Stepping out in faith

If God called, would you hear him? If he asked you to do something radical, would you do it?
Two years ago, I wrote a book called "Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life." Since then, God has challenged me to listen to my life, for the purpose of knowing him better. I'm always inspired when I hear about other people who are listening to God, and following his calling.

I received an e-mail this week from Esther Hall, an acquaintance from Willow Creek. I say acquaintance because I know who she is, we have mutual friends, we've bumped into each other via various ministries at Willow over the last two decades. Although I don't know her very well, I've always admired her.

Esther has been serving God through a ministry called PathFinders International for many years. But now, God is calling her to do something radical. she's getting ready to move to Africa!
You can read more about it on her blog, which is at http://www.hadassahscall.blogspot.com/
She has moved out of her apartment, is getting rid of her stuff, and getting ready to go. She's had to simplify her life (another of my favorite themes), paring her stuff down enough that it will fit in a few suitcases. That in itself is a spiritual exercise--to let go of our stuff so that we are free to follow God.
God may not call you to go to Africa, but I do think he calls each of us to serve him somewhere--in our neighborhood, our church, our workplace. And he calls us to live simply.
I know just walking through Target yesterday, I was so tempted by all the holiday stuff. I don't need any of it. In fact, I think accumulating stuff will only weigh me down, keep me from hearing God. And I think God has been saying, rather than wasting money buying more holiday junk, what if you were to use those resources to support Esther? Or feed people who are hungry and live right in my neighborhood? I hope that you'll join me on the adventure of giving this holiday season. If you'd like to contribute to her support, you learn more about that on her blog, or send it to PathFinders International 60-B W. Terra Cotta Dr #205 Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Urban adventures

I'm blogging on the Boomer Babes blog today about my urban adventures with our family this summer--rather than take a vacation, we visited Chicago numerous times.

Most recently, we were there for Venetian night, a free parade of decorated boats through Burnham Harbor, which draws about a half million spectators to Chicago's gorgeous lakefront. As we sat on the lakefront near the Shedd Aquarium that night, the moon rose, reddish in the evening sky. You can see the moon and the Shedd in the background of this photo of Scot and I. It was a night of family, friends and fun that we'll remember a long time.

Click on over to my post to see photos and read about other adventures we've enjoyed this summer--without having to travel more than an hour from our home.