We’re in month 8 of the race, and I figured this would be as good a time as any to compile some things I’ve learned on the race. Here in Bolivia my team and I have our own house in a cute little town that is only about a mile long, right next to the Salt Flats. For ministry, we are preaching at church, running Sunday School, participating in women’s ministry, and youth ministry, having tea with church members, and helping out at a school for children with disabilities. We are right next to some mountains. Which brings me to the first thing I have learned on the race:
-The Father is good… so good, and He wants us to have the best. Every. Time.
-Humility hurts, but it’s worth it
-How to find the nearest wifi spot and the cheapest thing on the menu
-God works all things out for good, even the things we don’t want him to
-Dying to myself is an opportunity to further the kingdom of God because less of me means more of others, and in turn, more of God
-There’s something to be grateful for in any situation- perspective changes EVERYTHING
-How strong my stomach is: street food from so many countries, haven’t gotten sick yet…
-I am equipped for EVERY good work- if that means taking care of a class of children with varying levels of disabilities with no notice, I am equipped. If that means leading a Father’s dance with no prior choreography experience, I am equipped. If that means organizing a youth event for teens who don’t know Jesus, I am equipped. If that means giving a sermon in a language I don’t speak with less than two days to prepare, I am equipped. #HolySpiritcomesinclutcheverytime
-How far I can push my $20 sandals from Costco- (month 8, still going…)
-The devil roots lies in the darkness, so even the most vulnerable thoughts will be benefited to meet the light of the Bible, the Lord, and wise counsel
-Leadership is not glamorous, it’s servanthood- hard, intentional, messy, humbling, and stretching
-How useful baby wipes can be
-Love is still love when it’s not felt but fought for
-The best part of the Lord’s day is sitting with me
-Flexibility is key, all the time. I’ve learned how to smile, nod, and say “I can do that.” I duke it out with the Lord afterwards. I haven’t failed (too miserably) yet hahaha
-The gospel is urgent- there are people who are slaves to the devil, and he is using, abusing, and glorying in their suffering… But I have a God who loves me so deeply he sent his only son to die for me and save me from the clutches of the enemy. Why am I so silent about that??? Why aren’t I shouting this message from the rooftops?
-Love HAS NO LIMITS and is constantly thinking of new ways to express itself- it’s fun, interesting, creative, innovative, persistent. “It always hopes, always trusts, always protects, always perseveres.” If I love blandly, I’m loving WRONG.
-People around the world are persecuted for their faith, yet continue to share it. I’m free in the states to share with anybody, yet I’ve kept quiet…
-What the love of the Lord for every person on the street feels like- it feels like an aching heart because each person on the moto or walking down the street probably doesn’t know Him and could die any minute.
-I can hear the voice of the Lord, all the time. He’s not quiet anymore. And my favorite thing to do is tune in, even when it is hard.
-God is my best friend, I can tell Him anything. He instructs me, He comforts me, He hangs out with me, He gives me rest, He reprimands me, and He is not going anywhere for the rest of eternity.
-How far I can push my personal hygiene…
-When it comes from the Lord, it might hurt, but it is always for the best, and always leads to life- because the Lord always takes us from glory to glory (2nd Corinthians 3:18)
-I can be just like the people in the Bible because I have the same God
-How to get things done. Place me in a foreign airport where I don’t speak the language and tell me to orchestrate how to get my team from point A to point B? No problem… I got the Spirit and a debit card.
-God has placed the dreams on my heart because he wants them to come true
-God is preparing me now for what will be required later
-I am enough
-When I pray, I get answers. He hears and responds-every time. “Because you bend your ear to hear, I will call on you as long as I live” (Psalm 116:2).
-I have the spiritual gift of peace and prophecy
-I am a Princess, a Prophet, and a Pastor in the Lord’s Kingdom
-I really really like rice. I could eat it every day, and still want it more than noodles.
-That worship all around the world is so beautiful. I have family in eight countries now who love my Lord, and who gather every Sunday to praise Him. I will not forget how beautiful it was and is to be a part of their body for a month.
-W Squad is the best, and I thank the Lord every time I think of them. Because c’mon- W stands for Winners.
-The Lord’s got me. Every day, every hour, every minute, every second. And He will NEVER let me go.
