As summer has begun, life has become filled with exciting things to look forward to. Between vacation, spending time with family, preparing and training for the World Race, and all the activities that come with this season, I've found myself eagerly awaiting each new day. Yet in the middle of all that excitement, God has been revealing something in my heart that I didn't want to ignore.

Recently, I finished reading through the book of Malachi and began reading the Gospels. While studying Malachi, I was struck by God's message to the Israelites who had returned from exile. They were offering sacrifices and following religious practices, but their hearts were far from Him. Instead of giving God their best, they gave Him what was left over. Through the prophet Malachi, God challenged them because they were going through the motions of worship while continuing to pursue their own desires. As I read, I felt convicted because I realized I was doing something similar.

Lately, I've struggled to prioritize prayer and Bible reading. I still sit down to read my devotional and pray each day, but often my mind is already focused on what I want to do next. Instead of delighting in spending time with the Lord, I find myself rushing through it so I can move on with my day. Reading Malachi made me stop and examine my heart. Was I truly seeking God, or was I simply checking a spiritual box?

One verse that especially stood out to me was Malachi 3:7, which says, "'Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,' says the LORD of Heaven's Armies." I knew God was calling me to return to Him with a sincere heart rather than a divided one.

Changing old habits isn't easy, and I still find myself struggling at times. But God has been teaching me that prayer isn't meant to be a single item on my daily checklist. Instead, it can be an ongoing conversation throughout the day. I've been trying to pause and thank Him for His creation, ask for His help during small challenges, and pray for people around me whenever I notice a need. Rather than limiting prayer to one specific moment, I'm learning to walk with Him throughout the day.

The Gospels and a new Bible study with my family have continued to challenge me as well. Jesus calls His followers not only to believe in Him but also to become more like Him. He calls us to be humble, compassionate, selfless, forgiving, and willing to serve others. Our faith shouldn't just be about belief; it should also be about living out that faith through good deeds. The more I study how Jesus demonstrated this in His life, the more aware I become of how far I fall short.

At first, that realization can feel discouraging. But the beautiful truth of the Gospel is that Jesus never asked me to be enough on my own. He is enough. He lived the perfect life I could never live and paid for every one of my sins through His death and resurrection. When I see my shortcomings, I'm reminded of how much I need Him and how great His grace truly is. Hallelujah for that!

As I continue preparing for the World Race, I'm realizing that God isn't only preparing my logistics, finances, and travel plans. He's preparing my heart. Before He sends me across the world to serve others, He is teaching me what it means to walk closely with Him each day. My prayer is that I would not simply go through the motions of following Jesus, but that I would know Him more deeply and reflect Him more faithfully wherever He leads me.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support as God continues this work in my life. Please pray that I would grow in my love for the Lord, remain faithful in His Word, have my heart transformed by Him, and continue learning what it means to walk with Him daily.