Crazy Love

Okay, so I love to read. I mean....LOVE to read. I have always enjoyed reading (it's my #1 hobby), and I can't stand being without a book. Well....here is one that is life changing! It's a "must read," if you will! My friend, Leah, introduced me to Francis Chan. Francis is the author of Crazy Love, and he is also the pastor of Cornerstone Church, in Simi Valley. He also has a new book called Forgotten God. I just started that one yesterday! Anyhow...back to Crazy Love. Don't you just love to say the title out loud? Try it! It's just a fun title, and it's an excellent and challenging read. It's convicting and cuts straight to the heart. But, in the times we are living in...times where many so-called Christians look NO different than the rest of the world....that is what we need....a "word" that cuts straight to our hearts and challenges us to get up off that couch and get out into the world. I am including some quotes from the book, so that you will know what to expect. Caution: You cannot read this book without being tremendously challenged!

From the back cover:

Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe- the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor-- loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.

Whether you've verbalized it yet or not...we all know something's wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-- it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

From inside:

The core problem isn't the fact that we're lukewarm, halfhearted, or stagnant Christians. The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it is because we have an inaccurate view of God. We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. We forget that God never had an identity crisis. He knows He's great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers.

(page 22)

The greater good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself.

(page 62)

Are we in love with God or just His stuff?

(page 62)

But when the seed is sown in good soil, it grows, takes root, and produces fruit. My caution to you is this: Do not assume you are good soil.

(page 67)

Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live? Do you see evidence of God's kingdom in your life? Or are you choking it out slowly by spending too much time, energy, money, and thought on the things of this world?

(page 67)

Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.

(page 68)

Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.

(page 69)

Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.

(page 73)

**Okay....I will stop there for now! I could go on and on...all day long. Francis was definitely gifted by our Lord and Maker. There were many times I had to stop and really ponder the questions asked in this book. It's thought provoking and it's a book that I could read again and again...and gain new insight each time. I am praying that the truths that "hit" me will stick with me, and that I will never be the same. My God is crazy about me and daily I am growing crazier about Him!

Continue To Pray

Please continue to pray for Daisy Love Merrick. She has Stage 3 cancer, and will begin chemo/radiation next week. You can get daily updates at www.prayfordaisy.tumblr.com. My heart is so incredibly burdened for her family. Every time I look at her sweet face, I begin to cry. But- God is AWESOME and He can HEAL. Please pray for miracles! Don't quit praying for her!! The Bible tells us to "pray without ceasing!" God's Word tells us to intercede for one another. Please pray that Daisy's parents will have the "peace that passes all understanding."

All I Want For Christmas.....

....is my TWO FRONT TEETH!

Bryson's two front teeth have been loose for quite some time. Tonight, as we were brushing...one became loose enough to pull! We pulled it out easily and he was so excited. Then...Bryson started wiggling the other tooth and before long, it was ready to pull as well. He even yanked it out himself! He kept looking at himself and giggling. I told him to stick his tongue through the hole and he thought that was super fun! He is thrilled about his new smile!

More Praise and More Prayer

I keep checking the site for Daisy's updates! At 4:20 this afternoon, Daisy was already awake and the doctors were "flabbergasted!" Even the unsaved doctors attributed her success to the many prayers! Wow!! That speaks volumes. The tumor was completely removed, but Daisy is going to need chemo. She is only five years old. Please continue to pray for Daisy and the Merrick family!

Prayer Update

Daisy's surgery went well, and last I read....they were closing her up! THEY GOT ALL OF THE TUMOR!!!! Praise Jesus! Thank you for your prayers! Please continue to pray for Daisy and for the other kiddos that I mentioned in my previous post. God is SO good! He is mighty to save....Praise His holy name!

PRAY

I am asking you all to pray for these families:

*Daisy Love Merrick is in surgery now. You can check out this link, to find out more: www.prayfordaisy.tumblr.com. Daisy has a tumor that is being removed as I write. Pray for her family. She is such a cute, little girl and her dad is pastor Britt Merrick of Reality Carpinteria.

*Please pray for the Davis family. They attend my church and their son, Dylan, has cancer. He is three years old.

*Please pray for Brielle Murray. She has cancer and is 11 years old.

God is good. God is sovereign. God is in control. I keep telling myself these things. I also keep wondering if I'd be able to say those things, if I found out it was one of my kids that had the tumor or the cancer. I know that His grace is sufficient. I know that He does not give us more than we can bear. I know that He has a plan in ALL things. But- I am brought to tears as I look at these precious faces. I am also brought to my face in prayer. Please lift these families up in prayer. Imagine it being your child....Wouldn't you want others to pray for you?! My thoughts are so scattered right now. I apologize for this messy post, but I just wanted to ask you to join me in prayer....and to stand in the gap. We are called to do so, if we are believers.

1 Thess. 5:17- Pray without ceasing.

James 5:16-....The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Is It "H.A.?"

H.A.= Hudson Approved

Correct me if I am wrong, but (I thought) I gave birth to two boys. Two boys who are NOT supposed to care about what they wear (That's a girl thing, isn't it?). I don't remember Bryson giving me grief over clothing choices at age three. Maybe I have just blocked the bad memories? Well....it seems that "the little one" wants to battle with his mama....everyday! I am so exhausted. Everyday, I pick out a shirt and shorts for Hudson to wear....and everyday we go through about three outfits, before he will "agree" to wear something I have pulled out for him. The end result is usually a kicking, screaming fit...on the floor. I begin to threaten things like, "Okay....mommy's leaving and if you don't put your clothes on...then you will have to stay here." I will start to walk out of the room, which results in even more screaming and crying. These are the types of things Hudson tells me about the shirts I pick out for him:

"It's too silly."

"It's too cold."

"It's too hot."

"I don't like poly's and this has a poly."

(A "poly" is a polo, and if it "has a poly"...that means it has a collar.)

And....drumroll, please.....

"It's too dirty!"

(This was said while we were at Target, picking out NEW shirts...and I showed him this cool, Tonka shirt...that said...'I love dirt'...and had a picture of a tractor on it!)

The kid kills me. He really kills me.

So, we have spent the past few days going from store to store....looking together for shirts that Hudson likes (and that mommy will "allow"). We have found about four so far...which is a miracle. Anyhow....I will be doing a lot more laundry around here (as I will have to continuously wash the ones we've purchased)....but we should have alleviated the tantrums and daily battles. Onto the next battle.....the shorts and the shoes....to match the new shirts!

P.S. Praise God....Bryson has to wear a uniform to school!