ROCK BOTTOM

"I presented my clueless self to God, and in the middle of rock bottom I discovered rock bottom is not where people go to die but where people go to be recreated."

Matthew Barnett
Misfits Welcome  p.15/Nook
Nelson Books  2017



As For Me

Ah ha! Great news for 12 Step Groups.

 Rock Bottoms are full of tears, anger, worry, and an unruly crowd of other emotions. Yet, as much as rock bottoms feel like painful endings, from which we can never recover; they are, instead, hopeful beginnings. Second Chances.

We already know what doesn't work; so with the help of understanding friends and a faithful God, we explore new paths and discover new lives . . . one day at a time.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold new things have come."

2 Corinthians 5:17  New King James Version

Lonnie

PRECIOUS PIECE OF HISTORY

"On September 7, 1774, the Continental Congress held its first official meeting at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. Their first official act was prayer. And it wasn't some perfunctory prayer that was nothing more than protocol . . . Our founding fathers prayed with fervency and intensity. Earwitnesses heard them interceding several blocks away."

Mark Batterson
Draw The Circle   p.91
Zondervan 2012


As For Me

Sometimes I quit praying for our country because I don't see changes. (good changes) Sometimes, I'm just lazy, or bored. Often times, I tell God, "I just don't get it! I don't get whose responsibility is whose--how the branches of government connect--how proposed solutions touch the problem. Grrr. Why have You called me to pray?!"

Then I read something like this precious piece of history and get excited.

So I determine, once again, to spend my first few minutes in the car each day, praying. Radio off--praying--as best I can for the leaders of our country.

God, help me be faithful,
Lonnie

WHATEVER IT TAKES

"The Red Sea may roll before us; the desert may entrap us; the enemy may press on our heels. The past may seem implausible and the future impossible, but God works in ways we cannot see . . . God will always make a way for His tired, yet trusting children, EVEN IF HE MUST SPLIT THE SEA TO DO IT." (emphasis mine)

Robert J. Morgan
Reclaiming The Lost Art Of Biblical Meditation   p.81
Thomas Nelson 2017
The Red Sea Rules   p. xi-xii
W Publishing  2014

As For Me

I asked God for a word today. This is what I needed.

Lonnie

"OUR" SON

Muslim, Omar Aziz walked five days -- through mine-fields, mountains and deserts--to attend a Christian funeral!

He sat between Nik and his wife Ruth, after the death of their son Timothy.

"I was stunned to hear him say, "I have walked here from Somalia. I had to help bury our son, Timothy."

Nik Ripken with Gregg Lewis
The Insanity Of God   p.132
Broadman & Holman  2013

As For Me

Love like that between a Muslim and a Christian? 

Besides this, from the time of Tim's death, March 28, and Nik and Ruth's departure for the U. S. in June, every meal was provided by friends and neighbors. These lessons would be huge in just a Christian context. 

BUT  . . . their neighbors and friends were Muslims.

I'm pretty sure I have God in a box------and I need to let Him out!

Lonnie

TESTING . . .TESTING . . .

Serious?

I'm rereading "Draw The Circle" by Mark Batterson. This morning's thoughts centered around someone who prayed for the Ebenezer Coffeehouse to become a Dream Factory. 

A regular customer shared that he, indeed, had a dream birthed there. Great coffee and free wi-fi made it a great office for him.


Grrrr. Ray and I often complain about sales-folk who abuse coffee shops. 

But the dream this man birthed saves millions from starving!

I was convicted concerning a man who, daily, picks the best table by a fake but warm fireplace. He's there when I come and there when I leave. He talks on the phone or to a friend--volume 8 on a 1-10 scale. I put earbuds in to help (and to make a point).   8-/

I should pray. Who knows what kind of dream he might be nurturing? Or if he knows the Lord.

He's here! I heard a voice projecting over my shoulder and across the coffee shop. This isn't my normal time of day! It can't be him. But sure enough . . .

Testing . . . testing . . .

God, I need your help with this one. Can I start small? Like, "help him have a nice Christmas."?

Or while I'm praying for him, could you prompt someone to pray for me?

And oh, God, thank you for the fireplace seat.

Lonnie 

NEVER SAY . . .

Were you ever cautioned by a parent or English teacher to "never say never?"

"Always" was included, or at least implied, yet . . . the Holy Spirit, through Peter, tells us,

"ALWAYS be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

1 Peter 3:15 NIV (emphasis mine)

So are you? Ready?

Am I?

Lonnie

Perhaps, we should practice with one another: asking believing friends, "Are you hopeful--in your financial situation? In your health situation? With the state of our nation/world? With eternity? 

If so, why?

LET IT BE ME

If I were an artist, this would top my list of painting projects. Sculpture would be fun too.

"One of the secrets of (Jonathan Edwards) success was that he always thought through his subject matter. Even on walks and while riding horseback through the woods, he would jot down items and pin them to his coat. When he returned to the parsonage, he wrote out the fuller explanation of the bits noted on the scraps. It is said that at times the whole of his coat front would sometimes be covered with bits and pieces of paper."

Quoted by Robert J. Morgan from:
The Life and Ministry of Jonathan Edwards by Ed Reese  p.12
Fundamental Publishers   1975


Anne Kerr, I miss sharing these little writing ditties with you. I miss your "real mail" in my "real" mailbox.

Lonnie

YOUR GOD IS . . .

"The Lord your God is in your midst,

A victorious warrior.

He will exult over YOU with joy, 

He will quiet YOU with His love,

He wii rejoice over YOU with shouts of joy."

Zephaniah 3:17 
(emphasis mine and very intentional)

This has to be the best Christmas gift ever!

Take your time unwrapping it.

Lonnie

WHAT ABOUT THOSE PROMISES?

"'All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted' (2 Timothy 3:12). Clearly, there is a sense in which the danger of our lives increases in proportion to the depth of our relationship with Christ."

Nik Ripken
The Insanity Of God  p.xxiv
Broadman & Holman  2013

 As For Me

You've heard pastors or fellow Christians encourage you to claim God's promises, haven't you? Claim them. Take them. Possess them. They're yours.

Did they, also, mention this one about those who desire to live godly lives? Or how about one I heard whispered to my heart today: "In the world you (will) have tribulation . . . ?"

"BUT take courage . . . "

And so I am . . . . . . .  remembering that . . .

HE has overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Lonnie

Remember This -- Forget That

"In Habakkuk 2:2, the Lord states, 'Write down the revelation.' Why? Because we have a natural tendency to remember what we should forget and forget what we should remember."

Mark Batterson
Draw The Circle  p.37
Zondervan  2012


Can I get an Amen?

I should forget words that hurt me or make me doubt my value.

I should remember God's Words that tell me I'm gifted and precious in His sight.

Lonnie

WHEN GOD SAYS NO

"I'm convinced that the day will come when we thank God for the prayers He did not answer as much as the ones He did because He had a better answer."

Mark Batterson
Draw The Circle  p.35


As For Me

Ray is the better answer! Thank you, Jesus.

Lonnie

KINDNESS ABOVE AND BEYOND

A faith-based medical clinic operated in a large Islamic country. Many locals appreciated good medical care, and didn't concern themselves with the staff's religion.

Many, but not Mahmoud. He did everything mean to turn Muslims against people operating the medical facility. He cursed them, accused them of poisoning Muslims and charging them higher fees.

 Then . . . he got cancer.

 Regular shoppers quit coming, fearful of catching the incurable disease. So, besides being sick, Mahmoud couldn't provide for his family.

Christians, from the clinic, began shopping at Mahmoud's store. They chatted and expressed concern, and always told him they were praying for him.

Could you show such kindness? I have to be honest. I would struggle. Or I might  try for "a while" hoping he would believe in and accept Jesus. And if he didn't . . . what? Would I give up on my "project?"  (Ish!!) Or keep loving?

