Archive for the ‘Rambling’ Category

Greetings everyone! April was a dry month here and I sincerely apologize for that. School at Liberty University has had my hands tied to the extent that I have been bobbing to the surface now and then just to get some air. There is good news however. This session is complete or nearly complete and I have about six or seven weeks to work on some writing and to get things together for ministry. More good news! I scored 98.6% in my Evangelism course! My professor in philosophy has yet to grade my final paper so I am still hanging in and waiting. Hopefully, I have an “A” but I’ll take a “B” and run with it! Philosophy is an exasperating discipline. The first thing that we are told is that there is no correct answer. How do you pass exams with no correct answers???!!! The answer to that question is that there is an amazing amount of reading and more terms and definitions than I care to commit to recall. Also, there is a great deal of writing involved in regards to providing answers or solutions to given situations and circumstances. It really makes my head hurt.

Sitting here at the moment, I can say that I really don’t know what to do with myself. I have nothing to study for or do research on in regards to school work. I’ve done nothing but study and do research since January. A season of rest is welcome. But what do I do with myself while I rest? I find that sitting and doing nothing leads to a nervous energy that borders on anxiety. So, I am back at work after two afternoons off. I am writing Bylaws for the ministry and drafting other documents that are necessary for non-profit organizations and 501 (C) 3 entities. I am developing ministry materials that have been put off too long. Also, I am learning the enjoyment of journaling. I’ve been journaling for some time now during my quiet time with God but I am also journaling for myself as well. I find that I can vent, express new ideas, and explore my inner most thoughts in a way that harms no one. It is a means of getting rid of all that could potentially hold me back. It feels good. It offers an exercise in the use of words and language that is comforting. I’d like to keep up the practice. Another thing I plan to do is actually spend some much needed time with family. They have sacrificed so much in my absence while chasing after academic excellence. Darcie, my grand-daughter, is enjoying playing with Papa and I must admit that my wife, Cheryl, as well as my daughters, Leslie and Megan, seem to be enjoying my return to household participation as well.

There is some breaking news. I have been asked about heading a Special Needs group at our church. I attempted this three years ago without success but on this occasion the staff has approached me in regards to this issue. I am praying that God will open doors that need opening and that His will, not mine, be done. I have been a busy man lately. It would appear that things are not going to slow down any time soon. God knows that I am tired. This year He is granting me and my family the first vacation we have had in three years. Thank you Father for that. We (I) really need that.  I feel that God is telling me at times, “Suck it up Lonnie! We have work to do! Rest is soon coming but don’t stop now! We are so close to the next chapter not only of your life but in the lives of others as well.

God Bless,

Lonnie Richardson

Well, the first eight week term at Liberty University has been completed. With over 3000 pages of text read, read every book of the Old Testament, about 10% of the New Testament, 70 hours of lecture on DVD, 8 papers written, 20 critiques written, two midterm exams, 8 quizzes, and two final exams God got me through with scores of 97.3% in Old Testament Survey and 98.6% in Theology. I can honestly say that it was 98% God and I contributed maybe 2%. Yes, God did it but He worked me hard to do it. As one of my dearest friends with a Phd. in Psychology once eloquently stated, “Lonnie you are a stuff knowing dude.” But that is not accidental either. My dad had a sister in law who was a teacher, a very dedicated teacher. She taught my dad in the second grade and held off on retirement until she taught me in the second grade. My folks were thirty seven years old when I was born so that should give you some idea of the time this lady spent teaching. She was an “old school” teacher and not learning in her class was not an option. She had my folks start reading to me when I was an infant Mom began by reading me nursery rhymes and dad read farm journals to me at night. By the time I was five I was reading newspapers. By the time I was eight I was reading on high school levels. Growing up in a very rural area where resources where slim to none and being an only child, books became the primary source of entertainment. I read everything about anything and I learned a great deal in the effect that I can talk to just about anyone about anything. Now that may sound like I am bragging but I assure you that I am not. Those who know me will tell you that I have learned to be humble with humility to a great extent. Those same people will tell you that I am not afraid to take a stand and fight for that which is right should the time and need arise. I have made mention of all this for one simple reason. To give God the Glory. He made me what I am. He gave me the intellect, skills, talent, and gifts that I possess. These gifts were developed, not necessarily at the time for His glory but ultimately that He may be glorified.

