#45

Thank you! 

For every word of birthday celebration sent to me.  Each word reminded me of how my life connects to yours because of family, framily, years of friendship and seasons of life. For each of those connections I am so grateful, they have all been a piece of the fabric making up these 45 years.  

This last year has held many things, and I’m grateful to celebrate another birthday.  Yesterday morning I was reading a blog with book recommendations, and one included this description about delaying getting up in the morning: 

“The author says, “When you delay waking up until you have to—meaning you wait until the last possible moment to get out of bed and start your day—consider that what you’re actually doing is resisting your life”.”

Yikes. I get up early, the time I spend in the morning is a favorite part of my routine. I don’t always want to jump out of bed at the alarm (it can be so rude), but I am always so glad I do, and regret when I don’t.  Yesterday my morning started even earlier, and it was a good quiet start to my birthday with my Bible Recap reading and a strength workout before getting ready for work and my commute.  

I feel the same about adding years, if I’m resisting them, what am I really saying?  That I’d rather not have them? NO! I am grateful for every year, know that life is very precious and want to celebrate each year God gives me to live another one.  I’ll never be ashamed of my age, deny telling it, nor cringe at it.   If you’re denying your age, trying to cover it, or otherwise avoid it, why?  What message is that sending about the gift of days that become weeks and months and years we receive making up the story written for us?  

My birthday this year was perfectly simple.  My desk was decorated, I spent convocation with our team and came home to a table full of goodness, including homemade cupcakes by Cody.

We had our normal evening routine, a neighborhood walk with dogs and my mother-in-law joined us for dinner at our local “usual” Mexican restaurant.  Afterwards, they sang, I opened cards and presents and we had cupcakes. 

 

The ending to the day was a last minute add, that was really sweet. We joined a few friends to record a scripture reading in preparation for a gala video and as I read the words of Psalms 33 I was reminded of the steadfast love of the Lord over the last year of my life. Through many things, He has never waivered nor changed. He has been constant and steadfast, even though I have wrestled through some things with Him.  My husband, parents, family and besties have been faithful listeners, encouragers and most importantly prayer warriors over my life and the seasons I have walked this year.  

Here’s to the year that was #45, and #46 beginning, whatever this next year brings, I know the steadfast love of Jesus will never change. I pray that your birthday always brings you joy, for the story and testimony of your life through another year.  If you need some encouragement today, I leave you with these words. 

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.
Praise the LORD with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
For the word of the LORD is right,
And all His work is done in truth.
He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deep in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
No king is saved by the multitude of an army;
A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for safety;
Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy,
To deliver their soul from death,
And to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.
Psalm 33 – NKJV

May the love of our Heavenly Father shine bright on you and give you hope through the days ahead.  Thank you for celebrating this birthday with me!

Blessings, 
Angie