S.O.S.?

John 15:16 & 17

In case you are wondering what the title scripture reference says I will save you the time and effort of looking it up. It says, "16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another."

I was looking at some Facebook postings and saw a partial quote that brought this scripture to my mind. This is a passage I meditate on often. I ponder it because I am concerned about the affect I am having on folks God puts in my path. The fruit that is produced in us should have a life changing impact on those who are hungry and thirsty that we encounter.

I fear in our man made schemes and cunningly thought out programs of religion we attempt to force a loving God on those who come to us. We have in fact forced them into one or the other of two equally bad options…rebellion or hypocrisy.

Such a simple passage, I so misunderstood and by so doing I lead others into rebellion and hypocrisy.  But I have come to know once the seed of Christ is planted it's purpose is to produce in me love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. When I will cultivate, water and nurture the seed it will produce its fruit in my life and the hungry will be fed. When they feed on the fruit the eternal seed from which the fruit is produced will be planted in them and the seed will continue to produce its fruit from generation to generation. Then when I approach God with a request having planted the fruit producing seed and it bringing forth it's fruit my petitions will granted according to His will.

To His followers Jesus said go, produce, plant and the result is harvest but I changed the plan to lead, force and the result was rebellion or hypocrisy.

i am,
Babu Lonnie

Life, Liberty And...

We've heard the phrase Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. I have come to some stark conclusions about the depth and implications of that phrase.

I have been told, (through reading and study), by our founding fathers and our heavenly Father that I have these "inalienable rights", which are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The word inalienable is an adjective that describes the three "rights" listed. It's definition is, "incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred". In my down home terminology that means I CAN'T be separated from, caused to give up or pass on these rights. They are given to each and every person who is a member of the system called "The United States of America" or "The Church".

I submit to you that those "rights" given by the founding fathers and heavenly Father are in fact being trampled by men and women who are supposed to be acting on my behalf to govern the affairs of our nation and the church. It is a well laid plan that has not just "popped" into the heads of our current leadership. Even if there does seem to be plenty of room in there heads for something.

The path that I choose in life will not stop the inevitable but the right path can detour and prolong the end that is sure. I am of course speaking of the sure end of our mortality. I believe our founding fathers had good intentions when the above words were penned. For sure our heavenly Father has nothing but good plans for me. But the paths chosen since those days have led me down that proverbial slippery slope of self destruction.

Our nation built on a struggle by it's citizens to free themselves from the bondage of religion and a government that oppressed and gave very little if any rights to chose ones own destiny. So In order to form a more perfect union they said to each citizen of this newly gathered group we want to make available to each person some things that cannot be separated from you, some things that cannot be taken by any means, some things that will give you hope and these rights are deemed to be so precious that they must be lived in the moment and like time it's self cannot be passed along. These are individual rights according to the founding fathers and The Father of heaven and earth. 

But the facts are the path I have chosen has led me to transferring those precious rights, little by little, back to a governmental/religious system that is once more imposing it's will on it's citizens. Have we forgotten that it took blood being shed to secure those rights for us.

My plan...Live life, live it free and if there is another breath afforded me I will enjoy this life of freedom with hope of a future in which I can touch the circumstances of the life of others and bring a ray of hope and happiness to their lives, this will be my purpose for being here in this moment of time. My purpose determines our how I live this life, handle this freedom and the sum total of my life and my freedom determines what makes me happy. I have been given the inalienable right of Life and Liberty but Happiness, I have been given the inalienable right to pursue it, there is no guarantee of catching this thing called happiness. I am sad to report that in times past I have made happiness the destination of my journey. While doing that I missed the awesomeness of the life and the freedom I have been given. Trampling what I've been guaranteed for something I am pursuing, it seems to be the path most traveled.

i am,
Babu Lonnie       

What A Day!!!

What a day for a day dream, what a day for a day dreaming boy. If those words sound familiar they are the words to an old rock and roll song from the late 60's early 70's era. I apologize I don't remember the artist right off the top of my head.

I have done considerable day dreaming today. I have contracted an ear infection and have not gotten out of my "Grumpy" sleep pants and a tee shirt. As a matter of fact Patti put the dog out so I haven't even opened the door. I know by my computer it is 28 degrees so it's probably best to stay inside.

