Happy Birthday To Us!

My husband Bill and I celebrated our birthdays this week.  Remember when you were a kid and you told everyone about your birthday?  Well, I'm still a kid at heart and I'm excited about having another birthday.  I know many people stop saying they are having a birthday after they hit the proverbial "29".  But, I think that it's a great blessing to be able to celebrate another year of life! 

Think about all the horrors this past year, and all the things that could have happened, and all the things that have happened, yet we are still here.  We are here because of God's protection and provision, and I think that's something to celebrate.  Yes, it can be a bit startling when the numbers begin to get bigger.  You look back over the years and see life hasn't always played out in reality, as you dreamed it would in your heart. 

However, when we do look at the past decades of our lives, we truly have so much to be grateful for.  We live in a country that has so much beauty, and still offers so many freedoms and opportunities.  We have friends and family who we love and love us.  And most importantly, we have a God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and died so that we could have life here on earth AND for eternity in heaven.  That, my friend, is a double portion blessing!  

Psalms 103:1-5 says,

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The next time you celebrate your birthday, may joy and gratitude bubble up within you, and may that blessing overflow to bless others In Jesus Name!  And have a happy birthday!!!