Radical, Chapter 6

Once again, I am joining Marla for the Radical read along.


One of my favorite parts of this chapter was on page 138.

'The way we use our money is a barometer of our present spiritual condition."

This speaks volumes to me.  Have you ever really thought about that?  WOW!!!

With that said, I have to admit that I am a total softy, I cry at sad commercials, if someone around me is upset or crying then I will probably cry too.  

That's why sometimes, I don't like to read the sad stuff.  I don't like to see the faces of the orphans or the children who are starving.  When I look at it, it's real.  And I have to admit that I don't think that I could make a difference.

This chapter kind of changed that for me.  I may not be able to change the world, but the God I serve can do anything.  He can move mountains, and if he can do that, then if enough people try to do something in his name, there will be a change.

I do feel compelled to do something for the needy.  It may be something as small as cleaning out my closet and giving it to our church for the free yard sale.  

I know that really isn't much, but it's something.  

I loved the story of the lady who decided to sell all she had to get out of debt, so that she could give more.

Did you get that, so she could GIVE more.  

Things this chapter taught me.

1)  I need to be more of a giver

2)  What I do will matter.

3)  My actions speak way louder than my words.

4)  If we would just love God first, then love others like he does, we could change the world.

Happy Friday!

Be Blessed!

Do Your Part!

It's election time.


Get out and vote!!!


I did!!

Sunday Scripture

When I was in trouble, I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

Lord save me from liars

and from those who plan evil.

Psalm 120:1,2

I want to be a farmer!!!!

This weekend our church took our kids to a corn maze at a local farm. 


It was a real working farm.  


We all went through the corn maze, which was great by the way and then we went on the hayride where they tell us all about their farm.


Did you know that the average age of today's farmer is 62?  


Did you know that most farmers will inherit their farms, we are using up most of our land for houses and it's difficult to just go out and buy a farm.


Do you really know where your food is coming from?  


Completely unplanned we watched Food Inc this weekend.  I had seen this guy on Oprah and it just looked interesting so I rented it.


If you haven't seen it you should, you may consider saving up for a farm.  I think I am.

Making an Impact, Radical Chapter 5

Chapter 5 has so much stuff in it, I don't know where to start.


I loved how Bullen had such faith that he boldly stated that he would impact the world.


Two things there, 1st his boldness, he flat out believes he is going to make an impact, and secondly, it was his faith that gave him his confidence.  


God is as real to Bullen as David was.  Of course I know that God is real but to him he was REAL!


Do you have that kind of faith, and boldness?  I like to think that I do, but I don't know if I could make an impact on anything or anyone, but I do know that some people who have made an impact on me probably don't think they are making one either.




Are we receivers or reproducers?  I think today, we are programmed to be receivers but we are suppose to be reproducers.  As humans, it is all about us.  


I don't necessarily mean everyone when I say that, but most people go to church on Sunday, listen intently, then don't even discuss what the sermon was about with anyone.  How often do you talk about what was the topic at church?  


This is definitely something to think on.


Pg. 106     All of a sudden, holiness is defined by what we do.


Ummmm, yeah.


There was so much in this chapter I know I don't even come close to hitting the highlights.  


In response to Marla, I would say that I think the biggest struggle for me in bringing God the glory is that I simply don't feel like I am capable, I have never read the bible all the way through, but I am trying to do that now.  I have so many questions myself I don't know that I could answer any ones questions.


I am trying to be more of a reproducer than a receiver, I am trying to learn more about the bible, I have committed myself to studying his word, and trying to let my kids see what God can do if they open up to him.  I learned a while ago that you can't put God in a box, he is so much more and wants so much for us if we just open up to him.  I think one of the ways we keep ourselves in a spiritual box of sorts is by only seeing part of the picture.  Judgement and consequences are not something we like to talk about but they are all part of God's word.


I think while I have been reading Radical, it has shown me that we should take responsibility for our faith.  If we are going to say we are Christians, we have a purpose, and it is spreading the word.  Making disciples, bringing Glory to God.  Imagine how different things could be if we all were as bold and faithful as Bullen.


I have people all around me who have inspired me and I am sure they don't even realize it.  They are people who are dealing with sickness but have an unshakable faith that is inspirational.  They are people who are struggling with the economy but remain truly grateful for what they have.  These are the people who I look at and know that they love God!


I am linking up at Marla's.

Tennessee Thursday!

Gorgeous weather, GREAT company, and an all around good time!!!

Radical, Chapter 4

The Great Why of God

I don't really know where to start.  This chapter was hard for me, harder than the first ones.  Not because I don't believe what any of it says, I do, it is all straight from the bible.  I guess I am surprised I haven't heard it like this before.  But I think I haven't, because I didn't really want to hear it.  

I like my life, I am pretty happy.

A decent house, a decent car, pretty good kids, and a good man.

I don't really want to change anything right now.  Isn't that terrible?  I am so comfortable that I don't want God to make any changes in my life.  

Ouch!!!!  

That makes me feel like a really bad person, but I am being honest.

I think we (meaning me) don't talk about the awesomeness of God anymore.  He is loving, and forgiving, but he is awesome.  He is all powerful.  He is God.

I was just talking to someone about how wonderful it is that people are "called" to missionary work.  

Ummm, yeah.

I felt a little kick in the gut reading that part.  I guess I don't really want to go anywhere else, I am pretty comfortable right where I am.  Maybe I am afraid.  Afraid of change.

So, where does it all leave me?  

Trying to put it all back together again, I know it isn't about me.  But, up to now I thought I was doing OK, now, I'm not so sure.  I know there is sooo much more that I should be doing, so much more that I could be giving.  

I think we tend to think that one person really can't change anything.  That one person can't change the world.

One of my favorite parts of the chapter was on page 83.

I invite you to consider with me what it would mean for all of us--pastors and church members, businessmen and businesswomen, lawyers and doctors, consultants and construction workers, teachers and students, on the go professionals and stay at home moms-- to spend all of our lives for the sake of all of God's glory in all of the world.

What a challenge!






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