"Over time . . ." Nik Ripken writes.

"Finally . . ." he adds.

Mahmoud's attitude changed to gratitude and friendship.

Mahmoud, before he died, accepted Christ. 

I believe if he hadn't committed his life to Jesus, these Christians would have loved him to the very end.

Would You?

Would I?

Lonnie

The Insanity Of God  p.293-294
Nik Ripken
Broadman &Holman  2013

AS LONG AS IT TAKES

"Too often we pray ASAP prayers--as soon as possible. We need to start praying ALAT prayers--as long as it takes."

Mark Batterson
Draw The Circle   p.10
Zondervan  2013


As For Me

That's been one of the biggest take-aways for me from Batterson's book. Keep praying! Don't be discouraged if answers take weeks, months, or even years. 

It reminds me of Mary, a woman who prayed for the prodigals weighing heavy on my heart. "You may not be alive when God answers," she said.

You'd think that would depress me. It didn't. It freed me!

I don't have to worry about what I see or don't see. I just keep on loving and keep on praying.

Trusting,
Lonnie

I WANT TO SEE TOO!

"The large crowd . . . came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, raised from the dead."

John 12:9 (emphasis mine)

NO KIDDING! 

What does a man, who walked out of his own grave, look like?

Is he brighter? Angelic? 

Is he thinner? He hasn't eaten for 4 days!

Is he telling people what it felt like to be dead? Or what it felt like to hear his friend's voice command him to come forth?

Did Lazarus get a glimpse of heaven? If so, did he hate to come back?

Can you move a little to the right, please? I want to see, too. I want to hear.

How about you?

Add life to your devotion time. Jump into the story. Ask questions of the Scriptures, even if answers aren't available.

"Try it. You'll Like It.

Lonnie

PS: The chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death. (John 12:10-11)

        Can you keep from smiling? Was Lazarus supposed to be scared?

HAM AND EGGS

"In the fable of the chicken and the pig, the two animals discuss opening a restaurant together. As they plan their menu, the chicken suggests they serve ham and eggs. The pig swiftly objects saying, "No thanks. I'd be committed, but you would only be involved."

Kristen Holmberg (her title as well--none better)
Our Daily Bread   Volume 62  #9
December 2, 2017



As For Me

I think I've read this before; but I'm struck by its placement in the middle of a devotion.

Am I committed or involved?

Is involved a step toward committment? 

Would love your thoughts . . .
Lonnie

FIRECRACKER PRAYERS

"I think a case can be made for saying that 'hope' is a synonym for prayer! As a matter of fact, hope is to prayer what a wick is to a firecracker. You cannot light a firecracker without a wick any more than you can pray without hope."

John DeVries
Why Pray?   P. 216
Mission India  2005

Ooohs and aaahs wave through the crowd as fireworks spray from every direction across the night sky.

But Dad's favorites? They EXPLODED! Without warning--shaking the ground beneath us, not to mention our nerves--for a second or two.

Imagine yourself admiring oranges, reds, yellows and purples. Now look closer. They're sparks of hope--millions of them. Splattered in every direction.

 Then out of nowhere, comes a blinding white orb followed by God's smile and an explosive  YES!

Firecracker Prayers!

Enjoy!
Lonnie

GALLBLADDER OOPS!

"Instead of making a one inch incision to part my stomach muscles, the cutting device ripped a 3-4 inch gash into my midsection. The razor sharp instrument tore through my intestines, bowel and --worst of all--right through my aorta. It then struck like a dagger into my spine, severing a number of nerve bundles."

Steve Sjogren
The Day I Died   
Regal Books  2006


As For Me

Though tests showed the oddity of no gallbladder, surgeons determined to remove it.

Throughout his book, Steve calls this horribly botched surgery an accident. I thought of more appropriate words--like stupidity or utter carelessness.

Were I him or his wife, I'd have been pointing fingers, hiring lawyers, and defaming anyone near that surgery. Anger would become my life's blood while, at the same time, self pity would, slowly and painfully, suck the life right out of me.

Not Steve. By the end of his book, I felt my stoney heart give way to a bright red organ pumping with mercy.

I imagined the surgeon being tossed around by a storm of guilt. I considered how that cloud of guilt might affect his marriage, family, friendships, and work environment.

Who could touch that giant guilt but Steve? By his forgiveness . . . by his refusing to give up but, instead,  living his life to the fullest! By trusting and leaning on God and by looking forward to his future. By impacting untold number of lives.

You would expect someone brought back from death to life to, also, be completely healed. Not so. Steve lives with more challenges than you and I could imagine. Read his book. It's small but powerful.

Thank you, Steve,
Lonnie

TEA KETTLE MINISTRY

"Following her return to England in 1919, Biddy (wife of Oswald Chambers) continued to embrace God's calling to share Oswald's words through the printed page. Yet, she would willingly suspend her work to talk with a needy friend who dropped by . . . To her, the ministry of the tea kettle was equally as important as the ministry of books."

Our Daily Bread
November 2017
Volume 62  #8


As For Me

I have certainly been the recipient of Tea Kettle and Coffee Pot Ministry.

Thank you God,
Lonnie

MAKE HIS HEART GLAD . . . TODAY

Mary anointed Jesus feet with expensive perfume. (John 12:3)

"Let us rejoice that she made the Master's heart glad before it was too late.

"One tiny violet of encouragement will mean more to those with whom we live today than will acres of orchids when their pulses are stilled in death.

"There were four women who set out later with their spices, only to find the empty tomb.

"The opportunity for anointing had passed."

L.B. Cowman

Streams In The Desert Morning And Evening  p.806

Zondervan  2016

As For Me

I've heard people say, "Don't wait until I'm dead to give me flowers." 

I heard, understood, and try to live out that encouragement. Yet this story, with Jesus in the middle, so touched my heart!

I want to make His heart glad today . . . and tomorrow . . . and every day until He returns.

Lonnie

BEING DIFFERENT

"My point . . . is that when I was growing up to be Catholic was to be a bit different. It was a little bit beyond--in some parts of the country a lot beyond--what was respectable.

"And the Church, I must say, far from seeking to eliminate that differentness, in some ways seemed to go out of its way to emphasize it."

Antonin Scalia
Scalia Speaks: Relections on Law, Faith, and Life Well Lived   p.128
Crown Forum  2017


What Say You?

I enjoy listening to Susie Larson interviewing authors on KTIS. She often presents a dilemma of the Christian walk, and then asks the author, "What say you?"

I'm thinking that if we can do so, without being obnoxious, Christians also should emphasize what makes us different?

BUT . . .

What Say You?
Lonnie

HOSPITALITY SCARES ME

Hospitality: Let it be an expression of love, not a project.

Journal: January 17, 1992


Back-Story

Living in low-income housing did a number on me. I scrubbed, dusted, and tried to make the townhouse shine; but it still looked like HUD housing.  

When someone asked if I liked living there, it felt like judgement. Fear and shame slipped in the door. 

A fellow writer told me the requirement for joining a critique group was hosting. She warned me that other members had really nice homes. Shame slipped in a little further.

 Add some voices in my head, that sounded a lot like Dad, about standards of orderliness, and fear grew like a monster on steroids. I could never measure up. I knew hospitality held nothing but rejection for me.

 I can still remember a Bible study that changed from meeting at church to taking turns hosting. I quit. 

"People come to see you," Mom said, "not your house."

She might also have said, "If they don't like your house, they don't have to come back."

My fear exactly.

As I reread what I felt God was speaking to my heart decades ago, the project piece fades. The love stands out. I DO love. I don't have the polish of an experienced hostess. I don't do frills very well. But I can make a pot of coffee or boil water for tea. I can, with God's help, risk one more time. Maybe two.

