this is fifty

 a few weeks back i left my forties behind me.  i'm officially living the next decade.  and this is fifty.  

Cree and i flying a kite here (with the flying expertise of daddy to get it launched and Hannah who assembled), but i love the image of being focused upwards. as i reflect on the days that lay before me, however many there are, i'm taking stock and reflecting on where i've been and how God has led my life for over 40 years now.  i've experienced both mountaintops and valleys, loads of twists and turns, and God has seen fit to remain faithful in His care over me through every season.  this decade i choose to continue to grow, to be shaped by Jesus, to be more dependent on His strength and grace and to be fully present, not looking too far behind or ahead, but focused on the purpose i strive to live out each day.  i will anchor myself more tightly to Christ, even if storms surge and currents pull.  i'll do my best to live in such a way that others are pointed upwards too~ that more may know of the transforming love and power of Jesus, and find their hope and purpose in and through Him also.  

asking God to carry me as i love my bunch....all seven of them, yikes.  i feel utterly inadequate most days, and yet know that "in my weakness He is strong".  i've lived it and know it to be true.  i pray this decade causes others to see more of Jesus through my own ups and downs and that my failures and missteps give testimony to the blazing love and forgiveness of my Maker.  for He has redeemed me, He has called me His own, He knows my name and He sees me right where i'm at.  wow...

Isaiah 43:1-5 in the Message says this,

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.  I've called your name.  You're mine.  When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.  When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.  When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end~ 

Because I am God, your personal God...
I paid a huge price for you...

That's how much you mean to me!  That's how much I love you!

I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.  

So don't be afraid: I'm with you."

so as surreal as it is to say i'm fifty, i'm super thankful to be here, and feeling determined more than ever to "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

❤

photo credits to my dear Jeffrey