In His Grace Ministries

One Day....One Life

2011-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

This blog is coming a little late as Easter was a week ago. But it has taken me this week to reflect on all that Easter means to me. As a survivor of a pain-filled childhood, an offender of every rule in the book, and most importantly, as a girl saved by grace, you can imagine how this celebration affects me. I recently watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ, again. I sat anxiously as Jesus labored in the garden of Gethsamane, knowing what God had planned for the coming day. I wept as I watched the Romans violently beat Jesus and I felt sick as I saw Jesus struggle to carry His cross to Calvary with the crowd jeering and spitting on Him. I couldn't watch the screen as the guard hammered the nails into his hands and feet, but I heard the strike of the mallet on each nail. I cried tears of joy as He overpowered death and was ressurected. Afterwards, I sat numb. The sacrifice He made for me weighed on my heart. I realized that I spend most of the days of the year zipping through life, but it is on this day that I stop... think...and pray fervently to the Lord of my gratitude for Jesus sacrifice on the cross. I am a free woman today, broken from the chains of sin, shame, and regret. All because of the love of God, a God who knows my inner most being, yet loves me despite myself. My victory comes with knowing that Jesus over came death on the cross and on the third day, just as He promised, He defied death and rose from the grave. An act that secures my place in eternity. My question is as much for me as it is for you. Do we live each day with the same devotion and gratitude that we pour out each Easter? Or do we save it for that "one day"? Jesus had one life and He gave it for us - we did not deserve it, but He did it because He loves us. The power of one day...and one life should be something we acknowledge more than once a year, it should be something we live out every day. I am going to try, how about you?

The Darkest Night

2009-05-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

I know I blog a lot about the "zoo load" of animals we have around our home, called pets. I have to tell you that though I cringe at cleaning the cat box, am hysterical over muddy paw prints on my carpet, and throw my hands up every time a new critter appears at our house - I have learned more about life's predicaments through these animal's crazy situations, then in my 15 years in ministry. This could be a slight exaggeration but it's not too far from the truth. Here is our latest blog casualty, Dozer. Just wait until you read my next blog about dumping 200 crickets in our son's room. Help me Jesus!

We have a beautiful 4 year-old, yellow lab named Dozer. He’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he certainly is the most loving dog a family could have. We named the big lug “Dozer”, because as a puppy he slept all the time, but as he grew and grew, and grew, his name became more appropriate. This canine of 105 pounds can knock everything over in his path with one wag of his overstuffed tail.

Last week Dozer had a mishap. Well, it wasn’t a mishap so much as a lack of good judgment. When the sun goes down Dozer is always the first of our three dogs to come in to the garage. It figures that this goofy dog is also afraid of the dark. When the sun goes down, he panics and heads for his dog house in the garage. I don’t know what he is afraid of, but his fear is very obvious. As we were getting ready to lock up for the night, we called the dogs in, and much to our surprise Dozer was not in the garage. We called for him, then called our folks who live nearby, (he often visits them, much to my mother’s dismay) but no one knew where Dozer was. My husband took the flashlight and hiked down to the barn, wondering if the dog was locked in with the 4-H pig. Our dog Molly ran along with Kevin, but then departed and headed over to a nearby culvert and began whining. Kevin walked over to find out what she was fussing about, and saw the dilemma. Dozer had chased something into the culvert, but was unaware that one end had been crushed together by a lumbering school bus (yes, Mr. McLean we need to talk about that). Dozer was stuck. He couldn’t back out the 13 feet behind him, and he couldn't’t move ahead to freedom. He was stuck.

My husband, father in-law, and our son, Parker, tried everything to pry that culvert open. But to no avail. I could see Dozer’s eyes, wide open, and obviously frightened, but there was no place to turn for comfort. I tried comforting him with my voice and even got my fingers in far enough to scratching the tip off his nose, but it was not enough. Finally, the guys took to a metal saw and began to cut. After an hour they were able to cut the opening wide enough to get Dozer out. You have never seen a happier dog in your life. Though his hips were stiff from the cold and being in the same position for several hours, he jumped around like a puppy. The culvert was his prison and his family was the bridge to freedom.

As we laughed and shook our heads at this crazy dog’s antics, I began to put the whole situation into “life perspective”. I thought about how many times I have felt like Dozer, stuck in a situation with no escape. These are times I have felt completely alone with nowhere and no one to turn to. I have heard story after story from women around the U.S, who have felt exactly this same way.

One woman recently told me, that her husband of 22 years was leaving their family for another woman who was 15 year her junior. She cried and couldn’t understand what had happened. I could only hold her and pray. I had another young woman tell me she was terminally ill with colon cancer and the doctors gave her less than a year to live. I held her and prayed with her. Another woman in India shared her despair when she had to sell her body to make money to buy food for her three children, after her husband was killed in a tragic auto accident, only months before. Just today, I had a friend tell me that an unexpected debt of $10,000 had dropped into their lives that needed to be paid in four days. The list goes on and on. A dark place, where there is no place to turn around and escape the circumstances.

