Radical

I think I may be weird. For many, this Radical series David has been preaching is really tough. For me, not so much. While seriously convicting, it is also helping to confirm that God has something really big planned for me in the near future. I make no claims that I know what that is but I feel a real Holy Spirit prompting. I think it probably relates to Arizona but God could have something totally different in mind.

David's sermon tonight really hit home on this front because he talked about God's commission often doesn't make sense, people will hate you, think you're nuts, etc. That is straight from Matthew 10 for those keeping score. What's really weird is that when I think about AZ, it doesn't make sense and some people in my life would think I'm nuts. By the world's standards, giving up "everything" and moving to the desert would be radical. Too bad the world doesn't understand calling or obedience to God's command. I say it doesn't make sense because I like big cities, winter, contemporary worship styles, need I go on? AZ offers NONE of that. What it does offer is a real opportunity to make a Kingdom difference on a daily basis. That should be enough for me to pack my bags and move tomorrow. Unfortunately, God hasn't said "go" permanently yet. I feel it's coming (you've been warned) and I have to be patient to pray through this and listen for God's voice as opposed to my voice wanting it to be God's.

If I can ask one thing through this seemingly wandering post, it's this: pray for me. Pray that I will have the patience to listen for God and no one else. Pray that I will be patient for God's provision if AZ isn't His plan. Pray that I will be willing to be a whenever, wherever, however, whoever follower of Christ.

Thanks in advance for the prayers!!

Perfect Lazy Day

Today has been a perfect Saturday. Slept late, tidied the apartment and then have watched football and read all day. Got some meat cooked for the week and just chilled.

After the craziness of this week getting ready for our luncheon tomorrow, I needed a day like today. I am so thankful for all the volunteers God uses to make the Assmilation Ministry run like clockwork but planning for this luncheon has been nuts. Getting the RSVPs, food ordered, centerpieces made, packets made, etc. made for a LONG week. It should be a nice time tomorrow and I know the volunteers who show up will be blessed.

This coming week will be hectic too. We have Starting Point this coming weekend and I'm off on Friday so everything has to be done earlier in the week. Oh well, we did August's preparation in three days so four days is a bonus. :-) I am looking forward to the weekend. Mom and Sarah got tickets for a women of faith event in ATL. It's a chance to spend time with them and hear wonderful Christian speakers and musicians. And it's free for me. That's even nicer. :-) I look forward to the rejuvination the weekend will provide.

OK, UGA seems to be having trouble so I'm off to see what the commentators are fussing about. More next time...

"The Shack"

I finished "The Shack" last night. I don't want to ruin the plot for any of my readers (all five of you) who haven't read it but suffice to say, it's a good book when read in the proper perspective. I read LOTS of comments on it last night from people who loved it and people who hated it. Most of the haters disliked it because of the incorrect theology throughout the book. What I found interesting is some of what they claim as "incorrect theology" is only their interpretation of theology.

Now, I do have to point out that there will be times when you read this book that you will go "hmm, not sure I'm with you there." That's actually a good thing. We as Christians all too often insulate ourselves from things that might cause us to look at our own faith. But, if you don't have to work at it, is it really faith? I know I'm constantly questioning why God is working on something particular in my life. I've never had an experience like what is described in this book but I am 100%certain that my God is big enough and sovereign enough to pull off the encounter described if He saw fit.

In short, this book is recommended with caveats. Remember it is fiction, remember it's an allegory and remember, it's ONE man's opinion. I would also caution that if you are a new believer, read it along with a strong, growing believer so if you have questions, you can ask them of someone who either knows the answer or is willing to search for the Truth with you.

Ramblings

Decided this post will be full of randomness. I'm really too tired to do much else but always seem to feel better after blogging...

Went to the Greek Festival tonight with my best friend. We hadn't seen each other to really visit in weeks and she has a baby coming so we took time tonight. Man, it was crowded but oh so yummy! I love that people who would never, ever support a church come out in droves to support the Greek Orthodox Church during the Greek Festival. Think God gets a chuckle out of that?

Then after visiting with Wen, I went to get gas. Well, I tried to get gas. The first station I stopped at had NO GAS. Really!? Seriously people, the refineries probably won't be damaged but the sheeple in this country panic at anything and put a run on gas. I actually NEEDED gas and ended up paying $4.32 for mid-grade because the cheap stuff was out. So glad my errands tomorrow are within 5 miles of home and work is less than a mile from home. Almost wish I didn't have to guest lecture downtown on Monday. ARGH! Stupid people.

Ever have weeks where you are just tired? I think God knew I didn't need to have John come to town this weekend, that I needed a "down" weekend. I'm looking forward to sleeping in, working on my small group lesson, running a few errands and then settling in with my friend Nicki for spaghetti and a movie. I love my simple life. I am tired from work, tired from school, just tired. Haven't been sleeping really well and that's affected by tiredness. I'm hoping it's a side effect of a med I'm on that will eventually go away. Maybe AZ will cure it. I'm usually so bone tired out there that I could sleep through the start of WWIII. :-)

Okay, enough rambling. I'm going to watch this week's Bones episode then crawl into my bed. One last thought...if you haven't read "The Shack," I seriously recommend it. Remember it's an allegory and you'll be fine. Read it literally and you'll be offended.

How GREAT is our God!!

Just had to share with my five or so readers. We serve an amazing God! Sunday night, I ended up having to serve at one of our desks (again) and had to miss the service. Now I can hear David's sermon in the lobby but I miss the music. So I was somewhat bummed. But, as God usually does, He had something better in mind. I was having a random conversation with a fellow servant and she was asking about my upcoming AZ trip. She said "you know, I have some money in my global account with Brook Hills for a trip I was planning and since getting pregnant and having the baby, I don't think I'll use it. You can have it." To say the least, I was FLOORED. Once I composed myself, I told her I didn't have the words to express my appreciation. Her generous gift will completely finance the rest of my trip!! The office has already done their part and the check should be to 1Way by the end of the week.

Then, to add to the excitement, last night my mom told me she had been saving money for missions this year and was getting ready to send a separate check to 1Way. It's about the same amount my original deposit check was for. So in other words, my trip (the one that was totally unplanned) has been fully covered financially. Hallelujiah!!! There are not words to say the way my heart is swelling to share God's generous gifting on this trip. Who knew He could top the anonymous donation of my May trip? :-)

Okay, enough of my sharing, I have to get back to work. I'll be back later to update on teaching 7th grade girls.

Life Update

Not that my life is all that interesting but just in case anyone in the blogosphere cares...

I'm headed to AZ again in a little over a month and still need $600 for my trip. I know we serve an awesome God and I'm having to trust BIG-TIME to see this money come through. I did get approval today to use three days of "mission trip" time so I don't have to burn all my vacation and have to take unpaid time at Christmas. That is a huge answer to prayer and proves again that God provides for the little things just like the big things.

In other news, I start teaching 7th grade girls on Sunday. I'll be team teaching with a wonderful woman but this Sunday I'm on my own because she's out of town. EEK, what was I thinking?! :-) In all seriousness, this is a different step for me based out of some serious prayer and a response to a question David posed to us on Staff Retreat. In short, I wasn't being as effective teaching adults as I can be investing in the lives of teenage girls. I feel this is where God is prompting me so I know He'll provide the strength but I'm still a bit nervous. I did get great advice from my friend Nicki tonight so I don't feel as overwhelmed. She's been teaching this age for over a year so she is the veteran in this. It's nice to have friends who are willing to share their wisdom.

I guess that's all or at least all of an update I have for now. I'm off to find something more interesting to do...