My reasoning behind all this is really simple although I may have made it appear complex without meaning to. Simply, I put myself into the Bible with prayer and a dedicated discipline to not simply know about God, but to know God. I have never read or studied so intensely or with such focus on anything in my life as I have in the past eight weeks. I have come to some primary conclusions. (1) I am confirmed that this course of study is what God wants me to do although I am as yet uncertain what His overall plan is for having me go through it at this time. Yet, I will be obedient in faith. (2) I believe that if you can get people into the Bible, the Bible will get into people. Once this is done the family will be stabilized and God can do His best work. (3) Pay attention pastors, I believe that if you apply the second conclusion and practice what you preach, then you will have prepared an army to go into battle of spiritual warfare winning souls to Christ whereby hell will be plundered to populate heaven.  (4) That II Timothy 2:2 “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” should have a very special meaning for all of us.

Get into the Bible. Allow the Bible to get into you. Therein lies the truth, wisdom, and strength that will be necessary to grow in spirit that will allow you to reach out and meet the needs of the special needs and their families. More than likely, you will find that many of your own needs have been or will be met in the process.

God Bless,

Lonnie Richardson

You know, I must admit that at times I have been legalistic and judgmental in my beliefs. I guess that the faith was weak and I was looking for an excuse to be disobedient to our Heavanly Father. I have come to realize that we are all sinners despite what ever position is held. This applies to Pastors, Evangelists, Deacons and other people who may or may not be in Church Leadership. I know that I have been guilty of harboring ill and judgmental thoughts towards someone for slight inconsistancies in conversation. Now it is true that we all (Church Leadership and those of us who are not in Church Leadership) should be mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions. Matthew 7:1-5 states: (1) Do not judge so that you will not be judged. (2) For in the way you judge you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (3) Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (4) Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye, and behold, the log is in your own eye? (5) You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (NASB)

It doesn’t get much plainer than that. It is not our place to judge or strike out in an ill manner at others, especially our leaders at church. Yes, they are leaders but they are human and humans will disappoint you from time to time. Even in the best marriages spouses will disappoint each other from time to time. It is pure love that keeps them together. Likewise it is pure love that we should show towards others when they falter in the slightest. Many people are so legalistic that even the slightest infraction or sin will cause them to condemn the other to no resolution. I know because I have been guilty of it myself. The Holy Spirit led my wife to show me a piece of scripture that explained clearly what I should be doing when I am genuinely slighted or I merely think that I have been slighted.

2 Corinthians 13:7-9 (7)  Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. (8) For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. (9) For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.

Father I pray that when I see or hear one of your servants falter that You do not allow my faith to be decreased. Grant me the faith and love to lift them up to you in prayer that You may convict their heart that they repent. I pray that You make them complete. Let not the thoughts of legalism, judgement, or contempt even flicker within me. I am Yours as they are. Forgive us all and place us upon your path of righteousness.

God Bless,

Lonnie Richardson

Hello to everyone! I do hope that you are all having a blessed day. If you feel that you are not having a blessed day, then I can assure you that spending some quality time with God in prayer and meditating upon His Word will soften the hard knocks you have taken today.

For the longest time I felt as if my calling in regards to teaching the church about programs for the special needs and their families was a ministry of two. Well, actually three. I know that God is in on it because He is the one who told me about it and called me to serve Him in this area. I know my lovely wife, Cheryl, was with me because I have her support, as it should be. That adds up to three right?

