Good Morning!

I thought I should share some thoughts-thus-far on the spending fast.  I only have two days left, so I wanna give you a pulse on how it’s going.

I will not share details of a fail I had.  Other than it included a marked-down pastry and not sharing.

But.  Yesterday I had a victory.  I went down the HBA aisle to get some deodorant (because this fast isn’t about punishing others) and instinctively grabbed a couple of cheap shampoos (because the 4 already in my shower aren’t enough).  Then I remembered the fast, and put them back on the shelf.  Wasn’t a big thing.  Wasn’t even hard.  Win!

I wanna cut my own hair off.  When it’s past the point of looking decent in a hair clip, tis time for a chop. 

Also: Dan insisted on taking us out for a late Mother’s Day dinner over the weekend.  I kicked and screamed and inhaled chips and salsa.  It was a nice outing.

Other than that, not much to report. 

I’ve been praying this week for a training that has had a big impact on my life personally.  The volunteer trainers are focusing on heart issues in students as they prepare to invest their summers internationally. 

It’s a great reminder why I want to be intentional with finances.  There are so many in this world who, despite the internet and Hollywood and McDonald’s, have no incarnational witness of Jesus or the living Word in their culture and language.

Foster says, “Nothing can motivate us to simplify our lifestyle more than a clear understanding of our responsibilities to the many ‘hidden cultures’ of the earth that have no Christian witness.”

And Alcorn:

“I’m convinced God’s raised us up, with all our wealth, to help fulfill the great commission…There is no greater way to invest our money in eternity than in the cause of world missions.”

I pray not buying $2 off-brand shampoo can somehow turn into the benefit of my friends on the other side of the globe and their eternal destiny.

Lord Jesus, move this summer for Your glory!

“I looked again.

I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count.

Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages.

And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing: