“What I tell you in the
dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the
rooftops” (Matthew 10:27).
On
September 2, 2014, I celebrated my 43rd birthday. I am thankful for
43 years of life. But what I am thankful for the most is my Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, for it is in him that
I “live and move and exist” (Acts
17:28). It is because of Him that I am forgiven and have everlasting
life. He is the Source of my strength, the fire that burns in my soul, and the
Force [Spirit] that drives me daily and hourly. He is my inspiration to live
with purpose, to love and encourage others, and to share this with you. Thank
You, Lord, for blessing me with much more than I deserve!
My
biggest blessings here on earth call me “Mom.”
LESSONS
I HAVE LEARNED IN MY 43 YEARS OF LIFE
·
I
have learned that Jesus is “the Way, the
Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).
·
I
have learned that the secret to peace and happiness is in Matthew 6:33, “Seek
first [above all else] the Kingdom of God, and
live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
·
I
have learned that I have all I need in Christ.
·
I
have learned that the things that matter most in this life are not things. What
matters most are the people in our lives (especially family) and our relationships with one another.
·
I
have learned that, “The power of life and
death is in the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Therefore, we must “speak life” into the lives of others. Words
are free, but their value is PRICELESS.
·
I
have learned that, “I am not called to be
successful, but to be faithful” (Mother Teresa).
·
I
have learned that is better to lose an argument and win a person, than to win
an argument and lose the person.
·
I
have learned that “the joy of the Lord is
my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
·
I
have learned that the only one I should be concerned about pleasing is my
Savior.
·
I
have learned to love, to forgive, to be bold, and to never compromise my
relationship with the Lord, no matter the cost.
·
I
have learned that God is faithful.
·
I
have learned that “I alone cannot change
the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples”
(Mother Teresa).
·
I
have learned that my life may not be perfect, but I am blessed!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter, of faith. For the joy set before Him He
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from
sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart…Make
every effort to live in peace with one another…Therefore, since we are
receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful,
and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a
consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:1-3,14,28,29).
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your daily doses of humility. Thank You for Your Word, which is Your blueprint for my life. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who died on the cross for my sins, so that I may be forgiven and have eternal life. And thank You for the Holy Spirit, the Wise Counselor, who gives me wisdom, guides me daily, and helps me to stay on the right path. Thank You for teaching me that all I need I have in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
