An Amazing Day

This past Sunday- August 11th, 2008- was an amazing day. I got to see my dear friend, Shaya Kahali, get baptized. It was a bit surreal. I have been praying that Shaya would come to have a personal relationship with God since we were in high school. Shaya shared with the entire Crossroads service that she knows God has been pursuing her for all of these years, she believes that Jesus Christ died for her sins, and that she wants to have a relationship with God from now through eternity. While Shaya was sharing, I had one of those smiles that made my mouth feel like it was going to rip. Simultaneously, I had tears welling in my eyes and thought I was going to start bawling hysterically with overwhelming joy a few times.

When I got home after the baptisms on Sunday, I resurrected some of my old journals and found prayers for Shaya's life dating back to my early college days. God is truly incredible. He answers prayer. He uses the most unlikely situations and times to remind us of His faithfulness. After more than 10 years for praying for Shaya, I have seen God do awesome things in her life. Sunday was an amazing day-- one of the best days of my life.

Revolutionary Parenting

We just ordered a new book that I just can't wait to read... "Revolutionary Parenting". I heard the author of this book, George Barna, on the radio yesterday and believe that this book will be a great help and encouragement to me as a parent. Jackson, too. When Belle (and any other little Perdues that become a part of our family) grows up, I want her to be a spiritual champion. I long for her to love Christ and give her entire life to him. George said something profound that will stick with me. He said, "Before anything, we as parents need to love our kids into the presence of God". As it should be, I am reminded that it doesn't matter how much academic content Belle knows (let me tell you, it's already a lot at a mere 22 months- she knows concepts such as 'almost', 'backwards', and 'careful'!), how talented she is (the girl has rhythm and athleticism already), or what she does (I've already envisioned Belle being a leader among leaders)... She needs Christ.

Carpe Diem!

I love God. I want to know Him more, spend more time with Him, and live a life where people want to know God because they know me. I say that He's 'number one' in my life, but when it comes to spending time with Him every day, it doesn't happen. Sure, I talk to God throughout the day, but that discipline of reading often slips through my day planner and onto "tomorrow".... Here's a quote that I LOVE and want to remember every day.

O, begin! Fix some part of every day for private exercises... Whether you like it or no, read and pray daily. It is your life; there is no other way: else you will be a trifler all your days... Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow. Do not starve yourself any longer.

- John Wesley