Another Birthday

 I had another birthday, on the 25th I turned 30 something...

Birthdays are sort of a big deal I think, even when you do start to get old. At least they are for me anyways.  Although there is not nearly the excitement and anticipation that surrounds them as when you are little, they bring about a time of reflection.  Reflection over the past year and even over the life you have lived as well. It brings about hopes and dreams and "to do's" yet to be fulfilled. 

 My 30's have been wonderful for me.  I was not "freaked out" when I turned 30. I was excited for this new decade in my life. Eager to move forward from my 20's. My 30's have given me 3 of the  biggest, most special things in my life: my own brick and mortar vintage home decor shop (my dream "job"), my miracle daughter which in turn gave me number 3: a forever changed heart and a real & renewed relationship in my Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Which leads me to what I have thought about every single day since my birthday.  I have been constantly aware of the fact that I am now the exact age Jesus was when He was crucified for my sins.  Somedays I have cried because I am overwhelmed by the grace and mercy I have been given.  I certainly don't "deserve" it. I haven't "earned" it.  No, I just believe it to the very core of my being and know that without this absolutely mind-boggling sacrifice I would be one doomed lost being.  I want to show others his grace and mercy. I want my light to shine for Him.  I want to inhale gratefulness and exhale thankfulness.

 

I know that most days I will make mistakes. I will get impatient with my kids, I will be ungrateful for this or that, I will be selfish. I will have to seek His forgiveness every day. And its only because of what Jesus did on the cross for me that I will be able to go to Him every day and accept His gift.  My sin He took upon Himself so that I might have eternal life in Him. Wow. I have alot to think about this year!

 

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16