The funny thing is, I find myself feeling strangely unrelieved. I think it's because I know I'm not done talking here. We'll be revisiting these topics. You've been warned.
I am, however, busting to talk about different things, silly things, delicious things. I'm also excited to take a few nights off, and that starts pronto. I'll be lazing on the couch with CMB and Howard the housecat (People, we got a stinking cat. Anyone who's known me for long is now laughing hysterically.) My fingers shall not strike the keyboard tonight. Come to Mama, guacomole, Don Draper, and sweatpants.
Big, mad thanks to all of you for letting me think and process out loud and for talking with me like you were here in my living room.
You have encouraged me that there's hope for this planet and for my little neighborhood. You've been the very best company.
I'm more excited than ever to Go and then to just keep Going. We've been given much love, so we have much love to give.
As a token of my affection and a reminder of everything we know to be true, I'll be sending one lucky duck this Lisa Leonard necklace.
To enter, just leave me a comment telling me something you've learned, something on your heart, something funny or sad. I'm easy.
Edit: Just checked (Thurs. a.m.) and the necklace is still on sale!
Fierce love to you today, Party People. You make this ride so dang fun.
On my heart: Im resisting going in my own home. If that makes sense, I need to go more to the littles in my life. That's where Im called today.
ReplyDeleteTough, beautiful calling. X
DeleteShannan, thanks for this series. I find your posts so moving - I'm praying they help me to actually MOVE.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that locking myself away in our cozy house, and pretending that I'm doing the Lord's work simply by keeping things tidy and putting 3 squares on the table is hogwash. There is a great big and at the same time small world out there, filled with God's glory that we must point others towards...and that often means leaving our comfy couches. Thanks for keepin' it real FPFG
ReplyDeleteI am very new to your blog, but you have made me think that I need to start making more of a difference. I am thinking "how"? It will come to me. Thanks for a great read.
ReplyDeleteI learned that I don't need to be so afraid of the going with regard to my little person--public school in an underprivileged 'hood could very well be a calling on HIS life!
ReplyDeleteHmmm....learning seems to be a constant, doesn't it. I'm learning how to be humbled as I struggle with dealing with anxiety. It has been a very scary lesson at times but it brings me to my knees and to His feet faster than anything else has.
ReplyDeleteMindy
Um...you're seriously going to stop posting daily? Well, you'd better be giving us necklaces. I'll just have to link within, I suppose...
ReplyDeleteI learn so much here that I don't know where to start. Things that swirl around in my head and heart when it's quiet. I love it here.
Enjoy your guac & sweats, FPFG!
I've learned the depth of my love is truly limitless when I choose love instead of intolerance.
ReplyDeleteSo many lessons- thank you for the reminder that there are those out there that are in the thick of things, and the things that we do in our homes and churches to support those people in service is important - our part in the go ministry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words.
You've given me things to think about in the going. I will look forward to where you go next.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, my lesson about going seems to be all about staying right now. And for so many of the same reasons.
ReplyDeleteGoing isn't always HUGE. And the people we meet when we go? Life changing! (Like the two littles that are in my family now.)
ReplyDeleteHappy sweats, FPFG!
xoxo
I've learned recently (am still learning really) that I am too hard on myself, but I also let myself take the easy way too often. I'm still working out the correlation but I think it has to do with not giving myself enough credit - I AM capable of accomplishing hard things and when I do them I ought to celebrate myself. Hmm, putting this into words here really help solidify what I've been feeling.
ReplyDeleteI want to keep "going" and I love know there are others out there that are going too!
ReplyDeleteI'm learning to embrace that my "going" is to stay right here... to love my family, to try to show grace to those around me, to be a witness at my job. Not at all what I had envisioned for my life -- but maybe all those years ago when I committed to the mission field, God intended that my mission field was here. Loved your series!
ReplyDeleteThat was a good series. It really got me to thinking. I'm going to have to figure out a way to get out of this little cocoon of mine and done some good in this old world.
