Saturday, January 8, 2011

things are about to get radical

On January 31st, my Thirsty Ladies bible study group will start a new study. I LOVED "Satisfy My Thirsty Soul," and actually plan to read it again. It is that good and it's A LOT to take in. Apparently my brain and heart can only take so much conviction at a time. I'm pretty sure there's a lot more in that book that will slap me in the face the second go round. Back to the point. The hubbies are going to join us in our study this time, meeting every other Monday night, opposite of us. We did it this way so that we never have to worry about childcare. I hope to use those "off" Monday nights, after I get Jonah down, to do some personal study of my own or blog my thoughts and what God is showing me through our study. I'll have to wait and see how it goes. Anyway, the book we will be doing is called "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream." I'm excited to read it but actually pretty of afraid of it, to tell you the truth.


Here's the trailer if you're interested (beware: CHALLENGING stuff):



God is doing some serious work in me. I am thinking and praying A LOT about how to be Jesus to those around me. It's hard, I think, knowing that I can't go to these poverty and hunger ravaged countries and jump in. The truth is, if my life were different, I would go in a heartbeat, taking Matt and Jonah with me, of course. But Jonah needs very time-involved care, a safe, clean place to live, and access to good medical care. And I know that there is plenty to be done here in the States. In many ways, I think Americans could use a lot more missionizing than the rest of the world. BUT, because I'm pretty limited on my out-of-the-house time and don't have qualified childcare help with Jonah, I can't go somewhere and volunteer during the week, I'm asking God to show me how to do what I can from where I am, right now. I don't mind donating money. But I don't want to JUST donate money. I want to sacrifice my time. My self. I have a couple things in mind, but I'm not going to share them quite yet.


I would love to hear any ideas of things you are trying to do or have done in the past to reach out to others, even when your availability or other resources might have been short. I know that I can't and won't excuse myself any longer. I'm ready to get radical, or you know, as radical as I can right now. :)

16 comments:

Kim and Asa said...

I thought of you today. I started a bible study by Priscilla Shirer called "Navigating a Life Interrupted". It is a study of Jonah! I'm enjoying it and learning so much already! As the mother of a special needs child I can honestly say that my life has been interrupted! I can't wait to see how God using me!

Angelique said...

Wow! Radical indeed but so true. Sometimes the truth hurts. Thanks for sharing!

Jessi said...

I don't have any ideas for you (sorry) but I just wanted to let you know what an encouragement you are. I'm going out to buy Radical right now because I NEED radical. I yearn to be out there helping but I make excuse after excuse and it has to change...I hope this book will give me the extra push I need. Thanks for being so willing to share your heart.

If I knew then... said...

I ended 2010 with my radical change. Moved from NY to Utah to escape the rat race on some levels and to assist a struggling couple here. The wife has severe RDEB. Today we moved into a larger 2 bedroom apartment. I told them I would pay their rent so they can squirrel away some cash for emergencies.
I know this isn't exactly giving up everything but, it is a radical change for me. Through all this I will gain more clarity on what my purpose is here on Earth so I am certainly gaining much more from this couple than I am giving them.
A tragedy in 2004 left me at 39, single with no children and most likely never will experience that part of the human journey. I have finally come to understand the blessing that was disguised within the tragedy. I got sober and spent the last few years contemplating who I am and why I am who I am. I was given the freedom to uproot and serve this couple. If I had a family at 45 I don't see how thatwould be possible.
I certainly don't like to publicly discuss this often but, you asked and if it encourages someone else to make a positive change I am happy.

Kylee said...

I'm in the process of reading this book right now...so convicting. I want to highlight the whole thing because every single word is so packed full of truth.
It is one of those books that is so uncomfortable to read, but so incredibly necessary if I am going to proclaim myself as a Christian!

Jennifer said...

