Yesterday was my 30th birthday. Since being an adult I haven't always enjoyed my birthday, except for last year when I found out that I was having a little baby girl, who we've named Ava Sophia and now, I can add yesterday to the list of really great birthdays!
I had visits from a few friends and phone calls from family, but as the day went on it became apparent to me that blessings were all around me. We found out that some dear friends in our community group who've we've been praying very specific prayers of provision for are now staying in Raleigh as God provided exactly what they were needing in relation to his job. Then, I found out that a baby that our community group has been supporting at Duke (even set up a Foundation for a surgery that she needs to have) has been given almost half of the amount that is necessary to be raised in order for her to have the surgery that she needs to save her life!! After dinner with my family, we "stopped by" some friends' house so "they could wish me a happy birthday", only to find my entire community group and family there to surprise me and have a serious chocolate fest!! It was so much fun!!
But, then it got better... they sat me in a chair and all came around me and prayed blessings on me and then presented me with a "blessings box" in which they had all written kind notes, verses, and prayers of blessing for me. As I layed in bed reading them last night, I was truly touched by the people God has brought into my life! I am not only having so much fun with them, but I am spiritually encouraged every time I leave them.
As I think through where God wants to use me right now, I realize that it's so much with my special girls as I pour into them all that I know about Christ and His love for them, but He is so kind to give me others as well. It might be counseling a lady from church or spending time with a friend or sharing Jesus with the girl who cuts my hair. I resonate with a song by Britt Nicole that says, "I want to set the world on fire" ... being used by God to ignite something great in this world! That's where I'm at and I'm thrilled to think of what He will use me to do.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great, you may never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:19