My reflections and day dreaming hasn't quite resulted in "the bundle of joy" the artist of the aforementioned song seem to realize through his daydreaming experience. Mine has been sobering and some even painful.

I have always been a dreamer. I thought I would live the dreams I've had over the past 57 years. I have made two conclusions through this particular day of daydreaming. If you're interested keep reading.

1. Nothing else matters except love.
2. Love make everything else matter.

I am more in love today than ever before. I love and I Live by choice and through my choice it is not me that really lives but the God of the universe that lives in me.

So if you see what you think is me out and about, please remember the exterior may not give you a good clear view of the priceless contents of this old house that God resides in, but here's an invitation to "Come and See" where He lives. "The Door" is always open.

My day of daydreaming has reminded me that God has chosen me and ordained me. My purpose is to be a display of His Fruit. I'm dreaming of being a house filled with His Fruit so the hungry will eat and be satisfied.

The menu: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance. You can damage this fruit by mishandling, but it never goes bad. Let's get together and taste and see that His Fruit is good. All humanity is searching the world over looking for something to satisfy their hunger.

Come as you are, when ever you feel the urge to eat, mobile locations available for your convenience and everybody and I do mean everybody is welcome. Come and dine when you hear the call. If YOU don't hear the call to come, the fruit will not satisfy your hunger. It is no fault of the fruit, it is the mindset with which it is eaten and the readiness of the consumer that determines the reception or rejection of His Fruit.

To those of you who have allowed me to feast from your storehouse of His Fruit over the past couple weeks, thank you. I especially want to say to my wife Patti and my sons Jeremy & Joshua and their families and even Wilson my dog...I love you more that words can ever express. I guess I do have a bundle of joy after all.

i am,
Babu Lonnie

Why?

My children and now my grand children are still asking the same simple question we all asked as children. The WHY question. One of my sons always thought he didn't need to ask why very often because he seem to know the answer to everything at a very early age. We called him "Ford", it was when Ford Motor Company's slogan was "we've got a better idea". The other son asked but usually pondered on whatever it was till he knew he didn't have the answer.

I am not questioning God and His sovereignty but as of late I seem to be asking Him why more than usual. Here are just a few of my reoccurring whys.

1. Why is it so hard to love just because we were created to do so?
2. Why is it so difficult to give just because we love instead of waiting for needs?
3. Why would anyone choose eternal separation from God when it is fully their decision?
4. Why do we promote diversity over unity?
5. Why does the body of Christ (the church) intentionally divide it's self?
6. Why is it such a difficult decision to follow Christ?
Enough of the why's, I think I know the answers but that doesn't seem to keep from asking.

Answers to the whys. Cause...just kidding.

1. We have become selfish and prideful because of the spiritual suicide committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The only solution is the rebirth of our spirit which was provided by the decision made in the Garden of Gethsemane and carried out on the cross by Jesus. Then deal with the flesh.  
2. If we wait for a need we then get to scratch one of our selfish and prideful itches. When we wait it puts us in a position of being over who or what need we are giving to. Jesus told us not to be as the world system that promotes an "over" each other mentality. (paraphrased)
3. Blinded and deceived by the enemy of their minds. We often blame the blinding and the deception 100% on the old devil but those of us who call ourselves "Christian" are responsible for a great deal of the problem. We display a system not a savior, we display a program not His power, we sing and dance and proclaim it worship, we build buildings to keep people in debt so they are unable to tend to the things of God. Yes we are blinding their minds with our traditions and economic schemes. If I didn't know Jesus I wouldn't want to be a Christian, we seem to present everything but HIM and His body available on earth today!
4. I don't know. I'm still asking this one. History tells us that any nation or empire that promoted diversity over unity collapsed. It is just a politically correct way of saying we are letting you divide yourself into fragments of what you could be.
5. It's the system of the world...divide and conquer. No one wants to be on a level playing field where everybody has enough. Surely God didn't make a mistake and not provide enough for His crowning creation of humanity. Have you ever thought it may be easier to control smaller groups than a united one. I have some friends who have a slogan, "I may not have it all together but together we have it all". Divided we are weakened and lacking.
6. Contrary to popular belief it will COST you everything because you are no longer your own you have been bought with a price. However we have been taught a happy prosperous gospel that does not line up with reality of the life God has given us. Because of these false gospels when people see or face the hardships of life, well we have convinced them by our piety that they surely are not following Christ if everything isn't a Halleluiah and thank you Jesus situation. Life is hard but it's good, and some days ONLY because God says it is.