ReplyDeleteOn my heart is a huge possibility for our family and if it works out, how we will fund it. Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteSuch an awesome series!!! I'm sad to see it go, but I know that it's really just the beginning!!! I love how you've shared your bravery with us and have inspired each of us to find the "GO" in our own God calling way!! You have messed me up for sure - thank you <3 Enjoy your sweats and quacamole!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pretty giveaway! On my heart - being content... with myself, my family, my calling in this season. Have really enjoyed these 31 days...
ReplyDeleteI learned that we don't have to fear the unknown as much as we think we do. <3
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed your series. It's made me think a little differently and see others in a new way. And, hey, I'm also for going to the guac tonight, too. Enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteOn my heart is my own neighborhood. I live in a neighborhood like yours. Everywhere you turn, there's a person who needs help. Some days it seems like too great a task, but really, it's just one teeny-tiny thing at a time. Then it doesn't seem so big anymore.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the necklace. Something I've learned personally is that since visiting Ghana, West Africa last spring I can't hear African children singing, as in The Nesters post today, without my heart feeling like it's being pulled out of my chest. I want to make a difference here at home, and for them too.
ReplyDeleteOh, I need to begin to go. I'm praying that He will show me what that looks like. You've inspired me and touched my heart and helped push me out of my nest a little further!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so brave and caring so much about others! You get it!!!
I have loved your 31 series... I sense we are reading the same Book! Thanks for sharing your going with us... you have taught me much!
ReplyDelete~Heidi
I have smiled, nodded, cried (more than once), and possibly shrugged through the last 31 days with you, but I have joined. I think I first came to your blog to check out the mix of vintage and modern decor in your farmhouse btw... but then God uses even little ol' mommy blogs in powerful ways sometimes. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat series. Thanks for reminding us all that we have lots of love to give and that we just need to "do it."
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy for the victims of the storm.
Well, I loved your posted from yesterday because I was thinking about emailing you to ask what your thoughts were when you feel like people are taking advantage of the love you are giving or when you are having conflicts with them. I know I should continue to love, but man it's hard sometimes. When I'm in conflict I wonder is this really helping. I'm sure it is...but, it was nice to know I'm not the only duck.
ReplyDeleteI've been telling everyone about Open Table. What a concept! I hope and pray our church will be ready to embark in something like that soon. Like you said, I'm tired of band aids and giving fish away. I want to help teach people HOW to fish.
ReplyDeleteI learned about Open Table through your blog. i love this wrap around concept. Thank you for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteI've learned so many different things and had my heart tugged on so many different ways.Today though- I need prayer. My son is a recovering addict who has moved back to our hometown. He is not welcome here by the police and they have begun systematically messing with him, and with my husband and I. Do I believe in my son's absolute innocence- no, I've too much experience with this disease. Do I believe the police- no- again, too much experience. Please pray for me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus, not the storm that is beginning to brew.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I've been thinking - what happened to the girl (me) who wanted to sacrifice to meet others needs? The one who went to South Africa at 19 and considered going back to teach for a year? Well? She met a man, began a family and set about making their little lives comfy and cozy....But I KNOW I was made for more than this. At times during this series I have wanted to walk away and take a break from it. But, something keeps tugging at my heart and especially the last 2 posts. They came so appropriately timed with my own friend and her struggles. I've been tossing and turning looking for the help and hope she needs. On that note, it seems you actually got to hear in person about the vision of The Open Table? I am curious to know more, like how did they decide on 10-12 at the table? And what kind of experience do the people have that they bring to the "table"? Perhaps you are planning a post on that later. Anyway, thank you for being so brave and sharing your journey. We need leaders like you to pave the way for many more to follow!
ReplyDeleteI've been challenged to wave to my neighbors (who are all much different than I am) and to not be afraid to sometimes take the boys on a walk around the 'hood instead of driving to the nicer part of town to go to the park.
