RADICAL.....

I'm sure you have all heard about this book...if you haven't...i strongly recommend you all go to Barnes & Noble & find it!! I have to admit...I've never been one to read. Up until about 3 days ago, I would go as far as saying...I very strongly disliked reading. My kids have actually said .."the only thing my mom likes to read is magazines!!" Well Kiddos...not anymore!! I read through the entire "Radical" Book..yes, cover to cover in less than a day...yay!! And I'm now considering reading it for the 2nd,3rd, 100th time!! Yes, it was THAT good!! And last night, I drove down to the book store again, and purchased myself another book!! I'm currently on pg 121 of Choosing to SEE...by:Mary Beth Chapman. And once again, I recommend it...even though your tears will be flowing. Like I've said like a billiongajillion times...ever since returning from ET..In my Heart & mind, I've gone through every possible option as to how we can better serve, minister, love on, share the word of God...to those in ET, and right here at home. I've actually been wanting to read Radical for several months now...I've been putiing it on the sideburner...possibly because I knew how it would make me feel, or I should say...how it should make us feel. But, now what?? Should we just sponsor a child or children?? Should we lead a mission trip to ET?? There is a song I listen to on a daily basis...it's by the African Children's Choir...Called Jeremiah. Goes something like this..
  "Jeremiah, what do you see?? I see the branch of an almond tree. Jeremiah, what do you see?? I see the branch of an almond tree. The voice of the lord come to Isaiah. Whom shall I send to go for us?? The voice of the Lord come to Isaiah. Whom shall I send to go for us?? Here I am Lord, send me , send me lord. Here I am Lord, send me. Do not say that you are too young. Whom shall I send to go for us?? Wherever you want Lord."

   Those are the words that are stuck with me. Now, I'm sure all of our family out there is thinking..."oh my goodness...Kristen, stop this crazy thinking!!" Don't work yourselves up...We are not moving to Africa today!! But, please buy the book "Radical" and see for yourselves what we are commanded to do...not called to do. I hear God saying..." the things I require of  you Kristen arent always going to be fun, easy, or stress free." Actually totally opposite. Whether God sends me.... in the way... of leading a mission trip, fundraising for an organization that supports orphanages, or sharing His Word...I pray that my family & I are used for his Glory. Talk about a deep post, huh??
   On a lighter note...I've been majorly slacking on my blog...we had a relaxing Valentine's Day..the kids and I made Kasey a Valentiney Dinner, complete with homemade cards, Catawba(fake champagne!!) name cards for our spots at the table, and candles:) The kids always look forward to this every year!! Today we are enjoying being together as a family...yes, even Kasey is home with us!! I wish you all a wonderful week!!
                   Sorry about the "click to look inside!!" You'll just have to go to the store, purchase yourself one and read away!!!
                                                                xo Kristen