It's You And Me, God,
Lonnie



PS: I'm pretty sure I need to retitle my blog------50 WORDS OR MORE

I CHOOSE EXPECTANCY

" . . . my weaknesses aren't cause for worry. They are material for miracles."

Journal: January 10, 1992


Are you a quilter? If so, I'm guessing you have a stash (or 3) of different colours, patterns, and textures, along with dreams of projects and people to give them to. If you're like me, you have way more fabric than time. You will never run out of material. 

We could look at that abundance with a sense of dread for projects not yet done. Or . . . with a sense of expectancy.

I choose expectancy,
Lonnie



Everytime, I reread the first part of this, my mind reads, "Are you a quilter or a quitter?"  I enjoy sewing quilt tops, but I sort of freak when I have to combine layers and sew the binding around the whole quilt. I'm afraid of failure, afraid of ugly. I'm in such a place now. God and I have some work to do. I choose expectancy.

IF THE SHOE FITS . . .

As For Me

Mom used to say, "If the shoe fits, wear it."

The shoe fits "less well" these days . . . to no credit of my own.

God continues to work.

Lonnie

"While the West may not consider itself idolatrous, the definition of idolatry given in Isaiah 2:8 shows that it is, for in this culture people worship 'the work of their hands.'"

                             . . . . .

"Another form of idolatry is fear. When we fear something, we make it bigger than God in our minds."

John Devries
Why Pray?  p. 146
Mission India 2005

WHO GOD USES

"God never picks the person you or I would choose. He chose a posse of fishermen, tax collectors, and insurgents to be His disciples. He picked Paul, the greatest persecutor of Christians, to be Apostle to the Gentiles and to write most of the New Testament. He selected David, the runt of Jesse's litter, to be king over Israel, and Moses, a shepherd, to confront the most powerful man on earth . . . "

Richard Stearns
The Hole In Our Gospel  p.45
Thomas Nelson  2010


As For Me

Our small group started a DVD study of this book. I left last week thinking, I'm not falling into that legalism, that condemnation.

Then I ran across the book for 99 cents.

Good, I'll have good reason to free up my Monday nights . . . 

Or Not . . .

I could feel hopeful that God could use me, or scared that He will.

Unsettled,

Lonnie

AUDIENCE OF ONE

"PSALM 22:3 tells us God inhabits the praises of His people . . . praise from your heart will invite God to pull up His chair and become your audience."


( I love this picture.)


"You might want to repeat to Him a few of the attributes the Word records for Him. Tell Him who He is. God already knows, but He's wanting to make sure we know."

Beth Moore
Whispers Of Hope  p.1-2
Broadman&Holman  2013


As For Me

One of my most cherished qualities of God, these days, is FAITHFULNESS.

God is so faithful . . . to meet my needs; to love me when I'm angry, crabby, weepy, selfish, generous, happy or even stupid-silly; He is faithful to send encouragement when I need it most and He is faithful to keep me safe. God is faithful to convict me of sin with love and compassion, and to hold my heart in the palms of His Hands.

He absolutely is faithful to pull up His chair and listen to every--single--word.

I Love You Lord,

Lonnie

INCREDIBLY BORING

"One of the great slogans of the success seminars of the New Age movement is, 'What the mind can conceive, man can achieve.' Although it's meant to be freeing, I find this statement incredibly boring compared to God's motto, 'God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)."

John Devries
Why Pray?  p.94
Mission India  2005

What Could I Add To "That?"
Lonnie

A PROPER IRISH LIE

"Another characteristic of the Irish--perhaps their most endearing--is their lightheartedness. A result, no doubt, of the depth of their belief in the hereafter. It's only a short time here, so there's no use taking it all too seriously."

Antonin Scalia
Scalia Speaks   p.32/Nook
Crown Forum   2017


"The wonderful thing about a proper Irish lie is that it does not matter if it is believed. It is such a bold, courageous, imaginative invention that, even when you see through it, you are so impressed with the quality of mind that could concoct such nonsense that it is impossible to have anything but admiration for the author."

Scalia Speaks  p.32


As For The Wests

Our children have O'Tooles on one side, and a strong presence of McCoys on the other. Give me time to ponder that . . .

Colour Me Smiling,
Lonnie

BEING KNOWN

Can there be any greater gift?

I discovered, through a prayer time with 2 friends, that one of the things I treasure most about GOD is being known. As I often pray for others, He does for me--blessing me in such personal ways that I KNOW it's Him, because no one else knows that depth of my heart.

RAY gives me until 9:00  each morning (non-work days) to have introverted or cleaning time. He also encourages coffee out for Bible study and writing. He listens until you'd think his ears would cry tears. He knows my heart and needs. He's generous in every way.

 RAY wouldn't consider seeing a hawk, eagle, deer, or hedge hog without pointing it out to me -- maybe even driving back to give me a better look.

Our son, MAT cooks asparagus for me, and "designs" a plate of food for special occasions. 

HE invited us to share the north shore with he and his girlfriend. He knows my love of nature, water--especially waves. My heart nearly exploded with excitement to see 6 foot waves, yes--but to enjoy them with family? Can it get better?

JODI made dried beef gravy and brought a favorite candy ( burnt peanuts). 
Really? Even she "knows" me?

MAT AND JODI send postcards from travels far or near.  They know I love Real Mail.

Our daughter, APRIL, is always on the lookout for food I will enjoy. She warms lotion in her hands, then massages it into my feet. She plays games, teaching me "better moves" so that I have a chance to enjoy further games instead of dreading another failure.

APRIL makes me laugh . . . hard.

My brother, TOM, gifts we with Caribou cards, knowing my love of coffee and coffee shops. He does so without expectation of anything in return. He often buys me licorice--and I enjoy every last piece! HE AND TAMMY welcome us to family gatherings . . . So long as I bring scalloped corn.  8-) TAMMY works hard at trying to keep family connected . . . NOT an easy task.

KIMBERLY, hmmmm . . . You too? Homemade caramel rolls WITH NUTS. KIMBERLY doesn't like to bake. Circus peanuts? Oh, and she went store to store squeezing them so she could find stale ones (my preference). Picture it. I'm smiling. And a sheep mug--come on. Seriously? She knows me.

SUSAN--she knows I eat halves. If there's half a doughnut or half of anything, yup. It's me. She knows what makes me smile and what makes me cry; and she lets me do both. She gives me the gifts of prayers and hugs . . . when I need them most. She calls me ornery. That's okay. Most don't see that cherished remnant of my mom.

LISA, no one knows me as deeply besides Ray. She has shared her life with me. She applies God's Word to my challenges. She asks tough questions that I don't invite/allow others to ask. She makes me laugh. She prays with incredible love and discernment. She's beautiful. She moved . . . Too far away. I miss her.

God, thank you for all these people and so many more.

I Am Rich And Blessed!
Lonnie

DON'T LOOK AT THAT FILTH

"His mother rushed in behind him, tucked her hand over his eyes, and said, 'Don't look at that filth . . .' Then I felt her shoe. She broke two ribs with that kick."

Brennan Manning
the furious longing of God  p.35


Brennan Manning might have agreed with this mother's assessment. At the time of this incident, he was in a drunken stupor. Her shielding her son's eyes may have been appropriate. Her words and actions certainly weren't. We can be thankful, along with Manning, that God responds differently.

"And the God I've come to know . . . His love is never, never, never based on our performance, never conditional by our moods . . . The furious love of God . . . is reliable. And always tender."
p.35


"For God so loved ____________(insert your name), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   John 3:16

A Recipient of His Love and Everlasting Life,
Lonnie

SUCK AN EGG

I hated it when our son used to say this . . . decades ago, when sarcasm and insults seemed to be backward compliments between friends.

But this morning, there were no better words. I'd had it!

Condemnation, critisizm, ridicule . . . all the names a bully calls you, topping the list with Stupid.

I stood tall, and with the utmost of sincerity, said.

