I'm 29

Yesterday I turned 29. Let me say this is really a tough thing for me. I know that's silly. I'm so aware of it its ridiculous, however, the feeling is still there. It means next year....I'll be 30 (really?!?!?! OH GOD - Obviously). But, even though I have this feeling that I haven't done all the things you're "supposed" to have done by now (like getting married, having a baby, buying a house....oh yeah, I've done that) I'm starting to feel, for once in my life a sense of freedom. I'm realizing that I don't HAVE to add huge responsibilities to my life just because I'm getting older. I'm realizing that I'm only as tied down as much as I want to be tied down. I'm realizing that even though I'm probably in the last place I'd like to be in....I have a few friends that make life grand. I don't think most people can say that. So....yes I'm getting older. But I'm also getting a bit wiser which really only comes with time. You can't duplicate it. You can't pull it out of a hat. You can't buy it. You can only take each year, and each experience and enjoy it to the best of your ability.

"Intellectual growth should commence at birth and case only at death." - Albert Einstein

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." - James Dean

All for the love of God

Passage Matthew 22:36-39:
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

The other day I just felt compelled to go the cemetery. At the time I just wanted to take a few pictures of the beautiful oak trees and part of me wanted to see my grandparents. I wasn't close to them by any means, but sometimes you just feel the need to see the past. While there I saw this headstone. It doesn't look beautiful. Its nothing special, but the last few words struck a chord...."all for the love of God". WoW. What an impression this man is leaving....even after he is gone. All he did, he did for the love of God. God really doesn't ask a lot of us. He just ask that we would love Him and love others. Is it that difficult when He puts it that way? It doesn't really sound like it, but WE make it so darn impossible sometimes. I guess the Lord is just trying to remind me, don't make ME so difficult. I just want you to love Me. I desire you above all things, desire me in the same way. So tonight, I encourage you to do the same. Love him with all your are....do all that you do, for the love of God.

Plans

Have you ever wondered if this is all life has for you? I truly believe life is what you make of it. Sometimes that seems easier said than done though. For example, right now I feel like I'd like to be as free as a bird - just leave everything behind and travel until my heart is content. Go to England, back to France, travel Italy, soak up as much excitement as possible. BUT, I have a house, a best friend I wouldn't want to leave behind, a job, and two precious puppies that are my pride and joy. So, what does this mean? What is my solution? I have no clue!!!! I ask God day by day, what is it you have in store for me, and day by day I hear nothing. And in hearing nothing as clear as anyone needs, I hear, be still - and know I am God. I know the plans I have for you - Plans to prosper and not to harm you - plans to give you a hope and a future.

So yes, life is what we make of it, but it is also timing. Obviously there are things God has in store for me here, despite the current lack of clarity. So for now, I will be still. I will know that God is God no matter what the situation. He knows what HE has in store for me. He sees the big picture when I see only the landscape.