Possessions!

Month 3 of the book 7 - Possessions!  Hmmmmm

A group of serious but absolutely FUN girls meet every week and we pray, laugh, and learn the Bible together.

 7 has really opened up some communication like no other study (for me anyway).  We just completed the month CLOTHING.  The challenge was to take an inventory of our closets. I think when we shared our numbers, we were all a little embarrassed. The justifications were hillarious "hey I've been the same size for 15 years". "I included sweaters and jackets". "I only like 10 things". 😂. One of our girls is 18 and she alone only wore 7 articles of clothing for a week. Amazing!   I'm just saying this is a blast while eye opening. Had school been taught this way. . .not only would I have excelled but I also would have loved learning. 

Here we come month 3.  Hello possessions!  Take the challenge if you dare. Are you ready...

Give something away for 7 days. The item you give away has to be something you own. Pray about who you will give this possession to. Pray for the person who will receive it and then give it away. So one item a day for 7 days!  Please share photos or stories.  

This is a fun read and the challenges are fun but hoping and praying some compassion is stirring- the kind of compassion Jesus has❤️  

Hey... Nice shirt. Shut up

Page 67

 "I want to belong to a Christian community known for a different kind of beauty, the kind that heals and inspires. I can't help but remember how God made sure to mention He was plain and simple by human standards." 

Is 53:2-3

There was nothing physically attractive about Jesus. He wasn't rich or notorious, well-dressed or handsome. At first glimpse Jesus was forgettable, neither standing out for beauty or charisma.  Maybe this is why the widow and marginalized and sick and outcast flocked to Him. He was approachable in every way

Nuff blogged

Clothing baby!

Ok .... This is definitely my issue: status quo or being super cute or an all out change of style requiring all new clothing!  If I get a new hair cut, I go drastic which requires new -and I mean ALL NEW -earrings, lipstick color and clothes.

Here we begin month 2 in the book 7 by Jen Hatmaker. You ready?  

I have to be excited because page 48 had my immature sense of humor thrilled. I read it over and over and never did it become one drop less funny.  When I read it outloud, the listener doesn't laugh which is clearly evidence you had to have been there - or in this case. In the book.

But I want you to try 2 things before you start reading:

1. Pray for what God wants you to learn

2. read Mark 6:21-30

 Ok 3 things..

3.  I want you to go in your closet and count how many pairs of shoes, shirts, pants and purses you own. Take the inventory and let me know what you think about this- please :). 

I'm so anxious to hear from you. Are you attempting 7 items of clothing for a week?  There are other ways to try this. For instance, take a plastic grocery bag and fill it up. That's what you wear for a week. 

Whatever you do, stay on focus. This isn't about cleaning out and simplifying nearly as much as it is to relate to those so much less fortunate. Let's try to avoid ever again comparing our value against someone who has more which only suggests we don't have enough.  We have enough sister.  We have enough to share :)

It is getting harder and harder to sit on my hands.  I feel so overwhelmed by the needs:
-the homeless
-the fatherless
-the underpaid
-the sick
-the unwanted
-the hungry
-the cold
Reality is to make a difference, we need God, People, Money.  If we have those things, we are ready to go in and defend the weak, needy, hungry and lonely.  I personally think,  above all else, the one who is unwanted must be in greatest need.  It's not fun being the one some are very embarrassed to admit they know - yuck.  But then the hungry hits me in the heart.  Cannot imagine being so hungry that to get through the day, my mom serves me a hot tea to quiet my hunger pains. 

Yesterday, I had a blast.  I went into the State women's prison with a mission group called Pro-Claim.    The first friend I made had come to serve alone - FROM MISSISSIPPI.  I told her she should get a present for the furthest person to travel.  I was floored by this. 

  We were both alone and I grabbed on to her.  I told the woman doing all the registration, "put me with HER" (my new friend).    I just saw a picture on social media of all counselors being told the rules before we go in the prison.  All faces are forward and listening to instruction while my own face is turned toward my new friend.  She shared with me how she had once been incarcerated.  I asked about 100 questions.  I was talking to a work of God.  It was so amazing.  She and I laughed and talked with tear filled eyes over what we were experiencing.  I was so comfortable being me that I ended up sort of teasing my new friend because she would get so emotional over every beautiful, glorious moment.  I spent 12 hours basically with my new friend. 

We went into the prison and met countless guards and inmates.  It is hard to explain, but we all "meshed".  There is something about having no purse, cell phone, earrings or anything that makes a statement of what class we are in. The guards treated us very kind and while following all rules, still made us feel like we count.  I never felt like anyone thought we looked foolish.   We were all women, mamas, daughters, with hearts that ache over our guilt and shame. 

I shared tears with a woman who has a 4th grade education.  I shared tears with someone in constant agony over her past with demonic issues.  I listened.  I didn't approach anyone without simply getting to know them.  When we stop fake altogether and just look into someone's eyes and listen - we stop judging real quick.  We start learning.  We begin to see why Christ wanted us to care. 

It didn't take long for God to put a finale - God sized - on my day.  One of my new friends was a counselor too.  She and her grandmother came together.  They are from the Austin area and we simply connected.  In fact, I will be in touch and want her grandma to be my own.  You know how it goes, all a trip- a really special trip.  I told this new friend how Jen Hatmaker is inspiring me more than anyone I think ever has.  This girl sort of freaked out in awe and said, "It's no coincidence you and I just met - I do her daughter's hair"

I'm trying to wait at least 24 hours before I email my new friends.  I made it clear they are stuck with me.  They are. 

On to the book....7, Jen Hatmaker  reminds us of what Christ taught:

The least shall be the greatest.
Blessed are the meek
Humble yourself like a child.
Sell all your things and give to the poor.
Don't gain the world only to forfeit your soul.