"SATAN, GO SUCK AN EGG!"

                                                                              LIES

" . . . when he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."

John 8:44b  
New King James Version



                                                                         TRUTH

". . . He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17    
New King James Version

VALUED--LOVED--ENJOYED

Choosing Truth,
Lonnie

ALMOST

"Almost is apt to be a sad word under the best of circumstances."

Frederick Bruechner
Beyond Words  p.32 Nook


Losing a basketball game by one point can hurt worse than an obvious skill difference. Missing our flight by only 2 minutes is still missing. The person just ahead of us gets the last concert ticket, or the last Black Friday deal. "Almost" stinks.

Worse than all that a mother, after one or more miscarriages, goes almost full term.

ALMOST HURTS.

But there can be no more serious or painful "almost" than Agrippas'.

"After Paul finished, Agrippa came out with the only remark he had ever made that has gone down in history. "Almost persuaded me to become a Christian,' he said (Acts 26:28)." (emphasis mine.)

Frederick Bruechner




Lonnie

KINDNESS WITH A TOUCH OF SNARKY

To celebrate her 30th birthday, Lisa Barrickman challenged herself to do an act of kindness, every day, for 30 days.

My life covers a few more years/days; likewise, my challenge.

Yesterday was CHALLENGE 62.

I was patient with the new bank teller . . . even when she said she couldn't cash my paycheck. Problem solved, I thanked her and told her to have a nice day.

I was patient when the grocery worker charged me twice for one bag of coffee. I acted more patient than I felt when she told me to walk down a few lanes to tag a coworker on the shoulder and ask him to help her.

He told me I'd need to go to customer service.

"Oh, that's easy!" she said.

Snarky snuck in, though I'm sure she didn't hear me say, "For you, it is."

The service line was shorter than usual. Good thing--I visited it twice. BECAUSE, with refunded money in hand and on my way back to the car, I realized I'd NOT been charged for my flour.

I was TEMPTED to save the money and the hassle. BUT that would be neither kind nor righteous.

God Smiled.

Me too,
Lonnie

BEST OF TIMES -- WORST OF TIMES

"There were only three disciples allowed to see the Transfiguation, and the same three also experienced the darkness of Gethsemane."

L. B. Cowman
Streams In The Desert: Morning And Evening p.724
Zondervan 2016


As For Me

If I had to experience both or none, would I choose both?

I think we face similar choices today. Miracles are miracles only because we have incredible needs, with no resources of our own to meet them.

God, in the worst of times (see me tremble), help me trust for the best of times, even
 if . . .

Lonnie

SAFE PLACE

"What is your 'safe place'? Wherever we seek safety, it is God's presence with us in that place that provides the strength and protection we really need."


Elisa Morgan
Our Daily Bread   Volume 62 #7

"The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Proverbs 18:10



As For Me

My safe place is God's Word, especially when I feel rejected or defective. I shut out the lies of the world, or of Satan, by speaking God's truths to my heart.

Nothing can separate me from His love . . .
He will never leave me . . .
He uses the weak to confound the strong and the simple to confound the wise . . .
Jesus has been tempted in all ways that I am . . .
He sings over me with joy-- He doesn't just love me. He enjoys me!

You Too!


Lonnie

GUMBO

"Growing up in south Louisiana, whenever a hurricane was coming, somebody would take out the cast-iron kettle, make a big pot of gumbo, and after battening down the hatches, invite the neighbors over to eat, tell stories, make merry, and ride out the storm together." (emphasis mine)


Rod Dreher
The Benedictine Option
Sentinel  2017


As For Me

This is, so much, the heart of my son and his girlfriend; and something I need to learn.  Can you feel the warmth? Fun? The un-aloneness? Survival?

It feels, to me, like something our society has let slip away. It feels like something our churches have let slip away.

What A Loss!

Give Me Such A Heart, God,
Lonnie

GOD'S SILENCE

"Think not that God's silence is coldness or indifference. When birds are on the nest preparing to bring forth life, they never sing.


                                     . . . . .

"When the Lord is to lead a soul to great faith, He for a time leaves his prayer unanswered."


L. B. Cowan
Streams In The Desert: Morning And Evening   p.704


As For Me

Excitement smiled in my heart when I visualized the nesting bird; and thought of God, in like manner, bringing forth life--working miracles in the silence.

Preparing Myself To Trust,
Lonnie

WHAT PRAYER IS NOT

"We will not deliver ourselves of our prayers as boys repeating their lessons, as a mere matter of rote. 

Much less will we speak as if we were rabbis instructing our pupils

 or, as I have heard some do, with the coarseness of a robber stopping a person on the road and demanding his money.

No, we will be humble yet bold petitioners, humbly asking mercy through the Savior's blood."

Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon On Prayer And Spiritual Warfare  p. 45
Whitaker House

As For Me

I'm guilty and growing.

God has me in a season of prayer and extra time in His Word; 30 days or so.

He has kept me faithful, as it means less reading of other books. Yet, this recently purchased book, in bite-size portions, is helping to restore my confidence in prayer.

To GOD be all glory, honor, and praise!

Lonnie

HOW MUCH BIBLE SHOULD I READ?

"Often we regiment ourselves to a daily Bible reading schedule and hurry on in our reading to keep up.

"The importance of reading the Bible is not reading but fellowship with the Author."

A.W. Tozer
The Essential Tozer Collection/The Purpose of Man   p. 180-181
Bethany House  2013



As For Me

I think the original intent for Bible reading plans was to get us to read books we'd never touch otherwise like, say, Numbers or Leviticus.

 Tozer is right. I do hurry through. I do struggle to keep up.  Through the struggle though, I find such faith builders and such assurance of God's love, power, and promises.

                                                                  AND YET . . .

Church of the Open Door has taught me, as Tozer suggests, to read smaller portions and then just sit with them. Fellowship with God has been lifechanging and sweet.

I DO have a plan. It's to read  s l o w e r.

Lonnie

PS:  I almost didn't finish Tozer's book. At times it was like pushing my legs through snow drifts. But the last chapter was worth the rest.

NO END

"It doesn't matter what we've done (or haven't done), we are forgiven because of what He's done."

Alyson Kieda
Our Daily Bread   Volume 62  #7



As For Me

Recently, a vacation took us to Lake Superior. In places, you can't see an opposite shore. You can't see the end of water.

So it is with God's forgiveness. We can't see the end.

 The scope of Jesus' love and of God's forgiveness is nothing short of amazing.


Enough To Save Us All,
Lonnie

NO --- NO FAULT FOUND

But not for the lack of looking!


"During His earthly life and ministry, His enemies spied on Him, sending people to search into His life to trip Him into something. Can you imagine if Jesus had made a mistake anywhere or lost His temper even once? All the sharp beady eyes of hell were following Him, trying to catch something out of His mouth. 

"When the end of His days had come, He turned on them and said, 'Which one of you convicts me of sin?'

NOBODY ANSWERED."  (all emphasis mine)


High Five!
Thumb Up!
Yes!!

My Savior,
Lonnie

DEPENDS WHAT YOU'RE LISTENING FOR

"If it were not for the bad news on the radio, the airwaves would be gloriously silent."




A.W. Tozer
The Essential Tozer/The Purpose Of Man   p.160
Bethany House  2013/ Edited by James L. Snyder




As For Me

Depends . . .

Bad news sells, so there is never a shortage of it, but . . .

With all the hassle of no prayer here, or here . . .

Or no nativity there . . .

I am amazed at the times prayer, faith, and trusting God are mentioned by people interviewed on the TV/radio. I get SO excited. I don't know how long this freedom will last so I'm determined, while I can, to enjoy honor given to God.

Thanking God for the courage of people who don't hide their faith,
Lonnie

WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU?

" . . . a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. 

" When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'

"Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet but he shouted all the more . . .

" . . . 'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked him."

