IT’S 2019
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I’m not one who likes overly reminiscing on the past. I love memories, I love remembering things I’ve experienced, and I love telling stories. But as someone who is always looking to the future, looking back can sometimes feel like sinking. This year was different 🙂
These are just a couple things that I learned this year:
Brokenness doesn’t equal uselessness. This year was undoubtedly the hardest year of my life. But also the best. Being used in times when I deemed my self “broken” was probably the coolest thing ever – I even wrote a song about it (lyrics coming soon). I experienced loss, someone in my family went through depression, my goals completely shifted, I questioned things i’d known my whole life, and the Lord wrecked parts of my life. Along with this I became a teacher of the word, met some amazing people, visited a new country, grew in my faith, heard Abba more than ever before, was able to disciple girls, wrote songs, and spoke to people about the Lord. Through valley and hill, I was reminded that if in all situations, walking surrendered allows Jesus to redeem all. My understanding of the Lord working “all” things together, was deepened by leaps and bounds. Despite facing all kinds of challenges this year, I was able to hear and see Abba walk me through them and teach me in them. I can honestly say I saw redemption in a whole new light – it was so freeing.
Presence Equals Joy was a big thing I learned this year. If you haven’t heard about the enneagram before, I’m here to expose you. (Go take it here & let me know what you are below!!) It’s a personality test that focuses on what each of the 9 types internal motivations, fears, and ultimate goals revolve around. (Trust me, when I heard of it, I was totally against taking it. I was all “nah me and Jesus got this”) It taught me that my type, a seven, struggles with presence and processing emotion. News flash, that’s me. The Lord used this seemingly silly test to transform the way I thought, felt, and spent time with the Lord. I was able to learn things about myself and relearn how to focus all of my strength on the Lord and allow him to direct everything else – including leading me to the race! 1 Tim 6:6 says “But godliness with contentment is great gain”. I am thankful for the ways the Lord taught me about contentment and satisfaction in him.
He Means What He Says. I love learning more about the word this year and taking it for its face value. Learning more about the bible is something that I always want, simply because I just don’t know enough. 2018 was defiantly a year that I was able to learn/study then turn around and teach/apply. I was able to be more BOLD than ever because I knew what the Lord said about certain things and who he said I was and why. I am still learning and growing in the truth that radical faith shouldn’t hold a bad connotation and that we shouldn’t apologize for being in love with Jesus.
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This next year is going to be full of HUGE changes. I am looking forward to chasing the Lord and seeking him in all things. I am giddy to fall more in love with Jesus and learning more about his character. I am so happy you all are a part of this journey I am overwhelmed by you guys support. Feel free to share and subscribe for more updates as launch approaches and I get on the field!
All my love,
C
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PS. I am obviously very far from my goal, so if you would like to partner (yes partner, I cannot do this without you guys) me monthly or with a one time donation it would be super appreciated!
