We are loved!!! Thank you!! A quick update...
Greetings! I wanted to thank everyone and give you a quick update on Patti and myself.
Patti is doing well and continues to heal from her knee surgery. I jokingly say that she was getting all of the attention. So, I decided I needed to do something to get some ... so the stroke and seizures... (kidding of course!!!)
We want to thank you for your continued love, prayer, generosity, support, and delicious food! It has been and will be for a while, a crazy time. However, we are on the mend and God is extremely good.
Personally, I am in a really weird time - a grey area - but it continues to get better and brighter. Just a few days ago we were not sure I would be here, much less be able to be rational, mobile, and speak. (Some are still not sure about some of these.) Ironically, I could speak but I could not remember that I had a stroke and seizures. I had to write myself a note. FYI: There are many crazy and funny stories and videos. Each day I am getting better. However, since I had the seizures I am not sure when I will be able to drive - so that is a strange feeling. But someone greater than me is in control.
Our Church Family is awesome. We feel so much love and support. We plan to be there tomorrow. Dr. Tyler is going to be incredible. We look forward to hearing and worshipping with him. And last Sunday, Bill was amazing. There are so many who have loved on, and continue to love on, us in so many incredible ways! THANK YOU!!
As we are going through this "season" please continue to pray for us - and I know you are and will. Some specifics that you can continue to pray for are Patti's complete recovery for her knee. Also, for my brain and mind to continue to clear and strengthen. And for me not to become frustrated or depressed during this time of challenge and growth. Rather, let me know that this is a process. It is a continual time of growth and clarity. And a time of gaining strength, stamina, and energy.
Scripture is full of hope, peace, and encouragement.
The Prophet Isaiah tells us where our strength comes from. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 tells us: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (4:13). And verses 6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Prayer brings peace, especially in times of anxiety, and this peace guards our hearts and minds.
Finally, a special thank you to Lee for his continued leadership and ministry. He and Matt have begun using our new Church software, so if you are not getting the weekly newsletter, please let them know. We will be using this as a better communication tool. And there are MANY who are helping make this FCC family so special - so again, Thank You.
We are surrounded by love in prayer, word, deed, and action. And we are so thankful. We are going to Thrive in '25!
We hope to see you and worship with you tomorrow. Patti and I love and appreciate you so very much! Again, Thank you!!
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"Thriving in '25"
"Celebrating 175 Years of Ministry"