First off, Congratulations to the Silvestris! They got the referral for their beautiful son Malak!
So...this weekend I went to Phoenix to stay with some dear friends, Sarah and Ron. Sarah and I met while studying abroad in Prague and this was the first time we've seen each other since we got back! Our friendship is a rare one...I think we would both say that it has drastically changed the course of our lives (to be infinitely better) and I never finish a conversation with Sarah without much to mull over. This weekend was no different!
Since I was in Phoenix, my Prague roommate Tiffany drove up from Tuscon to hang out for a day. This is Tiffany, Sarah, and myself:
Sarah works for Amahoro Africa, and I loved hearing the stories of what they have going on in Africa...people taking care of street kids and prostitutes, and also raising up a generation of indigenous leaders to love and serve their hurting countries. This time with my friend and her husband has left me challenged, encouraged and inspired.
On the flight home today, I read Red Letters, and it was the perfect time for me to read that book. Being with Sarah and Ron gave me so much to think about, and this book just put the thoughts I had into words I never would've found.
My favorite quote from the book says, "The gospel I believe in offers a cup of cold water in Jesus' name. The only gospel worth living is the one that incarnates love. The only gospel worth giving our lives for is the one that elevates the needs of others above our own."
Our lives must be radically altered by the love of Jesus and we in turn must share that with others. Any other scenario is not the gospel in its totality.
This feels completely insignificant compared to serving street kids in Uganda, but I did something I've been meaning to do for about a month. I disconnected my cable. I was going to give up TV for lent, then I realized if I can go 40 days, I don't need it (I do still get major networks, though). According to the guy I talked to at Cox, this will save me around $34.00 a month. I'm already used to not having that money, so I'm going to give it to blood:water mission. Every month that will be enough to give 34 people clean water for a year. I'm not saying this to praise myself, I just wanted to share my realization that necessities shrink drastically in light of kingdom knowledge (and I'm scared for God to show me what else I can live without).
hers and mine
6 years ago
3 comments:
Christie.. loved your blog (and btw i love the new template!)
I like what you said at the very end and it strikes a cord within me.. "I'm scared for God to show me what else I can live withouth."
How true! It is scary. I mean seriously -- I am so caught up in my comforts and yet really take them forgranted. The thought of living differently.. regardless of how much you say/want to be used by God and live as Christ... its scary because we are so so attached to this world and though we may try to desperately fight it (at our best times) we remain such selfish beings. Its rather daunting to think about, but at the same time refreshing.. that we have a God that desires to radically remold us each day.. sometimes little by little.. but then sometimes.. BOOM- life altering sonic blast. All for our good and those he loves. That is pretty dang sweet. And as Christians we believe in the Gospel.. but how often is our belief acted out. Its one thing to believe you can walk on water, but what does it matter if you don't take a step out of the boat?
anywhoo... i love you & am glad you had a great weekend!!!
I'm inspired. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and actions on your blog.
Thanks for this post. I have friends that leave me challenged like that & I am always so thankful for my time with them. It's always good to be challenged.
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