Have you been there? I know I have. These situations often feel like the end of the world. We ask ourselves, “How will I make it out of this?”

Then the dawn comes or the metal saw, in Dozer’s case. Something to comfort you, an answer to relieve the load, something to ease the fear. When we can breathe again and we can see the light, there is a massive sense of relief. In retrospect, I see God’s hand. In each and every situation, I have watch the Lord move mountains, put money into bank accounts, bring peace despite bad news, and to provide when there appeared to be nothing available. As I comfort, pray for, and encourage women in these situations, I don’t expect my words or hugs to change their situation. I have no power, but I do have empathy. I pray with them because in the depths of my soul I know there is an answer. That answer is God. It may sound simple but in my vast experience of tough times, it has only been the Lord who has been my shelter, strength, and provider.

Precious friend, if you are experiencing adversity today and feel like you are lost in the dark; I hope that you will cry out to God. Your comfort may come through a Christian friend, or an encouraging word you hear on the radio, maybe it’s a warm smile from a stranger. Consider these things God’s way of telling you, you are not alone. Just like Dozer, being so completely afraid of the dark and stuck in the darkest of places, you have someone waiting to rescue you, Jesus Christ. He knows your name and loves you more than you can ever imagine. In fact He loves you so much that He died on a cross so that you could live in eternity with your Heavenly Father. Don’t underestimate what He is capable of, or what He is willing to do for you. He will always shine the light in your darkest hour and bring comfort through the fear.

"You light a lamp for me.The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness."
Psalm 18:28

A Day to Remember...

2009-05-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

May is a special month for mothers. It is the one day every year where they are celebrated for their love, care, and commitment to their children. Speaking from a mother’s perspective, I look forward to this single annual event. This day is usually the only day I get a, “thank you Mom for all you do”, from my kids. Now don’t get me wrong, I have a great family, but gratitude is not something poured out generously from our three beautiful children’s lips. As a mother I tackle Everest sized mountains of laundry, chauffer every child to their prospective events, cook each meal, even when I hear constant complaining, and tuck cranky kids into bed at night and say prayers. Being a mother is the toughest job I have ever done, but also the most rewarding job I have ever done. When you are a mother, the days of being self absorbed are cast off. You can no longer take off whenever you feel like it, nights out with friends become few and far between, and your wardrobe often disintegrates into jeans and tee shirts (the days of designer clothing are gone). The truth of the matter is, that I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have had fits of anger that would make a sailor blush. I have had bouts of frustration that have left me missing tufts of hair, and crying outbursts that could have easily made me a candidate for committal; all because I am a mother. This day is special. It allows me to feel appreciated. My kids give me breakfast in bed and though the toast is burnt, the eggs over done, and the orange juice diluted; I thank God for the blessing of these children. They bring joy and laughter to my every day. I couldn’t imagine my life without them.

On this Mother’s Day, please take the opportunity to express your love and gratitude to your mom. Though she would lasso the stars for you, it really will make her day
to hear that you love and appreciate her. Then say a prayer to God thanking Him for giving you the precious gift of a mother.

Before I sign off I need to say; “I love you Mom! You are an extraordinary gift from the Lord and I appreciate you more than words could ever express.”

Here are a few quotes from a few people you may recognize – enjoy!

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Adabella Radici

No one in the world can take the place of your mother. Right or wrong, from her viewpoint you are always right. She may scold you for little things, but never for the big ones. ~Harry Truman

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest. ~Irish Proverb

The Day with No Name

2009-04-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

If we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. —Romans 8:25

In Louisiana, a woman lies buried beneath a grove of 150-year-old oak trees in the cemetery of an Episcopal church. Only one word is carved on her tombstone: “Waiting.”
A friend of mine knows an elderly pastor who delivered a stirring Good Friday sermon titled “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’.” In a cadence that increases in tempo and volume, his sermon contrasts how the world looked on Friday—when the forces of evil seemed to have triumphed—with how it looked on Sunday. The disciples who lived through both days never doubted God again. They learned that when God seems most absent, He may be closest of all.

The sermon skips one day, though—Saturday—the day with no name. What the disciples lived through in small scale, we now live through on cosmic scale. It’s Saturday on planet earth; will Sunday ever come?

That dark, Golgothan Friday can only be called good because of what happened on Sunday. Easter opened up a crack in a universe winding down toward decay. And someday God will enlarge the miracle of Easter to cosmic scale.
Meanwhile, we wait in hopeful anticipation, living out our days on Saturday, the in-between day with no name.

It’s Saturday. But Sunday’s comin’.

Devotion by Philip Yancey

Reflections on a snowy spring day...

