Attempting Radical

On we go…

Casey Pettett — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:34:57 +0000

Reading through the Word is going really well. Every now and then I miss a chapter or two, but I’ve found time to catch up. I’m currently at the end of Genesis; I will have completed Genesis and Job. Only 64 books to go.

In regards to prayer, we began praying for the world in general for the first few weeks. We are now on to the continents… we have prayed for America and are now moving on to Asia. One of the sweetest things thus far about this challenge is to see Noah’s heart to pray. He used to pray when he was very small and then, one day, decided he didn’t want to anymore. Thankfully he has had a renewed vigor for praying! It melts my heart every time he talks to the Lord in that adorable little voice of his.

Thanks for walking alongside me during this journey. Please pray for continued motivation and desire to finish well.

small

Casey Pettett — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:16:55 +0000

I am so small. I sense my fragility tonight more than I have in quite awhile. I continue to grieve for a dear friend of mine who recently lost her husband to suicide. As I told her, I often pray for her and sometimes in those moments I feel unbearably heavy, like someone of very large stature is standing on my chest. It’s like I almost have to catch my breath. I wish I could say that I’ve stopped asking the Lord why??, but I haven’t.

Uncoincidentally I’m reading in Job right now, just finishing up chapters 38 & 39. The Lord explicitly describes his unmatchable power to Job (if you need a moment of humbling, please read these two chapters). I couldn’t resist and moved on to chapter 40, though that’s part of tomorrow’s reading:

“Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”

Lord, I, too, am of small account. In my view, even much smaller than Job. I have spoken too many times. You are so mighty, Father. You number the clouds, command the morning, and hold storehouses of snow. My life is but a breath. Please continue to exhibit your power when tragedy strikes. Praise You, Lord, for You are good.

The Map

Casey Pettett — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:47:04 +0000

For the last eleven days, I’ve been praying for the world, in general (following Operation World schedule). It’s been wonderful. I start out by laying in bed at night before I go to sleep and just allow my mind to think about the world and start to pray as I feel led. I’ve noticed it catches my attention during the day. For instance, a few days ago I stood at the door of my pantry looking at the four or five shelves full of food. It made me think of all the starvation in the world and how most people on this earth would see the food in my pantry as a feast fit for kings. Praying for the world for eleven days is already changing my heart.

The map and book I ordered came in the mail. Photos are below. Tomorrow Noah and I begin praying for Africa. Lord be with us as we seek You and connect with You regarding all the nations of this world… all of which you’ve created and loved. To You be the glory.

Let’s celebrate!

Casey Pettett — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:55:44 +0000

Time to celebrate! I’ve officially finished 1% of my reading for the year! WOOHOO!! I laugh every time I see the percentage of how much I’ve done. I kind of wish they wouldn’t show that until it’s at least 50% or so. It almost causes some anxiety. Ha!

I’m doing the You Version chronological reading plan. I read the first bit of Genesis and am now in Job. I think I’ll enjoy this method. I’ve always been a bit blurry on the actual chronology of the Scriptures.

I am also using Operation World as a guide to pray for the world. I ordered the book but haven’t gotten it yet, so I’ve been looking online. So far we’re just praying for the world in general. Did you know that the world population is 6.9 billion?? And there are 6,909 world languages. The largest ‘religion’ is actually Christianity at 32%, but only 7.9% Evangelical. Along with the book I’ve ordered a large world map and small black dot stickers. We will be praying for the world with Noah and placing a black dot on every country for which we’ve prayed. I’m excited to get that map in the mail and get started! I’ll post a pic once I have it up.

Thankfully there are at least a few people who have also committed to read the Bible this year and a few others who are going through Radical. Glory to God for sending His son and allowing us the opportunity to be near to Him!

Casey Pettett — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:46:54 +0000

I realize that naming my blog ‘Attempting Radical’ is a bit strange. I was thinking about it last night as I was going to sleep. It seems as though a person is either radical… or not; trying to get radical may be a waste of time. But my attempt is in response to realizing that I have the head knowledge about trusting the Lord but, on a daily basis, my heart forgets Him. Not to mention that to most of the world being radical is not a good thing, no matter what you’re radical about. So, though the world may prefer ‘everything in moderation,’ I’d rather not take a lukewarm approach to my devotion to Christ. Radical doesn’t have to look weird; it can simply be the position of your heart and focus of your affections. It was the Lord’s timing, really. He revealed to me that I am oblivious to how desperately I need Him. All of my stuff distracts me and deceives me daily. Everything I have is from Him, but I want to make sure it doesn’t detract from my remembrance that the very air I breathe is HIM.

Attempting Radical

Casey Pettett — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:42:32 +0000

To make a long story short, I have recently recognized how distant I am from the Lord. I love Him. I pray. I read (sometimes). I talk about Him. But my heart is very unaware of how desperately I need Him. All the things of this world distract me. I have never wanted for a thing and, by the way things are looking, I probably never will. But how ignorant I am to continue to walk through life as if I am in control. He’s gotten my attention once in my life for living this way. I think I’ll make an attempt at correcting it myself this time (though it may be meager, it will be worth it, for sure).

