Happy Birthday, Kaleigh!

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” ~2 Thessalonians 3:3

Last time around, you wrote a special blog post for me on my 20th birthday and I will always cherish the kind things you said--whether or not some (or all) of those things were exaggerated, is another story). But I wanted to take this opportunity to write my birthday “comment” to you.

Kaleigh, this past year has been another chapter in your book. Another period in your life where you can chalk it up as being an eventful year filled with fun and sadness; and yet, as a memorable one. 

The memories from your 18th year will always be with you and with those whom you’ve shared them with. When you spend time with us--whether it be in the same part of the world or through a computer screen--memories are made and our friendships are made stronger. It’s been yet another year that I can see has been a challenging one for you and every time, you rise to each challenge, looking to our Father in heaven for His hand of protection and seeking His will to guide your every step. Your faith is remarkable and it’s encouraging to see you finish this 19th year in your life with the courage that you continue to show. You are ready for this next stage in your life, and will again be victorious when you serve Christ to the best of your ability.

Which brings me to the part of the many things that make up the Kaleigh we have come to know and love: such as your faith, your desire to see peace, your laughter and teasing, your concern for other’s well-being, and your desire to be the kind of woman that God has designed you to be. I have seen you increase in knowledge through only these last couple of years, and it's a joy to watch you grow ever closer to Him as a young lady. Peace among your friends is something that you have wanted to see for a long time now and is something you have continued to pray for. I can't imagine going through life without ever hearing your cute laugh. :D Your teasing is also something I enjoy getting and watching others get, too. Also, you have shown that your friends mean so much to you and that you care about both their physical and Spiritual well-being. And lastly, I see in you a desire to hold God's hand and have Him lead you in your life. Through your life, you've shown that you want Him to be pleased, honored, and glorified.



I know it's been difficult for you to think of turning another year older, as you've enjoyed your 18th year so much. But bigger and better things are ahead and quite honestly, we just don't have the choice to stay a certain age. :D But I know you will make the most of this year, as with every year. Continue to be faithful to Christ and He will see you through the good and bad times of your 19th year on this earth.

Thank you for being my friend, Kaleigh. I love to see your smile on Bible Study hangouts, hear your laugh over the telephone, and watch you interact with people. It's a blessing to know someone as sweet as you and I can't imagine going through this past couple of years without ever being friends. You are truly an inspiration, an encouragement, and a true friend. Thank you for being there for your friends and may we always do our best to be here for you. :)

                                                              

This is a song that has been special to both of us for a little while now and I wanted to re-post it as a "present" on your birthday. As an overview for those who have never heard it, the gist of the song is that when God looks down on us, does He find us faithful? When people see how we live, can others see that we are faithful to Him?

Find Us Faithful by Steve Green

Through your part of the ministry on Facing the Waves, Kaleigh, you have done an incredible job of being faithful to Him. Keep up the good work and continue to listen to His calling. :)

Blessings on your birthday, year, and life, dear sister. May you grow ever closer to Christ and seek His will more every day. Don’t lose sight of the Master. He’s got you in the palm of His hand and will never drop you.

Love you!

Anna

Redeem the Time

For what is your life? It is even a vapor

that appears for a little time

and then vanishes away.

James 4:14 (NKJV)

Sometimes when we're waiting for things life seems to go so slowly, and yet, in other moments we never seem to accomplish everything we set out to do. During my last few years of high school, life really "sped up". Of course, I still had the same amount of time as everybody else did, but during those transition years and later on into my first year of college, I really noticed how life truly is a vapor. Days have flown by and often I look back and wonder if I really accomplished anything important. 

Over the past several months, I have received several reminders from different sources to redeem the time. Whether from social networking, the spoken or written word, each reminder has constantly directed my focus back to my life purpose: to honor and glorify God in all that I do. 

I recently have thought back to the past year of my life so far; it has gone by exceptionally quickly. But I clearly remember many of the past events and circumstances--more clearly than I have for other years. In many ways, I have been disappointed as I mentally reviewed the nonproductive activities, but I have also received great blessing in other areas. 

People say that time goes by even quicker the older you get. Not sure I like that idea much, but I have seen how it time appears to disappear rapidly. How often I have been involved in some mindless activity only to look up at the time and wonder where the hours went. And then other days to watch minutes tick by and be able to review them at the end knowing something good was accomplished. 

Either way, time is short. We live in such a selfish culture. Everything is focused on the present and how one can receive immediate satisfaction for himself, but that is not what Jesus taught during His short earthly ministry here on earth. He taught us to live for Him who died for us. Living for Him and taking captive each moment should consume our thoughts--it should be what determines how our time is spent. Don't waste time. You don't know how much you have left. Fill every moment with something valuable, something of eternal glory. Don't let contrary opinions sway you from doing what you know pleases Him. There is a culture to be witnessed to. There is a family to be served. There is a person to be counseled. There is a war to be fought. Only other souls will be able to stand by your side in heaven--not your money, fame, or fortune. This life is so temporary, so take your resources and talents and use them completely for His glory, and you will never regret the time you spent. 

Redeem the time. Jesus is coming. Will your works be tried and found wanting or will they win you an eternal reward?

In Christ,
Kaleigh