Who is the Risk Taker

It is not my intention to be oober spiritual today. But if I do, ya'll must know that a testimony is a testimony, and it's going to preach whether you try to or not! Today I read two wonderful blogs, The Nester  and Constant in Chaos, both with a common theme: "Taking Risks", both had wonderful insights to share. What is a risk to some, may not be to others.

But my question is, do we, as Christians EVER take risks?

God calls us to step out, to do what would seem impossible; to say what would seem to be crazy; and to believe what would seem to be absurd.

Here's the definition of risk:

hazard: a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune;

a venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury;

expose to a chance of loss or damage;

the probability of becoming infected given that exposure to an infectious agent has occurred

gamble: take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;

But here is the contradiction:

"We walk by faith, not by sight" -2 Corinthians 5:7
"Fath is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." -Hebrews 11:1
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

The contradiction lies, in that, if we walk by faith, we are pursuing a promise, not simply an ideal. There is no risk when we step out in obedience to something God has called us to, rather, the risk lies in not doing.

Am I a risk taker? NO!

I am a 23 year old, married only 1 year, who has chosen to obey God, and with her husband, venture into the world of the self-employed. We are pursuing art as a business in a broken economy, with no business education. We are leading youth groups overseas (with no promise of income). We never studied, waited, saved in case of a loss, when God said "go" we went.

We are anti-risk taking/faith walking people.

We walk by faith, not by sight. We do the hard things, we make the tough decisions, we see miracles, see God's abundant favor, we are blessed!

So when people would say, "Isn't that a big risk",  I would say, "No! It's too risky not to obey!". In truth, I doubt that any of us, as Christians are EVER called to take risks.

Isn't God good?!

Be blessed!

BUSY PAINTING

Hello Friends, ashamedly I must admit, that is has been a tremendous amount of time pass since I have written. We celebrate Holiday events with four groups during this time of year: My family, Jonathan's family, the college group in our church, and the youth group. As well as, in December, Jonathan and I have more shows, and events to display his art, than usual. So yes, we wake up early, stay up late, and still have more to do! But it is a fun, festive, exciting season!
I have decorated our first Christmas tree, and our home has a steady stream of Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, and the musical wonder: James Taylor.  I have finally had a moment to breath and think.... (home sick)... this is what happens when you wear yourself down, so ladies take note!! During the Holiday season it is utmost importance to SLOW down, and RELAX, enjoy Thanksgiving, enjoy Christmas, this will keep you in better spirits, and in better health! Take time to rest, and enjoy every moment, to that in looking back, you can see memories, and not a hurried blur with illness mixed in.
Anyway, my hubby has been working diligently in the studio, painting to his hears content.... and more! He has been experimenting with his landscape styles, and I must say they are coming forth beautifully!
Come and take a look:

THE APPLE OF MY EYE (from Jonathan Howe)

Love is a precious gift. 

There is nothing grreater in life than the gift of being loved and giving love in return. I will never forget when love caught my eye. I have never been the same. She came unexpected and I new there was something altogether lovely and beautiful about her. It was her radiant smile her cute since of humor, her inescapable attractiveness that made me fall. In love there is life, there is joy, there is peace, there is breathless anticipation of adventure. There she was. Sitting in the front row in class she twirling her flip-flop on the floor under the table with her toes. There was something magical about it. With her pencil she played with the curls of her hair. Was it her hair that caught my eye, was it her innocent smile that made me dream of love, or was it her, the gift of love, 

my wife. 

From my Mother's blog

Read this yesterday and HAD to share it. Such a beautiful statement. You can see it at aseasonofharverst.blogspot.com

“This home is dedicated to good will. It grew out of love. The two heads of household were called together by a power higher than they. To it’s decree they are obedient. Every tone of voice, every thought of being is subdued to that service. They desire to be worthy of their high calling, as ministers of that grace.


They know their peace will go unbroken only for a little time. And often they suspect that the time will be more short than even their anxious hope. They cannot permit so much as one hour of that brief unity to be touched by scorn or malice. The world's judgements have lost their sting inside this door.


Those who come seeking to continue the harmony which these two have won are ever welcome. The rich are welcome, so they come simply.

The poor are welcome, for they have already learned friendliness through buffeting. Youth is welcome, for it brings the joy which these two would learn. Age is welcome for it will teach them tenderness.”


Anon, 1919.