And this has really made me think...

As I sit in my little world here in the United States, I feel completely ignorant about so many things in different Countries. My knowledge of other countries is minimal and if I had to tell you where some of the countries are located on the globe, I would fail miserably. To be a contestant on Jeopardy or any other game show that required me knowing a thing or two about geography would be my worst nightmare. Soon I will be enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean and soon my Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law will be on a plane once again to a foreign country where they will share the good news of Jesus Christ. And this has really made me think.

Since I have known Jeremy's sister, Christine (Chrissy) and her husband Jon-Michael I have watched them chase after God in the most incredible ways. Quite often it has made me uncomfortable because I have never understood what it was they were trying to accomplish. They have given away cars, sold their home, quit jobs and done things that I have wondered if they were crazy or not. Each time they have done something radical in my eyes, something happens even more radical. God provides. A car has been given to them, semesters of Seminary have been paid for and rent has always been paid. Their radical faith has produced radical blessings. And this has really made me think.

A few weeks ago my Mother-in-law was baptized. It was an incredible sight to see! As the pastor raised her up from the water, she came out with a hand in the air like she was cheering. Instantly tears began to roll down my face as I thought about the life she has lived and the pain she has endured. I quickly looked over and Jeremy and his sister to see their faces. Both of them were crying. Those two have prayed for their Mom for a long time and now she is surpassing us all with her pursuit for Christ. Looking at Chrissy made me realize all the praying that she has done not only for her Mom but for her brother, my husband. She prayed for years for Jeremy to be saved and about a year before I met him, he accepted Christ. Chrissy kept after him, begging him to come to church with her and finally He did. Praise God! If it wasn't for her and her longing to see her brother saved, I don't think I would have ever met Jeremy. Her prayers changed his life as well as mine. And this has really made me think.

When Jeremy and I went to that service at their church to see His mom baptized I looked over and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law a lot. Most of the time they were holding my kids and trying to pay attention to the Pastor at the same time. But that night I saw a passion in their eyes that I so craved. After the service we asked if they wanted to go out to dinner with us. "Well, I think we are going to stay for prayer. This is the best part of the service." While my stomach was growling and anxious for food, they were anxious for more of God. And this has really made me think.

I don't know very many people like this. Often I meet Christians that comfort me. They don't comfort me as far as spiritually but comfort me in my lifestyle. Most of them watch the same shows I watch, listen to the same music I listen to and struggle with the same sin over and over again. But what change are they bringing to my life? And this has really made me think.

As I looked at the pictures above from a trip that Chrissy and Jon-Michael have just come back from, I think about their life and what God has called them to do. The pictures from their trip in Belize brought tears to my eyes. These two people are pursuing their dream and chasing after the hem of HIS garment. Along the way, as they live their life, people are being saved. It may be a family member or a family from a different country. Their everyday life is evangelism and I can't say the same for myself. And this has really made me think.