Why did I write this blog, uh now there's another one.

i am,
Babu Lonnie
       

Time, Does It Really Heal?

I've heard all my life that time heals what ails you. It has been six days since momma died and it doesn't seem to be doing it's job. Of course patience is not one of my virtues and I had expected to be out of this blah state. Oh well I'll give it another day or two before I bust the myth.

Life is returning to some sense of normality though. Kinda. Except for our main intake water line to our daycare burst Wednesday evening about six o'clock. What seems strange to me is the fact that we have not been above freezing since the day after Christmas, (according to our local weather person), and the day we hit forty degrees the line bursts. Actually what erupted was some lines to another building that is used for storage. Unfortunately that building is tied into the water line that supplies the daycare. Seems to me they should have sprung their leaks during the cold weather when they actually froze. On the bright side it was fifty degrees today and sunny so we had great weather to work on them.

I got to spend a good part of the day with my younger son. He actually did the work of putting the lines back together and I just fetched stuff for him. Last night as soon as we spotted old faithful pouring water into the parking lot I call a friend who brought a friend with him and they did the preliminary work of uncovering the problem. But the temperature dropped to around fifteen degrees and things began to freeze, mostly the three of us. And we called it a night and hoped for a warm day. By the way my friend and his friend did all the work I just was there sharing the pain of their cold.

Life goes on. I don't think it's the fast lane but it's going on. Tomorrow will be better...no water leaks and supposed to be sunny and fifty again. May ride the old motorcycle tomorrow.

i am,
Babu Lonnie

 

A Final Thanks

I know it's not a good practice to call names when thanking folks because you leave someone out and they are hurt and your thanks and appreciation is diminished. But there are some folks I must publicly thank for the part they played in the last portion of mommas life and during the day of and the days following her death.

To the staff at Professional Care and Rehabilitation Center I am grateful for the care and compassion you extended to momma. I was there to feed momma supper most every day unless I was sick or out of the country. With that being said I was more familiar with the 3 to 11 staff more than the others. Heather, Kathy, Pam, Ellen and Robin, the regular crew of nurses who took care of momma thanks. Maria, Pearl, Anna, Janet and Nathan the the CNA's who took care of momma's personal needs I don't have words to express my gratitude.

All my friends who have made this experience bearable Darrell & Karon, Jeff & Ruth, and all those I gather with to strengthen each other as the body of Christ. To all my brother in Soldiers For Christ you are awesome, to my brothers affiliated with Barbarossa Motorcycle Club I am honored by your love for me and my family. All of you alls presence at the memorial and the days immediately following momma's death has impacted my life greatly...thanks is not enough but it's all I have at this time.

My family has been the best. Patti has been so patient with me and loved me on some really bad days and I don't even know what to say to her except "I LOVE YOU". 

Between caring for me and her dad plus the child care ministry she has her hands full.  My sons were both with me when momma died and they have been strong enough to carry the old man through a place in his life where he has been very weak. My daughter in laws and grandchildren have given me their husbands and daddies to lean on, I am so blessed.

All my remaining friends and family who keeps up with me on face Book, my blog and other tools for communicating, I appreciate all your kind words and encouragement. My family in Kenya, Johnny and Kate, Ben and Pauline, Ali and Virginia and all the kids thanks for being so patient with Babu.

I am at peace, I know I will see momma again in the life that follows this one. My prayer is that all of you, my friends and family will take this journey with me and follow the Christ that lived in momma to a reunion like we can only imagine when we finish this life and step into the reality of eternity.

Thank you all once again for being a part of mine and momma's life and death.

A special note my sons collaborated on momma's memorial service and Jeremy delivered one of the best presentations of "The Gospel" ever. Momma loved "the boys".

i am,
Babu Lonnie

Mom's Memorial Service

I mentioned in my last post that I would inform you of the time and place of my mother's memorial service.

