a burning bush of faithfulness;
Just like how the burning bush could keep burning on forever because it was not consumed, so is God with his everlasting faithfulness that never runs out. On this 18th birthday, that's what I really feel I should take stock of, because only when we remember all the good things that He has done will we be able to see His character, and build our foundation so that we don't fall when the winds come and the storms rage, and they will.
18 is, in the human world, considered a big milestone. I can now learn how to drive, watch M18 movies, go clubbing/drink alcohol/do wild things basically all legally. Although, with the exception of the first item, I really think that I won't end up doing any of the rest. Academically it's also As year, and I know everyone is already starting to feel the pressure and the looming year of studying. However, to me, 18 is a milestone because it marks the end of 18 fulfilling years that God has given me, the start of a new year in which I can grow to love God even more than before, and a year in which the upcoming stresses can only serve to allow God to shine through even more. (Fun fact: bone is apparently encouraged to grow through stresses put on it. So consider marrying someone with strong, dense bones because they can take the burdens of being head of the household ;))
This year I took many individual pictures and screenshots of all the messages and gifts that I received; not because I think it's worth flaunting, but because I received many messages of encouragement and affirmation that were rather unexpected, and I wanted to have something to remember them by, to look back on every year. These words spoken or written were not just words from friends, but I believe that they all come from God and were his way of affirming me, encouraging me, and showing His love. So all of you who have touched me in one way or another, know that you've been a messenger of God today! And can be one every day ^^
The reason why I say that God showed me His faithfulness though, is because 2013 was a year of much self-doubt and self-worth issues, with many doors closed and questions posed(/unanswered). But truly, when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart! He was in fact, moulding me to become more of who I'm supposed to be, and even as He's given me new convictions and verses and solid rocks to hold on to over the transition to a new year, He's brushed away much of my doubt and fears with His love and affirmation, precisely through days like these. I know I don't deserve any of what I've received, and I cannot boast about receiving these because I know that there's nothing I have that doesn't first come from God.
Going to stop here because not enough sleep already + overused certain words for the inability to think of appropriate synonyms + QT + nobody's going to read something so long anyway, if they happen to chance upon this!
"But I have trusted in Your steadfast love;
my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because He has dealt bountifully with me."
Psalm 13:5-6
18 is, in the human world, considered a big milestone. I can now learn how to drive, watch M18 movies, go clubbing/drink alcohol/do wild things basically all legally. Although, with the exception of the first item, I really think that I won't end up doing any of the rest. Academically it's also As year, and I know everyone is already starting to feel the pressure and the looming year of studying. However, to me, 18 is a milestone because it marks the end of 18 fulfilling years that God has given me, the start of a new year in which I can grow to love God even more than before, and a year in which the upcoming stresses can only serve to allow God to shine through even more. (Fun fact: bone is apparently encouraged to grow through stresses put on it. So consider marrying someone with strong, dense bones because they can take the burdens of being head of the household ;))
This year I took many individual pictures and screenshots of all the messages and gifts that I received; not because I think it's worth flaunting, but because I received many messages of encouragement and affirmation that were rather unexpected, and I wanted to have something to remember them by, to look back on every year. These words spoken or written were not just words from friends, but I believe that they all come from God and were his way of affirming me, encouraging me, and showing His love. So all of you who have touched me in one way or another, know that you've been a messenger of God today! And can be one every day ^^
The reason why I say that God showed me His faithfulness though, is because 2013 was a year of much self-doubt and self-worth issues, with many doors closed and questions posed(/unanswered). But truly, when you can't trace His hand, trust His heart! He was in fact, moulding me to become more of who I'm supposed to be, and even as He's given me new convictions and verses and solid rocks to hold on to over the transition to a new year, He's brushed away much of my doubt and fears with His love and affirmation, precisely through days like these. I know I don't deserve any of what I've received, and I cannot boast about receiving these because I know that there's nothing I have that doesn't first come from God.
Going to stop here because not enough sleep already + overused certain words for the inability to think of appropriate synonyms + QT + nobody's going to read something so long anyway, if they happen to chance upon this!
"But I have trusted in Your steadfast love;
my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because He has dealt bountifully with me."
Psalm 13:5-6