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  • Living Radically

  • February11th

    “Your Kingdom Come”: Perspectives Lesson #3

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically, Perspectives

    I’m late blogging about this week’s lesson, partly because the topic can seem a bit large and overwhelming. In fact, I think I would have been completely overwhelmed if I hadn’t been unknowingly prepared for this week’s lesson by reading N.T. Wright’s Surprised by Hope three times in 2011. The book was so revolutionary and life-changing for me, and, though it’s focus is also broad, it’s probably best to describe its subject matter as “the Kingdom of God.”

    Have you ever noticed how much Jesus talks about His Kingdom in the gospels? Almost every time He speaks, He mentions something about the Kingdom. But for some reason, it’s a topic that I believe a lot of Christians are uninformed or misinformed about. I know that I was. Read More | Comments

  • February1st

    “The Story of His Glory:” Perspectives Lesson 2

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically, Perspectives


    This week’s lesson at Perspectives was really challenging for me, but at the same time I was comforted by the things I learned. To quote the study guide, “God’s mission purpose throughout the story of the Bible can be seen in the double direction of God’s glory: God reveals His glory to all the nations in order to receive glory from all nations.”

    I’ve found myself wrestling with the implications of this lesson this week. Read More | Comments

  • January24th

    Perspectives

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically, Perspectives, Spiritual

    I’m about 5 or 6 blog posts behind right now. Since I last posted, we’ve celebrated Christmas, completed our current fundraising efforts for Lifesong Ethiopia, spent a week in Ethiopia, celebrated Josiah’s 3rd birthday, and spent a fun-filled week with some of our favorite friends. I really want to write about all of these things, and plan to very soon, but today I want to write about the new adventure that Casey and I are undertaking this year.

    A couple weeks ago, Casey and I began taking the class called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.” We had our first lesson last night, and I’m already blown away. This material is incredible, mind-boggling, and life-changing. There are several people in our class that are taking it for the second time; it’s that good. Read More | Comments

  • December6th

    Hope Ethiopia: 100

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically

    Children at the Lifesong Ethiopia school are fed 2 nutritious meals per day, provided with a quality education, and taught the message of Jesus Christ. This gives kids like Beza the hope they need in order to break free from gripping poverty.
    Read More | Comments

  • November16th

    The Perfect Gift for Teachers

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically

    Are you searching for the perfect gift for the teachers in your life?  How about skipping the routine coffee mug or picture frame and make a donation to the Lifesong Schools in Ethiopia instead?  Teachers are guaranteed to love that you made such a thoughtful donation in their honor.

    If you donate at least $10 in honor of your teacher, we will send you the card pictured above and below for you to give to your teacher. Several former teachers have told me that they would have loved to receive a gift like this. And, as a former teacher myself, I agree with them. Teachers get bombarded with coffee mugs, candy, and teacher do-dads at Christmastime. This year, give your teacher something truly meaningful instead; spread his or her love for education around the world.

    All donations will go toward expanding the Lifesong schools in Adami Tulu and Ziway, and will be tax deductible. Click here to donate through Paypal. As you donate, leave a note in the “Special Instructions” box telling me how many cards you would like.

  • November14th

    Holy Discontent

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically

    Casey and I just had a much needed weekend away in Chicago. We drove up on Thursday and spent Friday morning in Wheaton with my brother and future sis-in-law. Then we headed to a Lifesong for Orphans conference with our great friends Aaron and Cacey Klein, and many others.

    It was a packed weekend with meetings, planning, praying, shopping, and lots of coffee. We spent hours discussing our dreams for Lifesong’s schools in Ethiopia. It was so fun to spend several days with great friends who live across the country but share our heart and passion for Ethiopia and orphan care. There is an incredible bond between people who are filled with the same passion. We loved getting to continue these relationships and make new ones. Read More | Comments

  • September19th

    Ask 5 for 5

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically

    As many of you know, the famine is still raging in East Africa. And even though it’s tempting to donate a little money and then look the other way, I really believe that God calls us to to be steadfast in our prayers and support for those that are hurting. Please take the time to read the following post from Sarah Lenssen. I love it when ordinary people make a difference!

    Guest Blogger: Sarah Lenssen from #Ask5for5

    Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography

    Thank you Mary Beth and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week. Read More | Comments

  • September11th

    Where Were You?

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically

    Ten years ago today I was walking into chapel on a beautiful September morning at Harding University. The summer heat was beginning to fade and the sky was clear and bright. I was a junior English major, engaged to my true love, and busily planning a wedding for the end of the year.

    As I was walking in the side door of the Benson Auditorium, I heard two guys in front of me discussing the news. “Did you hear about the plane that flew into a building in New York?” one asked the other. “Yeah, it’s unbelievable.”
    Read More | Comments

  • September2nd

    Caleb in Africa

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically, Travel

    Many of you have asked me to write more about our trip, and I’m planning on it.  But my heart is still processing all that we saw and did, so it’s hard to know exactly what to write about.  In the meantime, I thought I would answer another popular question:  How did Caleb do?
    Read More | Comments

  • August27th

    Just A Little Bit More, Part II

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically, Spiritual

    Read the first part of this post here.

    That night Aaron formulated a plan. We would all contribute to cover the boy’s expenses at school, and then we would beg Gary and Peggy to accept one more student. Tuition for the school year is about $21 per student, which is still too expensive for most families to afford, so many are allowed to attend for free, but the actual expense to cover each student is about $176 per year. We easily gathered the $176 from our group, and Aaron determined to do his best the next day.

    The next morning, our team gathered for breakfast, and we each shared how we had been impacted by the trip so far. Aaron reminded us of a famous quote made by the extremely wealthy Howard Hughes. When asked, “How much money is enough?” Hughes had replied, “Just a little bit more.” Aaron urged us to apply the same philosophy to our war on poverty and the orphan problem. “When we’re asked how much more we can do in our efforts to change the world, our answer must be ‘just a little bit more.’ And that’s the way I feel about this little boy. Yes, the problem is huge, but we can help him, we can do just a little bit more.“

    Read More | Comments

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