The book of John and BSF have been so good this year - I would say transforming but then I might be held to CHANGING! While I can't guarantee change, I know I see myself differently and know God is gently continuing to grow me. I've learned He wants all of me, He wants me to follow like the stupid sheep I am...follow without question or complaint, follow without knowing exactly where I'm going, follow even when it's with people I don't want to walk next to, follow even when it's uphill. I've learned service is every believers call...always not sometimes.

I've learned how like the Pharisees I truly am, judging others, believing I know what is right and true, blind to the real truth at times.

I've learned I need to LOVE the other sheep. Love means many things - mostly it's smiling and being kind in all the little things to everyone, it's not grumbling or complaining, it's enjoying serving my family (that part is easy), it's not expecting anything to be fair or equal. Love is being willing to give everything, sharing my stuff, kind words...ahh words...kind, loving words always, words that encourage and uplift OTHERS not me, words that edify. Jesus sought out people to love. It shouldn't be so hard, I need to slooooww down and look for people who need love as well as loving those already in my life.

And that's just the first 12 chapters...then chapter 13, Jesus washes even Judas' feet, knowing he was not his own. Knowing he spent these 3 years in the light and still didn't get it, still didn't have a relationship with Jesus...in Matthew when everyone else calls Jesus Lord, Judas says Rabbi...that's love in so many ways, to still eat with him, wash his feet, knowing...

Serving anyone, everyone, even those different or enemies...I want to slow down and absorb these next 4 chapters, 13-17, to sit at Jesus' feet and absorb what he says, learn what he wants from me.

One of these days I'll post pictures, I really am practicing with my camera :-)