Mark 10:46-51 NIV



As For Me

Jesus knows I'm timid and worry about what people think. And now, I cannot read this Bible passage without hearing the words He spoke to my heart:

"Is there anything you want badly enough that you'd ignore the crowds? The ones shouting for you to be quiet?"

I'll pass the question on to you: Is there . . .?


Lonnie

HALFPENNY OPPORTUNITIES

"John Newton wrote, 'If, as I go home, a child has dropped a halfpenny, and if, by giving it another, I can wipe away its tears, I feel I have done something. I should be glad to do greater things; but I will not neglect this.'"

Quoted by David Roper
Our Daily Bread   August 28, 2017




As For Me

Little actions can prove to be huge blessings . . . Especially when someone feels invisible. God, help me see and take advantage of many "halfpenny" opportunities, today.

Expectant,
Lonnie

VANDALISM?

"In a single class, Dr. Fortin persuaded us that what we once thought of as vandslism--writing in books--was an indispensable tool of learning."

Roy Peter Clark
How To Write Short   p.48
Little, Brown And Company  2013


As For Me

Man, I wish they'd known that when I was in school. I wonder if I'd have retained longer.

Shoot! Doesn't matter. I love reading, learning, and writing now--because I can vandalize books.

Smiling,
Lonnie

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

"We must share the truth of the Word with the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2) and prepare them for the battles and opportunities to come (Psalm 78:1-8; 102:18).

Warren Wiersbe
Be Worshipful  p.59
David C. Cook  2004


As For Me

I appreciate the need to share both sides--struggles and opportunities.

 I have to smile, though. I wonder how many times struggles are opportunities.

Just Thinkin',

Lonnie

AS THEY ARE

"God, 
Help me to love others as they are, because
I want to be loved as I am."

Lonnie

ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD

" We can always look forward to His faithfulness."


James Banks
Our Daily Bread   Volume 62  #6


As For Me

I would have disputed that -- for years.

                      But . . .

Faithfulness is not synonymous with easy. That's where I stumbled.

I'm EverGrowing. God is EverPatient--and faithful.
Lonnie

UNABLE TO PRAY FOR MYSELF

"The inability to pray troubled me the most.
. . . I would eventually recall He made two preparations for such occurence: the prayer of the Spirit for us when we can't pray and the prayer of others on our behalf."
( Romans 8:26)

Randy Kilgore
Our Daily Bread  Volume 62  # 6


As For Me

"Can we pray?" Ray has asked.

At times, I admit, I've just been too lazy or too angry.

But there have been other times when I've said,

"You'll have to. I can't."

The hurt is too deep. I'm angry with God. I don't have the breath or strength. "I" can't pray.

Ray is so faithful. So are friends. And so is the Holy Spirit who takes my tears, groans, fears, and anxiety and translates them into prayer.

WHO NEEDS WORDS?
Lonnie

HOROSCOPES AND TEA LEAVES

" . . . I will confound their strategy, so that they will resort to idols and ghosts of the dead and to mediums and spiritists."

Isaiah 19:3  New American Standard


As For Me

Why? Why not resort to God?

I've walked the path the Egyptians took, short of consulting the dead. Too scary.

Quija boards, horoscopes, and tea leaves. I resorted to those because I wanted immediate answers. I wanted hope that there was something better ahead. (To be clear, though, they never kept their promises.)

I knew about God, yet didn't understand a one-on-one relationship with Him. Still, I can well imagine that I'd turn to horoscopes and tea leaves first, because I could choose whether to believe or not; choose whether to follow their advice, or not.

Four decades ago, I chose to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.

He keeps His promises and holds my heart until He does.

He could never love me more,
And He will never love me less.

Lonnie

WITHOUT RIVAL

"Jesus . . . O knit my thankful heart to Thee
And reign without a rival there."

Paul Gerhardt -- translated by John Wesley
The Essential Tozer Collection  p.118
(emphasis and desire mine)


Lonnie

DEVOTIONS . . . DO THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

"David began his devotions seeking help for himself but ended by seeking blessing for all people, including his enemies. That's the way our devotion times ought to end."


Warren Wiersbe 
Be Worshipful (Psalm 5)   p. 39
David C. Cook    2004


As For Me

Colour me CHALLENGED!
Lonnie

OTHERS SEE ME DIFFERENTLY

"Even though I've made my share of mistakes, I am totally loved by You. And even though others may see me in a different light, Yours is the only light that matters."


Susie Larson
Embracing Your Freedom   p.77
Moody Publishers    2009



As For Me

I need to pray this until I believe it. How about you?

Years ago, I walked into a gathering where I felt totally misunderstood and unloved. A man greeted me at the door: "How are you?" I was NOT fine. And I was determined not to lie.

So, I looked him in the eye and said,

 "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Lonnie

(So are you. See Psalm 139.)

HATRED OF EVIL

"God's hatred of evil isn't emotional; it's judicial, an expression of His holiness."

Warren Wiersbe
Be Worshipful  p.37
David C. COOK  2004

As For Me

Oddly enough, I find comfort in this. God's hatred isn't the absence of love. I think we all know what that feels like. 

God NEVER stops loving us.

He never turns our picture, face-down. He never purges His heart of all the gifts we've given Him.

He isn't petty or juvenile.

He's righteous!

I'm so thankful. It's scary to think of someone, less than righteous, controlling my life/our world.

Reminders To Self,
Lonnie

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

"It's well been said that 'the good old days' are a combination of a bad memory and a good imagination."

                          
Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Worshipful  p.34
David C. Cook    2004


As For Me

Remembering or reading of 'the good old days' comforts and encourages me.

 Days, decades, and centuries gone by hold such lessons of adventure, perseverance, and neighborliness.

To long for 'the old days,' is pointless; they aren't coming back. I can, however, bring forward what I learn from them. How about you? Share suggestions.


I'm Learning,
Lonnie

BEEN THERE--DONE THAT

"Like Israel of old, people today trust the gods that they have made instead of the God who made them;


These include the false gods of pleasure, wealth, military might, scientific acievement, and even 'religious experience.'"




Warren Wiersbe
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary   p. 1166
David C. Cook    2007


As For Me

Not unlike a person falling from the pedestal we place them on, the things we trust will let us down . . . just when we feel like we need them the most.

Been There--Done That.

Lonnie

WHAT WE MIGHT BE MISSING

While talking and praying with a friend, I remembered a conversation with Mom.

She was afraid to hear God speak--afraid He would tell her everything she'd done wrong.

As I shared with her, I'll pass on to you: If we shut our ears to God, afraid of conviction, we also shut our ears to some other very important words. 

"I love you."

So, don't be looking over your shoulder to see who He's talking to. 

It's YOU!

Lonnie

NOBODY KNEW BUT GOD

" . . . Somebody saying, 'I couldn't quit praying for you this morning. I feel God really wants to remind you that He is with you and that He loves you so much.' 

Nobody had seen your angst that morning but God. Nobody but He heard you wail. The Creator of the Universe literally appointed someone through the leadership  of His Holy Spirit . . . "

Beth Moore

Audacious   p. 160

Broadman and Holman

As For Me

I've been the recipient of such blessings -- treasures! To know that God sees and cares; and that a friend or a church person risks being wrong or feeling foolish to speak out what they feel from God----that's Body Ministry! That's life-saving!

Thankful,

Lonnie

LET'S BE LIKEABLE

"There is no estimating the revival we could have in America if we were all less convinced that being unlikeable is a Christian virtue."




Beth Moore
Audacious  p.146
Broadman and Holman



As For Me

Beth is one Bible thumping lady, so she's definitely not asking us to compromise or dilute God's Word. But she does say, "Audacious is not obnoxious (p. 144)."

God, help me to be pleasant to be around and may that pleasantness whet appetites for Jesus,
Lonnie

HARVEY AND IRMA

God and I took a walk this morning. The sun shining on rippling waters brought healing to my heart.  I love it when He and I have conversation--even when it's not easy.

