A Radically (LATE) June!

So, shocker, I am late with my Radical June post! (GASP)

Now that I am halfway through my Radical challenge, I first wanted to take a second and review what these post are about, as some of you may be highly confused as to why I use the word radical for so many posts, (and no, it is not because I am a hippie...that is the second shocker of this post!).

Last year, I read the book Radical by David Platt. And I have to say, this book changed my life! Radical is about being a disciple and living for God. There are so many amazing points in this book that really challenge you to the core. While this does not suffice as even a remotely decent book review, I do have to say that this book will change you at your core. You are most definitely not the same after reading this book!

But, where do my radical posts come from? They are inspired by the very last chapter in the book,"The Radical Experiment". This experiment proposes 5 challenges to the reader. *SPOILER ALERT*

The 5 challenges that are offered, should you chose to accept, are:
1. Praying for the entire world.
2. Read through the entire Word.
3. Sacrifice money for a specific purpose.
4. Spend time in another context.
5. Commit my life to a multiplying community.

When I first took on this challenge, I could not have been more stoked! Now, halfway through this experiment, I would have to say the feeling I now have is fail!

Now, what most of you believe I may have failed at is staying on top of blogging about this experiment. First, I would have to say, yes, you are correct. Second I would have to say, no that is not what I am talking about.

Now, since challenge number 3 is personal, I do not discuss this one. As Matthew 6:3-4a says, "But when you give to the needy, do not let what your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that you giving may be in secret" (NIV).

As far as the other challenges go...yep...I failed.

1. Prayer is definitely part of our life. When I first started this challenge, it was with the intent of praying for countries around the world. Now, praying for all the countries has not been a consistent habit for me. But, I do have to confess that I have been praying more and more for our country here lately. Turn on the T.V. and you will see enough to keep you in prayer for three days! Yet, as 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, when we go to God in prayer, He hears us!

But, all the nations should be lifted to God! So, it is time to get back on the wagon! If anyone would like to be my prayer buddy, just let me know! Nothing like taking these walks in faith with fellow Sisters in Christ!

2. Well, the good news is I am in Deuteronomy! While I initially wanted to be further through the Word by now, I do have to say that I really enjoy taking my time working through the Bible so that I can really read and dive into what God is trying to say to me as I read. At first, my plan WAS to read through the whole Bible, but as I started, I realized I wanted to take my time, and fully attempt to understand and apply what I read as I went along. This has provided Chris and I with MANY encouraging and inspiring conversations!

4. Ya. This is an epic fail. But hey, no judging right? This is a safe place....? :) Chris and I do still have our focus on working with the homeless and have recently had conversations to further our opportunity. So stay tuned! There WILL be progress! As our family and friends, be sure to keep us accountable (Proverbs 27:17)!

5. While, due to our schedules, we have not been nearly as involved as we had hoped in our Youth Group and Nursery, we have been sure to give time where we can! We have really enjoyed getting to know the teens and spending time with God's family! What a fulfilling feeling when you're with those who are facing the world, hand and hand, with you striving towards our paradise with the Father!

Now, I do have to mention our boys. Around the time I finished Radical, we sponsored two, adorable, boys, Jerry and Jonah!

Receiving letters and pictures of them has been such a blessing! Having the ability to encourage and pray for our boys, even though we are across the world, is so exciting! Hopefully, we will be able to encourage and pray for one another face to face someday!

So, that is my radically late blog post about how I failed. But, as James 5:16 has told us, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another" (NKJV). There's my confession! The good news is I still have 5 1/2 months to get back on track! So, prayers and encouragement are appreciated and anyone who would like to join me on the journey, I love to have company!