I want to simply say that today, very few - (I even mean some in the church) will actuallysupport living as Christ taught us.  Several comments will hurt, to be honest as you share your commitments to take on issues of injustice - especially if it means literally taking on - not just writing a check.

I cannot think of a better ending to my attempt at a blog, book club, and weekend than to quote what Christ said was living the life of a true follower than this:

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me"

Day 2

Plans and specs of a sandwich.... Interesting and mouth watering!! :)

Several things the author says on pages 23 (immunity to sermons), page 24 (the study of God's word has a goal) - just to name a couple, would not be easy to publish. I think some resentment might be expected or some good ole fashioned words like blasphemy might happen. But the whole truth is.... IT IS TRUE.  

I watched a live58 movie online and my overall eye opener is --Jesus Christ, The son of God, came to this earth poor. He loved and lived among the sin sick, diseased, cast out, poor, demon possessed and so on. He had so many warnings for us regarding money.

I challenge you to go deeper and read Matthew 19:16-22.  Find out how a man who was doing so well with the rules  and even asked what more he could do, received a puzzling response from Jesus (vs 21)

Share thoughts and let's roll on to page 31 tomorrow. If anyone wants to take the lead tomorrow then jump in and take it!

Day 1

Love page 16 conversation with coffee!  I soooooo get that!

This was just a start but I already love that she learned flavor is simple and no sauce needed!  

The email from her husband is hilarious!  

Thoughts?

Here is a text sent to me today based on the fast Kim outlined for our group-

"Instead of beans, can sweet potatoes be 1 of my foods lol I just really want some sweet potatoes"

:)

See you tomorrow... Read page 17-25 and let's do this!  7 baby!

INTRO

We should all be "intro complete" tonight. This takes us to page 11.

  I love the way the entire idea of 7 was birthed. I can hear such humility and a desire to simply repent in this fast and experiment.  I bet no one (counsel) had a clue this would be so inspiring. I thank God I ever found out about this because it began to educate me on things that I literally feel sick over because truth is..."things" have  had me -BIG TIME.

So what grabbed you?  Do you feel like you want to tackle each month in your own experiment?  Are you in a group reading this together or are WE the group?  Love it if this is a place you feel welcome and included because you so are.  My prayers for you will not stop as we do this together. 

I think my favorite part of this introduction into the  book, is the eye opening realization of what is the world's avg income. Who am I comparing my stuff to in order to decide who is wealthy or what I should have to be in style?  YUCK.

 Am I an excessive person?  I can say in lots of areas my parents raised a very simple girl. I have zero clue of the brands others see significance in. I'm not at all ashamed to have no make up on and most often I wear a non fitted t shirt and flip flops. I'm extremely loud and have a very immature sense of humor. But truth be told- I have faith that is based on the good things God has given me. If a tornado were blowing through my house - I have no idea how I would respond. I have excess beyond excess. I trust in the American way and that means THINGS and STUFF make a man. Ewe. 

But... I am learning. I am learning that I should not blog because I don't check my spelling and could care less if sentence structure exposes my former grades.

 I went to foster training last weekend because I'm learning I am so wanting to welcome a child while helping parents regroup and get ministered to so they can all be together.

 I ate Kale salad which should have gagged me but it didn't.  Don't know why I said that but feel super proud I did something so veggie. 

  I have women over every Tuesday evening and although I want it warm and cozy - I no longer freak that the throw pillows are not positioned just so. I want my girls there sharing our love for Jesus not my idea of clean.   I want friendships and relationships and crying and laughter and real.

Let me know your thoughts. This is no group at all if I'm the only member. :)

a TRUE fast

First of all let me say I'm on my cell phone- so give extreme typos grace LOL.

Ok - just got off the phone with a precious girl given grace (and let me tell you - this girl I'm talking about GIVES grace and I love that so much about her).  Any who- she was at Lifeway buying her book!!  YAY!  She suggested a weekly conference call. I love that. If anyone wants to do that I think its great. 

Be the leader. All a leader does is say "BRING IT ON", so don't fear that. Its just the one who insists it happen. That's it!  A "facilitator"  is a better word for a leader in this setting. So don't shrink back and assume you aren't good enough. Believe me YOU have what it takes and YOU are by no accident or coincidence in this. Can you imagine if Paul said "well I have just messed up too big to be used"?  Um can I just assure you he messed up big time and was murdered for absolutely surrendering his life to Christ!  Sorry peeps -  Our messes and failures and sin have us humble and relatable and spill out grace to others.   Let's face it - those who need grace are some of the sweetest encouragers we know.  Those of us who need extra grace know to give it in extra doses!

Drum roll.. Or jaws music.. 

TODAY you need your book. 

Read the intro through page 10.

Go to you tube and get to know Jen Hatmaker. Several videos of 7 interviews and precious videos of her adopting 2 children. 

Kim will be telling us her rules for a 7 day fast soon. This will be the first week which is food excess. Kim has a reason behind the choices she made so we can identify with 3rd world countries and poverty. 

You and your group can modify and do how you wish but please let us know how you are doing.  Laughter is definitely a must. Funny rocks period. I've learned we can inspire to the bone while laughing!  

I'm so excited to see where God takes you in your journey. I will be praying continuously for a cause to become yours to make a change.  James 1:27-28 and Isaiah 58 are OUR mission. One thing is certain - we are the wealthiest, most educated, and most resourced women in the world. Now may our hearts break for what breaks the Lord's heart so we can use these resources for eternity!  YOU are the one needed-

See you tomorrow right here!

Toodles!