With Harvey devastating Texas, Irma is on her way to Florida. I keep praying that God will steer her away from people and buildings.

God, I beg for mercy; but let Your Hand be seen--whether it's judgment or mercy. And, may Your Hand not be missed.


It is possible to see both judgment and mercy. But, even though it's not missed, it may be denied. Don't become angry or discouraged when people deny My Hand. I'm working.


God, I also beg that Christians be wise in what they say; or that they would  refrain from speaking at all. Let them pull back their fingers of blame. We ALL need to repent.

Thank You For Your Unfailing Love, God,
Lonnie

DONE AND UNDONE

"For years I have prayed each morning, 'Help me, God, to do what you want me to do today.' Now I also pray for help leaving undone the things God wants left undone . . . Instead of clinging to my to-do list, I ask God to fill me with the sense of completeness I crave."




Jennifer Kirsch
The Upper Room/September 6, 2017   p. 12


Hoping He'll Ask Me To Leave The Dusting Undone . . .
Because Enjoying A Walk With Him or With A Friend Is More Important,
Lonnie

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MANURE 8-)

"We have the daily privilege to 'watch' people do what we want to do and seemingly be who we wish we could be.

"At first all the watching inspires and motivates . . . But after a while . . . the more exciting their lives look, the lamer we feel.

"Never mind that the adventures posted on social media are subject to the provocative spin of the poster. I'm saying our comparison fields have a lot of manure in them."  (Emphasis mine)




Beth Moore
Audacious   p.75
Broadman & Holman


Just Couldn't Pass This Up,
Lonnie

FORGIVENESS ISN'T TO EXCUSE

" Scholar Lewis Smedes explained that forgiveness isn't to excuse the one who hurt us; forgiveness means we are ready to be healed."




Patricia Raybon
OurDaily Bread   June 2017


As For Me

When someone hurts me, I create schemes to help them feel how painful their thoughtlessness was. There is NO healing in that.

I do better to remember Jesus' words: "Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV)

Practicing,
Lonnie

SNEEZES

Isn't it fun? 

Isn't it funny?

Sneeze and complete strangers will say, "God Bless You."

Occasionally I will respond, "Oh, thank you; I'm collecting those."

But seriously, doesn't that kindness "bless" you? Caring between strangers? The very mention of the God we cherish?

Boy, It Does Me!
Lonnie

GENTLE HEALERS

"When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand."





Henri Nouwen
Out Of Solitude   p.38
Ave Maria Press   2004



As For Me

I think there was a time that I wanted solutions and cures. What I wanted was a quick fix.

I'm so grateful for the people who endured and forgave my self-pity and trusted that one day their gentle words and hugs would reach the pains of my heart.

Thank You,
Lonnie

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC!

I know the instrumental music (keyboard/sax) I am listening to would make some of you roll your eyes and others leave the room--quickly; but it holds many dimensions of beauty for me.

In the wake of current racial tension, this music was suggested by a black man who frequents my workplace. 

I am loving the music! It brings life and joy to my heart. Via Pandora on my Nook, his recommendations have led me to other artists, many of them African American. I feel like my heart and eyes are opening to new friendships . . . new talent . . . new music . . . new worlds.


Thank You God,
Lonnie

OBEDIENCE DOESN'T ALWAYS HURT

I was headed toward a cheap cup of coffee with some reading time. I felt  God, like a GPS, "redirecting" me. More expensive coffee and too cool to sit outside? Doesn't make sense, but . . . Okay God. 

Coffee was 50% off and I'm sitting OUTSIDE under an umbrella with breezes whispering God's love.

God Knows Me (and you) Intimately,
Lonnie

"HOW" WERE YOU LOVING TODAY?

"Rather than asking our children how their day went and getting a one-word answer, we could pull out a couple spiritual virtues . . . How were you loving today? How were you joyful today? . . . peaceful? . . . patient? . . . kind? . . . good? . . . faithful, gentle . . . How did you show self-control?"




Lisa Barrickman
A Case For Kindness    p.42
Worthy Inspired   2017


As For Me

I think these are great conversation topics for adults.



Try Me, Please,
Lonnie

WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW THE WORDS

If, like most of us, you wouldn't know how to make your eternity in Heaven sure and secure here's a model prayer--a first step, if you will.

In reality, it's not about the "words;" it's about the sincerity of our hearts.
      
   Use this model if it reflects your heart and needs. Or use your own words.




"God in Heaven
I know I'm a sinner and I need your help. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins and God raised Him from the dead.

Jesus, right now I open my heart and invite You to come in. 

Make Yourself real to me.

Take control of my life. 

Keep me from evil and make me the person You want me to be.

Be my Lord and Savior."




Sinner is a dirty, ugly label but we ALL wear it.

If we could be good enough, Jesus died a painful death needlessly.

We CANNOT live the Christian life in our own strength. The Christian life is not easy. Yet, with each struggle, Jesus' power and PERSONAL love for us becomes more real--at times, even exciting.

HEAVEN
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE,
Lonnie

My husband was given a pamphlet in the park with this prayer. Author unknown.

EAVESDROPPING

"Eavesdrop started off literally: first it referred to the water that fell from the eaves of a house, then came to mean the ground where the water fell. Eventually, eavesdropper described someone who stood within the eavesdrop of a house to overhear a conversation inside."


merriam-webster.com/words-at-play



As For Me

Picture an older woman, with apron tied around her waist, and an ear tilted up to catch the argument coming from the neighbor's livingroom window.

Or if you remember "party lines," visualize someone covering the mouthpiece of the phone while listening to the "he said, I said" of a girl with an awful crush on the guy in her science class.

Eavesdropping is considered rude and invasive, but to the right, you will see my invitation to eavesdrop, as I enjoy conversations (of sorts) with authors possessing wisdom, talent, and lessons for my life.

Imagine Me Sticking To The Promised 50 Words,
Till then, I beg your forgiveness.

Lonnie

TWO FACES OF DELIVERANCE

"Paul saw God's hand of deliverance whether he looked back, around, or ahead."


As For Me

This excites me. Deliverance that's been; deliverance that's coming.


"God does not always deliver us immediately, nor in the same way. James was beheaded, yet Peter was delivered from prison."


As For Me

Eeeeoooh!


Just Sayin' . . . I Must Trust His Love,

Lonnie


Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Encouraged  p. 17/Nook
David C Cook  1982

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN?

I still smile. How could I not?

When my heart was broken, I began searching more seriously for God. I found a book, in a grocery store, written by Pat Boone, a handsome young singer of my era.

He shared how he'd accepted Jesus and how Jesus had turned his life around. Well! My life sure needed turned around.

I took a picnic lunch and my Bible, and parked myself by a stream. I prayed the salvation prayer suggested by Pat Boone.

From that time forward, every payday found me at the newly discovered Christian bookstore. The owner was so incredibly helpful--always going to the backroom to retrieve just the right book. I'm convinced he was praying.

One morning, I was spinning a rack of booklets looking for something on prayer.

"Are you born again?" he asked.

"I don't know," I said, "but that's a great way to put it."

And, indeed; it is!

Thank You, Jesus for keeping me these 40+ years,
Lonnie

SHE ASKED, "ARE YOU SAVED?"

A friend and I were visiting another friend in hospice . . . the last hours of her life. 

A woman stopped my friend in the hall.

 "Are you saved?"

How rude. How inappropriate. Couldn't she see we were grieving?

Well, in fact, she probably "didn't" see.

I've pondered that situation off and on. It seems so inappropriate to barge into such a tender time. But, the tender time was death and all about eternity. Maybe it was a most appropriate time . . .?

I've PREdetermined my answer, should I be asked,

 "Are you saved?"

With all sincerity, my response will be, 

"I am. Thank you for asking."

