The Kingdom of Heaven is Like...

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy that field."

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I spend a lot of time thinking about the Kingdom of God and my place in it. I think about what it means that God's ways are not my ways, but also how I need and want to be conformed to His likeness. And if the Kingdom works the way I think it does, I know that the world won't understand it. Consequently, the world may not always understand me.

But I don't mind.

Because, you see, I have discovered hidden treasure.

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"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!"

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When I first set my eyes on this treasure I just knew. (Actually, I've known for quite some time that God was up to something, but I didn't know what . . . or who . . . or when.) In that moment, a sense of urgency overwhelmed me. With my hands shaking and my heart racing I sprang into action, knowing full well that mine and Sam's lives were about to change. Again. And forever.

Conventional wisdom might have said, "Are you sure you're not getting in over your head?" But the wisdom of God whispered, "Bring. It. On." 

I know I haven't seen the end of his faithfulness. 

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"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and the birds come and make nests in its branches."

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I have so very little to offer, and for that reason I'm thankful that God's economy is not the same as mine. His ways know no limits. He can take my mustard-seed-sized resources and abilities and make out of them something far beyond me.

Money? No problem. Time? Non issue. Resources? Unlimited.

So I approach Him with a willing heart and open hands.

"Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done."

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"But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

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In my seeking, I have found treasure.

Treasure so great that I now have a growing pile of earthly possessions waiting to be sold in pursuit of it. 

A treasure buried thirteen years ago on the other side of the ocean.

A happy, loving, smiling, hugging, dancing little treasure who is sure to change the world. Who will most definitely change me.

It is my joy and privilege to introduce you to...

Sam's future big brother.

My future son.

Anthony David. (Anthony, meaning "priceless, of infinite worth." David, meaning, "beloved of God".)