Then God sent me a tall woman from Kentucky who grew up in a poor background (as I did) and resides here in Knoxville. Her name is Dr. Sandra Newsom. Sandra is a Speech Pathologist whom I have had the pleasure of working with in the past and I know her have a heart for God, a heart for the special needs, and she is dedicated to her cause of helping people. I have seen her stand toe to toe with Medical Doctors advocating what she knows to be best for her patients. I have seen her go to the point of being reprimanded by her employer for seeing that her patients have what they need. Basically, she knows what she is doing and she is not afraid. She has a brilliant intellect and was instrumental in starting a non-profit in the State of Tennessee in regards to Brain Trauma victims. On top of all this, Sandra is not afraid to be Sandra. Sandra has a style and taste all her own that she likes and if someone else doesn’t like it, well, that’s just too bad. She pays them no mind and keeps on being Sandra. The good Dr. Newsom has volunteered to be a part of the advisory council that I am putting together and I am glad to have her. Her knowledge and experience will prove greatly beneficial as will her heart and desire to help others know God. Sandra is also talking to other people who will become great members of the team when the time comes to begin dealing with the legalities of setting up this ministry.

Okay so that’s four that is in the boat. There’s me, my loving wife, Dr. Newsom, and God. Now I actually have three to talk to. But wait, it gets better. God went all the way to Lombard, Illinois and dragged a woman by the name of Roberta Beckman to my web site. Roberta contacted me in regards to a booklet that I’d written and asked a LOT of REALLY good questions. Other than my wife, Roberta was the first person that I talked to that could actually finish sentences that I’d started. Roberta is a single mom with three (count them) three special needs children. She knows where I am coming from. Roberta is working diligently to establish a major respite program in Lombard which is in the Chicago area. She has recently been appointed to chair the PPC in her Parish. Yes, Roberta is Catholic. Now before my Protestant brethern gets their hackles up let me say this. Roberta has forgiven me for being Protestant. I have forgiven Roberta for being Catholic. And you know what? God has forgiven us all. Jesus said that we are to love God and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. It just happens that God gave me a neighbor in Lombard, Illinois who is Catholic and has a burning desire to bring God’s people back to HIM. As Forrest Gump would say, “That’s all I have to say about that.” Roberta is driven by the Holy Spirit. I could tell you everything that she is involved in but I’d be writing for quite some time and I still have some Bible study to do this evening. Just let me say that Roberta  is a Johnny on the spot get up and go get it done kind of girl. She is also working with her contacts to assist in getting the ministry untracked and up and running. She and her family will be visiting with us here in Tennessee next week and I can’t wait. I am looking forward to the blessings to rain forth.

In the mean time, I have applied to Liberty University Online to persue a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion with an emphasis in Pastorial Leadership. This is what God has laid on my heart. Are my intentions to become a pastor? Well, God has not dropped that bomb on me as yet. However, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, this program will best prepare me for the long term management of God’s Special Angels Ministries. I’m not asking God “why” I am simply going to be obedient and let God work things out from there. I have applied and all Liberty is waiting on is my ancient college transcripts to arrive before granting acceptance. YEA! Go God!!

There is so much going on. God is sending me people who love Him and are not afraid to work for His kingdom. He has me in school and has provided the financial means to attend. He has given me a great church to attend and a Pastor who teaches me God’s Word. Now Father, at sometime in the early part of next year I have this Subject coming up in which  there are at least four classes called GREEK. Father, I’m putting you on notice. I am beginning to pray NOW about this subject for your Divine help and intervention.

As tough as it has been, it has been a blessed day, God bless you all.

Lonnie Richardson

When I talk to churches (and pastors) about a special needs program, I am immediately bombarded by reasons (excuses) why a special needs outreach can not be done “at this time”. I’ve heard, “We don’t have the room.” “We don’t have the volunteer base.” We don’t have the money.” ” “I’ll have to take it through the appropriate committees.”  “If God wants us to have such a program then it’ll just happen.” Or, (and I love this one) If it is meant to happen then God will send us someone to guide us through it.” Well, What do they think that I’m trying to do?

The reason that I am calling all of these reasons excuses is because of one common fault that they all have. Certainly you will need room, a volunteer base, and some money. But I’m sorry it will not just happen and God is sending someone to help them get through it. However, all these reasons (excuses) have left God completely out of the equation. They are looking at the proposition from the perspective of what they or their church can do in the real world. They are not even considering what God can do in the supernatural realm.

It is true that without realization, spiritual maturity, education, training and support that a task undertaken is ill fated. However, when you bring God into the mix along with these things then there are facets that are to be revealed.