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading your 31 days. Thank you for sharing. I have always tried very hard to not judge how others live. However, I have never tried to actively volunter my time to help other people. Your stories made me look at why I hadn't. I have changed that. It needed to be changed too. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI learned I have to do more "going". Which, you'd think, with the ridiculous amounts of water I'm drinking that I'd be "going" plenty, but of course I mean a different type of "going"... If I win, you don't have to put that up at the top for the world to see... mkay.
ReplyDeleteJust applied for a job at our local highschool.......scared to DEATH if I get it - Go God! I'm also incredibly blessed to be a part of your journey - up close and personal. You are an inspiration to me as I attempt to jump - eyes closed - open them to the amazing blessings He's bound to reveal through it all! Your words are always right on time!
ReplyDeleteThat when our hearts are open to going, opportunities stack up fast and naturally and while life is messy, love is right there to be found in the middle of it. It has been so thought provoking, reading your story and challenges, thank you. X
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I believe that we will one day Go to China, but we are trying to Go where we are right now - to our neighbors, to the international college students he works with. An older, single neighbor guy joined us for dinner last night. Too bad I accidentally saw him naked through his bedroom window recently - made things a little awkward for me...
ReplyDeleteToday I ate a 50 cent Sonic corn dog. And you know what? It tasted good. ;)
ReplyDeletei'm learning to be content in where i am right now. i'm a mom to 2 littles and that's my calling right now.
ReplyDeleteI am learning that Love does win. That when Jesus said the greatest command is LOVE, he wasn't kidding and, surprise: He knows what he is talking about and it works! Thank you for letting God use your voice to confirm what he has already been speaking to my heart.
ReplyDeleteThrough working in social services with the financially impoverished population, I've learned that meeting people's immediate needs for food, clothing, etc., is a necessity, but I've learned that it doesn't create new lives and new life paths for the impoverished, or particularly for their children. You are so right, and I love this Open Table concept. Yes, people have basic needs, and we ARE our brothers' and sisters' keepers (another thing I've learned over the years...contrary to what I was taught growing up). BUT, to truly be helping our brothers and sisters in the long term, we have to partner with them, teach them, talk to them. It's not just about the food or the hand-me-downs--it's about helping to change a mind-set, a mind-set that is generationally passed down, and that those of us with "more" tend to be so frightened of. I love the openness you show with your blog!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm learning the best writing-- the writing that truly inspires-- comes from our places of God-wrestling, uncertainty, and fear. On that note, I've (so!) loved your 31 Days of Going series! Your thoughts always leave me challenged and still processing things even hours later. So, thanks for seeing to it that my American dreams weren't just fractured-- but properly exploded and shattered into a gazillion pieces...Thanks. a. lot. <3 ;0)
ReplyDeletegirl. what have I not learned? I faithfully followed along on your journey this month, and Edie's, and my friend, Jackie's. That's it. I've lost my mojo when it comes to reading blogs...but yours...oh my goodness...it drew me in and beckoned me to ponder how I can "Go" in my life.
ReplyDeleteI didn't start this journey to "going" in your series, but your series pushed me closer to the edge of that calling that we all have on our lives...GO...GO...GO.
I'll be blogging about it when I get my thoughts together.....
You've opened my heart with this series.....in places I never even knew it was closed! I'm find myself thinking about things you've written here, as I'm going about my day. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that God is huge. Our stories as we chase Him all look different. I have been challenged but also found grace for where I am at looking different than where others are at. And I started praying that I would get a chance to know the two little neighbor girls. It's beginning to happen.
ReplyDeleteYou give me lots to think about. lots to discuss with my husband. this is all good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI have learned that I need to open myself to where God wants me to "go" right now....as a busy working wife and mother.....this cannot wait until I have "time".
ReplyDeleteyou're in my morning 'routine' - wake up, grab some hot tea, sit down to read your blog & ponder the thoughts you bring up. much appreciated!