2009-04-03T11:34:00.001-07:00

As I looked out my window today, and watched the snowflakes dance around in the breeze, I began thinking about faith. Faith...it is an obscure idea to me at times. I know that doesn’t sound like the thoughts of a deeply entrenched Christian. I am, but even in this solid walk with Jesus, I sometimes find myself wondering: Does God really hear my prayers? Is there really a heaven with golden streets and no more pain?

It is April here in Idaho, and it is snowing. This makes no sense to me. April is the month of budding green grass and blossom on flowers. But not this year, it is a place stuck in the winter season. That is what prompted my thinking about faith. Sometimes things are not what we believe they should be. People die unexpectedly, human conditions are severe, leaders do unconscionable things, and justice appears to be only a pipe dream. It is in the moments I look up and think “God do you see all of this?” Hoping and praying He will right the wrongs of this world.

These moments are temporary, but very real. Just when I think it can’t get any worst, God sends a reminder. It can come as an unexpected healing, good news about a job opportunity, or a sweet note from a friend. Or best of all, an event that brings someone to the feet of Jesus. Just like the snowflakes flitting by my window, I know deep in my soul that spring will come, and that God is here. He just doesn’t work in my timing, most often, not. I have learned that even on those days when I wonder if God is really there, He gently lifts my eyes to Him and reveals Himself. God’s silence is not His way of ignoring us but of growing us.

I may not always understand why God does what He does, or why He sometimes seems absent from a crisis. But I know, that I know, that I know…. God is. The scripture in Isaiah 55:9 describes this accurately; “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways
and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

And in the book of Amos (4:13), the profit could see clearly what I often fail to see; “For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals His thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of Heaven’s Armies is His name!”

Right now, I lift my eyes to see God through the white ceiling on our home because of the cold weather. But I know that spring is coming and I will be able to lie on the green grass, breath in the fresh air, and look to the blue skies of heaven to see Him. God is always faithful.

I don’t know if you’re looking out your window at a blanket of white snow or fanning yourself in the heat. I don’t know if you may be doubting God today, or boldly singing His praises. But please know dear friend you are not alone – this is your season. I encourage you to lay it at His feet, for His mercies truly are new every day.

With much wintery love,

Lonna

2009-02-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Well it is officially "love day" or better known as Valentine's Day. It appears our culture is obsessed with being in love or at least having the appearance of being in love. I see this phenominon in Parker's (our 18 yr-old son) high school. If you want t o see an obsession for being in love just go to your local high school and spend some time observing. Both girls and guys value themselves based on whether they have a boyfriend or girlfriend. It concerns me deeply to watch them place their personal value in the hands of a hormone crazed, Red Bull drinking teenager. Many of these kids don't even know which way is up at this time in their life. As I told Parker; "I get it -I've been there. I survived it (barely)!" Well why wouldn’t these kids be hungry for attention and affirmation. Families are broken. Parents are so busy working to put food on the table they don't have the time or energy to put in their kids. First television and now computers have replaced active parenting. It is heart breaking.

Love is a natural human need. Being valued by another person is essential to every person at the deepest level of our soul. God created us this way. I know that would shock most teenagers to hear. "Why would God make us that way??!!!" He made us that way so we would long for, desire, strive for a relationship with Him, our heavenly Father. If we didn't need this love we would not desire it from Him. Unfortunately our culture has wandered so far away from God that they are actually looking to one another to fulfill that need. And it is starting at a VERY early age. I'll share my recent experience of shock and awe in this area.

I was filling in for the music teacher at the grade school last week. What a joy it was to share the music of the different countries I have been able to travel to! I had a 1st grade class come in. They were precious! As I was sharing with them I noticed this little boy and little girl sitting beside each other and kind of leaning in to each other. I thought to myself "oh that is sweet. They must be great friends". (I remember in 1st grade, boys were "yucky" and they carried a vast variety of "cooties") However, a few short minutes later I looked down to see these "cute friends" holding hands under their chairs. I was flabbergasted! Knocked over! Absolutely floored! I immediately took action and stopped class to tell them to "STOP HOLDING HANDS. That IS NOT appropriate to do in this class!!!!!" My heart was racing, my palms sweating, and my mouth bone dry! After this precious little class left, I sat down and found myself saddened by this turn of events. Children, younger and younger, are searching for a partner, searching for that affirmation from another. The only way any one of us will ever feel truly affirmed, is from the One who created us. The One who loves us so much He sacrificed His son that we would be reconciled with Him for eternity. God specifically made that hole, or need in our heart for His amazing love, one size. There is no one on this earth who can fit perfectly into that hole. It is not a one size fits all sort of deal. That special place was made for, and reserved for our Savior, our Lord, Jesus. Once we allow Jesus to fill that place, we begin to comprehend the true meaning of love. That love is demonstrated in 1 John 4:7-10 (The Message)

"My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God."

Have a very blessed LOVE DAY and may the love of the Savior envelope you today and always!!

A God Hug!

