Different

Sometimes, things don't go "as planned." In fact, this is often the case. God, in His infinite wisdom, has a way of mixing things up. His reason? Don't always know. Can't say I always understand. However, I have learned to trust anyway. What I do know without a shadow of doubt -- He loves me. I matter to Him. I can walk forward in confidence ... even though the things I thought were going to be might not actually be! He knows best.

Reflections on my 40th ...

Okay, I've arrived. "Over the Hill." Thing is, I don't feel old at all! In fact, at 40, I'm feeling pretty good. Might have something to do with the incredible SURPRISE birthday party my husband threw for me. Or maybe it has to do with my little guy curling up in bed with me on Sept 2 and whispering, "Happy Birthday, Mommy" in my ear. It might just be the birthday lunch with my girlfriends ... or the offer of a friend to watch our kids so Greg and I could have a quiet dinner together. Honestly, it's a combination of all of the above ... plus a couple of other things I've been thinking about over the last few days. Here's why I'm happy to be 40 ...

Today, I am overwhelmingly more in love with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He continues to use me (WOW) and fill me with the desire to serve Him. I have more of an understanding of forgiveness, mercy and grace than I did before. I now know that it is not about me and what I do for Him ... but it's all about HIM and how He works through me and changes me to be more like Him that counts. I know the relationship I have with HIM is only going to get better. I'm excited about that.

I am infinitely more confident in my marriage and assured of Greg's love for me and his commitment to our home and family than ever before. I met Greg when I was 26. And thankfully, in the last 14 years, he's rubbed off on me a lot! While we have much in common, the ways in which we are different were perfectly God designed. Greg is calm and cool in crisis. Never worries. He's an optimist, always. He has a vision and a plan. We've become quite a team. We're both aware of the fact that marriage takes work -- and willing to do what it takes. Didn't think I could love him more when we married, but I do. So blessed to daily be a part of what God is doing in his life and equally blessed that Greg is a part of what God is doing in me.

And a few other things ....

I'm past a lot of the insecurities of my twenties and thirties. Happy to be me.

Done with late night feedings, diaper changing and potty training!!!

I've laughed at myself so much over the years that it pretty much comes naturally. Thankful God has given me a good sense of humor, especially about my own shortcomings.

I've learned the power of being semi-organized, keeping a budget, living within your means ... and at the same time, how to be spontaneous enough to put all of that aside for some fun with family and friends.

Oh my, I could go on and on, but I've also learned, in my 40 years, not to write a BOOK every time I blog -- so my friends and family don't get bored! Anyway, Happy Birthday to me, and may the next 40 be as great!!!

(The picture is one from my party ... I got to wear a Tiara!)