i’ve learned that there’s a difference between thankfulness and gratitude. the fancy shmancy dictionary definition for thankfulness is being “conscious of benefits received.” thankfulness is more surface-level, an automatic response or reaction to something typically after receiving its benefits. gratitude, i’ve come to learn, is being deeply grateful. the dictionary definition of gratitude is being “appreciative of benefits received.”
i want to be full of gratitude.
i’ve been thinking a lot lately about what my life would look like if i didn’t go on the race. i would be at a four-year university right now studying to be an elementary teacher. i would probably be fine, but definitely full of stress. my relationship with the Lord would be nowhere close to what it is now, and my relationships with others would most likely be more shallow.
thinking about this has really made me appreciate everything that God has done in my life to get me to where i am right here, right now, sitting on a couch in our Romanian home, looking out the window to the city skyline, gray morning sky, and all of our clothes still on the balcony and clothes lines as my beautiful teammates sleep in and rest on their Sabbath.
if you had told me even nine months ago that I would be in Romania as a missionary right now I would’ve literally laughed. I would’ve thought there’s no way.
God’s kinda funny like that. i’m so so happy that He invited me on this adventure.
in the mornings for my devotions, i’ll sometimes write a gratitude list of things that i appreciate. everything from my cozy sweatpants to the amazing opportunities here in Romania. i encourage y’all to make a gratitude list, as well, to thank God for everything He’s blessed you with 🙂
g r a t i t u d e s
- team leaders.
- family back home.
- men of God on the squad.
- worship.
- a day off each week to intentionally rest and spend time with the Lord.
- the voice of God.
- big cozy sweatpants.
- fresh starts.
- watercoloring.
- healing.
- testimonies. hearing others and sharing mine.
- yummy pastries.
- power of prayer.
- quality time with squadmates.
- ministry that challenges me to grow in boldness.
- forgiveness.
- green apples.
- snow.
- freedom.
- the living, breathing word of God.
- catching up with friends and family back home.
- leftovers snacks.
- christmas lights.
- journaling.
- local missionaries that love us and serve us.
- my supporters. i really do appreciate every single one of you.
- my blog that allows me to invite others into my experiences and what i’m learning.
love, Maddie Chase
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prayer request of the week:
finishing strong. we have a week left in Craiova then a few days at debrief then we’re off to Guatemala! we’re all kinda worn out, but we need to be able to stay present and finish what we started well here in Romania.
song of the week:
communion by maverick city music (duh)
lol of the week:
looking back on old pictures of ourselves and sharing them with each other. good times.
praise of the week:
super feedback! our team got to share encouragement and constructive criticism with each other, and it was actually so so good!
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fundraising update!
thank you SO SO MUCH to everyone who has supported me prayerfully and financially. i appreciate it!
and my t shirt fundraiser is over! thank you to everyone who bought one. y’all mean the world to me <3
we still have a little under $6,000 left to raise before January 15. we can do it! please prayerfully consider supporting me during my journey. any amount that you feel led to donate will help! all donations through my blog are tax deductible, too 🙂
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now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for . . . pictures!!
craiova is getting decorated for christmas:))))))
and it snowed! you can’t really see it but there’s lil tiny snowflakes in our hair hehe
