Birthday in January gives me cause to evaluate my life even more than the New Year does. New Year is for everybody; January 24 is for me.
Last night I prepared a blog for today in which I recount highlights of my life through the decades. Today I ask myself, “Why do I think it is important to talk about my life? Why should my readers care what I have done for all these years?
I will publish that blog tomorrow but I want you to know my reasons for talking about myself.
First, I am ever so thankful for the promise of God that lent itself to the “blessings of Abraham” which have been passed on to all God’s people. The blessings that promised earthly fathers that their children would be blessed if they followed God. I was born to earthly poor but a spiritually blessed people who knew Jesus Christ.
Second, I fully recognize that all people (probably even few people) did not have my opportunities. But I tell you no matter what your background, you can decide to be an Abraham. By that I mean you can stake out a claim before God to walk before him in obedience and pass on blessings to your children. Every generation has to renew their “contract” – no one can claim to be God’s child just because their parents were. And we cannot ignore that we do that by way of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our contact with the Father.
Third, I do not dwell on the mistakes made by me or others which have affected my life. I see no need to tell you about those things; I can just tell you I have had them. Some were my fault and some were not. As they have passed, I have been left with even more love for Jesus who got me through them.
Fourth, there is so much in our culture to make it “youth” oriented, many people feel “over the hill” at forty – even thirties are sometimes referred to as middle aged. No, no, no. There is much life to be lived after you have lived! Yes, I said that on purpose. Much life left after you have lived. Don’t die before death gets you! Life changes but it does not lose purpose.
But my assurances are based on a life that is being lived in Christ. He gives abundant life. I’m ending with Andrae Crouch, “How Can I Say Thanks” (Andrae is now living in the new eternal life. He might still be singing this song.) Oh, how the song “soaks” my soul!
How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me;
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee
Sweet aroma 
Oh yes! Oh YES! To God be the glory for the things he has done. Oh LORD! What memories that brings back to me. I got to see Andrae in concert (a long time ago 🙂 ).
Happy pre-birthday. I look forward to your blog on the 24th.
Be blessed and blessed even more. God is in a stunningly good mood.
Thanks, Michael. Every one needs to heed the Holy Spirit’s cal (while it is yet day). We are blessed.
I think it is a teaching tool Oneta —your life’s lessons shared …sharing and teaching others.
It’s how we learn…from others—what to do and what not to do —there comes wisdom with age—much wisdom as those who come after us benefit greatly from hearing and reading—keep the stories coming!
Thanks, Julie. Keep me on my purpose. 😀
it’s you who’s keeping me on mine 🙂
I especially love Point #2!!! We can each stake out a claim before God to live our lives before Him.
Yes, dawn, there is not a generation that God does not issue an invitation that says, “Start Nor.” The reward will be great even if one is “a thief on the cross” drawing his last breath. I don’t know about his family but I know he has been a witness to the fact that it is never too late as long a breath comes. It is not wise, however. to trust in that as a “lifesaver.”
Thank you.
Oh, yes… you are right on target here!! And then, to add one of my all-time favorite songs? Well, I’m just over-joyed! Thank you for this lovely post! Happy Birthday, dear Oneta! ❤
If you were here, we could start off together – “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine; O what a foretaste of glory divine, heir of salvation, purchase or love, born of his spirit, washed in his blood.” Continue….
To God be the Glory indeed. Thank you Oneta for a great blog and again all of God’S richest Blessings for you day on 24th January. Love Faye.
Thank you, Faye.
Such a beautiful photo!
I love your simple but profound statement: “Don’t die before death gets you!”
Thank you, Judy. Our promise iis for an abundant life. Sometimes it might be hard to see but if always produces abundance if sown in Christ.