ReplyDelete-Helen
I've been wrestling with the concept of "going" for years...David Platt's "Radical" shook me to my core. I thought I knew where God was telling me to go, but I was wrong. I thought He was leading me in the same direction He has led you, but instead, He led us straight to China for our second special needs adoption and into a different neighborhood than I had imagined...nicer, if you will. But what I have been reminded of in your posts is to listen...listen to exactly where He is telling you to go for His glory and His good purposes. Thanks for the kick in the pants, I needed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these posts. Thought provoking. What is on my heart tonight is my sweet babies. I'm loving this age.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of "going"---we're GOING to Guatemala for 9 months! The whole family. It'll be epic. (It's good, fun, sad, and everything else, too.)
ReplyDeleteI've never been more ready to go. Next weekend we're going to New Jersey to serve meals to people cleaning up and cutting down trees from Frankenstorm. So excited for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI loved your series. I'm realizing more that if we feel we are suppose to GO and don't, we aren't only disobeying but we are missing blessings that He has waiting for us. So why is it so hard for me to GO?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your beautiful heart, friend!
xo
I've said it several times lately....I'm not looking for momentary fulfillment, but long lasting fulfilling moments. This has meant readjusting what I have (and have not) been doing to make that successful not just for myself, but for my "babies", family, friends, co-workers and those who will fall into those categories as soon as I meet them. :) Love ya girl! Mol
ReplyDeleteI've loved this series and I've been challenged to explore more within myself about how I can contribute. Loving the open table concept and hoping to raise that idea with my church and see if we can bring that to life up here.
ReplyDeleteI watched the kisses from Katie video and read her website, all because I found the link on your page. Same with a few other books that have me intrigued. So much good stuff. So thanks!
I would sit and actually feel sorry for myself. I wanted to go, go, go...to the countries and exotic places I dreamt of to adopt kiddos and hold babies and change the world. And, it wasn't coming to fruition. Life circumstances were in the way. And, I finally heard his still small voice whispering , "go. Go out your front door. Hearts await you.". Here I go, not far but taking a huge step. The place I need to go is right outside my safe space.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're not "done here" :) I love hearing what you have to say...keep it up!
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Angie
I'm working on "going" right here in my own life - in my classroom full of second graders and in that process I'm remembering why I chose to become a teacher too. Thank you for always inspiring - even in the day to day.
ReplyDeleteSomething on my heart? I'd love to meet you in person one day. I've learned much from you, friend. Now what will I do with it?
ReplyDeleteI've learned all about you. You are new on my reader.
ReplyDeleteThanks for opening your heart. One day I pray I will follow the Lord when he tells me to go somewhere too.
I'm learning that God wants to use me in ways I never, EVER imagined. Some of it's scary, some exciting, some I'm still waiting for Him to reveal - like pieces to a puzzle. I just need to be open. Ready. Willing. Sometimes, that's harder than it seems.
ReplyDeleteI love your writing. It makes me yearn for a new closeness with God every day.
tonight, while trick or treating, there was a neighbor (grown man) scaling the side of his roof, up and down, back and forth, in a Spiderman costume. he tossed the candy down the kids. hilarious yet kind of creepy. couldn't make this stuff up if you tried.
ReplyDelete(by the way, I was going for the "funny" there.)
DeleteHere's to "funny"..... My 3 1/2 year old daughter was THE HULK for Halloween :) ....and she ROCKED IT :)
ReplyDeleteI learned that I'm not alone in how I want to reflect Jesus. I'm not alone in doing family and ministry together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that.
"our used clothes show up but we never do". i can't stop thinking about your post yesterday shannan and want to know what this means for me-- what i should be doing, what i can give...wher ei need to be going. thanks so much for this series, i can truly say that you gave me so much to think about.
ReplyDeleteI have learned that there is more to a person than what meets the eye. Thank-you for raising a new compassion and passion in me for those different than myself.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much that can be done in our own neighborhood. We just have to GO out. I'll try harder.
