Birthday girl!!

Yesterday was my birthday.....and it seems like the older I get the more that day comes around quicker than expected.....but none the less, it must be celebrated because 1. I have children who now know about dates and celebrations that include lots of gifts, cake, ice cream, and treats which they have no problem indulging in no matter who's birthday it is and 2. another day/year to celebrate my life that the Lord has given me and 3. I like cake and presents too!

Soooooo.......that is what we did.....we went to church and then out to eat with friends at a hibachi grill which has awesome food and then went shoe shopping (haven't done that in a couple years!) and then home to eat cake. I got the most awesome gift from my good friend Bobbi. It is a leather-bond application study Bible, and it is my most treasured possession. I love it so much and am so excited to read it. The maps, the time lines, the charts and diagrams, the application notes, the cross-references, and so much more make this Bible so interesting to read and study....I get so excited just smelling the cover and feeling how soft it is...and running my fingers over the gold-plated pages....b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!!

Sooooooo.....here's to my way past 3 decades of life! (by 2 years)....I look forward to growing and maturing in the Lord and to fulfilling His purpose for my life......I am so amazed at what God has accomplished in me already and can't wait to see what He has for me...."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. Then you will call upon me and and come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity....." -Jeremiah 29:11-14.

Well I must go eat some more of this funfetti birthday cake while the kids are in bed....cuz when they get to it they sure won't be thinking about saving some for the birthday girl :)!

I must be completely delivered from myself...

Hello bloggers and friends,

We are looking forward to:
-warmer weather and sunshine
-which usually leads to less colds, flus and viruses
-celebrating spring and Easter
-my man coming home for R & R in a few days
-my birthday this Sunday!

So much blessings now and in the days ahead...thank you Lord for the big and little things you do for us "behind the scenes"....

And with that said (or typed) I want to write some things down that I was thinking about after reading the March 13th devo. on "God's Total Surrender to Us" in the My Utmost for His Highest book:

I like the powerful statement that says I must be completely delivered from myself. So how do I do this??? I must focus on loving God and loving others all day, everyday. I must heed the Spirit of God on a consistent, continual basis. I must practice the presence of God (love that book) continually. I must remember that God Himself is residing in me...His holy and perfect self. He has a perfect plan for my life and as I let Him be in control of my heart and soul He will lead me into that plan which is His will for me. I must get to the point where I trully believe "the consequences and circumstances resulting from [my] surrender will never enter [my] mind because [my] life will be totally consumed with Him." I will think about Him, serve Him, love Him, pray to Him, be lead by Him, make decisions through Him, rely on Him, have confidence in Him, trust Him, fear Him, and be totally consumed by Him. These things I cannot do with my husband or anyone else because if I do they will fail me....only with HIM!!! Dear Lord, Lead me today. I know that I can do nothing without You. I pray that I will boldly and fearlessly do what you want me to do and say what you want me to say. Help me today to stay focused on You and if I start to stray away from You bring me back to Your perfect will by giving me a "check" in my Spirit. I love You, I believe in You and I know you have an awesome plan for me. May I continue to stay in the palm of Your hand and may you guide me always into your perfect will for my life.... Love in Christ,your daughter