He is no fool...

... who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ~Jim Elliot

Giving up has such negative connotations. And perseverence is so biblical. But - when I persevere in my own story and give up on God's, I'm a fool. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it."

My story is so pathetic - self-centered and limited by my own understanding. God's story is glorious - mysterious - and it centers on the beautiful, victorious, gentle, powerful, unchanging King Jesus!

This summer I was called to give up the security of three years teaching 7th and 8th grades to take the 1st and 2nd grade opening at Immanuel Christian School. I was called to give up a short half-week with Susque's Adventure Camp to serve new Staff-In-Training for four weeks. I don't know all the reasons God made changes in my plans, but I'm glad he did!

Being forced to rely on God grows faith and brings blessings. For one, I am getting to see God clearly at work writing his story. And part of that has been discovering the friendship of this Katlyn girl who is in love with Jesus...