Lonnie

My similar experience tomorrow. 

WHAT YOU READ

"Stories analyze us if we pay attention to what attracts or repels us while reading or hearing the stories, and if we reflect on why that is so."



Josephine Ensign
Catching Homelessness: A Nurses Story Of Falling Through The Safety Net
She Writes Press   2016


As For Me

I am repelled by:

Violence
Lying
Child Abuse or Neglect
Hate
Poverty

I am attracted to:

Creativity
Inspiration: Overcoming Without Self-Pity
Beauty
Truth
Family
Inventors
Compassion
Laughter


The Lists Grows,
Lonnie

CONTROL OR TRUST?

"When God puts His children into the furnace, He keeps His hand on the thermostat and His eye on the thermometer ( 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6-7)."


Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Encouraged   p.16/Nook
David C Cook   1982


As For Me

I'm thinking of controls, like dual control electric blankets. I don't have one but I get it!

Or how about backseat driving (from the front seat). "The only reason you're afraid is because you aren't in control." Uh, yes. That would be correct.

"Would you like help getting the sliver out?"

"No, thanks."

 Stopping the pain is easier when I'm in control.

Control or Trust? Don't think we can have both.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

TAKE THE PAIN AWAY

"We must not think of comfort in terms of 'sympathy' because sympathy can weaken instead of strengthen us. God does not pat us on the head and give us a piece of candy or toy to distract our attention from our troubles. No, he puts strength into our hearts so we can face trials & triumph over them."




Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Encouraged   p. 15/Nook
David C Cook   1982


As For Me

Whether giving or receiving comfort, I've always hoped it would take the pain away. With wrong expectations comes disappointment. And, disappointment often leads to doubt.

Wiersbe's study of Greek helps me be better prepared for my next painful situation. And better equipped to comfort others.


Comforted,
Lonnie

SEE JESUS IN ME

"Let the love of my God shine through me.

Let the beauty of Jesus men see.

Let the pattern of the Son be the one, the only one,

So that others may see Him in me."


This is a song we sang decades ago. As of yet, I've not found the author; but today it is my prayer. I fail day after day after day . . . and so, I'll keep praying.

Lonnie

NOT IN "OUR" BAND

"I refused to allow an athiest to play in the church praise band. But my belief in God wasn't big enough.

"Fortunately his sister wss persistent, and I finally agreed to let him play. While playing with the praise team, the young man came to faith in Christ."

Kevin L. Thomas
The Upper Room  Volume 83  #3


As For Me: 

It doesn't make sense! But neither does spitting in a man's eyes to heal his blindness. (Mark 8:23)

Neither does filling jugs with water and thinking you'll get wine. But . . . Mary told the servants, "Whatever Jesus says, do it."
John 2:5

Tip-toeing Out Of My Comfort Zone,
Lonnie

IT LOOKS BAD, BUT . . .

"True, many nations have gathered together against you, calling for your blood, eager to gloat over your destruction. But they do not know the Lord's thoughts or understand his plan."


Micah 4:11 
New Living Translation (emphasis mine)

As For Me:

Micah, obviously, is not writing about the United States; but I'm encouraged. As God's people we, like Judah and Jerusalem, will undergo discipline for our sins. It will look, to our enemies, like they are winning.

But they do not understand God's plans.

God, help us to return to Your ways and cooperate with Your Plans,
Lonnie

CARING

"Caring for others honors Jesus love for us."

Mart Dehann
Our Daily Bread  Volume 62  #5


Lots of tears, these days, as a coworker/friend is spending her last days with us.

God, may my caring honor You,
Lonnie

SO DIFFERENT BUT STILL FRIENDS

" . . . the letters passed between them to indicate a remarkable authenticity. Ben didn't try to be religious to impress the great preacher. George didn't dial back his evangelistic impulses." (Ben Franklin/George  Whitefield)

Randy Petersen
The Printer And The Preacher  p.8
Nelson Books   2015

As For Me:

I am facinated by this relationship.

Do we (can we) exhibit such genuineness? Can we be every bit the Christian we are and allow others the freedom to be who they are? Can we, in the midst of that, be friends?

Wondering What That Looks Like For Me,
Lonnie

BIBLE PROPHECY--WHO'S IT FOR?

"When a prophet foretold the future, it was to awaken the people to their responsibilities in the present. Bible prophecy isn't entertainment for the curious; it's encouragement for the serious."

Warren W. Wiersbe
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary Old Testament   p. 1457
David C Cook    2007




AS FOR ME . . .

I suspect I more often consider prophecy from this perspective: #1 Will I have to suffer? #2 Should I be afraid?

Answers: #1 More than likely.
                  #2 No. If I've accepted Jesus as my Savior, ALL suffering is TEMPORARY.

He Loves Me And Goes With Me,
Lonnie

HURTING INSIDE

"He never treats those who hurt on the inside as less than those who hurt on the outside."


Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way   p. 21
Zondervan 2016


And . . . neither should we.

Lonnie

WILDERNESSES

"God takes us into the wilderness not to abandon us--but to be alone with us? Wildernesses are not where God takes us to hurt us--but where He speaks to our hearts."


Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way  p. 219
Zondervan  2016


This makes me want to read Exodus to see if I agree.

 I suspect Ann's perception of a wilderness are closer to the truth than mine. And I'm . . . relieved.

Lonnie

LORD, IS IT I?

"When our Lord said, 'One of you will betray me," thank God those disciples had enough spirituality that nobody said, 'Lord is it he?' Everyone of the disciples said, 'Lord, is it I?' If they would not have so responded there could not have been a Pentecost. But because they were humble enough to point the finger in their own direction the Holy Spirit fell upon them."



A. W. TOZER
Rut, Rot, Or Revival   p. 10
Christian Publications   1992

God,
Give us the courage to ask, "Is it I?"

And So I Do,
Lonnie

ROCKING CHAIR

"The elderly woman in the nursing home didn't speak to anyone or request anything. It seemed she merely existed, rocking in her creaky old chair. She didn't have visitors, so one young nurse would often go into her room on breaks. Without asking the woman questions to try to get her to talk, she simply pulled up another chair and rocked with her. After several months, the elderly woman said to her, 'Thank you for rocking with me.' She was grateful for the companionship."

Anne Cetas
Our Daily Bread  Vol 62  #4
July 27, 2017

This is powerful on so many levels.

God, speak what You will to my life. Help me obey--in love,
Lonnie

"THAT" PERSON

"Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives," says Henri Nouwen.


As quoted by Philip Yancey in
Our Daily Bread  Vol. 62  #4  (July 24, 2017)

Don't you love it when someone SO understands?

Smiling,
Lonnie

BELIEVE RIGHT----LIVE WRONG

"Our trouble is not that we refuse to believe right doctrine, but we refuse to practice it. We have the peculiar contadiction of believing the right thing and living the wrong way, a strange anomaly within the church everywhere."


A. W. Tozer
Culture   p.37
Moody  2016



Tozer would be my hero if he wasn't so hard on me.


Lonnie

PLANNED ANNOYANCE

Remembering, today, an incident from the Christian bookstore where I worked. 

A man, accompanied by his preschool daughter, asked question after question until he became an annoyance. We (like good Christians?), finally started to avoid him . . . to look busy everytime we suspected he had another no-brainer question.

THAT IS, UNTIL . . . 

A mall-shopper informed us that this man had made several trips from our store to his car, where he was filling his trunk with our merchandise.

Call this "planned annoyance." 

When our attentions are consistently being drawn from one direction to another, might something be going on that's meant to be hidden?

Lesson Learned,
Lonnie

WHO KNOW US BEST

"If the people who know us best encourage us the least, we have few chances to develop confidence."




Beth Moore
Portraits Of Devotion  p.27
Broadman and Holman  2014


Mom used to tell me, "the cobbler's children have no shoes."  