2009-02-08T10:15:00.000-08:00

Has God hugged you lately? I don't mean the quick squeeze and run. I mean the kind of hug that makes you feel completely enveloped, totally safe, and comforted beyond words? Oh how I love those hugs! When things are hectic I find myself saying "God I need a hug!" Sometimes, if I am in a quiet enough state that I can feel His arms embracing me I just sit and drink in His love. However, if chaos is reigning in my heart and mind then I struggle to feel anything. Even when those moments are the moments I am finding myself in need of God's presences the most. What I have found, is that whatever I ask of my heavenly Father, He pours it out in abundance, according to His will. But I must be prepared to receive it. I must quiet myself to the point of hearing His still small voice in my heart and feeling His amazing love wrap me up.

How has God hugged you lately?

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." Matthew 5:4

Cleaning Day!

2009-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

As a part of my year of “getting real” I have really been made aware of the topic of sin lately (thank you Pastor Rick!). Sin is something you can't see, smell, taste, or touch. It comes not from the outside but it truly a condition of the heart. But when sin is manifested in action THEN we are able to see it. Sin starts as a thought. Whether it is in a moment or whether we have had a lot of time to think about it. I have been praying for several people around me lately who have been making some gigantic sinful choices. But this morning during Sunday service I was reminded of the scripture in both Matthew and Luke that tells me not be concerned about the speck in my brother's eye before I take the plank from my own eye. I didn't think I had a lot of un-repented for sin in my life, but God reminded me that "sin is sin". It's not measured on a scale, but measured by the heart. I am doing some heavy duty cleaning today. Not with a dust rag and vacuum, but through time in prayer and the Word.

1 Samuel 16:7: "God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person but the Lord looks at the heart."

I want to commit today to making sure that my heart is pleasing to Him. Is today cleaning day for you too?

2009 The Year to GET REAL

2009-01-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

The New year has rung in and 2009 is before us. The Lord has been impressing on my heart a theme of "Getting Real" this year. What does this mean? Well friend it means that this is the year we begin to be honest with ourselves, the people around us, and most importantly - the Lord. We have allowed ourselves the luxury of living a life of smoke and mirrors. Unfortunately, at some point the smoke clears and the mirrors warp. The result leaves us looking at the cold, hard reality of our lives. The scripture in 1 John 4:4 (The Message) speaks to this:

My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world's language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.

We have become lost in the unrealistic idea of flawless bodies on the covers of magazines, info-mercials telling us we must have these products to improve our lives, the fallacy "that money makes everything better", and most importantly that if we "look the part" nobody will know the pain we are suffering inside. If true, we could make our lives perfect by buying and believing all the beautifully wrapped garbage the world has offered up. It is time to GET REAL!

Are you living in a charade, acting out your life without truly living it? Do you cry silent tears so no one will see through the well placed, flawless mask? I hear story after story from women talking about the sham they have allowed their lives to become. They just don't know how to crawl out of the fallacy they have been living in. That's where the GET REAL part comes into play.

I want to encourage you to start committing to prayer your circumstances. Allow God to strip away the well placed layers of deception. Though it is painful and revealing, I promise you will find it liberating (not the burning bra liberating but emotionally freeing). The scripture in 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 describes it like this:

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Allow Him to remove the veil you have covered yourself with; the veil of deception, hopelessness, depression, and discontentment. When you do you will see the world with new eyes. You will see His vibrant colors and breath the clean air of honesty. You will taste the sweetness of victory in living the authentic, freeing Christian life. It's a new year friend and a fresh start. Let's start today! So lovingly I say to you - GET REAL!

With deep love and prayers,

Lonna

The aftermath and the let-down...

2008-12-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's over. Yes, another Christmas celebration has passed us by. We experienced family, friends, food, and fun. It was a blessed time! I was unaware that some people experience a depression in the "aftermath" of the Christmas frenzy. I am still finding paper wrapping under the couch and am waiting for the stack of empty boxes in the garage to miraculously disappear. However, I have a friend, Mary who expressed her Christmas "let down" to me this week on the phone. She is having a hard time moving on and even experienced some tremendous disappointment in the gift her husband gave her. She told me of her heavy heart and her dry spiritual state.

Maybe you're in that same place with Mary? I can understand. There is so much fervor and anticipation leading up to this special holiday. After the dust settles, what is left? Sometimes it's beautiful memories, lovely gifts, and gratitude to the Lord. Other times it can consist of disappointment, unmet expectations, and disillusionment. I remember a few Christmas' that left me feeling empty and bitter.

It was our first Christmas after we were married. I had great expectations for this holiday! Kevin had spoiled me while we were dating and I knew marriage would bring ever even better gifts! To be honest one of my "love languages" is gift giving and gift getting. I was so excited to open up my Christmas gift from him. As I opened the very long and beautifully decorated box I noticed Kevin sitting there with the a HUGE grin that spoke loudly; “I am so proud of myself". I was stunned as I carefully opened the box and looked inside. It was a hunting rifle, not just any hunting rifle, but the exact hunting rifle Kevin had showed me in a magazine several months before. I was crushed and Kevin could see by the look on my face that something had misfired. I was left completely disappointed and devastated.

