands which heal, but God's hands using the human  one."

Madeleine L'Engle

Glimpses Of Grace   p. 69

HarperSanFrancisco   1998

First: I'm struck with compassion for those who have to make decisions "in a moment." 

Second: I am ever aware that a doctor can put bones back in place and apply a cast to hold them in place, BUT he CANNOT knit the bones together.

Third: When I go to a doctor, am I expecting from man what only God can do?

Hmmmm ........

lonnie

JUST THINKING ABOUT SOMETHING YOU SAID . . .

"'You know, I was thinking about what you said to me last night.'

Did you catch that?

She went home that night, hours after I spoke to her, and thought about my words.

The next morning, when I saw her for the first time, they were still on her heart,

while I had not thought of them since I walked away from her desk."

Jessica Turner

A Moment To Breathe  p. 100/Nook

Broadman&Holman  2017


Just last week, I made a similar comment to a friend.
 A common phrase in her school was, "That (misbehavior) will be put in your permanent record."

Her friend, as an adult, went to the school and asked to see her 
permanent record.

My mind couldn't let go of my friend's experience . . . one that she was remembering decades later. 

"That was a fear tactic," I said. "And that permanent piece is like saying, 'You will never be forgiven.' That's awful!"


What words of mine (or yours) have people gone home with?
Did their mind/heart not let go of them because they felt . . .
stupid?
unappreciated?
encouraged?
valued?
loved?
enjoyed?

Words are powerful.
God, help me use them wisely.

lonnie

COMFORTABLE?

"The gospel is meant to comfort the afflicted

and 

afflict the comfortable."

A well-known adaptation of a 1902 quote by journalist

Finley Peter Dunne

The Jesus Revolution  p. 145

By

Greg Laurie/Ellen Vaughn

Baker Books  2018

Hmmmm . . . 

Good news, unless . . .

You're comfortable.

I guess we learn more from trials than from ease; 

Or at least the lessons last longer.

But then . . .

There are those 40 years in the wilderness.

Perhaps learning is a choice . . .

lonnie

QUOTING MYSELF 🤔

"We must be strong--not just for moments

but

for the long haul;

not for an occasional need, but daily;

not stored up--not just "maintained," 

but active and gaining strength."

I cannot do so without God's Word,

plus His people--their prayers, hugs, wisdom and encouragement; 

I cannot grow in strength without singing praises to God and by bringing my requests and those of others to Him.

Till I meet Him face to face,

lonnie

HONOR REVOKED

Tim Keller won an award for being a well-respected pastor and theologian. 

But public outcry caused Princeton to quickly revoke the honor.

Why?

Keller didn't support the ordination of women or LGBTQ causes. 

"In an example of Christ's humility and graciousness,

Keller suggested Princeton not give him the award

but still hold his lecture 
to foster dialogue, discussion, and greater intellectual exploration.

The university agreed, and Keller's lecture

was a huge success."

Ed Stetzer

Christians In The Age Of Outrage  p.24

Tyndale Momentum  2018

I'm impressed with Tim Keller's Christ-like response. I am more impressed with groups holding opposing views being willing to talk.

We need more of that,

lonnie

STUCK! WITH NO WAY OUT

"The reality of the Red Sea, in a word, is this:

God will always make a way for His tired, yet trusting, children,

EVEN IF HE HAS TO SPLIT THE SEA TO DO IT."

(emphasis mine)

Robert Morgan

The Red Sea Rules  p.xii

Word Publishing  2014

It looked impossible. It looked like God didn't care. 

Looks are

deceiving.

lonnie

MORNING PRAYERS

God, this nation is in such a mess!

Satan is intent on destroying a nation that has the freedom to worship You and also has the freedom to tell others about Jesus.

Disable him.

Cause his schemes to  not only be ineffective but to work against him.

Help us, as Your Church, to pray for our enemies--

particularly for their salvation, because You desire NONE to perish.

God, help us to repent--to read Your Word and live by it.

So many of us have mixed other religions with our faith in You--

even though, mostly in innocence. Please help us to see that oil and water don't mix--

nor do the practices of other religions and/or gods mix with Your Word and Your Ways.

Help us not compare ourselves with the less moral or less faithful;

help us, instead, compare ourselves to the love and righteousness of Jesus.

God, what is Your will concerning illegal immigrants and border security?

