Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
-Ephesians 3:20-21
What a whirlwind life has been. As I think about this past year Ephesians 3:20-21 continues to really stick out as a summary. I can’t begin to describe all the Lord has done in my life, it truly has been more than all I have asked for or imagined. From having the opportunities to do ministry here in Dallas through Watermark and The Porch, to serving in Haiti, and even Uganda…I am blown away. Never in my wildest dreams.
*Ministry here in Dallas has taught me how much people long to be cared for and loved, and how far too often we don’t understand how much the Lord has done for us and the way he loves us. Living in the “bible-belt” we too often settle on knowing about God and the Bible, instead of knowing God intimately and spending time in His Word. I’ve learned that we can’t expect people to make Christ like decisions if they don’t know Christ. Helping people isn’t about behavior modification; it’s about helping them understand the Gospel and our great God.
*A heart of gratitude, that is what I took away from my time in Uganda. The people of Uganda would cheer and dance and sing everywhere we went. Welcoming us with open arms and gifts. I was blown away. They have been through more than we can ever imagine with the LRA and yet the ones who have come to know the Lord are incredibly joyful. One day as some women ate their red beans and rice lunch with their hands I remember thinking I should try and find them some forks. My next thought was wow, I really could learn from these ladies. They could care less if they had a fork, they were just grateful for food. This wasn’t their problem; this was a sign of a problem in my heart. From that day forward I have worked on daily thanking the Lord and having a heart of gratitude.
*While in Haiti I learned to pray constantly. I felt so helpless seeing the number of orphans and the destruction. I realized while riding on the bus there, I may not be able to speak their language and help everyone, but I can pray. The same God that has healed areas of my life and has been faithful to take care of me is the same God watching over them. I can pray and trust Him. I realized on this trip after getting to have a conversation with our bus driver that you never know who around you needs someone to talk to. This man drove teams around to serve and share the Gospel, but no one had actually sat down and shared with him. Awesome moment.
*A heart of gratitude, that is what I took away from my time in Uganda. The people of Uganda would cheer and dance and sing everywhere we went. Welcoming us with open arms and gifts. I was blown away. They have been through more than we can ever imagine with the LRA and yet the ones who have come to know the Lord are incredibly joyful. One day as some women ate their red beans and rice lunch with their hands I remember thinking I should try and find them some forks. My next thought was wow, I really could learn from these ladies. They could care less if they had a fork, they were just grateful for food. This wasn’t their problem; this was a sign of a problem in my heart. From that day forward I have worked on daily thanking the Lord and having a heart of gratitude.
My year of 28 has truly been incredible. One of the best years of my life. I’ve gotten to travel to some awesome places on mission trips and other places to get away including: Colorado, New York, and the Caribbean. I’ve been able to spend more time with my family now that we are all in Dallas and have a new niece! I have an amazing group of friends who challenge and encourage me, and an incredible church home.
God is good. He is faithful. And I am humbled and grateful.
Praying the Lord would continue to grow me and use me this next year of my life for His glory and my good.
