The end is just the beginning...

Sunday morning it was with great excitment {mostly} that I penned the last words in my dear journal. I was brosing through the full pages and was once again struck with the great kindness and faithfulness of my God. The year twenty12 was full. Sometimes I feel like I might as well learn all my lessons over again. But I'm so thankful that God loves us too much to leave us where we're at.

So I bought a new journal. Happy day. Think bright red with white polka dots, and a little text box that simply says "Everday Joy journal" in a beautiful shade of aqua.

That kinda sums up what I want twenty13 to be. A year where I embrace life. Enjoy the small moments. Learn to fully live. And of course put some legs to a couple dreams.

And there is just something about writing on the first page of a new book. Slightly exhilarating; like starting a new day. It's fresh full of potential. A book that will soon hold the memories and moments that make up my year. No, it won't be all happiness and sunshine. There will be trials, rough times that bring tears...but laced through the tests and the smiles will also run the strong faithfulness of my Jesus. And that is what look forward to writing about and experiencing. As well as all the other cool stories and things that will happen. Because if they don't...I'll go looking for them :)

Write-Up Wednesday {Radical}

Radical by David Platt

"Taking back your faith from the American Dream"

Radical

A friend gave me this book to borrow. And I will warn you right now, don't open it unless you are ready to take another look at your life and are willing to make some changes. True to it's title...it is radical. But yet based on scripture it digs into the goal and purpose Jesus has for each of us.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Our lives are to be lived for a goal and purpose bigger than ourselves. And with the progressing Amercian culture this tends to become shrouded in the "Amercian Dream--take risks, work hard, accomplish much...for me." David unpacks this, revealing plainly the flaws that come in that kind of thinking. But he doesn't just drop us there. He follows Jesus' heart in ministering to people, not in our circle of friends, but in our neighborhoods, cities and around the world. He puts in bold words the kind of life that Jesus lived out for His disciples to follow. And Jesus didn't just leave it with those twelve men. 

"Disciple making is not about a program or an event but about a relationship...So to whom can you deliberately, intentionally, and sacrificially show the life of Christ...this is foundational in making disciples, and we will multiply the gospel only when we allow others to get close enough to us to see the life of Christ in action."

Jesus gave all. everything. He asks us to do the same. for Him.

Read it. Don't be inspired. Be changed. 

Hello little blog

My very first post. This makes me smile. and be happy.

My reasons/goals/what-I-hope-this-blog does;

- makes much of my Jesus and my God. The one and the same--He deserves to be uplifted.
- encourages and inspires you
- makes you/me smile
- an outlet for my writing fix
{note: this may occur at night and is subject to random posts that may or may not make perfect sense}

AND

The place where I show/tell about the wonderful life that God has given me. I love it. And I hope, through this blog, you will look at your life and purpose to find the love.

I've got lots of fun ideas. But I've also got a full {splendid} life that takes priority over this. So if a month goes by since I've posted...don't hate. Just give a little grace.

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, 

His mercies never come to an end..." 

Lamentations 3:22