"If you are not pursuing a dangerous quest with your life, well, then, you don't need a Guide. If you haven't found yourself in the midst of a ferocious war, then you won't need a seasoned Captain. If you've settled in your mind to live as though this is a fairly neutral world and you are simply trying to live your life as best you can, then you can probably get by with the Christianity of tips and techniques. Maybe. I'll give you a 50-50 chance. But if you intend to live in the Story that God is telling, and if you want the life He offers, then you are going to need more than a handful of principles, however noble they may be. There are too many twists and turns in the road ahead, too many ambushes waiting only God knows where, too much at stake. You cannot possibly prepare yourself for every situation. Narrow is the way said Jesus. How shall we be sure to find it? WE NEED GOD INTIMATELY AND WE NEED HIM DESPERATELY"
Another friend posted the above quote from a book. I think I might have to add this to my must read list.
I am fully aware that I would not be able to do half of what I do without knowing who's power it is that I am drawing from. Sad thing is, I still don't even realize how much fuller and richer my life would be if I was willing to give up more, bow lower, have less...
There are so many books I have read lately that have shaken me to the core. Made me look at my life, my family and how we live. What we spend our money on, what we put into our heads and the way we treat people. Things that I need to be willing to hold onto with open hands. I highly recommend the book "7" by Jen Hatmaker. "7" is one of those books that cracks you up and then smacks you in the face. Completely life changing. Also, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, and "Interrupted" also by Jen Hatmaker.
Here are a few other Jen Hatmaker quotes that have shaped my life lately: (all from "7")
"In order for Jesus' kingdom to come, my kingdom will have to go, and for the first time I think I am okay with that."
"Obedience isn't a lack of fear. It's just doing it scared."
"Teaching by example, radical obedience, justice, mercy, activism, and sacrifice wholly inspires me. I'm at that place where "well done" trumps "well said". When I see kingdom work in the middle of brokenness, when mission transitions from the academic soil of the mid into the sacrificial work of someone's hands, I am utterly affected. Obedience inspires me. Servant leaders inspire me. Humility inspires me. Talking heads dissecting apologetics stopped inspiring me a few years ago."
"What better way to say "Jesus reigns" than dressing my preschooler in a $45 dress to show her off in the church lobby? (You're welcome, Jesus. Be blessed)"
Okay, that last one mainly just cracked me up...
I know I have posted this song before. I just heard it again tonight and realized again that I think it was written just for me. It might speak to you as well... but it was written for me. So there. This has been my life's theme song since the day we drove out of California. God has never let us down, and we try not to live our life looking back, only what is coming up next.
"Jesus, may there be less of me and my junk and more of You and Your kingdom." Here we go...
(Jen Hatmaker again... you should friend her on facebook...)
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