It is in this day and time of economic hardship that church leadership is looking at the dollar and how it can be stretched until George Washington gasps for air. However, I do not believe that God is confined by any economic or financial difficulty. It matters not if a church has thirty in regualr attendance or thirty thousand. God will provide something out of nothing. How do I know this? I’ve seen it happen.

My first special needs outreach program started with four children, a kitchen table and chairs, and printed material from the state church organization that was absolutely worthless. Oh yeah, we were meeting in the church’s kitchen. Within thirty days we had twenty eight children, the largest room in the building outside of the sanctuary and furniture. We had computers, software, baby beds, craft materials, books, tv, video tapes (pre-DVD era), books, and audio tapes (pre-CD era as well). We started with nothing, mixed in a generous amount of faith and prayer and hey we had a genuine outreach ministry going before we knew what was happening.

Church Leadership and Pastors act as though I’m asking them to gather funds to pay for an extended missionary stay in Africa to build a church, hospital and school while I”m there. That is not the case but I will talk about that a little more later on. All I am proposing is to provide a safe and nurturing place for special needs individuals so that PARENTS and SIBLINGS can come to church and WORSHIP like everyone else does.

If only it were that simple to get people to understand.

Speaking of churches, schools, and hospitals in Africa, or India, or Southeast Asia I will offer these comments. If every “Christian” just in the United States would tithe according to God’s Word there would be no need for Government to get involved in healthcare. There would be no need for Social Security. There would be no homeless, sick, hungry, or uneducated ANYWHERE! PERIOD! Don’t believe me? I challenge you to gather stats and sit down to do some simple math.

It really is that simple.

God Bless,

Lonnie

Well it’s been a couple of weeks since the last post and there’s a reason for that. I took actually took a week’s vacation the first week and spent some time with my Step son, Shane, and his family who came in from Colorado to visit with us. Got to spend some quality time with two grand daughters (Phoebe and Ayva) whom we’ve not seen for almost three years. This past week had to do with pure exhaustion from work. We were two nurses short which meant that I had to float between two floors to pass medications, do treatments, and attend to the minor and major emergencies that pop up from time to time. Found out that I am too old to run like that as doing so completely burned me to the ground. In addition to that, Darcie (one month old grand daughter) has been ill and extremely fussy. No one has been getting much sleep. I’ll be posting something relevant to the blog very soon. Right now Darcie is giving her grandma and mama a fit and I must leave to see if I can assist in calming her.

God Bless,

Lonnie

I was going about my duties at work today and happened to notice that Michael Jackson’s Memorial seemed to have taken over most of the television sets of my patients. I was amazed at the numbers of people that had gathered for this man’s service. It reminded me of Elvis’ funeral back in the ’70s. It amazes me how many people will spend untold amounts of money to say farewell to a man but will not take half a step to say hello to a Savior. Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were great entertainers for sure. I’m sure that they did some good with their wealth. But from where I sit, Elvis died a miserable man. Michael was so unhappy with himself that he spent a fortune to become someone totally different. Well, at least in appearances he did.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Jesus draw those kinds of crowds? So many people dedicated to mere men simply just blew me away. When spending that kind of money just to be in the same vicinity of a corpse is more important than feeding the hungry, dressing the naked, educating the illiterate, and winning souls there is a major problem in our country.

I enjoyed Mr. Jackson’s music and I enjoyed Mr. Presley’s music. My concern is not that they are gone. My concern is for their souls. Wonderful entertainers both of them with a fiercely dedicated following. Yet, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who walked this earth, died, and arose from the grave that I may escape the penalty for my sin. Jesus is much more deserving of such a following. Michael and Elvis? I love you guys but GIVE ME MORE JESUS!

I know that many of you have followed Michael’s death in the news and today during his memorial. My sincerest condolences go out to the Jackson family. But, I ask again. Which God do you serve… MOST?