Hmmm . . .

Am I Missing Someone Close To Me?
Lonnie

"INSIDE JOB"

In discussing those things that steal our joy, Warren Wiersbe writes,

"Worry is an 'inside job.' You can buy sleep at the drug store, but you cannot purchase rest."


Be Joyful  p.17/ Nook
David C. Cook   1974

How true that is! Difference between sleep and rest? Sleep gets us through the day. Rest is satisfying and restorative.

Resting More. Worrying Less,
Lonnie

AN EASIER WAY?

Secrets "to" something often suggest an easier way.

Not so in the book I just finished:  SPIRITUAL SECRETS OF FAMOUS CHRISTIANS
by Anna Talbot McPherson  1964

I didn't find bold headings indicating what those secrets were, but I discovered them just the same: suffering and perseverance.

Oh yes, one more secret: Love

(Love for the Savior who gave His blood for them, and for those who don't "yet" know Him.)

Addicted To The Easier Way, But Feeling Willingness Knocking On My Heart,
Lonnie

BEN FRANKLIN'S EPITAPH

Composed for himself at age 22

"The Body of
B. Franklin
Printer;
Like the Cover of an old Book, 
Its Contents torn out,
And  stript of its Lettering and Gilding, 
Lies here, Food for Worms.
But the Work shall not be wholly lost: 
For it will, as he believ'd, appear once more,
In a new & more perfect Edition,
Corrected and Amended 
By the Author."


http://www.librarycompany.org/bfwriter/images/large/1.10.jpg
As Quoted In: The Printer And The Preacher
By Randy Peterson
Nelson Books 2015

Love This!
Lonnie

HOPELESSNESS?

"Hopelessness is a liar."

"A convincing one.

"We offer it no welcome, no couch to rest on . . . we do not cater to it in any way."




Beth Moore
Audacious   p.37
Broadman and Holman



To Self . . . Enough said!
Lonnie

YOU FIRST

(a therapist to the mom of an orphan)

"He needs you to go first . . . to show him he's worthy of love before he'll be able to act like it."



Kristen Holmberg
The Upper Room  Vol 62  #4  
July 6, 2017


Loving people through the tough stuff is hard . . . but convincing.

Loved Unconditionally,
Lonnie

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

" You are where you are for such a time as this--not to make an impression, but to make a difference. We aren't here to one-up one another, but to help one another up."





Ann Voscamp
The Broken Way   p. 91
Zondervan   2016


The hazzard of reading many books at once is having to read where I've been to know where I'm going. But, ahhh, today reading all my underlinings is a treat.

Lonnie

BACON

"And I'm telling you, even the end of the world would seem less a crisis when you've got a good plate of bacon in front of you."

Father of Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way   p. 113
Zondervan  2016

Drooling,
Lonnie

DO YOU?

"Not Do you believe Me? Not Do you admire Me? Not Do you appreciate Me? Not Do you worship Me? Not Do you respect Me? All those questions have profound placement in the life of faith but they are not synonymous with the one Jesus deliberately, repeatedly asked Peter.

Do you love me?"






Beth Moore
Audacious   p. 24
Broadman and Holman



I'm convinced that we can recognize God's conviction by the love it's wrapped in.

This book, so far, is just that.

Wrapped in His Love,
Lonnie

WOULD YOU WATCH?

Jesus . . . a friend, a son, your leader. Would you watch Him be crucified?

I pondered that when I read that 'some women attended the crucifixtion. How could they watch someone they love suffer such pain? Most others were there for some sick kind of entertainment. Could you stand 'that?'

But . . . BUT . . . for Jesus to look out and see faces of those who loved Him, rather than to be so alone, surrounded by enemies.

Count Me (painfully) In,
Lonnie

LIVE LIKE YOU'RE TERMINAL

"Live every day like you're terminal. 
Because you are.

 Live every day like your soul's eternal.
Because it is."



Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way  p.70
Zondervan  2016


No exceptions. None!

Just Sayin',
Lonnie

INCREASED HAPPINESS AND HEALTH WITHOUT DRUGS

"I would read later that those who perform 5 acts of giving over 6 weeks are happier than those who don't, that when you give, you get reduced stress hormone levels, lowered blood pressure, and increased endorphins, and acts of kindness reduce anxiety and strengthen the immune system. Five random acts of kindness in a week can increase happiness for up to 3 months later,"



Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way  p.73
Zondervan  2016


Sometimes Ann is so poetic, I feel like I'm walking through sludge; but oh the treasures if I persevere.

Pondering The Opportunities,
Lonnie


S

Leaving flowers at the doors of nursing home residents
Leaving a box of cookies on the hood of a police car
Pay for coffee for several folks in line behind you
Scattering one dollar bills around a dollar store . . . And watching kids find them
Gifting the tennis court with tennis balls
Tuck parking fees into envelopes and slide them under windshields

PRAYER THAT MAKES ME SMILE

"The man was throwing sticks into the water, and his delighted dog was fetching them. Not wanting to interrupt their time together, Tom prayed for them where he stood. 'I sent him the love and security of a coming Christ. I surrounded him with my prayer, twirled it round his arms, body, and neck. He picked up on it immediately and, surprised by sudden warmth, turned around  and waved at me, smiling joyously.'"





Sheila Walsh/Tom Davies
as related from Merlin the Magician and the Pacific Coast Highway
All That Really Matters  p.180
Waterbrook  2003

Are you challenged?
I am!

Because He Hears,
Lonnie

ONE OF GOD'S FAVORITE YEARS

" You may be very happy about having entered the world, or you may feel that your life is a crushing burden. But you should know this: God is very pleased that you exist. He 'knit you together in your mother's womb.' That year when you were born is one of His favorite years."



John Ortberg
When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In The Box  p. 171/nook
Zondervan 2007


It varies with the day doesn't it? But WHEREVER you and your heart are today, God loves you!

((You))  Cyber Hug To You,
Lonnie

DOING BUSINESS

"I have come to understand that helping someone and then expecting something in return is doing business, not showing God's love."




Will Pepper
The Upper Room   June 12, 2017/p. 54



Will didn't know if the man's need was genuine. Though Will wondered if he was being conned, he prayed silently and gave more than the man asked.

God,
Help us err on the side of love,
Lonnie

WRESTLING WITH HIS WORD

"A temptation when hearing Jesus' words is to be moved and inspired without wrestling with the ways His words demand change in our lives. Jesus knew that would be our tendency, and so He emphasizes that an emotional confession (Lord Lord) is of no value if we do not obey, if we do not let His words challenge the way we live, and what we believe."
(emphasis the author's)


Monica Brands
Our Daily Bread  June 2, 2017

Wrestling and Chaĺlenge -- two words I shy away from; but required in my walk with Jesus.

His Strength Perfected In My Weakness,
Lonnie

MAKE MY DAY!

"When you make someone's day, you don't just make his or her day, because there's a good chance that he or she will make someone else's day."


Mark Batterson
Chase The Lion   p. 35/Nook
Multnomah 2016


Dijon, at Caribou, saw me coming. The featured coffee of the morning was Eclipse, my least favorite. He brewed a fresh pot of Mahogany. Wow! This guy persues excellence in customer service.

What a nice way to start work on a holiday weekend.

Thanks Dijon!

Lonnie

DEFENDING GOD

"It may surprise us to consider that God doesn't need us to defend Him. He wants us to represent Him! That takes time, work, restraint, and love."

                                    .          .        .       .

" The best way to defend Jesus is to live like Him."


Tim Gustafson
Our Daily Bread  May 23, 2017


The accompanying Scripture made me smile . . . No, laugh.



" Lord, do You want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?"  Luke 9:54

Seriously?! Do you want us? They were talking to God!
We do it a bit differently. We argue until one of us gives up. Ish.

Letting God Do God's Work,
Lonnie