Ever have one of those moments that you are constantly in your head thinking about your own problems/issues that you forget to put your head up and look around you? Yeah, me too-all last month.
I was so invested in the things I had going on around me throughout the month that I didn’t make time to thank God for the awesome things that had happened! I was worried/stressed to the max about finances that when one of my squad leaders asked me to speak up about things we can celebrate God for in the midst of doing intercessory prayer for bar ministry I drew a blank. Guys there is a lot to be thankful for!!
Though I did not do any adventures in Thailand, I had the opportunity to learn what it looked like to sit with God and be still, to grow deeper in intimacy with Him, and to have such a desire to learn more about him than I ever dreamed possible. This last month I was able to have hard growing pains, but ones I will take the valuable lesson with me everywhere- being intentional in prayer, joy, and celebrations!!
My last face-to-face interaction with Tip was amazing! I had the opportunity to cry with her for half an hr.. (to those that haven’t done bar ministry- this is huge! They usually don’t show emotion-ever)! It was a heartfelt moment that I was able to share how much God loves her and I begged her to run away from her job. I knew the answer would be no, but I had to ask anyways. We both said how much we would miss one another, and then I had to leave beings she got a customer, but those are moments I’ll cherish forever!
Some feedback that I received this month was that when something doesn’t happen the way I think it should or the way I want it to, I allow the enemy to steal my joy. This was so apparent this month, which was eye opening for me! I am trying to gain wisdom from God of what it looks like to go through hard things while still having Joy. Another piece of feedback that I gained was that I should try to see what it looks like to be extroverted with God and be filled up from him, instead of getting that from others- so true!! Working on that one yet!
This last month I had the pleasure of talking with several of my squadmates and gaining wisdom from them! I was able to hear about their life, ask hard questions about where they are at with God and then challenge/encourage them to step out in boldness,faith,vulnerability, and truly seeking him out- it was so beautiful!! 🙂 I loved investing in the people around me and encouraging the things that they do well/bring to the table! 🙂
This holiday season I want to do the same for you. I don’t know where you’re at with your relationship with God, but I want to challenge you to seek out His joy. I want you to make a wish list of how you can be a blessing to others, instead of thinking what you can receive. Stop investing into the socially acceptable “what can I get” mentality, and instead, think of ways you can bring joy to others. Don’t hesitate on what those things are, but do it with joy- not seeking out a thank you from anyone!
We made it to Malaysia yesterday and we met our host and had a wonderful praise/worship night with them already! Guys, this is going to be an AMAZING month! Our hosts are awesome and want to bless our socks off with spiritual gifts and discipling us!! It will be hard to bless them for as much as they will be blessing us, but I’m excited to partner with them and bring Kingdom to Malaysia together!!
On another note! I have passed the deadline for reaching $13,000 and did not make it, so I have an extended time frame to reach it.. However- there is only $448 to go before I reach that mark so Im taking a leap of faith and saying that I will be at that mark by next week Friday! Please join me in prayer for that to happen! Gods timing is perfect and I know he wants me to continue on my journey here on the race- that much has been made evident to me!
Someone last week donated to my personal funds so that I could continue, so I know this is exactly where God want some me! Please continue joining myself and my team for Gods provision!
Thank you all for your love, encouragement, and prayer!! I look forward to continue keeping you all updated on Malaysia as the next couple of weeks unfold!! 🙂
PS- sleeper trains are AMAZING! they are officially my new favorite way to travel!!! 🙂
PSS- enjoy your holiday season to the fullest and continue to give thanks to God- even in the smallest things of life- it really does go a long way! 🙂
