Fishponds, Weeds, and Love…

Preparation is a pretty common theme for success in just about everything… there's the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared", and other quotes like "To be prepared is half the victory", "expect the unexpected" and "don't go to the fishpond without a net."  Okay, well the last one was not as well-known, but it's a very useful Japanese proverb. 🙂  The thing is, as I head off to Training Camp on Friday I realize that I'm at the beginning of a journey I'm not sure I'm truly ready for.  Yes, I have my "net" and will pack the supplies I need, but mentally, physically, and spiritually (so in all areas, lol) I'm about to be stretched and challenged in ways I can only try to imagine!

As I look ahead to the Race, I know what country I'll be in each month next year, and after camp next week I'll know the people I'll be there with.  What I don't know yet (among many things, lol) is the thing I'm most anticipating~ which is the impact of this trip~ on others' lives and my own.  I'm such a flawed person, and despite all my fears and failures I pray the Lord will use my life and everyone on our World Race squad in amazing ways!

God has been working on my heart for a long time, and even though I feel He's leading me to do The World Race, I've had some doubts!  I'm aware of many things about myself that need work~ I'm like a garden… I've got some weeds!  My goal is that every day and every year I stretch and grow and become a better example of what being a Christian is really about, because if I can even be a little more like Jesus then I will be greatly changed.  This is one reason I'm so excited to go on the Race.  I want to learn to surrender to Jesus fully, no matter what my circumstances.  It says in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is– His good, pleasing and perfect will."

One of my weeds… knowing how to truly LOVE.  I have a lot of improving to do so that I'm able to love people the way God calls us to.  He says to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to even love our enemies.  Any love and compassion I have I pray will be multiplied by 1,000 so that I truly learn how to humbly put others before myself.  If you are able to lift me up in prayer during any/all of this whole experience, I would be so grateful!  Please click over on the left where it says "Want to receive updates when I post a new blog? Click here" because I will be sharing news about what we are doing, posting pictures, and letting you know about any prayer requests. 🙂

11 countries in 11 months.  It means trading my life of travel as a flight attendant for travel of a new purpose.  It will be very hard to leave friends and family and give up a lot of comforts we are used to in America… but to leave what I know so that I can share my faith while growing is the most exciting thing I can think of doing!  Hopefully I'll be able to share and apply some of what God has already taught me in life while learning much more, and it all comes down to spreading Love and Hope…  this trip means being a part of people's lives and sharing the love of Christ in many different ways.

Two weeks ago I was in Paris, France and while I was there I went to the American Church.  We sang Mighty to Save.  It was awesome to worship with people from all over the world who were visiting France, and know that the words are true no matter where we are…

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Savior;
The Hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
Yes, I surrender.

Blessings to you!

Jo Linda

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