I thought my husband had learned his lesson, until my next birthday. The BIG 3-0! I was really excited about this birthday. I was thinking maybe a surprise party, maybe a beautiful piece of jewelry to celebrate the occasion. Well there wasn’t a huge surprise party but Kevin had invited a few friends over to the house, and it was a great evening. Then it was time for me to open the gifts. After I had opened several sweet gifts from friends, Kevin put in front of me a medium sized box. Hmmmm I wondered, what could be in here? A little big for jewelry but maybe he wrapped it like this to throw me off the trail? As I tore off the paper I looked at Kevin and he had that same “I am so proud of myself” smile on his face. The warning siren should have sounded, but it did not. I opened the box and there before me was a state of the art.... scope, to go with my hunting rifle. I was crushed, deflated, baffled. How could he get it so wrong???

The Lord answered that question for me a week later. I was talking to a friend of mine who recently separated from her husband of 15 years. As I lodged my complaint to her about Kevin's seemingly selfish gift giving she began to cry. I couldn't imagine that she was feelingly overly compassionate about my cause so I stopped talking. Quietly she spoke words that pierced my heart. She said; "I wish that Ken would have bought me something that included me in his hobbies. If he had we probably would not be divorcing." Then it hit me! Kevin wasn't buying those things for me to disappoint me, but to include me in his passion, which was hunting. He wanted me to be a part of something he loved to do. I felt so very small at that moment and felt my eyes open wide. It was not the gifts that had misfired, it was my perspective. I asked Fran to forgive my insensitivity, which she graciously did with a hug. When Kevin came home from work that night, I sat down by him and said "thank you and forgive me". When he asked what I was thanking him for I told him I had behaved like a spoiled child and was deeply grateful to God that I had a husband who truly gave me gifts from the heart.

If you are feeling the Christmas let-down today sweet friend. Fill yourself with the living Word of God. His Word is a gift that will never disappoint and will always deliver just what we need. This scripture found in Jeremiah 15:16 is an encouragement:

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.

Today I pray that you receive a wonderful gift ~ a refreshing of God's Holy Spirit upon you. Don't let the JOY of the celebration of our Savior's birth be wrapped in the disappointment of unmet expectations, but embrace the gift of love and grace brought to us over 2,000 years ago.

Blessings to you!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2008-12-03T14:58:00.001-08:00

My computer crashed! Yeppers, two weeks ago it looked me in the eye and gave me a BIG raspberry! "Phhhttttt" I panicked, begging and pleading, apologizing for every wrong deed I had done to it. Did I take advantage of it? I believe so. But it wasn't in the way one would assume. I took advantage of the technology, enjoying its endless convenience and not realizing how much I relied on it.

I lost everything... this isn't the first time this has happened in our computer owning lives, however this is the most painful crash yet. Now many of you are scratching your heads and possibly yelling, "Back up, back up!" Yes, I understand your fervor. But for those of us who trust the promise of the manufactures that hard drive has an automatic back-up, we fail to understand that even a safety net can have a hole in it.

What I have learned from this debacle is that no matter what guarantees this world gives you, it truly holds no meaning. We can believe every well produced commercial made to evoke an emotional response. (Have you ever watched a Hallmark commercial and not cried or at least been moved to "almost" shed a tear??!!) We are placing our trust in people and a system that is known to fail - just like my computer.

There is only One we can trust fully, and that is Jesus. His word will never fall short, He will never go out of business or bankrupt. His promises endure forever. The Lord has never "crashed" on me nor has He ever failed me. He has given me a "life time warranty". He will fix everything that goes wrong in my life and give me a tune up when I need it. He keeps me in awe!

Next time you find yourself troubled by technology or simply disappointed in life in general, remember that the Savior of the world is with you. He will hold your hand through it and cover you in His amazing peace.

Excuse me now while I end this to go and "back-up" my work.

A Voice in the Dark

2008-11-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

I was catching up on the news today and read a heartbreaking report about a college student who committed suicide live on a web cam. The report went on to say that there were people watching as this event unfolded. Some egged him on, some laughed, some did not believe it was real, and others were debating on if he took enough pills to actually kill himself. This young man had a family that loved him and was reported to be well liked. He also suffer from bio-polar depression, which in the end was probably the catalyst that drove him to such extreme measures.

I feel led to bring this up because as I discussed this tragedy with my husband I threw out the question, "Why would people sit and watch such a horrifying event and NOT do something??!!" To which Kevin replied, "It's because of computers." How could he make such a simple statement to explain such a painful event! I did not agree, because computers are an inanimate object and cannot cause people to behave in any certain way. The same argument is constantly made about guns. You know the line "Guns don't kill people. People kill people." The same can be said about computers.

