Happy Unbirthday to ME!
It has been a slow blogging time – busy with work, busy with life, busy trying to take time to slow down (that sounds ironic doesn’t it?). But today it is time to sit and share the thankfulness that flows from my spirit.
Today is my Unbirthday! For those who are not familiar with unbirthday’s click on the link below for the song (from Disney Alice in Wonderland of course).
My actual birthday (my 40th I might add) is next week on the 30th of May. But today is the day we will gather with a group of family and friends to celebrate. What a blessing to reach 40 surrounded by friends and family! My God is a God that restores all things and redeems the lost time!
Since returning from our blessed trip to the Bahamas we have been making an effort to slow down time and really appreciate the moments and the days – not rushing blindly ahead trying to “get through” but carving out space and time to slow down, enjoy and appreciate.
My very thoughtful hubby bought us bicycles and all the things that go along with them so that we can bike together. We so enjoyed it in the Bahamas and have had a number of opportunities to check out some local trails here together. It is great exercise, great fun riding fast in the wind, and a wonderful way to spend time together. I love riding through the woods- the smell of trees in the heat, the sounds of birds and squirrels, the feel of the wind and the incredible colour and softness of moss that reminds me of my childhood days playing in the woods.
I’ve also been out on a few solo trips.
We have also been out on the motorcycle for a few trips. The first few times were a bit chilly but the freedom of the motorcycle, the ability to see/smell/hear everything up close and intensified, makes up for any cold days.
Work has slowed down somewhat and I am more and more blessed each day that I think about where I work and the people I work with and the privilege of being a part of the lives of so many students. I will soon be off on some vacation time for a lot of the summer (first time eve!) and I will be returning to teach in September. Such a relief and an excitement to know there is a plan for September.
I have been spending some time with friends, drinking tea and having supper and such. Such an important piece of our lives – relationships. The finest trick of the enemy is to keep us isolated so that we are unable to figure out that we are all going through and we can be there to support one another. The enemy’s line is “divide and conquer” – our line needs to be “united we stand, divided we fall”. Especially as woman!
It continues to be a time of purging in our household and my hubby is on board as well. Our lives are so cluttered, with physical things and emotional things – baggage that weighs us down and takes up our precious time. Why have piles of stuff you don’t even know you have – things someone else could use. Things that clutter your space and your thoughts. I’ve been slowly moving through the house – some things are easier to let go of then others – but God is gracious. Last week we cleaned out our buildings and were AMAZED at home much we were able to fit in that space.
The last two years I’ve not been very attentive to my flowers and yard and thankfully this year I’ve been able to find a few minutes here and there to start to bring order to that beauty I am blessed to have in my presence.
The birds are back at the bird feeder – providing entertainment for Nico the kitty cat and me. Last week we had two deer in our backyard and before that a giant porcupine. And the bunnies are back as well. So much to see, so many blessings we take for granted.
Nico the kitty has been extra affectionate and “joined at the hip” since we returned from vacation. A big bundle of furry love he is. Too smart for his own good and saucy by times but great company and a great source of conversation.
Last week I was so excited to take my oldest nephew to his first Bluenose Marathon. Mom and Josh and Jake and I headed off early on Saturday morning, enjoyed the weather, the excitement of 4000 kids running, enjoyed Jake’s race time with him and then headed off for lunch and some shopping to celebrate. It is hard to believe Jake will be 15 in July and Josh is 11. I remember very clearly when I held each of them very soon after I watched them arrive into this world – bundles of joy and blessing.
Mom and I spent some quality time together this week, catching up on life and shopping of course. Love you mom!
And of course there has been lots of “twin” baby love as well. There is nothing more precious than a warm, snugly baby in your arms.
I’ve also taken a bit of time to start sewing ago – a lovely bag for my most lovely friend (I must admit I bought the fabric for her bag Feb before last and just got it made now, but better late than never!).
The days have not all been smooth. It has also been a time of uncertainty and transition – illness, medications, appointments, decisions, days of despair and anxiety, waiting and wondering. The waiting is the hardest. I’m not the most patient person – but I’m working on it.
But God has placed so many precious friends in my life – newer and older – and they are a constant support and encouragement to me – hugs, texts, visits, promises to be there.
This morning I read the following in the my devotions: (Streams in the Desert)
“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Ps. 33:11). But we must be prepared to wait on God’s timing. His timing is precise, for He does things “at the very time” He has set. It is not for us to know His timing, and in fact we cannot know it – we must wait for it. If God had told Abraham while he was in Haran that he would have to wait thirty years before holding his promised child in his arms, his heart might have failed him. So God, as an act of His gracious love, hid from Abraham the number of weary years he would be required to wait. Only as the time was approaching, with but a few months left to wait, did God reveal His promise………so take heart, dear child, when God requires you to wait. The One you wait for will not disappoint you. He will never be even five minutes behind the “appointed time”. And soon “your grief will turn to joy.” (John 16:20).
“Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:2)
Today I chose to wait and to speak life in my own life and the lives around me, for our God is a gracious, merciful and loving God.
Well my friends, that is it for now. A very happy unbirthday to you all today! Take the time to celebrate. Remember there are 364 unbirthday’s every year so that gives us a REASON to celebrate everyday. And if you take a moment to look around, you will be sure to find a reason to smile, give thanks and be blessed. The key is in taking that moment to look.