Radical

Wow! It's been a long time since I posted! If that tells you anything about our schedules! haha I was talking the other day about how it will be so nice when life slows down for us in a year or two, and then I caught myself and said, "Who am I kidding? Then comes kids and life will never be calm!" haha

But in all seriousness, we are so blessed to be in the season we are, and I would not do anything differently. I remember a few years ago when Allie Hook/Allie Gwinn got married after her sophomore year of college, and was talking about how hard it is to juggle college and jobs and marriage and I asked her, "If you were to go back and do it again, would you have waited a little longer before you got married?" She said, "Definitely not. If anything, I would have gotten married to Thomas sooner."  And that's how I feel right now. If anything, I would have married Dave sooner so I would get more days in our lives together :)

We have started reading a book Radical by David Platt and it is outstanding. It is talking about as Christians we need to fight against the "American Dream" that we are so content to default to. We have been so challenged this  past month with how we spend (or keep) our money, what kind of house we should purchase when that time comes, our desire for missions, etc.
I remember in a sermon one time Paul Washer said something along the lines of...People ask me if its hard to be a missionary in Peru. I tell them its the easiest thing I've ever done. When the Lord provides food, I eat. When he provide a place to lie my head, I sleep. It's so simple. You trust the Lord to provide everything. But when I come back to the states, that's when the struggle starts. Instantly I'm surrounded by shopping malls and lights and glamor and fast cars and lots of food and wealth. That's when the struggle begins.

Recently, a missionary and his family that Faith Bible supports, Jyoti from India, came to the states to visit supporters, and he spoke with our small group about the trials and persecution in India. Soon there will be laws making it illegal to share the Gospel, the exclusive claims of Christ, with minors in India. Currently, their ministry is sharing with 100+ children. He showed up a video of a few Christian pastors and the son of one of the pastors being beat in Orissa, while the cops turn their backs until the Muslims have beat the Christians to death, or close to dying. It is horrifying the things that are going on overseas. Part of me was filled with absolute rage and anger, and the other part was reminded of scripture, 'Like a sheep led to the slaughter' and 'indeed, all who desire to live a Godly life will be persecuted' 'They persecuted me, they will persecute you.'  Yet they continue and endure for Christ's name and renown.

The other night I was lying in bed thinking and praying about my brothers and sisters in Christ overseas in the persecuted church and then it hit me... those are my brothers and sisters.  What if that were Crissie over there? I would be on my knees day and night for her, laboring for her in prayer and tears, sending her all the money she needed to do the Lord's work.....

Oh, the Lord is faithful to mold us daily...