27!

Source:https://www.sophie-world.com/blog/how-plan-golden-birthday-party

God has been so incredibly good. Today I'm celebrating my golden birthday! I'm 27!

I'm so thankful for all that God has done in my life. As I look around me I see so many of the gifts and blessings that God has placed in my life. Here's a list of the top 27.

1. Gods Love and Mercy

2. Forgiveness 

3. Family

4. Friends

5. Church

6. Vacations

7. Hope Family Thrift Store

8. Good Food

9. Fun Clothes

10. The Bible

11. Home

12. Pink and Gold

13. Coffee, Smoothies, Fruit Juice 

14. Workouts

15. Long Walks

16. Christian Music

17. Audiobooks

18. Journals

19. Sticky Notes

20. Texts & Emails From Friends

21. Crafting - Crochet, Cross Stitch, Sewing, Card Making, Needlepoint, and Coloring

22. Inspiring Words

23. Hanging Out With Friends

24. Healing

25. Beautiful And Fun Souvenirs 

26. Flowers Especially Roses

27. Twenty-Seven Years Of Life

Identity #3: Who I Am

When I was beat down and broken, He reminded me of who I am. When I was reeling from loss and didn't know what to do, He wooed me back to Him. When I felt defeated He reminded me of my purpose. The beautiful purpose that He had for me before the foundation of the world was laid. 

When I was in my early teens I wanted to do God's plan for my life. I wanted Him to give me a mission to accomplish. I prayed and asked God what He wanted me to be. 

It was then that He gave me a vision for what He wanted me to be. In a nutshell it's this: I want to be a woman passionately seeking God's heart and I want to encourage the Church. It's that simple. 

Through the years I've tried to follow His leading and encourage the Church. It's looked so different for different times in the last 15 years. Sometimes it's looked like being there for a neighbor when they felt alone. Encouraging a friend that she's on the right track. Blogging. Pursuing a closer walk with God through study and quiet time. Singing to a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care. Though the expression has been different the vision has been the same.

But recently He showed me how He sees me. He sees me as His bride that He is making ready for Himself. He is cleansing and refining. He has and is giving me white to wear for the day when I meet Him. 

When I was preparing for my wedding, I spent so much time planning the details and worrying about how I would look for that day. What if I started putting as much preparation for my heavenly wedding? What if I prepared for the day when I will walk down a gold paved aisle to meet my God? What if I lived as the blood bought Bride of Christ? 

So who am I really? I am Rose. Chosen by God before the foundation of the world was laid to become His. Through the blood of Christ, I am cleansed and sanctified to be ready for service. Now I can love and encourage the church wherever I find them. 

And one day I will meet my God dressed in the purity that He purchased for me. One day I will see the joy on His face at my coming. One day I will be fully His bride beautiful. 

For now I wait and prepare for that day. For now I trust Him and follow His leading. For now I walk free in Him. I know who I am. I am His. 

Special Thanks to Mikayla for the photos. 

A Prayer

Lord, 

You are so Good and Faithful.

You are Holy and True. 

You are Great and Kind. 

You are the Creator and Redeemer.

You are God above all. 

You are the King of all Kings.

You are the Merciful and Compassionate.

You are beyond my comprehension.

And in all this, You want me for Your own. 

You have given me a calling and purpose. 

You have given me a part in Your story. 

Father, let me be faithful. 

Let me each do what You have given me. 

Let me honor You each day. 

Let my life encourage others to follow You. 

Let me be Your light. 

Amen.