I began thinking about where technology has led our country. Sure, it brings great conveniences to many aspects of our lives and businesses. However, is there ever a time when we say enough is enough? This technology generation has made a plethora of information available at our finger tips. Unfortunately, kids and teens are not emotionally or psychologically ready for this avalanche of knowledge (or are some adults, as I have found out). I think it is much like Adam and Eve eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge. They did not know the eternal consequences of their actions until it was too late. Could they have obeyed God and not succumbed? YES, they could have made that choice and if they did we would not be where we are today. Our kids do not know how to handle, OR the consequences of having access to the world and each other through the Internet.

Have you noticed that young people have stopped talking to one another. Instead they choose text messaging, instant messaging, blogging, MySpace, Facebook, and the list goes on, to communicate. Instead of coming to a parent, teacher, or friend when they have a problem, they post it on the Internet for everyone to view. They use the Internet to bully, experiment with sex, and even date. How crazy is this???

My husband had a point...computers may have some responsibility in this lack of human contact. BUT would kids need the computer as a life line if parents were involved? If they were in fellowship, and they had real relationships in their lives? Just a question to ponder. I think this awful tragedy is a wake up call for all parents. Love your children - love them with everything you have and always tell them they are not alone in this world. God is with them, and we are too.

My heart goes out to this victim of Satan's lies and to his devastated family. If I were able to say one thing to him as he contemplated suicide it would be, listen for the Voice in the dark sweet child of God. God is here, He sees your pain and wants to restore your life.

An Overwhelming Response

2008-10-08T18:38:00.001-07:00

I am amazed by the number of responses I received through email from the last post about Spike. I didn't realize so many of you loved lizards. Actually, I did not realize how many mothers had done crazy things like I did to try to keep a child's pet alive. Astonishing! I was touched your stories of compassion and also touched by your desperation to share the Good News with lost family members. I understand. Please know sisters that God will have the victory - we just have to keep sharing and keep praying. I am praying for you!

PS: An update on Spike. He's doing fine and starting to get his spunk back. Isn't God good?!!!

Remember what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

Let's fight the Good Fight together sisters!

Standing in the Gap for You,

Lonna

Meal Worms and Hope

2008-10-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

This morning as I went in to wake our son Dillon for school, I noticed his lizard looked a little peaked. He is usually looking at me wondering where breakfast is and jumping around the tank. This morning he wasn’t, in fact his eyes were closed, his breathing was shallow and he was cold to the touch. As I reached in to the tank to poke him, feeling a bit courageous, he just sat there. “Uh oh” I thought. I raced into action. “Water?”, check…”crickets?”, no, no crickets. How long has he been out of crickets!!?? After a call to the local bait shop to inquire about mealworms, I was speeding – oops I mean, driving into town to purchase them. I got the goods and headed home with one thing on my mind, Spike.

Now for those of you who know our family, you know that Dillon, our 10 year old has a passion for reptiles. Now I can hear you saying “all 10 year old boys like reptiles”, this is a true statement. However, Dillon goes a step further by saving his money and purchasing different species. He takes wonderful care of them and enjoys them very much. I just ask that they stay in their cages. Spike was Dillon’s first reptile purchase. He had saved his money for a year to be able to buy a baby Bearded Dragon. Not an attractive looking lizard (okay there really are NO attractive looking lizards) but he had something I could relate to. Spike’s skin is made up with what appears to be small spikes that are meant to ward off attacks and look imposing. The thing about it is that if you touch these spikes you will find they are quite soft and not imposing at all. I could relate to this defensive exterior as I shared that characteristic for many years until Jesus got hold of my life. This lizard had a fun personality and won me over quickly. So when I saw this creature in a state of “no return” I panicked.

As I reached in and pulled Spike out of the cage he didn’t move. I was afraid I was too late. But I noticed a small movement in his legs and saw that there was still hope. I put water to his little mouth wishing him to drink, but to no avail. I then took a meal worm and held it to his lips to see if he would eat, but to no avail. I was not about to give up on Spike. If I could have willed him to live, I would have given it everything I had. I chopped up the meal worm opened his mouth and stuffed it in. He spit it out, I stuffed it in. I was desperate. I couldn’t just let him slip away. As I sat holding the crushed meal worm in the tweezers, I had a moment of clarity. Though brief I saw this picture: here I was sitting on floor and talking to a dying lizard in my hand while attempting to coax the lizard to eat a crushed meal worm and praying God would save him. Oh heavenly days Lonna – get a grip!! Even though I saw how ridiculous it was I could not stop, I could not give up on this prickly little guy.

I realized that this is how I have felt about loved ones not knowing Jesus. My dad is not a believer and I have spent years sharing the Good News with him. I pray for him every day and ask God constantly to move his heart towards Him. But, today still no change. I sometimes want to scream, “Wake up! You’re going to hell if you don’t turn to Jesus Dad!” My desperation has led me to some pretty intense conversations with God. That is how I felt with Spike today. Willing him to live, wanting him to choose life, and praying for him. It is a huge burden and I know many of you share this experience with loved ones. Our only response is to keep going, keep praying, keep talking, and never to give up. We’re talking eternal consequences here, not a fleeting decision.

