25

There are some key points in life where you feel like life changes, like you grow, , like your best is behind you, or maybe there is something better waiting on the other side. 25 years of life may seem like one of these pivotal moments... but it doesn't feel that much different. Maybe it should... Maybe I should wake up and feel a little more tired, go to sleep a little earlier, notice a couple more wrinkles on my face... But I feel like there is a whole world of opportunity out there just waiting... 25? quarter of a century? Who cares. I want to live in the present. Make the most of today. Not live by the worlds expectations or standards. Maybe turning 25 was the best day of my life. Who knows. But I am not going to let anything hold me back. If I spend every day looking for those gray hairs I am gonna stress out and give myself gray hair. Live in the present. Live for Today. There is no reason to live held back by anything. I want to live in freedom, in God's grace, in the beauty of Christ. Growing up doesn't mean you have to act older... Okay be a little more responsible and act like you have a little bit of control of whats going on... but I want to keep that childlike faith that keeps you dreaming, keeps you believing, keeps you living each day to the fullest. We can have that full and abundant life if we embrace all the Christ has for us.

I was recently reading a book in which one of the chapters was titled Twenty-five. She talked all about Living out every purpose of each moment for the glory of God. She says "Whatever you have to do to connect with God in a way that feels authentic and truthful to you. Do it now, so that you don’t regret the person you become, little by little, over time, without it." Live and dream, connect, be yourself, continue to grow and change and be who christ has made you to be. Never stop being willing to let God lead you and use you. She says "Don’t get stuck… take a risk. Now is your time. Become, believe, try. Walk closely with people you love, and with other people who believe that God is very good and life is a grand adventure… Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep traveling honestly along life’s path." ("Bittersweet"- Shauna Niequist) These verses bring together God's perspective on the adventure of life. Trust, follow, and run after Christ.

Matthew 19:14

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this

child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the LORD establishes their steps

So today, ask yourself

• Am I proud of the life I’m living?
• What have I tried this month?
• What have I learned about God this year?
• What parts of my childhood faith am I leaving behind, what am I keeping with me?
• Do I feel alive, or are people making me feel small?
• Is there any brokenness in my life that’s keeping me from moving forward?
• How do you feel connected to yourself or God? What do you do?

.

So this is my dream... no matter how many years pass by, I want to be grateful for what I have. Live in the blessing... Love unconditionally, learn with an open mind, Laugh... Laughing keeps life filled with joy and peace. I am grateful for how God made me, and will keep this smile on my face no matter how much life is filled with chaos!! One day at a time.

“I felt more and more like myself with each passing year, for better and for worse, and you’ll find that, too.

Every year you will trade a little of your perfect skin and your ability to look great without

exercising for wisdom and peace and groundedness, and every year the trade will be worth it. I promise.”

(Shauna Niequist)