Soul Kitchen

This is a crazy time in my life right now. Nothing is familiar to me. My family has moved and we are in an area where we don't know anyone or even the area. The only time anything feels safe and secure is when my husband is around. I tried a new church on Sunday and that was very strange to me not seeing the familiar faces or my "spot" where I sat each Sunday. I am starting to feel like my house is now my home but I step outside and I am reminded that I am in unfamiliar territory. I don't have any friends in town that I can phone up and get together with. I don't have any family around that I can just drop in to at the drop of a pin. Everything and everyone are miles away from me. With all this "chaos" around me, I am forgetting things as my life is not in routine. My planner doesn't sit in the familiar spot. I can't seem to keep any days straight as to which day of the week is which. I feel in some ways that I am falling apart but I know it's just the changes around me that are making me out of sorts.

Even though everything around me changes, I am thankful that Jesus never does. His love for me never changes. He is as constant as the sun. I am comforted that Jesus knows me and loves me for who I am. I might be scared to meet new people and step out of my comfort zone but Jesus knows everything about me, even the number of hairs on my head.

A couple years ago in church this amazing video called "The Father's Love Letter" was shown to us and today as I drove through the majestic mountains and everything felt strange and unfamiliar, I thought of this letter.... God's love letter to me...

You can watch it on the video or read it below: http://www.fathersloveletter.com/video.html

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish youwith all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I lovedthat I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love your Dad, Almighty God

May you be comforted as I am that no matter what happens around you, God will always be there... waiting to embrace you.

Thank you Jesus that you love me for who I am and that you are the only thing in my life that I know is familiar. I feel lost at times without the earthly possessions and surroundings being in the places I need them to be to feel safe and secure. Thank you that you are my safety and my refuge. Thank you that you have always been and will always be my Father. Amen