Resting in the goodness of God

Click HERE to watch my World Race Video-Recap

Oh, that you would allow me to celebrate which what is now the past, and to plan a next season, all while resting in solitude, in a hidden treasure of a place, called Sicily, Italy.

I do not take this lightly, but more so am thanking God for the grace and gifts in abundance He has provided me in this season of life I am currently in.

Above is a re-cap/sum up of a video, with what this year did for me personally. However, by no means is it an exhaustive list. I can only begin to share with you glimpses, as I am sure I will be unpacking this year for the rest of my life, haha!

Please take 10 minutes to watch the video above.

Below, you will find a sort of poetic writing, taking a portion of Psalms 103 from the bible & adding tangible, real life examples to each line from this year. It is so life giving to do these kind of things!

“Psalm 103: 1-5

Let all that I am, praise the Lord;

[Yes, I will praise you from Australian sunrises to the Moroccan Sunsets. I will remember your goodness by journaling about these experiences, by blogging to my friends and family, by choosing joy, even when the travel gets a bit tiring.]

With my whole heart, I will praise His Holy name

[Yes, I will praise you through worshiping along the streets of Greece to sharing the gospel with new friends from India. From cleaning up the hosts apartment in Turkey to doing the dishes for my team.]

Let all that I am, praise the Lord;

[Yes, I praise you by praying for my brothers and sisters around the world & intercede for loved ones in broken situations in the states. From surrendering my fear of man in China to crossing the Caspian sea & embracing the wait to get back on land, I will praise your name.]

May I never forget the good things He does for me

[Yes, I will share of your goodness and what you have done for me this year, to all who have ears to hear. I am not ashamed to share your love, rather I am honored to be set apart for the Glory of your name. I will share to my family, my friends in Michigan, Chicago, Minnesota, and wherever else these feet may go.]

He forgives all my sins

[Yes, your kindness has led me to repentance. You delivered me from things of this world that did not truly satisfy. You have forgiven my mistakes traveling this year, you have forgiven my choosing to worry about the future after the race, you have forgiven me from choosing fear instead of obedience when it came to loving my teammates well or sharing the good news of you to others around. You have forgiven me, fully from the past, present, and future.]

He heals all my diseases

[You’ve healed my broken heart & pasted it back together this year. You have freed me from the crippled state of self doubt, a weary mind, a confused state of being, and replaced it with confidence in Christ Jesus, a renewed mind, and one who brings peace from heaven to chaotic situations]

He redeems me from death

[Yes, you have redeemed me. My soul rests in the assurance of this home on earth is temporary, yet my home is wherever you are Jesus. & you, are everywhere. You have redeemed me from the death of unworthiness, shame, and insecurity of the past & set me up for a wonderful transition back into the states through my local church in Holland, and providing employment through She Walks In Truth.]

& crowns me with love and tender mercies

[Yes, you gave me a year of blessings, fun, adventures, space, time, reflection, and growth. You’ve showered your love on me through letting me meet my distant Aunty and Uncle in India, by giving me 35+ new world race friends, by providing new friends in 14+ different countries, by protecting me on the crazy bus rides & dangerous streets, by allowing opportunity for life long memories, to talk about the rest of my life.

He fills my life with good things

[Yes, you have filled me with good things to the brim. May I use these good things to bless other people. You have given me new insight on the world, its brokenness, the various cultures and traditions, humanity, knowledge of Biblical truths, revelation of your mercy and goodness, and gave me yet, another family through Adventures and missions community. ]

My youth is renewed like eagles.

[Yes, I am free, I am made to fly and will pursue that lifestyle the best I can, all the rest of my days. From eating noodles after noodles in Indonesia, to playing soccer on the sandy shores of Sri Lanka to hammocking in Kazakhstan to riding horses in Kyrgyzstan, its been refreshing. I will live in the present, here and now. I will dream with childlike wonder for the future. I will pursue upcoming seasons with the faith that you are the God of the impossible, God of abundance, and the God of true Joy.

Thank you Lord. You have outdone yourself…again.

Have you ever tried that? I encourage you, take a favorite psalm, sit on it, and add real life examples. It doesn’t even matter if you have been traveling the world or if you are in the darkest bout of depression, giving praise and thanks will renew your mind & while at it, change atmosphere around. There is always something we can give thanks for or recognize of God’s provision–every breath we take, is a gift from the creator, the lover of our souls.

It may feel pretty intentional at first, but I promise, keep at it, and soon it is simply the over flow of your heart.

I am convinced, not only does this type of recognition give life to our mind, body, and soul, but it is also It’s claiming territory over darkness. It’s claiming territory over your mind. It’s bringing glimpses of heaven down to earth.

It’s life changing!

What do you do to give thanks and worship our Lord Jesus, and Savior? Comment below, I would to hear!

Lots of love sent your way, friend!

Until next time,
Kailey