Is there an answer that No One has seen? Help our elected officials come to a good solution--one that is compassionate, firm, and effective.

For one thing, help us trust in You.

You may use men, women, political parties, and even walls--but our ultimate trust 

must be in You--because our battle is not against flesh and blood . . . 

God, help me

limit myself concerning TV and facebook. Help Your Body of believers to do likewise. Help us to spend time in prayer.

Man! I hate the thought of 2 years of mud-slinging (rather, 2 MORE years).

Help me not be discouraged or angry--or mouthy.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from my mouth but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, 

that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

In the Beautiful and Powerful Name 

Of Jesus,

Amen

HAVE YOU HEARD?

"Since we heard of

your faith 

in Jesus Christ

and

the love which you have

for all the saints."

Colossians 1: 4  NAS

Hmmm . . . 

Wonder what people are hearing about me . . .

Hmmmm . . . again.

How am I speaking of others?

(Ish. Especially after watching national news and campaign ads)

lonnie

WHEN I THINK SOMETHING IS IMPOSSIBLE . . .

I have gotten so that I PLOW through books. 

I have to know. 

I have to learn.

But books by Tom Doyle just won't let me do that.

I have to stop and just be in awe of God.

Sometimes I cry. 

Sometimes I worship. 

Sometimes I just sit in silence.

Doyle's books are about Muslims coming to Jesus. 

I just penciled a note in the margin of "Standing In The Fire;"

"My heart is bursting!"

"Why haven't you cornered me and made me confess that I've left Islam?"

(husband and Imam)

"I thought about it, Huda. I really did.

. . .

" But the changes I saw in you were hard to believe. The loving way you treated the children and me was so amazing that, well . . ." Adullah blushed almost imperceptively.

"Honestly, I didn't want it to stop."

P. 59

When I think something is impossible or too hard, even for God,

I remind myself of stories like these.

lonnie

AN APPROACHABLE GOD

"Don is one of those secretly incredible guys who doesn't talk about what he's going to do.

He just does stuff---not to direct attention to himself

but to point people to an approachable God."

Bob Goff

Love Does  p. 99

Nelson Books   2012

May I follow his example; for that is the desire of my heart:

For others to know that they can come to God

 any time,

anywhere,

as they are.

Will they be changed by the experience?

How could they not be?

Love does that.

lonnie

SHAPING A LIFE

"The words people say to us not only have shelf life 

but have the ability to shape life."

Bob Goff

Love Does  p. 88

Thomas Nelson   2012

Wondering . . . 

In my past beauty shop days, we learned that the definition of hair conditioner was that it "changed the condition." 

Mind you . . . changing condition does not necessarily mean for the better.

My words shaping a life? Same goes, don't you think?

lonnie

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear."  Ephesians 4: 29

HOW HAVE CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGED YOU?

"I used to think I could shape

circumstances around me,

but now I know

Jesus uses circumstances to shape me."

Bob Goff

Love Does   p. 31

Thomas Nelson  2012

I'm curious.

What circumstances have changed you?

Your illness? Or someone elses?

Financial lack, or abundance?

A compliment?

A forced move: home or job?

A death?

A birth?

A responsibility you never thought you'd have?

How have circumstances changed you?

Are you wiser, more compassionate, or more grateful?

Or bitter,

And forever waiting for the next shoe to drop?

No judgment from me. 

I've followed both paths.

lonnie

ALL I CAN SAY IS . . .YES

"I wanted to know, and be known by, people who

knew greatly more about Christ than I did,

were greatly closer to him than I was,

greatly more aware of what they were about

and of what he was about in them."

Frederick Buechner

Listening To Your Life   p. 31

Compiled by George Connor

HarperSanFrancisco  1992

All I can say is

YES.

lonnie

P. S. 
Isn't this how the Church is supposed to function?

THE COMPARISON GAME

"Comparison's stronghold plays games with our self-image,

so we build our identity on

others' expectations,

rubbing against God's view of us:

beloved,

cherished,

and worthy."

Jen Schmidt

Just Open the Door  p. 42/Nook

Broadman&Holman  2018

Comparison isn't really a game. It's brutal! We will never measure up.

What a cloud to live under!

So, let's not.

lonnie



FEARING WHAT OTHERS THINK

"I will never be able to control what other people have going on in their heads

or in their conversations.

But with the help of the Holy Spirit in me,

I can absolutely learn to control how much I allow the fear

of their opinions

to have access to my life."

