I read a book and look what happened...

I recently read a great book, Fields of the Fatherless. It is written by Tom Davis. Check it out....

Over the last 18-24 months, I have had an inner feeling that there is something more to daily life than what I am chasing. God, family, work and life all seem like compartments, but what does God really want? That is a dangerous question....

My first trip to Nicaragua in 2008 opened my eyes to the another world that exists outside my comfort zone. I can say for certain that it changed my life, but I cannot say that it instantly changed my life. It has been a developing process, and we have been encouraged by a great group of friends that are on the same road.

Francis Chan's book Crazy Love also impacted me in a number of ways. Real faith lived out in real life does not look like me in a sweater vest on Sunday mornings. (Shut up - I like sweater vests, Ok?) Real love gets messy and touches people that need me.

Here is what I do know tonight - living out my life in comfort is easy. Pursuing what God requests is way different, but it is more fulfilling than living for myself and with myself. (Funny sidenote: God does not hide what he wants. Isiah 58 and the parable of the Good Samaritan are starters. You will not find more straight-forward language to give direction.)

Heather and I have made commitments to reach orphans in Ethiopia. We have committed our money and time. (I will be going in March to help set-up a ministry to kids, and Heather will be going this summer to teach.) I cannot help but think this is the beginning of something really fun, but I also know that there will be some bumps and heartaches along the way.

There are a number of people in this world that are doing enormous things for God. They have names like Katie, Johnny/Kate Brooks, Guillermo and Darren to name a few. They sell their houses, take their kids to crazy places and do things that people write about in books. They cash out on the American dream and check into the "I know the plans I have for you" places.

At 11:19 on Feb 16, I am not one of those people. But, I do want to rub shoulders with them at some point. I do want to know there names and understand their hearts. If I do, I think it will get me closer to where God can use me (and my sweaters) in a real way.