The big day ...the big 3-5

Well, it's here.

Birthday's are like that. They arrive regardless of being ready or prepared. I woke up at 12:40 to use the restroom, and thought....well, it's here. Happy Birthday to me. As I rolled out of bed this morning, I quickly checked my phone for messages...and then checked facebook. (don't judge people).

A friend posted a greeting card pic on my facebook wall. It was a young woman with a turquoise carnation question mark around her beautiful face. Something about it intrigued me and I kept coming back to it as I got ready for work. Something about the question mark kept calling to me. I looked at it again at work. And then quickly started my busy work day.

And then it happened. I got why the question mark spoke to me. When you ask a question, you wait for an answer. The answer is unknown. My future is unknown. It isn't limited or bound to the pathetic, existence that I conjure up during one of my pity parties. In fact, my future is unknown. And it's full of wonderful posibilities. And that excites me. I don't have to be sad because life hasn't turned out like I wanted. I can choose to re-write what I want my life to look like.

Friends, I feel hope rising up in my spirit. And in a new way today, on my 35 birthday, despite society telling me that I am getting old and dried up, I am excited about the future my God has for me. A future that has exciting possibilities. I have so many wonderful moments ahead of me.

The best is yet to come. My best is yet to come.

Perspectives

I went to the Church's First Wednesday Service last week. As I was praying during worship, I felt the Lord address my apprehension over my upcoming birthday. He said simply, 'you can either choose to look at yourself as someone old and dried up, or you can choose to see someone whose story isn't finished. But it's your choice'. I immediately thought about this picture.

Help me believe Lord. In my moments of unbelief, steady my soul and return me to Your word.

* pic from here...http://www.moillusions.com/2006/05/young-lady-or-old-hag.html

On the eve

Hi Friends,

On the eve of my birthday, I've been doing alot of thinking. I believed a lie for too long. Believed that had my sister lived, I wouldn't be here. But, now that I am fully embracing:

5"Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that's what I had in mind for you."

Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

I am trying to look at this as a fork in the road. An opportunity. A do-over. No, I don't get to redo the first 35 years of my life over...but, I get to make the most of the remaining years on earth. Just like God...He's always doing something awesome like that.

My amazingly talented friend, April, made me a gorgeous painting for said occasion. (hope to post pics soon) She said it was the verse she kept hearing over and over again.

I know what I'm doing.
I have it all planned out—plans to
take care of you, not abandon you,
plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

So, here I stand. Not at all where I thought I'd be. But my arms are open for the future He's got planned out.

For the Honor

I can't wait to purchase this album. Amazing Worship by Elevation Church.