Inspired

Hey friends!
So, lately I've been thinking about this blog. Originally, it's purpose was to share stories of funny cultural things that we encountered here. But as it turned out, though we do have a lots of interesting things that happen... I don't know, life here just feels normal most of the time. And I'm not that funny. And I forgot to write. I think because I wasn't writing about HEART stuff, stuff I was passionate about. It wasn't stuff I was burning up inside about (burning up in the good way.)
So then we had our amazing little sweetheart! Which I definitely have heart for! And I love writing and sharing about his milestones and what we're up to on the day to day. But even still... God is at work in my heart. He is teaching me every single day. He is inspiring me and challenging me and growing me and changing me. And I've been thinking...maybe I'll share a little more about that, too. So to start, here are some recent things that God has been using to inspire me lately and grow my heart for Him and for the world...
Inspires me to love Jesus, thank God often, and see the beauty everywhere- www.aholyexperience.com

Really amazing recent adventure with Compassion International to Tanzania- www.thenester.com


Radical by David Platt has rocked my world. So challenging... the main things that have challenged me from this book and many of his sermons are the way he takes the Word... and preaches it! So black and white. I feel like He just reads from the Bible! And then, you realize, oh, right, the Bible does say that... I have been especially challenged lately thinking about money, and possessions, and how much I long to change the world even a little with everything we've been given.

"...you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers...with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18

And lastly, the book of Acts. Maybe I'll blog more about it sometime soon, but I've been doing a Kay Arthur study through it, and, again, it's just so amazing what's actually in the Bible. I am in awe of God, longing for the Holy Spirit to fill me up, and so challenged by the early church. What a blessing.

Thanks for journeying with me! He lives!
(and He REALLY does... it changes everything! "In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." 1 Peter 1:3