Its Thanksgiving. I'm feeling thankful and blessed more than ever and at the same time ashamed for what I've done or not done with all of it. Honestly its like I've been slapped in the face. I just finished reading the book Radical, by David Platt. (and I'm not a reader) This insightful biblical book was the last straw after 2 years of living away from "home". I have found myself at a place of freedom instead of guilt...for that I am most thankful! BUT truth is, I've been a snobby American Christian and its not what the Jesus of the Bible desires nor is it what I want. I've handled things, money, time, people and this blog in way that's not a reflection of Him or who I want to be. I've been influenced heavily by my environment or other people rather than my own God-given desires or the will of God. I really don't know who reads this blog but writing this today is about making a mark for myself in my spiritual-time-line more than anything else. I want my heart to be changed and I don't want to live by a manipulated version of the gospel because it feels more convenient and accepts luxuries that American (even American Christian) culture encourages.
Truthfully, 2 years ago I just moved my American bubble from suburban Houston to a compound over here in Doha. Time to change and get global minded. I've got children to raise and my sole priority and responsibility is that they grow into followers of Christ, not just living good lives believing in God. I want to equip them to leave our home for anywhere in the world to serve His purpose. I want that desire for the rest of my life and a mama's heart can't do that without God's supernatural power. He's given them to me for His purposes and that alone. Lord, help me because I'm clueless doing it by myself.
I want to use every good thing I've been given to His glory, whether it be my children, husband, extended family, money, time, house, car, computer, vacation, groceries, church, etc. Praise the Lord for his grace because its gonna be hard work for me and I don't know how to do that. I'm thankful He's patient. I have such a ways to go but finally, its something I really want to do instead of feeling like I have to. I want to be obedient in action not just these pretty words and I want to go beyond what is just acceptable by the world's standards and church standards. Christianity isn't an association, a church or an exclusive group. Its my essence and I need to stand alone with it, no matter what situation I'm in or who is around. Being in church and with other believers is great but I'm slowly learning its not my salvation or a substitution.
As we head back to the United States for Christmas in a few weeks, I'm praying for my desires to be in line with the desires of God's heart. There are wonderful things at home that I should consider blessings, if not completely unnecessary. My attitude of entitlement for those things needs to change. I want to be driven by eternal desires not worldly ones. No doubt I love football, shopping, my camera, the Baylor Bears, TexMex, Sonic, Target, Christmas traditions, Santa Claus and the list goes on and on and on. All of them are pure luxuries compared to the brokenness in the world and what I've seen for myself now. I don't want be frazzled by luxuries in the next month. Joy comes from my Savior and His will for my life far more than sitting in my comfort zone in the great country of Texas...it really does. While they are not bad things, Texas skies, the perfect pair of skinny jeans, trendy boots, cute clothes for my babies, eating delicious fajitas and queso, attending the perfect Chritsmas Eve Service and even seeing the joy of my kids' faces Christmas morning are all temporary. Lord, please remind me of that!
On a regular basis in Doha I can see with my own eyes living without a purpose and I have started reading a couple of blogs to remind me of the real world. If you read my blog, I would ask for you to read these too. Way more interesting!! Blog 1 and Blog 2. They are really cool people, just like you and me impacting the kingdom like you wouldn't believe.
Put the Radical book on your Christmas list.
You won't be disappointed and you shouldn't be nervous. Its awesome! I look forward to reading it again soon.
Truthfully, 2 years ago I just moved my American bubble from suburban Houston to a compound over here in Doha. Time to change and get global minded. I've got children to raise and my sole priority and responsibility is that they grow into followers of Christ, not just living good lives believing in God. I want to equip them to leave our home for anywhere in the world to serve His purpose. I want that desire for the rest of my life and a mama's heart can't do that without God's supernatural power. He's given them to me for His purposes and that alone. Lord, help me because I'm clueless doing it by myself.