God’s Peace and Blessings upon you all,

Lonnie

O Brethern, Which God do you serve… most? To most of you that may sound like a ridiculous question. But to me (and my twisted manner of looking at things) it is a question that makes a lot of sense and deserves to be addressed. I know that many are wondering what my intent is, so let me explain. I serve by providing care to those who are unable to provide care for themselves or care that their families cannot provide. I serve as head of my household by directing the spiritual growth of my family and the financial well being of my home. My wife and I serve by helping out with our church’s web sites, email accounts, and IT problems when needed. I serve God by being obedient by posting to this blog on a regular basis on topics that are pertinent to those issues that He deems to be important. What that means is that I pray each day about what I am to blog about. The Holy Spirit then drops into my spirit what the topic of the day will be. So before I answer the question in the title completely I’d like to ask another question. What does it mean to be a Christian? Or, What is being a Christian all about? Chew on that for a few moments before going on.

Some say that they can live a life more pleasing to God. Some say to gain salvation for their sin. Some may say that they may recieve God’s blessings and promises. Others may say that it is what their parents taught them to do. Most of these answers, excluding the latter, may be partially true. But friends, being or becoming a Christian is not about YOU. That being said, I’ll add that it is not about ME either.

Jesus said that He came not to be served but to serve. He said that He came not to destroy the law but to uphold the law. Then, He even raised the bar a little above the law.

Now, back to the point and I’ll be done and move along. I have seen grown men cry over the outcome of a football game and never shed a tear over the lost souls that they come into contact with on a daily basis. I’ve seen men and women get more excited over going fishing or playing golf than they would be if their child had come to know Jesus. I see hundreds of people who would rather cruise the highway in hot rods and on motorcycles than they would be a witness for the Lord. I see thousands (literally) who sit in a church seat and be fed while they will not lift a finger to point someone who is lost to our Lord Jesus.

Now I have nothing against being a sports fan, fishing, golfing, or hot rods and motorcycles. What I do not understand is how “Christians” can sit in a seat Sunday after Sunday and do NOTHING to further God’s Kingdom. I do not understand how Christians can put more emphasis and exhibit more excitement on sports, fishing, golfing, cruising, and whatever kind of hobby they may have than they have for God. I have nothing against rest and relaxation. I need some R & R now myself but it’ll be at least another week before I get any. But I will not put my interests and hobbies at a higher priority before God.

What does it mean to be a Christian? It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about all the lost souls in the world. Just think for a moment. I was once one of those lost souls. If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, so were you. It’s not about US! It’s about THEM! When we allow our hobbies and/or interests to get in the way of doing something to further God’s Kingdom, then we are worshipping those things as our God. Hobbies can be a God. The pursuit of money can be a God. I have interests and a hobby (sort of ). But I spend more hours with God and for God than I do with those interests and hobby. I’ll make it clear. GOD comes first. Then family comes next. I am somewhere way on down the totem pole so to speak.

I love and serve the one all knowing, living God. He comes before all else. So, my brethern, which God do you serve….most?

God’s peace and blessings for you all,

Lonnie

I’m a country boy. I grew up in the country during a time that if we did not grow our own food then we went hungry. We raised our own vegetables. We raised and slaughtered our own pork, beef, and poultry. We raised chickens so that we had eggs. Until I was ten years old, we milked our own cows for milk and made our own butter. My dad always said that you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country  out of the boy. I guess he was right. There is something to be said for the old timer’s philosophy.

I get a lot of chuckles from friends and church family when they ask what I’m doing and I tell them that I’ve been working in the garden. They say that I just do not seem to be the type to work in the garden. Well, I hated it when I was growing up but I tolerate it pretty well now. I love it when the crop comes in and my family and I sit down at the dinner table to enjoy the bounty of what God has blessed us with. The funny thing is that when we started taking the first ten percent of everything out of the garden to the church for the church staff’s enjoyment or for a family that was in need. They couldn’t believe that we did that. It still elicits a shake of the head and looks of disbelief. However, the Bible says to bring the whole tithe to the temple. That is what we do. God has blessed us with our garden. Each year there is an overabundance and we are happy to share eagerly and joyfully.

