Bless the Lord O My Soul

Buenos Noche folks,

I always get rather angsty around my birthday. In fact, I cried myself to sleep on Monday. I dunno. Time just seems to go so fast. I don't like change... I like stability. Of course, life with God doesn't really allow for that. I am not the one in control, and I constantly need to go out of my comfort zone. So, I guess it's good to be reminded that my life is not my own. Lord, I commit myself to another year under your sovereign hand of love. I re-surrender the desires of my hearts and my deepest dreams. You alone know how to fulfill them and grow me into the perons you first dreamed. May I grow more peaceful under the knowledge that you are in control and you are good.

I will take my own advice from the beginning of this blog and review all the reasons I have for thanksgiving - in this past year as well as my entire life.

I can see - in full color. I can hear. I can breathe. I can walk. I can taste. I can hug and hold. I can speak. I am in perfect physical health. I have few allergies. I don't have cavities, but have glasses, contacts, and retainers. I have easy access to clean water, hot water, water whenever I want it, an abundance of water. I have a college education. I have a stable job. I have a warm house, a comfy bed, a variety of foods. I have money to bless others. I have a car, bike, phone, computer, mp3 player. I have never been physically, verbally, or sexually abused. I have not been raped. I have not been sold into slavery. I have been able to see Kenya, Peru, and Yosemite. Children smile when they see me. I can cook. I can write. I can draw. I can read. I can sleep without too much trouble. I have too many clothes and shoes. I was born and not aborted. I was adopted into a loving family. I have many friends who constantly pour love on me. I have a warm and nourishing church family. I have multiple Bibles. I have a concordance! I have freedom of worship. I grew up knowing the Creator of the universe. I live where there are breathatkingly beautiful sunsets, trees, flowers etc. I have men in my life that are gentlemen - that open the car doors, shovel your walkways, insist you eat first, don't make dirty jokes, give great hugs, and remind you of God's love. When I fall, God picks me up. When I run, God chases after me. Any hardship I experience, is only allowed by God's loving hand; and therefore bearable and refining. And most of all - God gives me unconditional steadfast love, grace to save me in my deadness,  hope to last me through this life, and peace against all anxiety and fear.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits․
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.