Amazing Times!

God is so good! He sees a need and meets it.

Our meeting tonight had to occur in a different location, so we decided to hold bible study at Dunkin Donuts. This is the first time that we did this, but it was absolutely amazing. Many times, people measure amazing in numbers, but I want to share with you why we felt tonight was amazing.

It started off with eight people from our group making orders with the servers. As we started sipping our drinks and/or eating our treats, we had a young man by the name of Todd ask us if we were going to have bible study. After responding with, "Yes," he asked if he could join us. It was exciting that we seemed open and approachable to this guy.

But our excitement didn't stop there. We felt like tonight was probably the greatest bible study in a few weeks because people were really evaluating themselves and being honest. This is a true sign of submission to the spirit. When we are willing to evaluate our walk with God, to see the good and the bad, we are able to move more of ourselves toward the cross. So often, people think they have made it - they are near perfection. What happens? They are looking at the cross, but they aren't moving towards the cross. Their fallible sight has left part of their body paralyzed and they don't even know it.

See, it is so much more than numbers! A bible study with type of honesty is far greater than a group that is full of people.

Check out tonight's bible study and join us in this journey of allowing God to really reveal what He sees when He looks at us. Feel free to follow along with future studies.

Blessings and Love!
E & H

The Interview With God

We want so much, yet we're rarely satisfied.
We expect so much, yet desire to give little.
What does God think about all of this?

Watch this interview that was sent to us by some of Evan's Canadian relatives. May you see the many lessons that we recognized from The Interview With God.

Decisions

Last night we informed our friends that we had to change our plans for Saturday evening's outing. To change the pace a little, we decided to let the group brainstorm ideas for an alternative plan. The outcome? Complete chaos! Some people suggested bowling, others suggested indoor miniature golfing. Some wanted chinese, others wanted burgers. Some wanted to travel close, others wanted to travel far. Some wanted to meet early, others wanted to meet later. The discussion went on for a total of 20-30 minutes.

Ironically enough, I realized that this is an earthly example of many conversations I have had with God. I want one thing, He says another. I think one place, He says another. I think one time, He says another. I may be only one person, but I think I create just as much as chaos in my talks with God than the group did last night.

I am thankful that He is patient with me! I am also thankful that He willingly repeats Himself so that I may hear and accept the "another" that He speaks.

Sushi and Christianity

Last night our friend Dave and his brother, Matt, treated us to our first experience with Sushi - the real thing! Before going, we were very nervous about this new experience coming our way.

Our views of raw meat were founded by our experiences, or, our lack of experiences. It was uncommon to eat pork chops, chicken or beef unless the meat registered at the degree suggested by cooking experts. Why? It simply wasn't safe, at least this is what we believed, to eat undercooked meat. But then again, I do remember trying sushi at a buffet. However, that experience confirmed to me that eating raw meat just wasn't for me.

Isn't Christianity the same? People base Christians, or being a Christian, off of their experiences, or, their lack of experiences. How many times have people tried Christianity, but thought to themselves, "This just isn't for me."

We thought raw meat wasn't safe and it didn't appeal to us. Others think Christianity isn't appealing to them.

So where do these two items connect? They connect with new experiences that are REAL! Last night we tried the real thing, sushi prepared at a real sushi bar! The outcome? An amazing crave for something that previously turned us off.

If Christianity is still unappealing to you, we encourage you to experience the REAL thing! Find other believers that live their life for Christ as followers of Christ and watch what happens. You too will soon crave for something that previously turned you off!

How Honest Are You?

It is amazing to think that this blog has started out of pure frustration! One of the many benefits of being married is knowing that you have a guaranteed audience of at least one! No matter how poor or wonderful the day may have been, an ear will be there to listen. Hopefully the matters of our household will reach you and make a difference.

Tonight's topic is interesting, frustrating and real all at once. It is honesty in its truest form. How much of our life is a fantasy? To what degree do we really live in reality?

I have worked in education for 7 years. Every year has brought many challenges, which I love! I see challenges the same way a track star views running - they both provide a sense of adrenaline that drives growth. I feel like I have been gifted in the area of teaching, but I also realize that there are several things for me to learn before I arrive at perfection. I hunger for information and collaboration with others. When I hear about instructional practices, I always look at how I can immediately use the information. But, today I started to wonder...Is this common?

My husband is currently pursuing a degree in Christian Ministries. Often times the professor will ask questions that require deep thought and reflection. Evan, who is very similar to me, seriously evaluates the question and posts his answer to the discussion board. The result? An answer that is almost opposite to EVERYONE ELSE in the class. Real reflection brings about honesty. But, today he started to wonder...Is this common?

How common is honesty? What is honesty? Is it just as easy being honest on the surface (telling where you live, what you drive, what you are going to do over the weekend, etc.) as it is being honest with ourselves (admitting to our real abilities, faults, weaknesses, successes, etc.)?

John Ortberg writes in The Life You've Always Wanted:

"A little boy went to Sunday school, where he knew the sort of answers you're supposed to give to questions. The teacher asked, 'What is brown, furry, has a long tail, and stores up nuts for winter?'
'Well,' the boy muttered, 'I guess the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me.'"

Is that you? Are you looking to give the answer that sounds good, or do you really take the time to be honest with yourself and search for the real answer?