Birthday Blessings

 Tuesday March, 6th was my birthday. I was have had an abundance of cards from around the world (well with a sister in Germany that's the norm haha), from friends and family. I felt much loved to receive phone calls and connect with my good friend Bridget who is attending college in Marquette, MI. In addition I felt simply blessed to have Adam here to visit. His presence was a good enough gift but he insisted on taking me out on a date. I jumped at the opportunity and got all dressed up.

Date night not via skype!

Living in Alaska, and being here on the snowiest season recorded I opted to wear boots and bring along my black flats. I think i'll start a new trend as I make boots look good with a dress. Don't you think?

 We made a quick stop at Tabbie's as she said she had a birthday surprise for me too. We arrived and sure enough Tabbie had made me a funfetti-kit-kat cake. WHOA!!! For those of you who know me you know that kit-kat bars are my absolute favorite candy bar, or candy for that matter. Also funfetti cake is my favorite. I love it so much that I want it for my wedding cake, but this is still in discussion since funfetti is not traditional and the venue we booked does not allow outside food so the cater would have to make it. At any rate I was ecstatic to see such a unique cake with all of my favorite things!

From there we headed into Anchorage to eat at the newly opened Olive Garden. We got there only to find it was an hour and a half wait. Adam and I received a little light up pager. We decided to go over to the shopping complex across the street. We were pleasantly surprised that the pager reached all the way through Target and Best Buy. We didn't buy anything but it was a great way to pass the time and simply walk around.

 The following day I arrived at work and found that Pastor had made funfetti cupcakes, and Ericka and her three kids had created a bouquet of Kit-Kat bars!!! It was the most creative and unique gift I have ever received!!

On this day of my birth I look back upon how far I have come in my life. I was born to loving parents and grew up in a small town that instilled lifelong values and in a church that encouraged my growth in every way possible. I have siblings that would breathe for me if that were possible. I attend a wonderful Christian college and found devoted Christians in the DCE program and on college campus. I have been privileged to be on an internship with such amazing people to support and surround me.

When life’s inevitable tragedies entered my life I am surrounded by a loving community of family and friends. As the years passed I have been made more and more aware of the need for encouraging those around me and for promoting Christ. God keeps expanding my vision and giving me more meaningful work to do. The Bible never speaks of retirement and while I am far from it I get closer to the close of this chapter called “Alaska Internship”

As I grow older in age so too does my relationship with Christ. When I was younger I was taught Jesus loves me…because the Bible says so. So simple but I never knew what that meant. When my faith is challenged by obstacles or people who wish to bring me or those around me down, I am remind that it is not the work of Christ but of sin and the devil himself.

This is an exciting time of my life. Graduation, marriage, future full time call in a church (wherever God takes me), adventure, and uncertainty.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!- Psalm 118:24

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a (woman), I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1Corinthians 13:11-12)

I want to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t want to stay the same! I want God to continue to grow me and change me and mold me. I don’t want to make the same mistakes year after year, but I want to learn from them and overcome them. I know God is doing a new thing in me each year. I don’t want to look over my shoulder, lamenting about the past and the mistakes I’ve made. Instead, I want to look forward to what God is doing in me and through me TODAY. This year, I want to take the wisdom God has given me and make the right choices. I want to put away my “childish” ways, my immature, selfish ways.
Forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…

Thank You, Lord for creating me and blessing me with an incredible life with a wonderful family and friends amazing people in my life. I am blessed beyond measure! Thank You, God for birthdays. I pray that this year I continue to grow and mature. I do not want to be the same this time next year. I surrender this year to You. Amen.