Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

Today is my birthday and I am here in ALBANIA celebrating with some of the best people that I know. Life is different than I’d ever imagined it would be, but I am so grateful that it hasn’t been what I expected or what I’d have planned. As I get to know the Lord even better, I continue to learn more about myself, his purpose for me, and become even more of the woman that he created me to be. I couldn’t be more grateful for the ways that he has blessed me these last 25 years and in the ways that he’s grown me in the last 8- especially this past year. As I reflect on where the Lord has brought me, here are 25 lessons that I’ve learned through walking this Earth for the past 25 years.

  1. God is faithful. Sometimes I lose sight of this when it isn’t how I expect or in ways that I can comprehend. But he’s continually shown me that he keeps his promises and comes through in the most perfect ways.
  2.  Dogs are great. They often make the best listeners and are sure to turn a “meh” day into a good one.
  3. Pay attention to the small things. They are usually what make up the bigger picture and will be what you remember.
  4. Mistakes are expected and they are how you learn- don’t fear them.
  5. Dancing will never be my talent, but it doesn’t mean it’s not fun to try.
  6. Learn to laugh at yourself- it’ll make most every situation better.
  7. Don’t give up on people. Keep pursuing them. Keep loving them. Even when you don’t think it makes a difference or when you’re frustrated. Hear them out. Pour into them. Don’t let the fact that you can’t always see the fruit deter you from investing.This goes for yourself, too.
  8. Self-awareness is something that I’d say I’m relatively good at, but I’m finding that there’s more to learn about myself and that being open to shedding old things and learning new things about yourself is huge in growing and walking in freedom.
  9. Traveling is one of the best ways to learn. History. About yourself. Faith. Culture. Life. Whatever it is you want to dig deeper in, you can find it in going- in seeing what the world has to offer.
  10. It’s okay to give yourself a break. It’s okay to take time to do something for YOU- actually, it’s needed. It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to let yourself feel that.
  11. Take risks. Overcome your fears. This is when you’ll grow.
  12. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a voice. Use yours and know that it matters.
  13. Choosing to follow where Christ leads is one of the most adventurous things you’ll ever decide to do.
  14. It’s never too late to start over or to start dreaming.
  15. Music really is a universal language.
  16. There is NOTHING you can do to earn God’s love or to lose it. Just accept it and let his grace and mercy radically change you and those around you.
  17.  You are not alone. The people that you call friends and family want to share life with you. Let them in. If you don’t have a community- seek it out. It’ll change you in so many ways.
  18.  Books are one of the best investments. They provide learning and adventure.
  19.  Be interruptible. Often, the best conversations, ministry opportunities, and relationships form when you are willing to put aside your “to do” list and slow down. Prioritize people over tasks.
  20.  Organization/logistical tasks are actually something I love and get enjoyment out of…most of the time.
  21.  There is always hope.
  22.  Your family may drive you crazy, but they’ll always be there for you. Love them well.
  23.  Learn and practice the art of contentment. It’ll serve your restless heart well.
  24.  Be authentically you. You’ve been given gifts and opportunities for a reason. Don’t get caught up in comparing what you have to offer to everyone else.
  25.  Often, you can learn the most about joy, love, resilience, and Christ through children. Don’t write them off, pay attention to what they have to offer.

So, here’s to year 25! It’s sure to be one for the books.

Thanks to you all, I am FULLY FUNDED! Your support has been phenomenal and I would not be having these experiences without YOU! However,there are still plenty of opportunities and need to help support me with misc. personal living expenses and funds for me to use to bless the ministries and people I’m working with. The race has proven to require more personal funds than I had intended for ministry wardrobe purchases, equipment, food, and in being able to bless others. Pray about how and if the Lord would have you partner with me in this way! If you are interested in helping me with this, send me a message or you can donate through https://www.paypal.me/SylviaBarrett.

Want to follow along with my journey? Hit SUBSCRIBE! It will just ask you for your email and you will be notified of any new updates while I’m on the field. I won’t be on social media a ton, so to keep updated, follow along with me! I’d also LOVE comments. They will provide need encouragement as well as offer a way for you to let me know any prayer requests that you may have!

Want to communicate with me while I’m on the race? Do so through hitting Let’s Chat on this blog, commenting on my posts, through facebook, email, or what’s app. Know that I may not have daily access to wifi, but I will get back to you when I do!