One thing I did when everyone was so little and going places was hard was shop for the Shoeboxes (Operation Christmas Child) year round. I would buy things as I saw them on sale, etc. Then in November "all" I had to do was pack and pay the shipping. We often did 10 or more shoeboxes (on one small income)a year this way. I often purchase a kids' meal at a restaurant and often the toys are perfect fillers for shoeboxes and I enjoy finding deals on toothpaste, washcloths, hats, school supplies, etc as the year goes on. I do it "while" I shop and so it is not really one more thing (which can be the kiss of death with children). Also, I have a photo of my young child (like 2 years) helping pack shoeboxes and she still loves it. Just a thought. Look for something you can do in the course of your daily events. Jennifer in Southeast, NC (Hey, I had to drive into Wilmington on Friday and I remembered your sweet sister was coming that day too (there were a bunch of people arriving..... argghh) and so I prayed for her start to be a great one. I hope she has a great time. Might get to see snow down here. That's a novelty!)

Heather said...

Our small group is going to go spend time at our local orphanage. They don't have anyone that comes consistently...usually only at Christmas and maybe Thanksgiving. It's got to be hard for you to actually physically go do something with Jonah's limitations, but that's ok. Sometimes, your money can allow others to physically do something.
I think Radical sounds awesome! I can't wait to hear more about it!

Maryellen said...

Lord knows He can always use faithful consistent committed prayer warriors. You can do that right from home.

It is so wonderful and very encouraging for others how you are listening to God and wanting to be His hands and feet.

God is already using you through your blog and with Jonah.

You are always a great source of encouragement.

Amber Benge said...

You will never be the same after you go through Radical. My husband and I both read and reread it last year (and we are going to read it again in 2011). As a result, we stepped out in "Radical" obedience to adopt 2 orphans from Belize.

I can't wait to see what he does in your own journey through the book. :)

Unknown said...

I am a stay at home mom of four kids. My oldest is 5 and my youngest is 4 months. Needless to say, my time at home greatly outweighs my time 'out and about'. I am a Christian and struggled with how to be a witness to others. Going out with groups from church just didn't work because of childcare. I started sending out letters. I just opened the phone book, picked a letter of the alphabet and started addressing envelopes. I had a letter just introducing myself (very vague - I didn't want freaks searching me out!) and I included a track from our church. It was just like I was knocking on their door, inviting them to come visit our church, but the track also had the plan of salvation on it. I got permission from our pastor to use the church address as the return address just in case someone had a question, and wanted to contact someone. Anyway - that is my suggestion!

Sara Bell said...

YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!!!

Lucky said...

Did you ever think that this blog was your "radical"? To be an example to those of us who might take things for granted...to open our eyes to tolerance...to share the Word with your words...

What you do every day of your life is radical to me; that you share it is a gift from God.

Abbygail said...

Patrice I've been following your blog for since Jonas was about 2months old and I keep coming back because you are such a godly women and it shows thru your blog and I believe at this moment if you don't have a clear message from God to do something else. He is defenitly using you thru your life experiences and this blog.So don't think your not out there doing things in this world just cause you can't physically be there to do the mission work . God Bless and thank you for trusting God with your life and sharing it with us.
Chantal

Vicki said...

Incredible book!! I am lucky enough to hear him preach on Sunday nights.
You're an inspiration!!

K said...

There is ag reat need to advocate for orphans. Since you have high readership, if you put a picture and description and contact info of a couple of orphans on your blog once a week, they'd get exposure to potential families who may feel moved to adopt them or may know of a family looking to adopt. Some orphans are healthy but older, some have very minor special needs, like blindness in one eye, others have more severe needs, such as the little twin boy with EB who will die unless a family is found for him in the US. God commanded us in the bible to take care of the widows and orphans...

Gretchen said...

I know how you could start today with something great. There is a family in great need. Lots of people read your blog. You could use your blog to help them do god's work. They have stepped out to adopt Carson, orphan with EB. Karrie and Donnie (the parents) have 6 kids at home, some very young. Donnie was laid off recently (working now though). The need to raise up nearly $30,000.00 to save Carson's life. They are so excited and working so hard. They have lost family because they are answering God's calling on their lives for this little boy who will die without a family going to get him and bring him home. You can contact Karrie here:http://bringingcarsonhome.blogspot.com/

Advocating passionatley changes things, prayer changes things. This family, who are selfless, are selling the things they own to bring him home. Maybe orphan kids is not what you want to "work" on but for me, once I realized the radical need, I could not sleep anymore. The Cannell family is excited to bring Carson home but what floors me about them is that they focus on how excited they are to teach Carson about Jesus.