Here were some hot parts....(written by Esther Freud)...
For many of us, our lives are littered with regrets over unfulfilled ambitions. We wish we’d played in a band. Driven across America. Made a million. Sailed the world. For every person that takes action and does whatever it is they want to do, there are many more of us that keep on dreaming - while doing nothing. So what is it that stops us reaching out and seizing hold of our ambitions? Fear usually. And the little voice in our head that says we may not be any good. We may not even like it. It’s easier not to try.
And that, I realized, was the key. The ‘sticking to it’ part. Talent only accounts for a fraction of the process - discipline is what brings things to life.
It’s what people DON’T do that they regret, rarely what they did.
So what is it that sets some people free to follow their most closely held desires, while other baulk at taking the first step? Confidence, inspiration, the faith of others? ..... however hard it feels to step outside your comfort zone, there is always a wonderful satisfaction that comes from doing something you have set your heart on.
It’s not always about succeeding, winning, being the best. Often these things are worth doing just for the pure pleasure of doing them And because you promised yourself you would.
So drive across America it that’s what you really want to do. Learn Italian. Direct a short film. But whatever you choose, and however long you stick at it, remember that the biggest challenge of all is to ignore that doubting voice that tells you that you can’t - and to enjoy the adventure.
I’ve heard it time and time and time and time and time again... “O if I were young again, I’d do the missionary thing like you” or “I know I’m called, so one day... after I get settled down” or “I’m gonna come!” and then nothing ever happens. These kinds of phrases and promises break my heart. First of all people, WE’VE ALL BEEN CALLED! Didn’t Jesus already say “GO into ALL the world! Make disciples in ALL nations, BAPTIZE.. TEACH... I am with you ALWAYS!” (Matthew 28:18-20) So don’t sit and wait for your “calling” my friend. If you’re a believer and lover of Jesus Christ, then you’re qualified... no you’re commanded. This verse is the great commandment!
Understand, I’m not enforcing the idea that everyone move out to a third world country and live in a tent(although you’re more than welcome to join me!). I am saying that all those phrases and good ideas about what you’ll do in the Kingdom are just lame without action. Christianity is a physical thing - otherwise you just become a fat, useless spiritual person with no fruit! I’m not even being radical right now, but Jesus was when He said “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to our life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39
When Jesus said to His disciples, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men”... they dropped their nets. They didn’t run home to pack. They didn’t even try to sell their boats and supplies to make some spending money for the road. They followed.
And think about David... Paul... Peter... Timothy... they weren’t seasonal Christians. They didn’t just fight the good fight when they were young - are you kidding me?? They were lifers!
Here’s the fact. This God Adventurer blog is never going to change. It’s not a phase to experience in my 20‘s. When I’m 79 years old, I’ll still be preaching to the unreached with my Samuel. And if you’re in your teens, 20’s, 50’s, 70’s or beyond... what difference does that even make? Do what you’ve dreamed in your heart to do. LIVE. Take an adventure with Holy Spirit. WHY NOT???
If people in the secular fashion world are realizing this, we should too! May I paraphrase her last statement the way I read it please....
So fly across the world if that's what Holy Spirit wants you to do. Learn Arabic, Afrikaans, Chinese AND Swahili. Pray for the sick and hurting. Prepare and preach a festival. Sit in the dirt with the homeless in Africa AND in your own city. Remember that the biggest challenge of all is to ignore that doubting voice - whether your own or the devil's - that tells you that you can't. And enjoy the adventure!
“People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly… in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness and honest love; when we’re telling the truth and when God’s showing His power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised and when we’re blamed; slandered and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives but refusing to die; immersed in tears yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.”
-2 Corinthians 6:4-10, Message Bible
“Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything.”
-Philippians 4:11-13, Message Bible
Our apartment is continuing to come together candle-by-candle, mug-by-mug. We got a few paintings the other day... Africa in the big room, flowers in the kitchen and NYC in the bedroom. Yes, we surely are a blend of cultures in the Strandberg family! Loving our big blue couch from "Second Chance" and the smell of paint is starting to go away finally(I've repainted a dresser and bookshelf!) In a few weeks we'll get a real bed too :)
