50 ways the race changed me

 

1. I’ll try any food once (ex: cow tongue)
2. Alone time means putting in your headphones
3. I'll make friends with strangers
4. More love in me for any kind of people/personality
5. I learned to stain wood, grout bathrooms, dig canals, level ground, oh and do latte art!
6. I can cook a few good meals thanks to Blackwell
7. Freedom in my worship (this could look like dancing, jumping, waving flags)
8. First fruits always go to Him (time, $, talent)
9. I take control of my own emotions and realize I am only responsible for me, not other’s reactions #nopeoplepleasing
10. Not afraid to tell someone when they are out of line and not afraid to receive correction
11. Honesty is always best, I’m real and raw, maybe this isn’t a change but I am just more open
12. I’m engaged and have learned what it feels like to be fiercely pursued (Matt surprised me on my layover between Europe and Central America, check out that blog if you haven’t already)
13. I’ll wear tennis shoes with any outfit.  I’ll wear anything actually, even if it’s ridiculous, but I’m thinking that stops July 30
14. I’ve mastered the bucket shower
15. I’m learning to operate out of rest #worrywastestime
16. Memorizing scripture is a norm
17. Keep it simple, it really is all about love
18. Trust Jesus in everything (still learning this)
19. Go with the flow, no need to ask so many questions
20. I can go days/months without a mirror
21. I possess a deeper sense of my identity as Victorious Daughter of the King
22. Giving fills #givethanks #giveofyourself
23. Sabbath means doing absolutely nothing
24. My communication skills have improved
25. More disciplined in mind, body, spirit
26. Understand the importance of discipleship to a new degree
27. Prayers have become more bold
28. Community brings about a whole new meaning #11months/7people/24.7
29. It is more about being than doing (choose His presence moment to moment)
30. Bugs don’t bother me so bad after having seen some pretty large ones called animals in Central America
31. Let go of control (mom this also means in vehicles, so you’ll be happy when I am not fake breaking or grabbing the door; after India, any kind of driving goes!)
32. I’ve learned to treasure things in my heart
33. Better at listening
34. I can say from personal experiences, God moves in the area of finances
35. Dreaming bigger because my God is HUGE #HEhasnolimits
36. My passion for pregnant women and women in general was confirmed over and over again
37. I can say I have helped with a home birth! (Philippines baby! All the neighborhood was watching too!)
38. We have no excuse, go out and share the good news wherever you are, it will give you a thrill #loveGodlovepeople
39. I’m sick of words like conversation, feedback, receive, process (oh WR terminology, now we joke about it so it’s okay)
40. God has really broken my heart for the poor and the needy and given me two words for how I can help: connect and adopt. Not sure what that looks like yet but we will see! We have to be about God’s heart!
41. After a 50 hour train ride in China, any traveling less than that is a breeze
42. Look at people from the lens of who you know they are in Christ and speak it over them and they will be encouraged to live out their true identity
43. I’m more careful with the words and tone I choose
44. I trust that my Abba is always good and I am always loved
45. I have encountered God the Protector first hand after being in some of the most dangerous places in the world for several hours #Johannesburgsouthafricabusstation
46. Sow grace, reap grace
47. I have to wear my armor
48. I can sit and be still
49. I fell in love with Brennan Manning’s books (The Signature of Jesus, the Ragamuffin Gospel, The Importance of Being Foolish: The Mind of Christ… read them all!)
50. I have countless testimonies of God’s constant provision in the big things and the small things #inaweofHim

I have to admit the list of 50 doesn’t do it justice. God moved in mighty ways in my life over these past 11 months, my big fat journal holds it all. I can’t thank you all enough for your support, encouragement, and prayers. I have experienced intimacy with Christ like never before. I know it is because of your prayers and the help given by the Spirit that I was able to finish the world race strong. My race doesn’t stop here. I’m ready to keep loving His presence and loving on people wherever I find myself next. I’ll be home in nine days!