Hello once again, friends and family! I hope all is well. Crazy to think that in just 79 days I begin my my trip, and get to meet the lovely ladies I get the pleasure of doing life with for 3 months! Over the past few months I’ve begun to purchase the gear I need for my trip, that has made what Im about to do become so real! I am beyond excited to begin my journey.
Something that God has been putting on my heart lately is loving Him and loving others. Fixing my focus on how I can love Him and others in a new way. In the past I’ve been so quick to dismiss others thoughts and feelings. The Lord has been so gracious in showing me that, and how that can effect people. People conceal a lot in their minds and hearts, and almost always you don’t realize the battles they are fighting. We don’t know their story, how they feel, or their triggers. Ive been trying to listen more carefully when people are talking, because they are choosing to open up to me and let me be a part of their story.
I’ve been re-focusing on having a Kingdom mindset, doing things with a pure mind, and heart. This means not always focusing on how I feel or what I want to do, but instead asking people in my life, how I can better love and serve them. Allowing the love of God to consume me so that I can then pour into others. Living joyfully and with out worry of what the future holds. I am so guilty of wanting to do things that have an immediate result, instead of allowing God to lead me into what He wants me to do to build The Kingdom. I am turning that urge of wanting results right now, into a passionate fire to show people the love of Jesus.
Romans 12:12-21 says:
“Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them. And eagerly welcome people as guests into your home.Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you. Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve. Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all. Never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others. Do your best to live as everybody’s friend. Beloved, don’t be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God’s righteous justice. For the Scriptures say:
“If you don’t take justice in your own hands,
I will release justice for you,” says the Lord
And:
If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch!
Win him over with kindness.
For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience,
and God will reward you with favor.
Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.”
Love you all!
