Radical-1

Disclaimer:  This is a little heavy, but where I'm at.


God was really speaking to me today.  During worship this morning He confronted me with a question that has been on my mind the past few days....do you believe what you say you believe?  


I have been reading a new book that takes a "radical" look at how we should respond to who Jesus is.  Do we really believe that Jesus is so good and satisfying that we would leave everything and everyone to obey him?  Do we really believe he is all we need?  


I sang it this morning in "Healer", but do I really believe it?  It is so hard to think about.  Would Jesus be enough for me if I lost everything?  There are somethings I know I could make it through, but there are others on which I NEVER let my mind stay very long.  


Would Jesus be enough for me if I lost David?  


As I am writing this my throat is closing up and my eyes are burning.  Just the smallest thought of it makes me sick to my stomach.  I want the answer to be yes, Jesus would be enough for me.  How can I be sure though?  


Jesus told me this morning that if I want to be sure, if I want to live radically for only Him, I have to draw closer and just like Pastor was saying, I HAVE to put him before David in all areas.  I have to speak out what I believe and then live it out every day.  I have to walk in radical obedience to Him.


Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'  Matthew 7: 21-23


This is my prayer-create in me a new heart that is radically and only for You.  

The Luckiest!

I may have mentioned this a few times before, but over the past few days I have been reminded again and again of the most amazing blessing in my life, my husband.  If you don't know him, you're missing out!  He is the most amazing person I have ever met.  Here are just a few of his amazing qualities...


-funny (he keeps me laughing)
-playful (he keeps me young)
-passionate about God, me, family, youth, kids, and life 
-loving to everyone-even those most people aren't loving to
-adventurous (he gives me gray hairs in a good way)
-brave (I always feel safe and secure)
-honest (I never doubt him)
-enthusiastic 
-dependable (he always keeps his word)
-considerate (he always thinks of others before himself)
-imaginative (of my!)
-hopeful (he gives me hope)
-faithful 
-generous with his time and resources
-trustworthy (I can always count on him)

-great with kids of all ages and abilities


As his wife, I get to see the side of him no one else does.  I get to see the David behind closed doors and I can honestly say he is an even better man at home than he is out in the world.  I'm not sure how many women can say that about their husbands, but I am so blessed and grateful that I can.  He has changed my life forever in so many ways.  He has shown me the truest picture of God's love for me.  I thank God for him all day, every day!  I'm so in love with my God and my husband!

Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6


If you know him, you know what I'm talking about!  What do you think is one of his best qualities? 

Irony

I was talking with a friend today about the sometimes ironic way God works. We were talking about how God often places us in the very situations we feel most uncomfortable or that we least want to be in.

I was saying how I used to think teenagers were the worst. Mid

dle-schoolers made me want to run in the other direction. That's why I chose to be an elementary teacher. Being around pubescent teens was on my list of least favorite things. The gossip, giggling, cockiness, back-talking, attitudes, boy-crazy, girl-obsessed, DRAMA was just to much.

Wouldn't you know it, I married a man whose passion is youth ministry. I have to admit, I was quite intimidated at first, but was willing to give it a try. God has softened my heart towards them and now they are my passion too.

I can't tell you what I feel about these teens, there just aren't words enough. All I can think to say is I LOVE THEM. They have filled up my heart and blessed my soul beyond anything else.

Yes, there is drama, attitudes, and LOTS of giggling. But, there is so much joy in watching them grow and become amazing young people of God, despite the worst life circumstances. Sometimes there are disappointments, but I just

pray this verse everyday.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

My First Time

Today I had my first full force coupon shopping experience. I have been motivated by some of you wonderful ladies to start the savings. I searched, clipped, and studied for several days. I made my lists and organized my coupons and finally I was ready to shop!

I hit CVS, Winn-Dixie, and Publix. It took me a little more time than I thought, but I have to admit I had a pretty good time. It was great "me" time!

I got body wash and shampoo to last until Christmas, toothpaste for months, make-up, razors for the summer, deodorants, pizzas, ice cream, lots of pasta and sauce, chicken, lots of tortillas, taco dinners, 10 boxes of Pasta-Roni, string cheese, strawberries, grapes, bananas, Organic milk, Nutri-Grain bars, and 5 cases of Coke for under $200.00. I saved $163 on $350 worth of groceries and stuff we needed or will need. Even better, no bargain brands-not that there is anything wrong with those. It was all the good stuff.

Not bad for my first time, I think. So, how did I do ladies?

God Knows

A miracle happened this week. A most precious baby girl was born. She is perfect in every way and the apple of her family's eye. God fulfilled the desire of my friends heart and gave her the daughter she has always wanted. I don't know how you can see a newborn baby and deny that God exists or that He is in control.

I have loved seeing her and holding her and watching her mommy dress her up in dresses and bows. Most of all, I love seeing her moms eyes light up with that amazing realization of what God has given her.

It has been a little bittersweet though. It makes my desire that much stronger, my struggle that much more acute.

So I have chosen to let my own eyes light up realizing what God has given me. Even though my heart is aching, I cannot deny how God has blessed me. I know He has much more in store for me.

God reassured me today, believe it or not, through Elton John. I heard the song "Blessed" and I knew that God was speaking to me-don't give up hope, blessing is coming.

David and I have had the name Asher picked out for our first son for quite a while. It means blessed and happy. God knows.

God speaks to different people in different ways. God often speaks to me through music, but never before Elton John. Whatever works!

Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you . Joshua 3:5