ReplyDeleteLouise
l.horner@netzero.com
Has it really been 31 days already??!! : )
ReplyDeleteI'm certain this topic will be revisited . . . because isn't that what being a follower of Jesus is all about . . . going where he calls?
Thank you writing from your heart . . . even on the hard days when going didn't sound so enticing!
- Karen Boone
Shannan,
ReplyDeleteI'm upset that you are saying you won't be writing here everyday. If I win the necklace I will forgive you. And I love the way you challenge my thinking. And the way you go about your story writing. And I may wish I could call you and ask you a million questions. And I might have scared my husband with my yelp of exasperation when my email notice said you were following me on Twitter. Creepy, no? Keep on doin' what you're doin' girl.
Erin
God used you to encourage me mightily this month, shannan.
ReplyDeleteHE stirred in my heart a desire to go and REALLY go.
when you trust Him to lead, it's amazing the people that HE puts in your path.
amazing.
bring it on.
love you, girl.
I learned that I am a judger. I will thank you some day. BWAHAHA. kidding. I'll never thank you. FALSE. I have already changed my ways. Not perfect obviously, but I took a good look and didn't love what I saw. Especially when I hear my kids repeating my attitude through their mouths. In public. We are going. We really are.
ReplyDeleteYou have put things in perspective and challenged me to go. Thanks for sharing your heart!
ReplyDeleteYou have put things in perspective and challenged me to go. Thanks for sharing your heart!
ReplyDeleteLearning that it's ok to hurt with love - and that sacrificial love is the most truest of loves. :)
ReplyDeleteI am a new reader and have loved every single day. Take a little break, but come back soon. You give me so much food for thought and inspiration to action.
ReplyDeletePat S.
I've been a quite a funk for a few months now. I have decided today that I need to make changes and set goals. Today is a new day!
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired and encouraged me. You have such a beautiful heart and I love how you love people. Something I need to work on more. Look forward to more of your writings in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe above comment was mine not sure why it came as "unknown"
ReplyDeleteI have been challenged to consider what God might want to do. What more He might want from me. What details I have been glossing over.
ReplyDeleteI have read your stories and seen what a great and amazing God we have. A huge God- certainly huger than Hurricane Sandy and its devastation (said as I sit in a sixty degree kitchen lit by candlelight at 6am, with fingers crossed that AT&T won't wig out between now and when I hit the publish button...)
Um, AT&T didn't wig, but blogger did-
DeleteJust to finish- thank you, fpfg, for sharing yourself and your gift and influencing others for Jesus.
And thanks for sharing the giveaway and the link. I'm loving that wildflower necklace and have just the person to get it for
I am learning to go with all of those nudgings that sometimes are whispered in my ear... or whacked over my head. They usually make me a little uncomfortable or feeling awkward, but for whatever reason, God wants me to do it. I'm learning what it truly means to teach my kids about community as opposed to safe little islands, where we only worry about ourselves.
ReplyDeleteShannan, you always make me think. Your series has challenged me to think and come up with ways to challenge poverty. I loved the post about poverty needing more than our old jeans and the soup from the pantry that no one likes. I'm thinking of ways to make a difference in the community where I work. Change is needed.
ReplyDeleteI was truely inspired by your series. You are a very brave woman with a big heart.
ReplyDeleteI learned I need to find out more about The Open Table. And, that "Going" sometimes means staying where you are.
ReplyDeleteOh how I have loved these 31 days of Going with you and your open heart and wise words! And your words bring forth more wisdom from your readers, they too share things that render me speechless. I made notes of my favorite words (there were many to choose from) but this one by far rings through my head almost daily...it contains your words and those of reader.
ReplyDelete"I should know by now that Jesus is the King Supreme of backwards.
I should know that His faintest whisper sometimes brings the loudest change." FPFG
"He really does
do the most unexpected things
when we throw ourselves
across His path
okay
sometimes a lot of the time
i do less throwing
and more slow blind reluctant groping and hoping
that He'll redeem my clumsy effort
and
oh
how
He
does" Stuff and Nonsense
Thank you for sharing your gift in words!!
ps-close second was the pop up pancakes....yummmy!!