Thankfully, in His sovereignty, just as I was coming to this realization, I decided to read Radical by David Platt (read it… but be aware; there are topics in the book that you absolutely cannot ignore if you love Christ). In the book, Platt challenges you to ‘The Radical Experiment’ (www.radicalexperiment.org). It is a 5-part commitment that you will complete in a year’s time. It involves these 5 components:

To pray for the entire world
To read through the entire Word
To commit our lives to multiplying community
To sacrifice our money for a specific purpose
To give our time in another context

I have committed to these 5 things beginning TODAY. I know that I can’t simply conjure up a complete understanding of who the Lord is and how desperately I need Him. But I do know and believe that my heart will forever be changed for the good if I do this. I don’t tread lightly with this. I know it will be a battle. I know I will have successes and failures… it will be hard. But I want to face it as bravely as I can, continually asking God for grace and endurance and, by the end of 2012, be able to say that I finished well. Follow me on this journey if you’d like.

27 Weeks

Casey Pettett — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:34:58 +0000

I am now 27 weeks pregnant with Baby Girl. No, we have not decided on a name. *sigh* I wish she could just read my list of about 15 names and tell me which one she likes best. This is torture! I refuse to be the mom who still doesn’t know her baby’s name the day she’s born… just not my style! I’m not that laid back! I’m reluctantly attaching 2 photos of me at 27 weeks, due to popular demand. Enjoy, because this is the last time you’ll see me like this!

What a pretty color…

Casey Pettett — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:46:58 +0000

Well, it just occurred to me, due to my friend, Julie MacManus, that I never posted what we’re having… IT’S A GIRL!! My favorite color is pink, so I’m excited. It seems really weird that we’ll have pink around here after having all boy stuff, but it will be so much fun to have one of each. We’re so excited!!!!!

Long Overdue

Casey Pettett — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:22:12 +0000

Why did I ever start a blog? I get so much grief from friends for not keeping up with it! As if I don’t have anything else to do. I’m spending 20 hours a day trying to chase a 19-mth-old, and you’d better believe I’m sleeping those last 4! When do I clean the house, cook, and do laundry? I have no idea! Actually, since I found out I was pregnant in April, my mom has handled most of that!

Life is sweet. Noah is growing so fast and is such a doll. He is all boy… loving being outside, playing with cars, wheels, trains, balls, etc. He also loves books, though he’d rather read to me than listen to me read the stories. He is sensitive and sweet, always patting us on the back or arm and saying ‘Ahhh.’ He likes to cuddle me in the mornings and watch the news. I have a feeling he will adore his new little brother or sister.

Speaking of brother or sister… we find out what we’re having in THREE weeks on July 23 at 9:15 am. If I remember I will post what we’re having. I am absolutely DYING to know. I want to think of names more than anything, and I need to know the sex first.

Anyway, this post is long overdue. We are doing really great as a family. I am beyond blessed to have Jason as a husband, Noah as a son, and a new baby on the way. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful.

Just a quick soapbox on abortion

Casey Pettett — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:37:01 +0000

I am continually amazed at our nation and its completely ignorant and self-absorbed view on abortion. I shouldn’t be surprised that, those who don’t believe there is a loving and just God, can’t get a clue. But sometimes I still am. I get the disagreement on healthcare and poverty and war and big/little government, etc., etc. (ad nauseam!). But LIFE? REALLY? A completely helpless, totally dependent human being? I have to be careful with this topic, because it is the only political issue that really lights a fire in me. I have my strong opinions on poverty as well (as Jesus spoke much about it), but for some reason abortion ignites passion in me… probably because, though the poor are desperate, these small humans are HELPLESS. It probably doesn’t help that I saw the growth of my own son in the womb. I sometimes lay in bed toiling over this and can easily be led to tears. I shed tears for the mothers who choose this path, because I know they will battle deep loss and regret for the rest of their lives (though my hope is that they find the forgiveness and peace that God offers). I shed tears over the fact that I feel completely helpless myself, only one tiny person unable to do much to make a dent.

But last night I thought about those who use abortion as a money-making scheme. My only solace regarding these people is that God will have vengeance. Sounds harsh, I know, but I believe it is righteous anger. The most common passage of scripture I hear regarding vengeance is Romans 12 – “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (verses 17-21). This passage solidifies the fact that we, as Christ-followers, are NOT to take vengeance on abortion clinics and those involved. We are to be peaceable and let God take vengeance. Our only weapon is prayer.

I have peace remembering this Romans passage. This morning, though, I read another passage that sets my mind at ease. Before Moses’ death, he spoke to the Levites, knowing they would live corruptly even following his death (I recommend you go back and read the whole passage) -

“For I proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He. They have acted corruptly toward Him, they are not His children, because of their defect; but are a perverse and crooked generation. Do you thus repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you… But Israel grew fat and kicked – you are grown fat, thick, and sleek – then he forsook God who made him, and scorned the Rock of his salvation. They made Him jealous with strange gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger… You neglected the Rock who begot you, and forgot the God who gave you birth… Then He said, ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faithfulness. They have made me jealous with what is not God; they have provoked Me to anger with their idols… Vengeance is mine, and retribution, in due time their foot will slip; for the day of their calamity is near, and the impending things are hastening upon them.’ For the LORD will vindicate His people, and will have compassion on His servants… ‘See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; And there is no one who can deliver from My hand’” (Deut. 32).

Now, do not put words in my mouth. I am not of the belief that the United States is a present-day chosen nation and God will soon have retribution on us. Israel is God’s chosen nation. There is no word from God that we are a chosen nation – we have never been and we are not now. I am looking at this passage simply to remind myself that God has vengeance on those who do evil. He is the one who gives and takes away. If someone chooses to end a life that God has created (in any manner), He will have the last word and retribution WILL be paid.

Our Lord is the giver of life. Shame and vengeance on those who take it away… all in due time.