The memorial will be held Tuesday January 12th, 2010 at Sugar Grove Baptist Church where my older son, Jeremy is the Pastor. He and my younger son, Joshua will be officiating the memorial tribute. The church is located on HYW 231 South just south of Masonville, KY.

Visitation and fellowship for friends and family will be from Noon till One PM. The memorial service will begin at one PM.

This is your invitation to come and join me and my family to remember and celebrate the life of my mother, Dorothy Jean Fulks.

All flights into the Beaver Dam International Airport and car wash have been canceled. So if you come you'll have to drive, take a bus or hop a freight train that comes through town. The local Hilton is all booked up but the Dew Drop Inn may have A dorm type room available, bring your own linens if cleanliness is an issue.

i am,
Babu Lonnie

Thanks For The Prayers

You will never know how much the prayer was a source of strength for my mom and the rest of our family during her prolonged health crisis.

Today, January 8th, 2010, at 12:35pm CST momma went home to be with the Lord. She went very peacefully with no great struggle. She was holding me when I came into this world and I was holding her hand when she departed. She lived on earth since March 10th, 1931 and now she will live forever.

We have not yet had time to make all the arrangements for her memorial. However in lieu of flowers or other material gifts we ask that anything you may wish to do to express yourself be done as contributions to "The Kenya Fund". Donations can be sent to:
Kenya Fund
713 West First Street
Beaver Dam, KY. 42320

Thanks again for all your prayers and support during momma's long battle with the stroke, diabetes and issues with her heart. The battle is over and her victory has been won.

If I missed calling or messaging those who needed to be contacted before you read this post, I apologize.

i am her son,
Babu Lonnie

PS: See ya later momma!!!  

If You Have Nothing To Pray About

Well change for me and my family appears to be coming. The biggest change lies in the health of my mother. Since Monday morning momma has been in what her doctor and the folks at Professional Care and Rehabilitation Center where she lives are calling a non responsive comma like state. She has been under their excellent care since July of 2004. They have cared for and loved my mother far and above what I expected. The senior health care system can be proud of the work done by the group of people who are more than just employees of this facility.

It would probably not be appropriate to mention names of any of the particular staff at "Pro Care", but you know who you are. I am very appreciative of the care and love you show my mother.

Due to mounting health issues momma is on comfort care. If you don't hear from me for the next few days, just remember mom and me in your prayers. This is the latest picture of momma with the babies as she calls them. Missing from the photo are two more of the foster grandbabies who had gone for a visit the day of our "Christmas Party" at granny Dot's house at Pro Care. Jacob and Jessie granny Dot loves you too.

Also my father is having back surgery on the 15th of this month so pray for him also.

As you know, if you read my blog, my father in law who has Alzheimer's also lives with Patti and me. His condition and our ability to care for him properly are also matters that Patti and I would appreciate your prayers.

i am,
Babu Lonnie 

 

2010 A Year Of Change?

Well ready or not here it is twenty ten. This is the fourth day of a year that sounds rather like a science fiction date. I honestly thought I would never live to see a decade of the twenty first century. But since it's here and so am I I'll do my very best to make the most out of the time God has given me.

I am already weary of all the terrorist and anti-terrorist talk since the incident of Christmas day. It seems to be all there is to report in the news and all folks want to talk about. It is my opinion that the news media and the general conversation of the public is doing nothing but fueling a fire the terrorist tried to light and failed. If they would not keep memorializing their failed attempt the incident would be soon forgotten.

I am saddened by the fact that the United States who claims Christianity as our foundation has taken the lead in the same stand the Jesus spoke against. Matthew 20:25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Basically I believe we have tried so hard to be the worlds big brother without applying the factor of brotherly love. It is easy to love everybody that is just like us, but when there is a philosophical or religious disagreement we want to exert our authority over them. And in the Kingdom of God there is no "over".

I don't think 2010 will see this "Christian" nation change it's policy but I believe we will see some of it's occupants change their mind (repent) and form communities to come out from among a system and be separated unto the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I'm ready to lay it all down and love, not kill those who don't agree with me. Jesus said to try Him and see if He is not good. If we don't we will end up annihilating each other...won't God be pleased with us killing off His prize creation.

I know this won't set well but why do we think God loves us anymore than He loves any other human being? Make love not war!!!

i am,
Babu Lonnie