I want to use every good thing I've been given to His glory, whether it be my children, husband, extended family, money, time, house, car, computer, vacation, groceries, church, etc. Praise the Lord for his grace because its gonna be hard work for me and I don't know how to do that. I'm thankful He's patient. I have such a ways to go but finally, its something I really want to do instead of feeling like I have to. I want to be obedient in action not just these pretty words and I want to go beyond what is just acceptable by the world's standards and church standards. Christianity isn't an association, a church or an exclusive group. Its my essence and I need to stand alone with it, no matter what situation I'm in or who is around. Being in church and with other believers is great but I'm slowly learning its not my salvation or a substitution.
As we head back to the United States for Christmas in a few weeks, I'm praying for my desires to be in line with the desires of God's heart. There are wonderful things at home that I should consider blessings, if not completely unnecessary. My attitude of entitlement for those things needs to change. I want to be driven by eternal desires not worldly ones. No doubt I love football, shopping, my camera, the Baylor Bears, TexMex, Sonic, Target, Christmas traditions, Santa Claus and the list goes on and on and on. All of them are pure luxuries compared to the brokenness in the world and what I've seen for myself now. I don't want be frazzled by luxuries in the next month. Joy comes from my Savior and His will for my life far more than sitting in my comfort zone in the great country of Texas...it really does. While they are not bad things, Texas skies, the perfect pair of skinny jeans, trendy boots, cute clothes for my babies, eating delicious fajitas and queso, attending the perfect Chritsmas Eve Service and even seeing the joy of my kids' faces Christmas morning are all temporary. Lord, please remind me of that!
On a regular basis in Doha I can see with my own eyes living without a purpose and I have started reading a couple of blogs to remind me of the real world. If you read my blog, I would ask for you to read these too. Way more interesting!! Blog 1 and Blog 2. They are really cool people, just like you and me impacting the kingdom like you wouldn't believe.
Put the Radical book on your Christmas list.
You won't be disappointed and you shouldn't be nervous. Its awesome! I look forward to reading it again soon.
10 comments:
Thanks so much for sharing and reminding us of our blessings, Wendi. The blogs you cited bring it on home. Donation made~these people are blessed to have you as a reader and a witness. God bless you and your family this holiday season and always.
May the Lord receive the Glory from this post. Thankful for you sharing your heart on this - I think we were on the same page blogging yesterday.
Love you, and thankful for your Radically changed heart. To Him be the Glory!
Thank you, Wendi. Thank you.
Wow, great blog post. Of course this is what life is all about, getting these moments of clarity about who we really are in the big picture! Being honest about that is the only way to fulfill His purpose for us here on this Earth. I've just been catching up on all of your posts - the whole visit with Nick's dad...looks like you're all doing great and enjoyed the visit.
I am thankful for you Wendi, I love reading your blog and I know your heart. I hope you have a wonderful visit over the next few weeks and safe travels.
Great, heartfelt words Wendi. It is easy to get caught up in what others do, that it's so important to take time to bring us back to our selves and what our lives are meant to be about.
Living here is an experience and eye-opener in so many ways. We only have to look out our doors to see the opulence and the downtrodden. Travel deepens that.
May you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Great, heartfelt words Wendi. It is easy to get caught up in what others do, that it's so important to take time to bring us back to our selves and what our lives are meant to be about.
Living here is an experience and eye-opener in so many ways. We only have to look out our doors to see the opulence and the downtrodden. Our opportunities to travel deepens that.
May you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Hey, neighbor--you've got support just around the corner for this new approach to life. We Christians need to keep encouraging each other to stretch a little more, to ask each other 'What is God teaching you this week?' more often than 'What's new on the shelf at Mega-Mart?'
Your children are beautiful, and are the future of the church. I know God will bless you as you keep striving to serve Him.
Girl! I know we already talked about this...BUT I don't think I thanked you for being so open and honest on here...and sharing your heart. Such encouraging and heartfelt words. What a blessing it was to read this post and feel like someone else out there feels the same way. Love you and your sweet family...counting the days!
Thanks for throwing down the gauntlet sista! The book is now on my radar! Have a safe trip back to Texas! Luv u!
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