So its been a while since I blogged, but I wanted to share with you a challenge we've all undertaken at our church.  Its called the Compassion Challenge and its based on the fact that the majority of the world does not live as we do--which is particurally wealthy (though it doesn't always seem that way to us!).  In fact, most of the world subsists on less that $2 a day.  So the challenge is to limit our consumption for sure...of soda, bottled water, eating out, etc.  We've been doing that AND...for five consecutive days, eating a typical diet in underdeveloped parts of the world.  Joshua and I have been eating plain oatmeal (which I've given up on...I just can't stomach it anymore!!), and then a tortilla with rice and beans each day.  I won't lie...Chipotle rice and beans is yummy!!!  But after 4 days of that being your only meal...oiy.  But we were talking just last night about how hard this was getting--and realizing that even though we feel like we're struggling to just get by...we are incredibly blessed in the fact that there is fresh, cold water in our refridgerator, food in the cabinets, and special times that we DO go out and eat.  We have technology, cars, gasoline, and an incredible ability to go and do what and when we please.  We are constantly entertained. 

And yet...because of all of that...how often do we take the time to think about others?  How often do we spend time with the Lord when so many other things demand our time and attention?  I was reading in Romans 1:25...and I had to read it over and over...because it was really pulling on me...it says, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised.  Amen."  The verse really convicted me (not in context, because they're talking about sexual impurity...) because how many times have I worried about tomorrow?  I have exchanged the truth of God...which says that we don't need to worry about tomorrow because He will ALWAYS provide and care for us...for a lie that says we need to look out for ourselves?  Or how many times have I worshipped/served the world instead of the One who created it...and the ones in it??  Throughout this Compassion Challenge...God has not only renewed my heart for the world...but He has renewed a right spirit within ME.  We don't live as slaves to the world...but to the one Creator God who loves us implicitly. 

I hope that encourages or speaks to you in some way...because it has impacted me greatly.  It is my prayer that we all continue to cling to the truth of God that brings us freedom and life. 

And one request...pray for us, friends.  We are in the midst of making a big decision that will impact our family for years to come.  Its a good, God decision, but pray that we will obey God's timing.  We love you!!!

Well...Caleb's 3rd birthday is quickly approaching.  In fact, it is this Thursday...and it still blows my mind.  They grow up so fast (sorry its so cliche...have a kid...you'll get it!!!). 

Since Joshua's working the rest of this week...we did Caleb's birthday dinner tonight.  And, it just so happened, that Aunt Sarah and Uncle Matty's (Caleb's godparents...and my bestest friends!!!) package came in the mail.  So, we buckled and let him open it.    He got a pair of Cars pj's...which instantly turned him into a race car that zipped through the living room...and a Hillsongs Kids DVD...which instantly turned him into a worshipping race car that zipped AND danced through the living room.  HA!  Enjoy...and we love you Aunt Sarah and Uncle Matty!!! 

*his new birthday pj's...

*dancing to Hillsongs Kids....

*FINALLY standing still...

*AND...our new puppy, Vader  (that's right...Vader...as in Darth Vader)