Celebrate!

I know that some do not like to acknowledge much less celebrate their birthday. Not me. No matter how many sad or bad birthdays in the past, each new year is a time for hope and celebration. And, today just might be my actual birthday. 

I found this blog, written by Debra Hill, that perfectly reflects my thoughts. Here are excerpts. I hope you enjoy it.

Janet Starkey

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Birthday celebrations are a time of balloons and blowing out candles, a gathering of friends, and the atmosphere is all about you. It is a big party. Your birthday is one day in your life when you acknowledge and feel special for being born and having breath in your body. There are only a few times in life, as you grow from a child to an adult, when you get recognition just for being you. On your birthday, you didn’t have to achieve anything or win an award; you are honored for the beautiful, wonderful person you are. You are thankful for the time and life you have had with friends, enjoying the essence of you.

1. You are a blessed creation, a plan by God’s imagination. 
Scripture says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). There is no one in the entire world like you; even if you have a twin, you cannot be duplicated. You are special and uniquely you! Celebrate!

2. You have a blessed purpose.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God said, “I know the plans I have for you”.  As you grow from year to year, your purpose or plan for your life can begin to become more clear. Each year of growth and development expands your vision of who you are and how you want to make a difference in this world. The legacy of life that you create each year continues to evolve. Your chosen mission should be celebrated on each birthday. Celebrate!
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3. You are still here and can count your blessings.
You are blessed! Throughout your life, you have had joys and tears. Yet, you remind yourself to count your blessings every day. Each year on your birthday, as you look back on the past, some things are bittersweet. You are grateful for what you have been through and the strength you have been given to carry on. 

​The scripture says, and I sing it this way, “This one thing I do is put the past in the past” (Philippians 3:13). Count your blessings! Celebrate!
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In His Name, Janet

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“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” – Anonymous