Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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I’ve found myself often on the Race thinking about thankfulness and it’s power. It was something that was spoken over me right before I left Fargo….the importance of making thankfulness a key part of my life and from Psalm 100 “enter His gates with thanksgiving.” I was told that I would enter into new things through thanksgiving.  
I have seen the power of thankfulness.  A perfect example was a trip to the beach in Malaysia on one of our days off.  It ended up being a long hike through the jungle on a hot, humid day and I was not feeling it.  I seriously did not want to be on that hike.  I was sweating all over.  Sunscreen was getting in my eyes and mouth.  I didn’t have any water.  My attitude was terrible.  In that moment I remembered the importance of thankfulness.  As I began to intentionally think of things I was thankful for, my attitude completely changed to where I was praising Jesus for His goodness in my life and for bringing me on that adventure.  It changed everything.  Don’t get me wrong…it took a minute or two….but as I continued thinking of things I was thankful for it completely changed my attitude for the rest of the outing. 

As we’ve been doing door-to-door outreach in our community the past couple of weeks I often end up sharing this same message with believers….

Psalm 103:1-6 – Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

and

Psalm 100 – enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise!

My delightful niece, Abby, has asked me to blog more often, and I have wanted to honor her request (hi Abby, David, and Levi! I love you and miss you SO MUCH!!!). This morning it hit me. I need to write a blog about thankfulness.

So in honor of my brother, Paul, who turns 24 today, here are 24 things I am thankful for right now….

1. Paul. Happy Birthday, Brother! May you see the goodness of God all over your life this year!! I love you!

2. Chocolate – it’s really expensive here so it must be rationed, but I’m eating some as I write this. 🙂

3. Laughter with Team Shekinah

4. My voice – to speak truth and life and blessing over those around me

5. God chose me and adopted me as His daughter and has filled me with joy

6. Holy Spirit speaking to me and through me during outreach and preaching

7. Pastor Moses’ 3 yr old daughter, Lori, and her sweet laughter and goofiness

8. Beautiful Rwandan children

9. Their sweet, ever-present smiles

10. Their soft hands always grabbing for mine

11. A comfy bed to sleep in

12. A mosquito net and anti-malarial medication

13. More food than we can eat

14. Warm bucket showers!
 
15.  The gift that music is in my life and an ipod to listen to
 
16.  Feet that can walk
 
 
17.  Rwandan hospitality – did I mention more food than we can possibly eat??

18. I get to be a part of leading the R Squad!!

19. I get to lead R squad with Michael!

20. JOY that is so present in believers here!

 
21.  I own a Bible (or 2 or 3) – when so many people around the world don’t
 
 
22.  Children racing down the path to greet you
 
23.  God never gives up on me or you – He’s always up to something good in our lives
 
 
24.  The incredible women I’m living with this month….Team Shekinah….God is doing such powerful, beautiful, good things in their lives and it is an honor and a privilege to share in it.