But there are different kinds of gardens. There are vegetable gardens. There are flower and botanical gardens. Then, there are gardens like the one I am planting here  on www.godsspecialangels.com. Here in this garden I am planting seed. Seed that will be sown throughout the nation and the world. Someday, someone will come upon this blog and the Holy Spirit will enlighten them to the point that they will demand to see a special needs program in their church. They will contact me and I will water the seed and the Holy Spirit will make it grow to the point that souls will be won for Christ. This garden will plunder hell to populate heaven. I’d like to see a whole lot more empty parking spaces in hell. My garden is growing. A lady in the Chicago area is setting up a program as we speak. We communicate and I water the seed and she feeds my spirit as I watch the Holy Spirit make her program grow. There will be others and I will water those seed and watch the Holy Spirit grow them through maturity. The great thing is that I get to watch as well as help partake in the great harvest that is coming.

We should all have a garden. A friend or a relative needs to know about Jesus and how the Holy Bible, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit can and will change their lives. The lost do not care to be impressed. They need to see the love of Christ through us all. They need to see the change made in us. They need a caretaker to disciple them and train them in the Word so that they can be watered and grown.

So you see, you don’t have to be a cornbread fed country boy like me to grow a garden. You don’t even have to break a sweat.

My garden is growing. How does your garden grow?

God’s blessings and peace to you all,

Lonnie Richardson

All my life I’ve always heard people talk about this child being “not normal”, or that child being “abnormal”. I’ve heard people talk about babies being “flawed” or “defective”. Today I hear people laugh and joke about moments that make them “feel like a retard” or “like they rode the short bus to school”. I’ve even heard it in church from people who follow Christ! I see a whole society that laughs at the “misfortune” of others. You know what? A lot of the same people that make up this society also go to church, or a good many of them do. Well, let me express a few thoughts on that matter. Since I am the father of a special needs child and a follower of Christ, I believe that I have something relavent to add to this thought process.

My daughter is twenty one years old and reads on a fourth grade level. She writes on a fifth grade level. According to the wisdom of man she is menatally retarded and she is autistic. She has difficulty carrying a meaningful conversation with someone who doesn’t know her very well. She cannot carry out four step instructions. She cannot do her multiplication tables. At best, the only work that she will do is what is known as “menial” labor. Because of these things she is considered “abnormal” or “unacceptable”.

Well, let’s stop and think about what is considered “normal” and “acceptable”. It is normal for Hollywood to put out movies calling God’s Name in vain and exploiting every abomination and sin in God’s eyes. It is normal for someone to laugh at someone else’s pain. It is normal for parents to neglect and abuse not only their spouses but their children as well. It is normal for drug dealers to sell drugs on our street corners. It is normal for stalkers and pedophiles to stalk their prey on the internet. It is normal for the Christian to not bring forth the whole tithe. It is normal to turn on the news and hear the most heart rendering news 99% of the time while the good news takes a side bar. It is normal for the Church to say, “It can’t be done.” It is acceptable for our nation’s leaders to have affairs. Homosexuality is considered normal and acceptable. Families breaking up and divorce is considered normal and acceptable. Pornographic magazines on the book shelves are common place and acceptable. Maybe normal and acceptable are not the most precise description of what I’ve mentioned but it occurs and takes place everyday so I guess, for the most part, it is acceptable or rapidly becoming so. Honestly I do not consider any of these things “normal” or “acceptable.

But those things are becoming the norm and are gaining acceptance. Having said that, I praise God that my child IS NOT normal. Megan loves without condition. She is trusting to a fault. She has great compassion for the hurts of others. She will give you her last dollar if she even suspects that you might need it. And, get this, she forgives instantly and forever. Now THAT is what “normal” should be.

I spoke a little bit about what Megan cannot do well let me tell you what she can do. She can sing. She can sing with the angels. I mean she can sing and raise chill bumps. She likes to write short stories which are really very basic but they are her stories. She does house chores and goes to work every day and earns meager pay which she very seldom spends. She also loves singing in the church choir. I mean a full blown choir with lighting, sound, a live band, microphones and the whole works. She loves it. She loves singing to God and, in my opinion, is pretty good at. it.

Now, wouldn’t it be wonderful if THAT was considered “normal”?

Just something for you all to think about.

God Bless,

Lonnie Richardson