please click on this link and listen to this song before you finish reading…..
… Ok, good song right? I LOVE it! it fits perfectly with the world race and all that we are doing by committing to this 11 month journey.
Now, the term 'counting the cost', has a couple different meanings for me personally. Obviously, it means that I'm looking to see what God has for me, and if my reward in my Heavenly home is going to be worth my discomfort and struggle here on earth. And, let me tell you, I have spent a lot of time counting the cost and wondering if this trip was really what God wanted of me. Not that I have doubted that God would provide or that He was worth it- everything in my life points towards the fact that HE IS. But I did struggle with wanting a plan, and being scared and being unsure if this trip would lead to anything. I like to know what I'm getting into before I just jump in and get going. I like to know that it's a sure thing. God know's me pretty well though. He was calling me to more. I knew it, He knew it- I just wasn't sure. Long story short, I made the jump- and now I am SURE. It's worth it.
Now another meaning that 'counting the cost' has meant to me personally: finances. I have a habit of always trying to be frugal, and that definitely applies to this trip too. I have no shame in admitting that I bought all of my supplies so far from either Wal-Mart or amazon.com using prime free shipping. In, fact most of the clothes I will bring on the trip are from either from Walmart, or things that I already own. I have also come to the decision that the 10% that I tithe to my church, I will also tithe that same amount to my fundraising account. The whole trusting God with finances has been a newer thing for me. I have always struggled with money issues and I tend to be a saver and hoarder. While I DO NOT make a lot of money, and I DO NOT have a lot of savings, I still have to look at it as every penny is God's. Only in the last year have I been committed to tithing regularly, and I must say that God has never let me down thus far. While I am always sure to follow God's leading, sometimes He's telling me it's OK to spend. There are things I need for the trip, and I was hesitant at first to buy anything until I had met my deadline, but since I need things for training camp- that was not a possibility. Not only that, but how was I to do fundraising if I didn't print out all my fundraising letters, provide people with a way to contact me, or buy t-shirts in bulk to sell for a profit?
That being said, I KNOW that God will provide a way for me to make this trip. If He is calling you to be a part of my journey, please do not delay! He works in and through His people!! I would love for you to be blessed by following God's leading! Knowing that you all are praying for me and supporting me have meant so much to me already, and have encouraged me more than you know!
thank you
