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Friday, January 20, 2006

It's My Birthday!

Yup, it is officially my birthday...though only for another 1 1/2 hours. I am old...well, ok maybe not old but I'm slowly getting up there, which is something to be thankful of right - because there are people who don't even live this long.

I'm 37 today. I can't believe it...well, maybe I can believe it but it doesn't feel like I am 37. I don't feel any different than I did yesterday or the day before, or even six months ago. The hair is getting a little more grey in it (time for a dye job), and I am thankful for that because I have hair. Many people who are going through chemo treatments or have some genecti thing don't have hair.

Though I am not married and have no children (I had always thought I would have been married in my twenties with kids), I am not alone. I have my family, my friends, and my Jesus. Not everyone has all of this - some have none of it.

I am living at home with my parents. Yeah, sounds weird doesn't it? I am thankful for that because I have a warm place to live, a roof over my head, food to eat. Not everyone has that. I quit my job of 12 years, 4 years ago, to go back to school to follow the calling I felt the Lord leading me to - teaching. I am in my final semester (as you all know) of my BA, and will be sending in my application next week for the education program. I am thankful for this because not everyone has the opportunity to pursue something like this, nor to be able to move. I am at my parents' home due to financial reasons (I have no job) and could not afford to live elsewhere. Besides, I keep telling myself that it's not forever - only a couple more years, and I am thankful that my parents were willing to allow me to do this and support me in this.

I went to my friend Kristina's tonight; she invited me over for supper and to hang out because it was my birthday. Another one of our newer friends, Kim was over too. We ordered pizza, ate cake that Kristina made (can you say 'yummy'?!) and she even had a gift for me. She got me one of those Willow Tree Angels - the courage angel - because I was courageous in quitting my job and going back to school. I love those angels and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for it. She's my best friend and I love her to death. I am so thankful that God has brought her into my life, and that we continue to build up our friendship. I haven't had a best friend probably since high school, if I even had one then. I've had good friends, and somewhat close friends, but not a best friend. I am very thankful for her, and that I had a chance to get to know Kim better tonight. Kim's a great person too, and we're just really getting to know her.

A quick prayer request: please pray for Kristina's daughter who isn't feeling well. I'm also thankful for this little girl. She's a real sweetheart!

So, as you can see, I have a lot to be thankful for. I need to remember this during those low times when I feel loney, or when I feel like I'm weird or whatever for living with my parents again at this age (yes, in case you were wondering, I have been out on my own before and had to move back in). I am blessed that I have people around me who love and care about me, who don't want to see me out on the street, who want me to succeed...I am blessed that I have a loving God who thought enough of me that He sent His Son to die so that I could have eternal life with Him. I am blessed because the Lord loves me and wants to have a relationship with me (and I with Him). So you see, because I might not have much materialistically or monitarily, I have so much more than others have. I am blessed.

It's my birthday, I am 37 years old - and I have so much to be thankful for!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

happy birthday, shelley! may God grant you the desires of your heart.

God bless you always.

Bonnie S. Calhoun said...

Da,da,da,da,da (I could hum a few bars)Today is your birthday!!!

Hooray!!!You made it to 37, and you don't act a day over 25!

God bless you, my dear!

Dave. said...

Praise God for your positive thoughts and a belated Happy Birthday to you.

Joe said...

Happy Birthday (belated).

The thing about growing old is that we are all doing it, and at the very same rate.

It's just that some of us got a head start.

Holly said...

Shelley! I have had so little time to catch up on blogs this week, but darn it.. I missed your birthday.

Happy Belated Birthday! You have a wonderful outlook on life ... I can tell from this post! What a gracious and thankful soul you have Shelley!

Many Blessings to you!!! .:hugs:.

Darlene Schacht said...

I'm sorry I missed your birthday, argh. Happy belated. It was nice to learn a bit more about you. Last year at this time I was still in my 30s, but now 41 is around the corner. It goes to fast!

Jenny said...

Happy Birthday! Bless your heart, you're so sweet and smart and courageous.

**hugs**

Jennifer said...

Happy Belated Birthday!!! I can't believe you're 37. You don't look a day older than 19 in your profile photo. I'm glad you had good friends to celebrate with. You're right - there are many people in this world who don't have that.

Pilot Mom said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Shelley! I think you had a pretty special day. I'm glad!

Prayerful Knitter - Shelly said...

Happy belated Birthday, Shelley!!! I'm so glad that you had a wonderful time on your birthday.

Congratulations on your education. I'll pray that you get the perfect teaching assignment when you have completed your education.

I'll certainly pray for the child of your friend and that she is feeling well soon.

Have a wonderful week,

Shelly

P.S. Bravo for taking the time to vote! : )

steve said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VERY LATE!!

I have excuses... really... i do... seriously

HeyJules said...

Oh I'm so sorry I missed the big day! Happiest of birthdays to you, Miss Shelly!

Maggie Ann said...

Dear Shelley..a Happy Birthday to you...coming late I know, (sorry). a Birthday is such a special celebration....of the gift of life and also of the precious gift of another year of life on earth from our Heavenly Father. Happy Birthday, dear blog friend!!!