Where to begin? I loved so much of what you had to say this month. The Lord has me in a place where I'm the awkward outsider in groups that aren't my usual crowd. Thanks for the encouragement to keep going. And, somewhere along the way, I read your book list. Loving one of the books on your list.
ReplyDeleteYou make me realize that I do try to be giving and charitable, but that I really should try to do more.
ReplyDeleteI could never put into one measly comment how much I've been learning through you lately. I am an adoptive mom, a foster mom (fighting the scariest battle for these two precious darlings who've come to be a part of our family), and I work full-time at an inner city high school. To say that I've been ripped out of my comfort box this last year would be an understatement. You are one of the few people on the planet I can relate to, as I don't really have many friends that have fostered through the state or worked in an inner city environment -- even though you don't know me, you get me. And for that alone, I am forever grateful. Thanks for the encouragement, the transparency, the relatable posts admitting when things suck, the posts that are a good kick in the tail for me that I need to read -- all of it.
ReplyDeleteOn my heart? The fact that I've lived in this neighborhood almost 2 years and don't really haven't gotten to know my neighbors. I We say hello in the street, but that's all. It's time to go meet and get to know my neighbors.
ReplyDeleteThe comment about what the poor need and don't need is profound. What I have seen is some have such a "this is all there is" mentality and can't seem to get themselves out of it. They need those to come along side and support, encourage, help with kids and do exactly what you are doing. Right now I am feeling overwhelmed with stuff, which leaves no time for relationships. God has called me to make a change and I am in the process of following in obedience. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI never really understood what it meant to be "called" and my Christian faith was really convenient for me....I pulled it out when it worked. So sad. Well, too make a LONG story short, we've had a great revival in our home and marriage and now my family of two parents, and three little girls (6, 8 and 10) are traveling around our state singing bluegrass gospel in churches and at community events...totally about 60 events since February 2012. And we hadn't even played instruments (we all play now!) or sang at all three years ago. The Lord has shaken our lives to the core and continues to do so. It's become a ministry...not just sharing music. And now, we feel God shaking things even more...we have no idea where we'll be next year...I don't expect it to look like it does now....and we know we couldn't say no to His plans if we wanted to. :) You can check out our story at www.waltersfamilymusic.com Thank you for your transparency and sharing. I've really enjoyed this series...and all your posts!
ReplyDeleteI've been going, but now I am tired of going. Your posts have helped me find the Strength and motivation to keep going. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNow in the 11th month of waiting to bring our daughter home from S.Korea your posts have given me hope that my plan is not God's plan and God's plan is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVED your 31 days. Everyday I looked forward to your new post. It inspired me, changed my view. I was thinking of you yesterday as I found myself defending an unknown homeless girl to my co-workers when a month ago I would have agreed with them that she should "just get a job." I work in a poverty stricken, crime ridden neighborhood and homeless people are a part of everyday life here. I started "seeing" them and my heart is changing. God is doing something in me and it is scary, but I'm ready to go and follow him. Thanks for being a part of that!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
I'm learning more everyday that this is not about me.
ReplyDeleteHard lesson. Daily. Amen.
xxoo
I've been ruminating on this Going series of yours all the month long. It is good -- so good. I'm dang scared I'm going to ruminate and ruminate and ruminate and never act. God help me.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your words, friend.
Your posts and thoughts have certainly brought home to me how I have been judging others without even realizing it. Awareness is the first step. Taking action is the next step.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
jean
Now, more than ever, it's been on my heart to keep drawing nearer to God. It's seems I've drifted, and it's time to pull back in the reins. Or the ones "I'm" in control of. ;)
ReplyDeleteToday I am hurting & it helps a little to write it down & share.
