Another Birthday

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Another birthday crept up on me and flew past this last week. The older I get, the faster they come around. This one isn’t a milestone, but for some reason, it feels like a big one. Maybe because I’m on the precipice of a milestone birthday (the big 5-0 next year), and many of my friends and former classmates have already surpassed it.

For me, birthdays are a time of reflection. What have I learned in the last year? The last five years? The last ten years? Ten years ago, I was about to embark on a major life upheaval. Within a few months of my birthday, I had quit my job, started editing full time, and moved to the big city. I had a handful of friends and acquaintances but only a couple of close friends. Now, I still live in the big city, but I work a full-time office job and edit part-time. I have several close friends—more than this shy introvert ever thought possible, really. Continue reading “Another Birthday”

Birthday Reflections

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22–23)

August is my birthday month, and each year, I approach the days leading up to my birthday with an attitude of reflection. What have I accomplished this past year? What do I want the next year to bring? Continue reading “Birthday Reflections”

2021 in Three Words

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (1 Chron. 16:34)

Most of us had high hopes that 2021 would be better than 2020. For some people, I’m sure that was true. But for many others, the tragedy, discord, and chaos continued. For me, like many other years, 2021 was a mix of both good and bad.

A few years ago, I started a practice at the beginning of the year where I find three words to describe the previous year. Now, I’m sure you have some choice words for 2021, as we all do, but my words aren’t good riddance, 2021, even though that would be fitting. Instead, I want to focus on the positive. Continue reading “2021 in Three Words”

2022’s Word for the Year: The Big Question Mark

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Ps. 130:5)

Happy New Year!

Do you create New Year’s resolutions, or do you select a word for the year? Or some combination of both? Usually by this time each year, I have my word selected. But I’m starting 2022 without one. I’ve prayed, made lists of potential words, and even taken online quizzes. (Yes, I was starting to feel desperate, and even though I didn’t find my word, I did gain some valuable insight from the way I answered the questions on the quizzes.)

God isn’t completely silent, but he’s definitely not saying anything about what my word should be. Continue reading “2022’s Word for the Year: The Big Question Mark”

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2018

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced…” (1 Chron 16:11-12)

As the year draws to a close, I’m reminded that this is a good opportunity to reflect back over the year. In honor of that, I’ve selected my top ten blog posts from this year. These are the posts that resonated with my readers the most. I’ll be back soon with new content for the new year! Continue reading “Top 10 Blog Posts of 2018”