This post has been on my mind for a
while, but with being so sick I just didn’t have time to post it:
Looking back on 2011, I am
overwhelmed with the thought of all the Lord did for me, in me and through
me. In one year, I lived in three
countries, did my student teaching, graduated college, spoke at numerous
churches and groups, started dating a wonderful amazing man, took my first job
in the Dominican Republic, left the country to serve the Dominicans in
Santiago, and traveled home for Christmas. I think you could say that I had
quite an eventful, exciting year; however, among the adventure of my year, the
Lord has given me many opportunities to share my faith, learn to withstand
trials and temptations as well as battle against things not of this world. The
verse in 2 Corinthians chapter four rings true in my life, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not
crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck
down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” It has been my desire to live a life not that
others would say, “Look at Madison”; but, that others would see my life and
say, “Wow! Look how good the Lord really is!” I thought I would share with you
my top 5 things I learned in 2011. Some are serious and some are quite trivial,
but lessons none the less. I pray
that as you read my simple thoughts you would reflect on the things that you
learned in 2011 and the things that you hope to learn in 2012.
1)
Jesus
is enough. If I have said this once, I have said it a million times. I feel
like this is a lesson that I keep learning over and over. No matter where you
are, who you are, what you are, or how you are living: JESUS IS ALWAYS ENOUGH.
2)
His Word is precious. I always read my Bible
growing up, but it wasn’t really until it was all that I had that I grasped the
critical need for the Word of God. It’s not just a book that God decided we
might need to provide us with some suggestions for living, (if some of us couldn’t figure it out on our
own…); it’s a book that has the power to change our life and to sustain us
daily. If we will let it. If we read it. I pray that I would always have a
hunger and thirst for the sweet and refreshing words of Jesus.
3)
The Lord is always in control. So many little
things happened over the past year, I
could tell you stories for hours that many would think… “Oh that is crazy
coincidence.” However, I know better than that. God is involved in every part
of our lives, from little to big.
4)
Try new things! All my life I have been known as
the “play it safe” girl (well, up until
last January that is…). Stepping out of my comfort zone, taking the Lord by
the hand, trusting in Him has proved to be one of the most amazing blessings
and lessons in my life. Trying new things is good! It challenges us to walk
closer to him. Even if that means trying new foods or a new way of doing
something old!
5)
Everyone is a missionary. I have heard so many
misconceptions of missions and missionaries in the last year. Even I myself
have lived or believed some of them, but one thing that I have learned is that
“Everyone is a missionary.” No matter where you live, what your occupation is
or how old you are; if you are a Christian, then you are a missionary. Learning
this has totally changed my view of living because when I left the Philippines
and when I leave from the DR, my life doesn’t change only my location. I am commanded that “as I go” I am to live a life
that radiates the gospel to all people. This is not only a lesson I learned,
but also a lesson that I am learning.
Thank you for reading. Please know
that while I said I learned these lessons in 2011, what I really mean is that I
started learning these lessons. I don’t think a person ever stops learning.
Remain teachable friends.
Sincerely,
Madison
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