ReplyDelete~Syvil
Syvilrott@zoominternet.net
I'm learning to lean into Jesus more than the church. I've grown up in the church and have always been super involved and I've realized, through disappointments, that church can actually be an idol if you allow that. The church is built of sinners and fallen people...and there will be hurts and disappointments. If I lean into Jesus instead, I can learn through those hard times and not completely crumble because of them. Church is a great thing, and we should love the church because we are His bride, but Jesus is the only one who will never fail me.
ReplyDelete-Rachel
I am a foster mama and I thought my "going" was for the little girl we are fostering, but the past few weeks, God has been laying her mom on my heart. Reading about your friend who is nothing like you is making me wonder what this might look like. I really don't want to make room for her in my life, but I also know better than to pull a Jonah! Thanks for this series!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your heart. I started following your blog during your last 31 Days of... I feel like we've been friends ever since!
ReplyDeleteI loved 31 Days In Shannan's Head. So often I find you crystallize stuff that's just floating in my brain with no real mooring. Then you write and it sort of falls into place. I am especially thankful for The Ragamuffin Gospel Mind: Blown. It's changing how I think , how I teach. That alone would have made the 31 days worth it, but of course I got so much more.
ReplyDeleteI've found your blog during this series and am hooked. Thanks for sharing your journey and faith and for challenging me to live outside my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteI've learned what it truly means to "put yourself out there..." to be Christ's hands and feet. Thank you for your beautiful posts...I'm hooked:)
ReplyDelete-Abbie Swartzentruber
I am happy to say that I have mulled over your story of "her" and how when you spoke truth and corrected "her" it's still judgment in "her" eyes and all she really needs is to be loved, straight-up love! That story of "her" set me straight and I thank you for your straight talks to me daily for the last 31 days. I luv ya and pick me for the winner winner chicken dinner!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
heather p
I am looking at people through different eyes. No more with superiority, but looking at their pain. Thanks for the lessons! Jodi
ReplyDeleteI haven't been commenting around much this month (writing for 31 days will do that to a girl...), but I have SO enjoyed "going" with you this month. A handful of posts I even saved to process further when this month of writing was over (my brain just gets full sometimes, you know?).
ReplyDeleteAs I've been processing lately what going means in my own life, your series has left me convicted and uncomfortable in the best of ways, and encouraged to just. keep. going. Eyes fixed on Christ. Following His example.
Your posts are so inspiring to me. They help me to look more deeply into my own heart.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are so inspiring to me. They help me to look more deeply into my own heart.
ReplyDeleteSomething sad-
ReplyDeleteJust got back from my 3rd trip to Haiti (I'm a RN with a Christian relief organization). Such poverty- such sick kids. Such violence against women and girls. On the flip side- such generosity from the Haitians caring for each other, even in their poverty. I love Haiti so much.
Thanks for the chance to win the gorgeous necklace.
Kelly
sitesx6@aol.com
Great series. I especially liked the post about "her" and how you try not to judge then you find yourself naming it something different and how she teaches you so much. Perspective is so much! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete-WEndy
God definitely did so many things in my heart in the last month. He's cleaning up the mess. The mess I made. And He's using the little things in my daily life to do that. That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteThere's just so much to do, and there is no one else to do it. We all have to pitch in together.
ReplyDeleteShannan, I loved reading your posts every day. I am a missionary in southern Brazil and I could identify with everything you said. It's true that we can be a missionary wherever we are. Going is our attitude as much or more than our location. Thanks for being willing to GO! Cheering for your family!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts. I love hearing how those who you may have shunned in the past are your present conduit to love. Bless you as you bless others!!
ReplyDeleteTeri Selbher
Selbher@gmail.com
Love the "true love wins" necklace, because it reminds me, like many of your posts have, that the One True Love has already won it all. Even, and especially, when we feel like we aren't making a dent in those hard places, we can know with confidence that Jesus already won it all on the cross. This past March, we lost our fourth child, Mary Amanda, to Trisomy 13 only two hours after she was born. But through that terrible trial, I have become absolutely convinced that His love has triumphed. He has defeated death and won our souls. He is victor. Thanks for reminding us of that through your posts.
