So I've Been Thinking......

I know, I know....dangerous ground.  (smile)  I have been reading a book that has been sitting on my reader for some time.  I started it in fits and bits....and suddenly it has latched on to my mind and heart.  The name of the book is Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.

 I am almost finished with it.....and while there is some of it that I am not totally sold on....there are many parts that have majorly stepped on my toes.  There are things that I have felt should be done, that I have allowed others to marginalize and I have gone along. 

Sometimes we just need that wake up call.  Since leaving the church we were attending, I have been surprised at the things that I believe God placed in my heart, have come back around.  People, events, openings have appeared that I know have placed me where I am suppose to be.  I have learned that when God shows you something, just because those around you can't see it, doesn't mean it is not what He has lead you to do.  You just have to make the steps forward and you might just be surprised at who comes along side to join you.  God really knows what He is doing........what a concept!!! LOL

There is a book called Radical by David Platt, the book I am reading has some "radical" ideas and others that are out there echoing the same message.......but the distressing part of it is that as Christians, none of this should be radical, but just what we are called to do as Christians.   We have gotten way to comfortable in our churches, looking to build bigger and better.....and yet not willing to venture out of them to reach the world that Christ called us to.  It is not enough to send money....it is not enough to post from the comfort of your home about problems and the gospel.....it is not enough to pray for someone in the mission field...it simply is not enough.  But we do those things and it pacifies our conscience that we are "doing" something.....but it is so far from what God calls us to do that instead of it soothing us, it should be kicking us in the behind and into action.  I can't point the finger at anyone else, as I so know how easy it is to get lulled into simply showing up at church, and trying to be "good".  God didn't call us to be "good", He called us to GO.  We, especially as Americans, have become lazy and self indulgent......  and it is sad.

That is what is on my heart today.....as I wrestle with changes that need to be made in my own life.  That stepping outside of your comfort zone.  These things are never easy.......easy is, well, easier.  But where in the bible did we get a promise of a pass from conversion to comfort.  I simply can't find that in my bible.....  There are people today that are dying simply for their belief in Christ......and we sit.  And if that doesn't make us at the very least "uncomfortable" than we need to check our pulse, because something is dreadfully wrong.

Debbie

Saturday...

I didn't get the opportunity to post last night as we were hosting the Secret Church in our home.  The simulcast didn't finish until around 2am....so any thoughts of posting were not going to happen! LOL  If you have never heard or seen on the the Secret Church Broadcasts....you can go to ITunes and check out some of the past teachings.  Really, really good stuff...and even though it is a long evening....there are plenty of breaks and David Platt does such an awesome job with the teaching that it keeps you engaged.

The next one will be offered on Good Friday......we did it last year at that time and surprisingly had a larger turn out at our house than expected.  So check it out and see if it is something you would like to do with your friends or family....we have found it to be a great time to gather, discuss, worship....and fellowship together.  But I think this next time I am going to suggest everyone bring a sleeping bag!!!  :)

So that is going to lead me to my gratitude for today.  Love when these types of teachings are simulcast or recorded somewhere that we can get access to.  There have been some great information about gatherings that are too far away or just too costly for our budget right now to attend....and I wish more would offer some sort of simulcast to participate.....I don't even mind paying, because it is still cheaper than the travel costs.  

So share with me.....what are your gratitudes???  What has God been speaking into your life?

Hugs....

Debbie

November 3 Gratitudes.....

I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends in my life that listen to those "God nudges"....and call or text or email just the right words that I need at that time.  May we all "be" that kind of friend to those around us.

I am grateful for a God that loves me beyond what I can imagine....who doesn't give up and walk away.....who blesses us with creative gifts and actually wants us to use them......who hates being put in a box and doesn't want us put in one either.  He is so much more than what we can imagine....and He wants so much more for each of us than we can dream...  How awesome is that???  And if we are willing to let go of our limitations......we would be amazed at what we could become. 

So my prayer for you is a prayer of forgetfulness.....to forget the limits that others have placed on you....to forget all you think you can't do.....to forget the hurts that have held you back.....and forget the words that have crippled you.  And I pray that you are open to the dream that God plants in your heart...to become so much more than you can imagine.

Love you all!!!

It's November........What Do You Have To Be Grateful For?

I love November.....and I love the focus on Gratitudes during this month.  It is a time to truly reflect on all we have to be grateful for.  We are headed into the holiday season, and sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the festivities and shopping and parties and all that goes with it.....that the true meaning of the season gets lost.  I am finding that this tradition of daily gratitudes, especially in November helps to put things in perspective.  So for me, I am going to post gratitudes in the sidebar everyday...and once a week I want to share with you a great group that is giving back and invite you to check them out.

It is not to late to get started with the November gratitudes.....so please, join me..... you have more to gain than you know.

Hugs to you,
Debbie