Radical, Final Chapter

You know how sometimes, you read something, it inspires you to really make changes and then you may start procrastinating about when you will actually begin with the changes.

I DON'T want that to happen after reading Radical!  I have to say this has been a real roller coaster read, but I have really loved it!  It has stepped on my toes, made me feel like a selfish self centered person, and just plain hurt my feelings.  But not without showing me the way to make things right.

I don't feel like I have to change the world, I just have to start with making changes with myself.

I am so taking the challenge.!

I can pray for the entire world.

I can read through the entire word.

I can sacrifice my money for a specific purpose.

I can spend time in another context.

I can commit my life to a multiplying community.

While I know that I can do all of those things, I also know that doing them will take discipline and me really committing to making it happen.

I'm not sure which will be the most challenging for me.  I think the first two will just be getting into a routine of doing them, the last three will be more challenging.  But I am definitely doing them.


I have really enjoyed being a part of Marla's read a long!!

Happy Veterans Day!!

Radical, Chapter 8

Living when dyeing is gain.


WOW!!!


I am so in awe at the amazing stories of the people who choose to be radical.  I mean amazed, I really don't know that I could do some of the things they do.  To say that this makes me feel inadequate, once again, is putting it mildly.


I truly want what they have, I do.  But I also think that there are a lot of things I can do in my own neighborhood to show God's love.  Is that wrong?  I don't think it is.


One of my favorite parts of this chapter was the story of the SS United States.  I think that is what has happened to all of us.  The church included.  We are not using ourselves to our full capacity.  We have become comfortable with just "being" a Christian and not living like Christians.


I know that the world doesn't revolve around me.  And I have lost people and seen others come to Christ because of it.  That is God!  God is truly sovereign, and while I know this, I have forgotten just how sovereign he really is.


Because it is so true that nothing happens that he does not know about.  He is truly in control.  


This book has so changed my way of thinking!  


I am beginning to look at this world through different eyes.  We have become complacent.


It's becoming easier and easier to just show up and not really do anything.  

Are we willing to obey the orders of Christ?  Are we willing to be like him?  Are we willing to risk our lives to go to great need and to great danger--whether it's in the inner cities around us, the difficult neighbor across the street, the disease ridden communities in Africa, or the hostile regions of the middle east?

Radical Pg.171

The key is realizing--and believing--that this world is not your home.  If you and I ever hope to free our lives from worldly desires, worldly thinking, worldly pleasures, worldly dreams, worldly ideas, worldly values, worldly ambitions, and worldly acclaim, then we must focus our lives on another world.

Radical Pg. 179

These were just some of my favorite parts.  Join us at Marla's for the Radical read a long!!!!!

Secrets to a Happy Marriage

Start off with your own Mr. Wonderful.

 
Combine that with a great Tennessee get away.

A nice cottage, and a great view.

 Beautiful, scenery!

All the elements you need for a nice relaxing get-a-way!

The driveway was unpaved, a single lane, and super super steep!!

I think we were pretty much at the top of the mountain.

And last but certainly not least, the highlight of the trip.

The Bear!



If that doesn't make you snuggle up with your hubby, nothing will!



Radical, Chapter 7

I promise, I do usually blog more than this, but things have been really busy.


Went away with my husband for our anniversary, 21 years, pictures to come.


I also want to say it is election day so vote!  I voted early to beat the lines.


Please don't say that your vote won't matter because it does.


Just saying.




Now, on to the Radical read along.  I liked the way this chapter pretty much spells it out for you.  I mean,
             There is no one righteous, not even one;
            There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
            All have turned away,
            they have together become worthless;
            there is no one who does good,
            not even one.      Radical Pg 146

OK, I am unworthy, that much I know.  I am thankful that there is good news.  I can be saved by calling out to God.  Praise the Lord!!!!


So, now that we know we should go boldly and proclaim his word, will we?


Honestly, I don't feel capable in the least to do that.  Do I trust God enough that if I were presented with the opportunity to do that would I do it?  I want to think I would but I can't honestly answer that because I don't know.


I want to, but I know that's not enough.  I have really struggled with trying to focus on Heavenly things and not worldly things.  But let's face it, everyday is a challenge.


I try to make good choices, I guess I'll just keep on trying!


Join me at Marla's!

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!