ReplyDeleteCarried by His grace,
Amanda
Meant to include our blog address, it's www.staggfamily.wordpress.com. Would love for you to read a little bit about our journey with mary when you have "spare time" (bahaha). :)
Deletefor some reason, that flat store-brand soda line stuck with me. I hate that it is soooooo much cheaper to eat junk food than fresh, nutritious food.
ReplyDeleteas believers, we can't stay clumped together and not make a difference in the world...we need to rub shoulders with others who need Him every bit as much as we do...
ReplyDeleteI've learned that I have a lot to learn. Yes. So much to learn.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the 31 days theme. I learned to take each day as it comes and not to become overwhelmed with the big picture.
ReplyDeleteLearning the more I "learn", the more confused I get and the more I have to trust Him. Its difficult...
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you just one thing I've learned...I've learned so much.
ReplyDeleteHere's my best shot.
Going is trusting. And loving. And sometimes hurting.
But necessary.
I have learned that we need to be doing the work of the Lord, everyday and everywhere. Our field is right where we are planted..and where the Lord is leading and directing us.
ReplyDeletemaggiecolorado@gmail.com
I've learned that it's ok to be scared and do it any way.
ReplyDeleteYou're telling me you have a cat that lives in your house?
ReplyDeleteLOL!
xo
TT
I've just been re-reading your Going posts and marveling at how you put into words so many of the things I've been wondering about lately - how to be Jesus to the people God brings across our paths everyday. So often I am absorbed in 'being' and it drains my heart for 'going' into all the world to preach and teach and be the gospel. Thank you for sharing your heart and awakening mine.
ReplyDeleteEvery one of your 31 posts was an inspiration. Thank you! I liked what you said about going not being passive- it's not just an openess to whatever(whomever) God drops in our lap. We need to be seeking also and ready to do it in spite if what the world (and maybe other Christians) tell us is logical
ReplyDeleteI've learned that the more I read your blog, the better a person I want to be. I hope you don't take this the wrong way but you make me want to live with less. Because we all could live with less. Most of all, reading your words really makes me think deeply about what is really important. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog...came upon it at just the right time. Something I've learned over the last few months of reading: I need to Go...and I don't mean pee;). Thanks for your awesome words!
ReplyDeleteI think what struck me most was that you don't have to go far to go...you just need to go. Great topic and your words resonate true as always.
ReplyDeleteLove reading your blog daily. Today I am feeling anxious as we have a quarterfinal football game tonight and it is my baby's senior year of high school. Praying we go out and play our best and noone gets injured. I pray for that before every game! And I love Lisa Leonard's jewelry and have bought a few pieces.
ReplyDeleteI'm going with something funny. Cause it's Friday.
ReplyDeleteMy girl came up to me the other day as I was sitting at the table making a list (I love me a good list) and goes:
"Mom. I love you more than toilet paper. And that's a lot. Cause toilet paper is important. It keeps your butt clean."
And walked away.
No joke.
Anyway. Thanks for the chance to win!
The biggest reminder from FPFG to me this series: Love wins. Two simple words but by going and showing they are mountain movers...
ReplyDeletetoo much to convey in 140 characters, but an inspiration from someone who was unable to have children and misses the love that was lost. thanks for seeing me through the sadness.
ReplyDeleteOn my heart...God has me in a season of learning about His GRACE! And how it's not based on anything I do! Just me...covered by the blood of Jesus...that's enough!
ReplyDeleteOn my heart is adoption and what God is calling our family too right now- trying to understand (ok not possible) the foster care system and praying His shows us teh way!
ReplyDeleteon my heart is my daughter's recent diagnosis with Epilepsy. I know that God knows I have the strength to handle it. I just haven't quite found it yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win.
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ReplyDelete