One year, and time, as always, has fleeted too fast.
What has happened since I left? What has changed in me since I've been home? Well here are a few things:
1. I learned how to pray. I wasn't praying correctly before. (I might get a lecture from a pastor or Sunday School teacher for saying this, but hear me out, I know I've always been taught there is no right way to pray!) I learned that when I pray for God's will, for things that are less "God, please do this for me" and instead pray, "God, I wish for your will to be done in this situation" I walk away more satisfied. I might be praying for a friends' father who is on his death bed and my prayer isn't "Father please save him", it's "Father, I ask that you provide him with compassionate nurses and competent doctors, you give him peace and comfort and that Father, if it is your will, that you take him into your arms, and be with those that are left grieving". So much harder to do, because you want healing and recovery, but in the end, it's not my will, or your will, it's His will! And whatever the outcome, I get an answer to my prayer!
2. I've become disciplined in tithing. I used to give something around 5%, but never anything consistent and if I was running low I gave less, but now, after seeing the faithfulness of those with nothing always giving, and giving cheerfully, I have disciplined myself to give 10%, and sometimes above and beyond in various ways.
3. I've learned how to constantly be in His word. I wake up and do a devotion and greet the Lord with a smile and thankful heart. Mid-day I check out my Holy Bible app and read my verse of the day and then perhaps some more. And every night before bed I read a chapter of the Bible, I'm getting close to the end of Psalms now. And I've recently started reading it with my boyfriend because we need to spend more time in the word together.
4. I've learned deep in my soul that if you do what He asks you to do you are making Him so happy that He will bless your life immensely! I came back broke from Africa and yet was able to save enough money to buy my first house this year! I was able to experience the miracle of birth by seeing my little, most adorable nephew enter this world. Since asking my boss for 3 months off to go to Africa I've received a promotion and about $10K in raises because of my dedication and performance.
5. I am slowly, but steadily, learning patience. I am learning be slow to speak and slow to anger. I'm not reacting so impulsively and defensively but allowing things to sink in and for my feelings to be processed before making any moves.
6. I am constantly fostering the importance of service and love in my life and I'm continuing to teach it to as many people as I can, because Jesus was the ultimate servant and who wouldn't want to be like him?! Almost every week since New Year's I made a resolution to write an email or mail a card to someone I'm thankful for or someone that needs an encouraging word. This type of ministry can be done by anyone at any time regardless of faith, because amidst all the talk of Syria and broken homes and murderers and the like, we all need some more encouragement to do good and to keep on keeping on.
7. I've come to realize that my music preference has changed. I still love some good old school hip-hop, but my I-pod tells me my most played music is something by Hillsong United or Jesus Culture. I spend more time listening to the Praise station or the Message than I do old school or reggae.
One year later, changed, but still the same me, just a better version of me, all cause He loves me that much and all cause I said, "Yes, I'll heed your call and fly across the world to serve in Your name!".