I just stopped to look in on Spike. He was awake and looking at me. I actually dropped a meal worm in his tank and he gobbled it up and then a second one. With tears I write to you, to encourage you. Don’t ever stop sharing the Good News with those you love, you never know what the outcome could be. Just when you think someone is “dead”, they may take in what you’re saying and find new life. Spike did….

An Unfinished Picture

2008-09-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

I read a devotional today and wanted to share it with you in a Lonna paraphrase. It relates to our faith walk and the refining process that takes place within that walk. The devotion and accompanying scripture reminded me today that each one of us is a “work in progress”. Or as Ruth Graham Bell put it so beautifully, "We are under construction. Thank you for your patience."

We resemble a half painted canvas though we often times feel like we are a blank canvas with no direction. The Artist patiently continues to invest in us until He decides the work is finished. We know, that each of us will not be complete until the day we reach glory, but what a privilege it is to be on this journey and to receive the Artist’s finishing touches on the canvas of our lives.

Jude 1:20-25

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.”

May you feel the stroke of the Creators brush on your life today.

A Goat in My House?

2008-09-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a story of a goat named Billy. Actually his full name is Billy the Kid, he can thank Kevin for that ingenious title!

I was on the phone today with a Pastor from India. We were having a serious conversation about our upcoming outreach project in Mumbai in October. While in deep conversation with him I saw something odd run past the doorway. It was bigger than our cat yet smaller than one of our horses. It wasn't until I saw Gracie run fter this object yelling "Get back here Billy" that I completely understood the situation and "what" the running object had been. Billy had pushed his way into the house (at leat that is the story I was told by Grace) and was having a hay day exploring this vast new land. I was stumlbing for words to explain to the Pastor as I was trying to muffle the phone to yell at Grace to "CATCH THATGOAT". It was pandemonium! Billy finally ran to where I was, exhausted and lost. He was shaking with fear and my anger quickly turned to compassion. What I percieved as a "joy ride" was really a "I'm lost and can't find my way back home".

It reminds me of the perpetual state many people live in these days. On the outside it looks like they have the world by the tail, but if they stop long enough for you to get a good look at their heart, you find someone scared and lost. God has crossed my path with a few such people this summer. People empty by their longing for love or confused over their lack of happiness when everything around them tells them they've got it all. I have even spoken with some friends who are believers, yet don't know what it feels like to live in the joy of the Lord.

My encounter with Billy today was a sad reminder of the state of the human heart. Scared, confused, empty... Is there an answer? As your friend, I can honestly tell you there is only one answer. That answer is Jesus. It's not in a church pew, or a Bible study group, or even at the feet of a Pastor. Though those things are good and can help you to grow in your faith walk. They are not THE answer. The answer is in a deep, personal, and committed relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the fullness and embodiment of everything we need to make our life fullfilling and complete.

So friend if your feeling like Billy today, not sure of where you are or where you are going, I encourage you to cry out to the Savior, Jesus. He is waiting to take your hand and lead you into His throne room of grace and love. Believe me, that is one JOY ride you will never want to come to an end.

We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us...

Hebrews 6:18-20 The Message

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2008-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

I receive this story from a sweet friend of mine (Thanks Katy!) and wanted to pass it on. It certainly shares a great lesson! God Bless! (I couldn't resist adding the cartoon!)

The Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped into a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck." He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, and wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that joy-filled people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets so..."Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't."

"Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

Old Friends

2008-08-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever moved and left friends behind? The pain and heartache that occurs when leaving behind close friends can be devastating. I experienced that 8 years ago when we moved away from everyone we loved to venture into a new life 200 miles away from our home of 15 years.

The kids and I travelled those 200 miles, for five days to visit old friends. It's been a while since we were able to go and spend time with loved ones we left behind when we moved. What a treat to see three of my closest friends, spend the night in their homes and catch up on their lives. The scripture in Proverbs 17:17a says it best; "A friend loves at all times..." That was the gift awaiting us at each household.

It amazes me how true friendships grow deeper and closer with time. Yes, like fine wine (so I hear). I sat and listened to trials in their lives, shared challenges I have been facing, and laughed until I thought we would pee our pants. (you don't have to re-read that last line, I actually DID type that. Only close girlfriends would ever admit such a thing.). The Lord has blessed women with the ability to invest in one an others lives, despite time, distance, and even gray hair. I praise Him for knowing what we need and exactly when we need it.

I think good friends are like an old pair of worn, familiar slippers. It doesn't matter the season or the circumstances - the moment you slip them on you are covered in comfort. Thank you heavenly Father for giving us the gift of friendship! You always know how to bring a smile to our face!

