” . . . Your prayers and gifts to the poor have not gone unnoticed.”

Acts 10:4 New Living Translation

“A praying life is just the opposite [of cynicism]. It engages evil. It doesn’t take no for an answer . . . Prayer is feisty.”

Paul E. Miller

A Praying Life p.79 NavPress 2009

I’m as plain-Jane as you get. I am shy and a diehard introvert. I don’t crave recognition. But when I read the word feisty, my spirit gave an in-your-face thumbs-up.

“Let it be me!”

lonnie

“We must remember that the same success and prosperity that consumes some people, leading them to be totally selfish, also enables those who have been blessed and prosper to assist the poor and needy.

James Robison

The Stream p.151

Worthy Books 2016

God, we’re so quick to accuse the rich—- just as some of the rich accuse the poor.

Not all rich are selfish.

Not all poor are lazy.

Help us to be slow to judge, and to be faithful and generous with what we have.

EverEverGrowing,

lonnie

“I realized that I am not poor because other people are rich.”

James Robison

The Stream p.135 Worthy Books 2016

That’s so simple, but profound to me. God has brought our family out of welfare. There was a day around Workman’s Comp ending along with every other financial support, that I thought we’d be living on boxed Mac and Cheese and oatmeal.

We don’t eat steaks—ever! (Unless a birthday coupon gives us a seriously discounted one.) But we have delicious meals. Our townhome is nice; it’s functional. It’s warm and safe and not subsidized housing. Most days, I feel pretty rich until . . . I compare. Until . . . I worry about what other people will think. And I DO. Someday, God will get me over that mountain. Until then, I thank Him for His unfailing love and generosity.

EverGrowing,

lonnie

” . . . because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?'” Exodus 17:7b NIV

Ever asked that?

Lately?

I don’t think I’ve done that with the Corona Virus, (though certainly many times before). I have more- than-wished for a different timetable. I stumbled across a youtube pastor who gives a daily word (10 minutes) during this crisis. He’s done research concerning the virus; research that confirms what truth is, and what truth isn’t. He instructs us toward holiness, national repentance, prayer AND hope. “Do not be afraid!”

God has spoken similarly to my heart.

So . . . I continue to listen and to hope,

lonnie

“In this world of clashing standards, we can only persuade people to consider our view when we learn to dialogue with as much grace as conviction.”

James Robison

The Stream p.123;Worthy Books 2016

In day to day living, this is true. As important as grace is, so is dialogue. That involves sharing thoughts and listening to others’. During this Corona Virus, we are certainly not all on the same page. I am not fearful. I am careful and respectful.

Personally, feeling the cure is worse than the problem. Deaths via depression, addictions, or starvation are still deaths.

Lonnie

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

George Washington Carver

The Man Who Talked To Flowers

The apostle Paul would agree:

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NASB

The Corona Virus has had me walking outside at least once a day. Isolation is painful. Walking with God helps.

EverGrowing,

lonnie

It’s on a page of stationary—– but only one page. I have several people I’d like to send it to, but I don’t want to let it go.

“I” need it!

So here is my solution: indelible ink– a blog.

+ + + + +

“IF YOU’RE OFFERED A SEAT ON A ROCKET SHIP, DON’T ASK WHAT SEAT! JUST GET ON.” Sheryl Sandberg

I analyze. I weigh this side and that. Then I worry about what people will think. And then, I do what I should do first: I pray. Though I think, to be honest, that most times God would be DELIGHTED if I’d throw all worry to the wind and Just Get On.

You and me, God. Let’s Go!

lonnie

“At it’s core, racism is a heart problem—-a problem of sin . . . Although government support can be useful on some issues regarding racism, its funds, programs, and laws will not change the human heart. Because racism is a violation of Biblical truth, genuine racial healing will require repentance before God for resentment against those with a different skin color or ethnic culture.”

James L. Garlow/David Barton

This Precarious Moment, p. 10; Salem Books 2018

Two words stand out to me.

Repentance and Resentment.

How do they fit into your story?

I know God is working in my heart, when the voice in my head moves from “have to” to “want to;” from “I can live with them,” to, “Man, I enjoy them!”

It’s a God-thing.

And we’re both smiling.

Lonnie

If Acts has convinced me of anything, it is that doing things doing right—-living righteously and honorably does not insure smooth sailing—–maybe just the opposite.

If Paul’s life doesn’t supply sufficient evidence, consider the sinless life of Jesus.

BUT “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”. Romans 8:18 New American Standard ” . . . for I go to prepare a place for you.”. John 14:2. NAS Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive your sins? To come into your heart and to guide your life?

Lonnie