Reminder for myself...

The Cost of Following Jesus

Luke 9:⁵⁷ As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

⁵⁸ Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

⁵⁹ He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

⁶⁰ Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

⁶¹ Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

⁶² Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Safety Check

I realized something this morning...

I don't need to feel insecure EVER. Because God created me, Jesus saved me, the Spirit is transforming me, I don't need to worry about who I am.

I still need a lot of work. God is not even close to done making me good. I lied to one of my friends yesterday and had to fess up. (And she loved me more for it, which is so wonderfully sweet.)

But I am safe.

Not from pain, not from trials and tests, possibly not from bodily harm, even though I told God I would love it if He keeps me healthy and strong and free from physical harm so I can focus on serving Him, (physical pain is so distracting to me! smile, cough) to feel free to make that happen! But nothing can harm my soul. Nothing will take me out of the hands that formed me and know me and shape my future. Not even my own mistakes. He will never run out of love or patience, grace or power. His heart is my safe place and His heart is always open to me. ♥ I am safe in the only way that matters in the end.

John 8:51 I assure you: If anyone keeps My word,he will never see death—ever! ~ Jesus,The Messiah

Endings and Beginnings...

I can't believe tomorrow is my last day of work at TRF. I thought I would be there until I was a very old lady. It is funny how quickly life can change sometimes. I woke up on a Sunday morning about a month ago and knew God wanted me to say good-bye to all these people I love so much and a job I have loved so much and follow Him...somewhere. He hasn't exactly shown me that part of this story yet. But I have learned that is the way He leads ~ one step at a time. I am not afraid. Tonight I am sad. Tomorrow will be worse. I have to say good-bye and turn in my key. I know I will stay in touch with some people, but some others I will not really get to hang out with again until we are in heaven, where we will all have plenty of time. I am so thankful for all my years at TRF. For all of the people who have touched my life, my heart. For the women I have had the privilege to love and serve. For the good times and the hard times. I have grown through it all. I have been loved and led and changed there. No Regrets. God is so good...

I really don't think we were made for endings.