An Influential Book

Radical by David Platt has my husband and me re-thinking our budget, our retirement and investments. We have been talking about the book's challenges for more than two months, and slowly, we are beginning to live radically. To us, the author, an Alabama pastor, asks readers to forget everything they've been taught about the American Dream.

If you've felt a nagging whisper in your soul to raise the bar for Christ, Radical is a must-read. If you've ever wondered how a Savior who asked a rich man to sell everything and give to the poor could reconcile with the idea that more is better, read the book. If you've ever felt a tiny bit guilty about eating well when others are starving, you should! Ha ha... I was just seeing if you're still paying attention. This book tells you, in concrete steps, what to do about that guilt... or what to do if you feel led to do more in service and love. Jesus is counting on us to change the world, and many of us are too busy counting our money.

Blessing for a Baby

My radio co-host and his wife had a baby almost two weeks ago. While Joel was taking a few days off, I asked listeners to call with a blessing as a gift to little Madelyn. Ulysses called and said he started using this blessing with his boys when they were tiny and touches each corresponding body part as he says it. Other listeners quickly responded, wanting a copy. So thanks for sharing, Ulysses!


May God bless you with a strong capable mind...
Ears to hear only the truth...
Eyes to discern...
A mouth to speak praises to Him...
Shoulders to carry burdens for others less fortunate...
Hands to do God's work...
Feet to stand firm on His promises...
And a heart to love Jesus and others.

Buckle Your Seatbelt!

At work, in preparation for promoting the Phillips, Craig & Dean concert in our listening area, I checked the artists' website. This quote from Dan Dean about not having expectations caught my eye:

"We were just working in our churches, doing what we do, not even really looking for this. Then God said, 'Buckle your seatbelt. Have I got plans for you.'"

We don't have to be working in churches or creating award-winning music for God to use us in a mighty way. God has plans, amazing plans, for each one of us.

If God whispered, "Have I got plans for you!" in your ear, what would He be talking about? What would that whisper encourage, empower and inspire you to do?

He just whispered it, my friend. Buckle your seatbelt. The ride of your life is about to begin.

Dealing With Literal Snakes

When you get an email like the following one at 5 a.m., after just arriving at work... you think, "Welcome to Arizona."

This evening (Wed 9/29) Cliff found what we thought was a dead baby rattlesnake in the parking lot by the last curb. When we attempted to remove it to the desert, it reminded us that it was very much alive and upset.
It then proceeded to crawl into the drainspout at the north end of the building. Per Bill's instructions there are 3 cones around the spout. Since several people who work late park out back, please be careful when going to your car, since it was right were one would walk when leaving.

Joe
Operations Technician


My next thought was, "Good thing I park in the front lot." After returning to my desk after the on-air shift, I read this message:

Joe,

Thanks to you & Cliff for being alert, as of now the problem has been resolved, I put a hose in the roof drain & the flow of water brought him from hiding in the darkness to being exposed by the light. At that time the forces of darkness & the forces of light collided & I was able to intentionally remove his head. Once again light has triumphed over darkness.

Everyone have a Blessed day.......

In His Service,

Bill
Facilities Manager

Normally, I'd advise prayer as a hedge for any scary issue in your life. But traffic cones and Godly men can help, too.

God's Mysterious Ways

Nine years ago, my husband and I were thousands of dollars in debt, so we sold a house we loved to downsize and make some money. We were so sad to leave our beautiful home, and we were not thrilled about the new subdivision.

But in the alley one day, we met gregarious neighbors, Tom and Brenda, whose house backed up to ours. Long story short, Mark and I both were invited to be in their wedding and to this day, four moves later, consider this couple among our dearest friends.

Every once in a while, we would congratulate ourselves on paying off our debt, but we still wondered about that stage of our lives--why things happened the way they did, why we had to leave the house we loved, and so on.

Fast forward to last January. Brenda's brother-in-law hired Mark when he needed a job. If we hadn't known Brenda, we sure wouldn't have known about the job in Arizona that's a great fit for Mark's talents. If Mark hadn't been in Arizona, I would never have been looking for the Christian radio job in Tucson that I started in April. God's ways are not immediately known to us, but I thank Him that he watches out for us.

Mark and I left another house we loved in Georgia. We are wondering about the last two years in Atlanta--what relationships did we make there that will make a difference some day? Will we ever know specifically why we felt called to ministry there? We try to be obedient, but our human nature wants to see a reason why we were there. However, we may not see the big picture until we see Him face to face.

In these times of uncertainty, I am thankful to have a job, and I am thankful that God sets plans in motion years before we ever know our needs.

We have traded a dream house for a worn apartment, but I know that God has a mansion waiting for me. I hope mine backs up to yours.

The Difference with Jesus

Tomorrow is a somber anniversary for our nation. For many of us, it was the first time we realized we are not safe on U.S. soil. Without the hope of eternal life with Jesus, the idea that terrorists could destroy us at any time might make us all crazy. That's why we must reach out in love to those who don't know about him.

Remember, for many other religions, you have to earn your way in to a life after death. Jesus bought your admission ticket. No other religious leader died for his followers. Jesus did. The other religious leaders remain in their graves; Jesus conquered death. If you don't believe me, research it.

We remember what happened tomorrow to honor those who have sacrificed their lives to keep our nation free. We remember what happened, knowing that our lives can change in a single moment. We remember what happened so that we appreciate life and laughter and love.

We are not safe. But we have Jesus.

Jesus Coming Soon?

As a guest in a wonderful Christ-centered and love-filled home this week, I had a conversation that was as delicious as the grilled salmon. Rod has studied the issue and thinks that the Second Coming of Jesus may come in the next few years. Although none of us knows the date or hour, the idea that He may return in our lifetime is so exciting to me.

Rod, Elaine and I challenged each other with the question, "If you knew Jesus was coming in the next two years, how would you live your life differently?"

Wow. How do you answer that question?

We certainly would be less complacent, wouldn't we? My dinner companions and I decided to live each day to make a difference. It's easier said than done, but gives me a new sense of purpose. There are many people that need to hear about Jesus before He arrives!