I’ve found having a relationship with Jesus has not been a guarantee that things will always work out the way I would like them to.  But I have this hope…that I am not home yet.

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Revelation 21.  This is my hope.  A new home in a new place with my Heavenly Father…

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them.  They will be his people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.  HE WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES.  THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEATH OR MOURNING OR CRYING OR PAIN…”

When you feel like this life is too hard, remember, we are not home yet.

I was baptized at the age six.  Baptism was my way of making it clear to myself, the world and to my Savior that I was planning to live my life for Jesus.  Until this day I go right back to that moment when I hear the song the church sang just before I went into the water…”I have decided to follow Jesus.  I have decided to follow Jesus.  I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.”  “The world behind me, the cross before me…No turning back. No turning back.’  “Though none go with me, still I will follow…No turning back. No turning back.”

It’s been over forty years since then.  I’ve had moments along the way that were not my finest. But I’m still heading forward.  There have been times of joy and times of loss.  But I’m still heading forward.  Friends and loved ones have come and gone from my life.  But I’m heading forward.

“…One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Philipians 3:13b-14)  The prize I reach for is to one day see my Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face.  To lay my head in his lap, feel the touch of His hand on my head, and hear those words, “Well done, Michelle. Well done.”

Sometimes to move forward we must let go of what is behind.  The past can be a weight that holds us back.  Ever try running a marathon carrying luggage in each hand?  How far would you get?  How exhausted would you become?  You may not be able to let go of the whole bag at one time.  You may need to take out one item at a time that you can hand over to Him.  With each thing you let go of you will feel a little lighter,  a little freer.

If you found a letter that lead you to this site I’m glad you are here.  If you would like someone to run along side you, help you as obstacles come your way, I am here.  Tell me your story.  Let’s move forward together.

Michelle

This is the beginning.  I don’t know where it will go from here.  Maybe nowhere.  But I know this, writing these letters is our way of making life count. Isn’t that what we all want?  To do something that matters. I have this anonymous writing in the front page of my Bible to remind me how I should live.  (Kind of ironic that a writing from an anonymous author inspired me to leave anonymous letters.)  I hope it will encourage you…

“This is the beginning of a new day.  God has given me this day to do as I will.  I can waste it or use it for good.  What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.  When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I traded it for.  I want it to be gain, not loss; good not evil; success, not failure; in order that I should not regret the price I paid for it.”