11 Things I Learned In 11 Months

I couldn’t have done this journey without YOU! Yes, if you are reading this, I mean YOU!  From reading blogs, supporting me through money, praying over me and my squad, or other forms of encouragement….thank YOU! If you were with me from the beginning or joined my journey sometime in between, this all wouldn’t have been possible without you.

I can do with less. Less food, less water, less clothing, less money, less electricity, less comforts. Less. We are in a world filled with the mindset of consume, consume, consume and the “American Dream” of having all the best and newest things. When you take a step back from all that, you can find so much beauty in the simple things of life and it causes a lot less stress! 

I love to sing. I am not the best. I’m often off key and out of tune…but I love it.  I usually always have some sort of song in my heart.  A huge thanks to my teammate Jen for always entertaining my question, “Jen, can we sing a song?” (She has one of the most beautiful voices! And, she knows all the old school songs, church camp songs, and my beloved hymns). But when I don’t have her around, I do my best. And you know what? God doesn’t care. He’s just happy to hear his daughter singing.

Worship and praise can be done anywhere! Although I was all over the world, in places that had so many instruments to villages with just drums or voices, we can all worship and praise the one true God.  Ohhh, and there is a difference between worship and praise. Praise usually comes first. People dance, clap their hands, and the music is very upbeat. Worship is more reverent and in awe of the one who created this world:)

Love is universal. It defies all language barriers, all societal positions, all odds.  You see, God is love so it can be found everywhere. 

I love all people-young, old, beautifully broken, thriving, or struggling.  I have an extra special place in my heart for the oppressed.  I have a desire to make all people feel seen, known, and loved- even if it’s through a simple act such as a “hello” or smile.  

I’m a morning person and I NEED my quiet time with the Lord before anything else. Before the social media, checking the email, turning on the TV… it’s the only way to start my day off right and to renew my mind and get myself in the right heart posture for the day.

Prayer is powerful and effective and I love it. Intercessory, healing, on the spot, in my quiet time, walking… it can be done everywhere and anywhere and at any time.  God cares about the small things (“finding a place for lunch”) and the big things (“my marriage is falling apart”).  Sometimes we have to have that childlike faith. Sometimes you might have to pray for months or years to see the outcome… but God is always listening. And He will answer… sometimes not the way you want but in His grand scheme, it’s how it’s supposed to be. God is always with you. Again, in the small and big things he is there. Sometime we just forget to reach out. Sometimes we forget to have faith in him. 

I want to be refined and purified- even if that means going through the fire. I want my desires to be the desires of the Lord. I want to be a reflection of Christ in every aspect of my life and being. I don’t want to be fake, but genuine. 

Life is ministry and ministry is life. Everything I do has an impact-positive or negative. If I’m living for the kingdom, I will share the love of Christ to others. I will be bold. I won’t care if others think I’m a “Jesus freak” because honestly, if I’m not living for the Lord and his kingdom, I’m not really living. I am His hands and feet 24/7. There is no off time… it’s a lifestyle and I want to live out what I believe each and every day. 

Most importantly, because I’ve accepted Christ into my heart and believe that God raised Him from the dead, I am saved. I will spend an eternity with Him! Hallelujah! Because He is my GOOD FATHER, He gives GOOD GIFTS. I am HIS. Beloved. Daughter. Heir to the throne. Fully known. Fully accepted. I love because He first loved me. My actions and lifestyle reflect the father… not out obligation but out of honor and respect…don’t you do that when you love someone?

I don’t need to fear man. I don’t need to fear the future. I have peace that passes understanding… God is waiting there for me and you…the question is…will you allow Him to be the Lord of your life? Will you allow Him to love your flaws, your imperfections, your insecurities! Praise the Lord that He loves beyond all boundaries and is always there with His arms opened wide welcoming you with a hug.