Most people were either glad they have a snow blower or wishing they did because shoveling this much white stuff can be exhausting. Now that you have a picture in your mind of our surroundings last weekend you will understand why we felt a little silly riding down the road with our newest purchase in tow. People were looking at us with expressions that clearly said "Enquiring minds want to know." Ok, ok I'll tell you. I know your wondering. I won't keep you waiting much longer but first I want you to know this tidbit because it will make you even more curious. We live in the inner city and our big purchase was...are you ready for this... a little red craftsman DRM 500 riding mower. Yes you heard that right. A RIDING mower. It's like the little red riding hood of riding mowers. It looks kinda like a lego friends ladybug. Nonetheless, it is a riding mower...there are piles of snow outside ...and we live in the inner city. So now you may be one of those enquiring minds asking, why.

Some of you know that last May our family moved. The story is long but God's plan was clear. Through our house search and purchase we heard the voice of God loudly speak and direct us. Now we find ourselves living in our dream house right smack in the middle of where we did NOT want to be. I call it "Our dream home in God's location." If there's one thing I've learned its that even when God's plan lands us somewhere we don't want to be, its ALWAYS better then relocating outside of His will. 

So what's all this have to do with our newest set of wheels? Well....God has led us to be very intentional in ministering to, and reaching the people of our city. We believe that developing relationships through meeting needs and spending time with others is the first step in the journey. So if you happen to be driving around town and see Eric on our "little red lady bug" going house to house mowing "lawns" for free you'll know why. We want to get a reputation in this city of ours. If you see people walking the streets with snowballs remember to say a prayer because a snowball stand is another outreach we have planned. If you see a flyer inviting you to our house for an outside movie night with free hotdogs and popcorn be sure and stop in. We would love your participation in helping us show the love of Jesus to the people of our city. Please join us in prayer now that you are aware of why we moved to the city and bought a riding mower. 
           

We live in a world surrounded by people that need Jesus!!! If you know Him as your Savior, if you have allowed Him to come into your life and be your Lord then you have what others around you so desperately need! Today it is my prayer that God will use our family to set our city on fire for Jesus and that anyone who reads this will be inspired. Inspired to reach out to those in their circle of influence. You may not be able to reach the people of Africa, Haiti, Venezuela, or Japan but you can reach out to the people that are right here. I hope you will be intentional in reaching out to those around you. Without being intentional we tend to forget. We forget the miracle that Jesus performed in us. We forget how we've been transformed. We forget that there are people all around us lost and destined to an eternity separated from God in a place called hell. Gasp! I know! I said it! It seems we all want to forget that Hell is just as real as heaven.

Repentance is just as needed as love. And many people out there still need both! Gods grace is big enough for the whole world and its our job to tell others! We are called...called to stand out among the crowd as Jesus did...called to share the good news with those around us. Go be a light!

Let what Jesus did for you shine so bright that others will  ask "What's different in you?" Love those around you enough to tell them what enquiring minds all over the world need to know! - Mark 16:15 "...go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."