Lysa Terkeurst

It's Not Supposed To Be This Way  p. 59

Nelson Books   2018

Most of the time, I don't know what they're thinking;

but I beat myself up with what I think they are thinking

or will think.

That may feel like damage control, but it causes more harm than it prevents.

Mom told me I had a wild imagination.

Enough said,

lonnie

MEET CHERYL . . . AMAZING WOMAN

This is so not going to have a polished appearance or sound. But please, it will be worth your read.

I have 3 days left of my prepaid Caribou cup. (They call it free coffee; I take full advantage of it, so some is free.) But, I have to tell you, if I only had tonight's conversation with Cheryl, it would be worth it! 

The conversation began with her getting books banned from school. Books from 1964 being used in 2000; books that taught racism. White folks got mad at her. She told some that it was for them too . . . lest they have a child come home in a box. (Not a threat, but a knowledge of the tension.)

At fifteen, with a young child, she didn't miss one PTA meeting. She'd heard the statistics of people like her . . . and she wasn't going to be a part of that statistic. One night, a teacher asked her if she could talk. "Yes, but I have nothing to say." 

"Wrong. You have plenty to say. You're here."

She spoke in school (s): Everything You Wanted To Know About Blacks But Were Afraid To Ask. She had the kids write questions on cards and warned the teachers NOT TO REMOVE ANY. When she was done with her talk, she asked if any kids didn't get their questions answered.  

Eight!! Eight raised their hands.

Teachers had indeed pulled the questions. She took a 5 minute break for those cards to reappear.

Cheryl experienced foster homes--not finding out till much later that each of the households were given money for her food and clothes. Though treated poorly, even using the word slave, she was put back in the same home. She took a picture of the knot on her son's head which the parents tried to blame her for. She recorded things this awful dad said to her. 

Then . . .

She went to the judge.

Baby in tow, with bottles to feed him, she said,

"I'm not leaving until I see him."

She told the judge she didn't have much to say, but a lot (recordings) for him to listen to. She told him,"This is the kind of home you put me in, and others too. It's not right!" The judge pulled the liscense for foster care from this family.

The last home she was placed in was with a woman who didn't want more kids, but gave in. She told Cheryl she'd heard this was going to be tough. 

During all these homes, Cheryl was going to school, working a job, and caring for her child. This foster mom, impressed with that, told Cheryl she would just let her be. 

"Oh, no. I need to do chores. I need to pull my weight."

This mom told Cheryl to save her money. That she was given money for her needs.  The FIRST Cheryl knew of that.

This foster mom went out on a limb for Cheryl, putting a deposit down on an apartment for her and going to the judge to okay it. "She does well, but she needs someone to fall back on. I will be that someone." The judge stuck his neck out and okayed the apartment. 

Cheryl had a tough time. She remembers crying without food for herself, but knowing she had to care for her baby.

A junior high teacher told Cheryl that she was the most inspirational person she knew, because she fought and kept on fighting. 

I've had short conversations with Cheryl before . . . and been impressed with her parenting and wisdom. Tonight, Caribou is slow and it afforded us time. I mean to tell you, I could wish for more cold ugly weather to hear more.

How I wish I'd known Cheryl decades ago. She is proof that tough times build character, strength, and wisdom.

But, I've avoided tough times like the stomach flu. 

I'm growing.

Thank You, God, for Cheryl and for Your faithfulness.

Your Introverted But Grateful Daughter.

GOOD GOOD NEWS

"The word gospel means 'good news.'

Unfortunately,

some people witness as though the gospel is the bad news of condemnation."

Warren W. Wiersbe

Be Complete  p. 837 Nook (Be Bundle Series)

David C Cook  1981

Sad isn't it?

Why do we try to "scare the hell" out of someone?

Hell is real.

BUT SO IS HEAVEN.

Just saying . . .

lonnie

THE CHOICE IS OURS

" . . . we no longer experience the many things, people, and events as

 endless causes of worry,

but begin to experience them as the rich variety

of ways

in which God makes his presence known to us."

Henri Nouwen

The Spiritual Life  p. 28/Nook

HarperOne

Not an easy choice by any means, but our choice none the less.

We can look for matters to get even worse----calling it a reality check; or preparation for the inevitable.

Or

We can look for God.

lonnie

UGLY WORDS!

Serious?

A Brownie leader said that?

"Sometimes I'd like to flush you down the toilet!"

"Looking back, I realize why her words stung

but didn't scar.

. . .

"I heard (daily) life-giving affirmation from my parents.

I love you.

We're proud of you.

Thanks for being so kind."

A Moment To Breathe  p. 51 Nook
Broadman and Holman/Dayspring  2017

Seems to me, we can be wounders or healers.

James tells us (1:19)

"Be quick to listen slow to speak . . ."

Help me God,

lonnie

WHY TRUMP?

"Many people of faith are convinced that their ability to believe, proclaim, and practice their genuine faith convictions is in danger 

not just of ridicule but also of punishment.

" They hear themselves routinely---and unfairly---compared to racist bigots."

Hugh Hewitt of the Washington Post

as quoted by

Stephen E. Strang/ Trump Aftershock  p.11

Frontline  2018

As Christians, most of us know that day is coming; but can you blame us for putting it off?

* "He defends the Christian faith more than any other president in my lifetime."

Rev. Franklin Graham  (p. 206)

*" . . . in Donald Trump's first term, I believe he has been more dedicated to the sanctity of human life and the welfare of the family than any of his predecessors.

His language is sometimes crude, and 

his record as a 'family man' has been shoddy.

However he appears to understand that 'as the family goes, so goes the nation.'"

Dr. James Dobson as quoted by Stephen Strang

These are reasons I voted for Trump.

President Trump is keeping his promises.

God, help me be bold and respectful to proclaim the Truth

until Jesus returns, 

lonnie

INNOCENT!

"He was tempted to commit every sin in the thesaurus of human iniquity,

yet he never committed one (Heb. 4:15)."

Calvin Miller

Once Upon A Tree  p. 19

Howard Books  2002

Everytime I read of someone, in Scripture, trying to find guilt in Jesus

and finding none, 

I get excited.

For that reason, He qualifies as Savior.

The Only One who does.

lonnie

HOW INADEQUATE WORDS CAN BE

"A great ballet artist, on completion of a masterful interpretation, was asked why she performed the dance in her particular way.

" 'If I could have ssid it, do you suppose i would have danced it?' "

"So it is with Christ.

He would not have answered us with a cross if he could have written an essay."

Calvin Miller

Once Upon A Tree  p. 14-15

Howard Books  2002

Don't we say that actions speak louder than words?

And so, they do.

lonnie

"GOD'S PASSIONATE ILLOGICAL LOVE"

"I cannot lay aside my need for him,

and he

is incapable of laying aside his love for me."

Calvin Miller

Once Upon A Tree   p. vii

Howard Books   2002

Feeling Secure,

lonnie

OURS FOR THE ASKING

"The Cross was God's finest effort to 

demonstrate

His love, but we would never have stopped to consider it

without the Resurrection.

And without the majesty and sacrifice of the Cross, 

we would have forgotten the Resurrection in a fortnight.

Both are imperative to our faith."

Calvin Miller

Once Upon A Tree  p. 202

Howsrd Publishing  2002

Without the resurrection, the death of Jesus is no more than the loss of another good man. 

And with Heaven and Hell in the balance, we need more than another good man.

We need a Savior.

Ours For The Asking,

lonnie

FIRST HAND FROM A VETERAN

My Text to Larry,

 Ray's brother:

"Just started a book--amazing so far.

"For Love of  Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About 

Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice."

What do you think veterans/you can teach us?

Or more, 

What do you think we need to know or learn?"

"That's deep. As a veteran, I would go back even with one leg

to defend this country.

Most of the veterans I know feel the same way.

Does this country have issues, sure, 

but still better than others.

Some of the complainers should go elsewhere 

and feel their freedom taken away.

They can't complain about who is in charge and 

no freedom to worship the way you want.

Big thing is that we didn't join to kill people

but to defend our way of life.

Most people will never understand 

Honor

Or Duty

And the Sacrifice

made for them.

Sorry I will get off my high horse. 

I don't look down on those that didn't serve;

don't look down on me because I did.

Sorry, I learned a lot about myself

and the love of others."

Larry West

Feb. 16, 2019

I began reading military books when my dad was alive--gave us something to talk about; I learned so much.

I agree. I don't think we have a CLUE what our servicemen and women go through. Thus, we don't appreciate them or the freedom we enjoy.

Grateful and Humbled,

lonnie