The Heavens and the Earth

2008-08-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers~

the moon and the stars you set in place... Psalm 8:3

Oh the wonders of God, our Creator! I recently was in awe, again, of God's majesty and power! I had just attended our evening Sunday service and watched a DVD talking about the intricacies of the heavens and earth. The DVD featured allot of very smart looking scientist (one even wore a white lab coat to accentuate his intelligence!) talking about the delicate balance of the earth’s axis, along with the core thickness of the earth’s crust. They told about the mysteries that lie in the star filled galaxy and how one can travel 500million light years and still not get to the end of the heavens. It was all very complicated and to be quite honest waaaaaaaay over my head. However, I did enjoy each fact given and every scientific insight shared. I was truly in awe at the wonder of our Creator.

Later that night Kevin and I loaded the kids up in the truck to go to the drive-in movie theater to see Wall-E. We filled the bed of the truck with blankets and sleeping bags, pillows, and snacks. Kevin finally found the "perfect" parking spot after three different attempts. We began preparing our sleeping bags and piling on the blankets as the temperatures were dropping that night. As we all settled in to watch the movie I couldn’t help but stare up at the night’s sky. WOW! The sight was unbelievable! Were there always this many stars in the sky? I asked myself. It was a beautiful and overwhelming portrait. I couldn’t imagine counting each one – there were so many. It was fascinating to look at the stars with the new perspective given through the DVD we had viewed at church. From under my blanket I quietly leaned over to Kevin and whispered “Pssst”, (he was engrossed in the movie at this point). When I finally got his attention I pointed up at the sky. It took him a minute to grasp what I was getting at, until I saw him smile. He too was taking in the wonder of it all.

The Psalms proclaims God's creation but the Psalmist goes deeper when he writes:

He counts the stars and calls them all by name. Psalm 147:4

If your feeling "small" and invisible today, I encourage you to go outside and look up at the night sky. As you look at the abundance of stars remember that the same God who created all of those is the same God that created you. Jut think... if He calls the stars by name how much more intimate is His knowledge of you? Dear friend, God sees you, He knows you, and He loves you!

HOPE India

2008-08-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

ASHA (Hope) India

This blog is to update our ministry friends on the preparations for the October HOPE India mission trip. This is place for comments, prayer requests, and for our HOPE team to communicate.

We covet your prayers and support for this outreach!

God Bless!

Lonna

Beary Legs

2008-08-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Grace is a beautiful, rambunctious, and amazing girl! She returned from Bible Camp yesterday with stories of adventure and new friendships. She told us about the Bible stories she learned about and even had a few questions for us about the Holy Spirit and obedience.

We were thrilled about her excitement and experience at the camp. The next topic she broached was leg shaving? Our 8 year old daughter was asking us permission to shave her legs. What??!! What else were they teaching at Bible camp? I began to panic and I saw Kevin looking green around the gills. This was a conversation we thought we would have in several years-like when she was 20! When I composed my thoughts, I calmly asked Grace what brought this up? She told us that the girls in her cabin had noticed her hairy legs and told her she needed to shave them. Grace was completely un-phased by their comments as her brothers have sometimes joked about the “bear-y legs” God had given her. We have told her that she has an advantage in the winter months to stay warmer than the rest of us and have used it as an opportunity to share what God says about her in His Word. Psalm 139:13, 14 tells each of us; You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

After hearing about the comments from her bunk mates we understood her request. When I dug deeper Grace confided in me (with a big smile) that she really didn’t want to shave her legs. She liked her legs the way they were and she didn’t want to risk being cold next winter.

Welcome!!

2008-07-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! We're glad you stopped by our web site. We pray that you are blessed as you browse through the pages. I thank God for the privilege of serving Him AND the freedom we have in which to serve Him.

Our recent visit to India has thoroughly impressed this point upon my heart. This country has over 1 billion people living there. The Christian population is only 3% of those people, making them an extreme minority. Pastor's and believers face persecution every day because of their love for Jesus. If you have the blessing of speaking to those who have been persecuted it humbles you beyond words. Each one shares that they consider it a privilege to be persecuted for Christ. That Jesus was persecuted because He is the Son of God. They thank God for their suffering and that God would consider them worthy of such persecution. Humbling!! After our recent Independence Day celebration here in the US it reminded me of the gift of freedom we each have not only in this country but the gift of freedom in our lives. The scripture in 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, "For the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,there is freedom." That is a gift that is priceless! So next time you grumble about going to church or feel compalcent in praying for someone remember that there are those who are being beaten and killed for the opportunity to do these exact things. I praise God for you and pray His abundant love pour over you today!

Come back and see us soon!

Blessings precious friend!

Lonna

Welcome To Our New Blog!

2008-07-19T15:49:00.001-07:00

Our first blog started up with another provider, but the site was hacked and had to close down. So here we go again! Welcome to our new blog! Enjoy the posts and please comment! We'd love to hear from you ! :)