07/05/17-07/16/17
World Race Training camp, the place I went in a worldly child thinking I was an adult only because of the whole being 18 thing, just to come out knowing I am a child of God. I went in viewing my faith as convenient, coming out knowing it is consistent. The best and hardest 11 days of my life thus far. An amazing preparation for these next 9 months physically, mentally and most importantly spiritually.
I learned that I hate toads/ frogs because of the loud, ear drum shattering squeal that comes out of me when I nearly step on one. I learned how to take a shower using simply a paint bucket, freezing cold water and plastic measuring cup. (In Georgia heat, that freezing cold water becomes a blessing.) I learned to try what was in front of me before asking what I was about to consume. I learned that I have some sweet blood for mosquitos to feast on. I learned that just hearing about fellow racers get lice, even if I don’t get it, makes my head itch.
I learned how to serve and disciple women and children. I learned to love like Jesus does. I learned prayer is a two way conversation. I learned how to LISTEN to the holy spirit. I learned a whole new meaning for my favorite word; joy. Joy used to have a meaning to me that was filled with worldly values, I have now realized that joy truly comes from the love of our Father and it is a whole new kind of joy. A feeling that is indescribably… well… joyful.
I have learned that I have this love and joy to share because Jesus loves ME. How freaking cool is that. I am flawed, I am dirty but Jesus has made me clean, he sees me as his perfect, dirt free daughter. Now the hard part, waking up and seeing myself the way my Father sees me, looking in the mirror and seeing myself as clean and forgiven. Over these past 11 days I have learned to how forgive myself. I can forgive myself and view myself as clean because that is how my Father sees me. I am talking clean spiritually because bucket showers don’t really get you 100% clean physically.
I have heard the holy spirit speaking to me, you read that correctly I promise. This is what I know He has told me.
I am like a tree, growing everyday through His nourishment. I am free, I stand tall and strong because of the strong foundation, deep roots and good soil I was planted upon. I am simply loved and unique. I have a purpose that God has put me on this earth for and I am pursuing that purpose right now through Him. It’s okay that I have a few broken branches that have fallen during a few storms because He has healed me to make me new. I am like a tree because I have these deep, strong roots to hold me standing tall. Those roots are God’s love and grace, unlike a weed whose roots are thin and viscous.
1 Corinthians 6:11
You are washed, you are sanctified,
you are justified in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
This verse stood out to me because these were all things I thought I wasn’t but because of Jesus I AM! I AM washed clean, I AM sanctified and I AM justified all in the name of Jesus. I AM a strong tree that He has made new to endure any storm because my roots are strong! He is a GOOD GOOD Father that IS proud of me.
How could I not be joyful?
