It's my birthday week! I'll be another year older and hopefully wiser. I hope I've learned enough from my past experiences and make more reasonable decisions this time. I hope I'll be able to discern God's voice. I know it's not easy, but at least now I can say I feel at peace. I must be doing something right.

My 2017 has been going so fast that sometimes I pause and think, "Are these things really happening?"

So many things have occured. The year is not yet over but my life is already changing. Big time.

Everything in my life is God's grace. I don't deserve any of these blessings. When I think about it, I'm too sinful to live such an amazing life. God's mercy and love are all behind these.

Another Year Older And Hopefully Wiser

I think as you mature, you make better decisions because you see things more clearly and not solely based on feelings or sentiments.

I am glad to say that I am wiser in choosing the people I hang out with. If they don't value me as much as I value them, if they don't respect me and my time, there is no point holding on to the relationship. Even with relationships longer than a decade.

Wiser to choose the food I put in my body. When you eat, you either feed or fight disease. (Who said that?)

Also, I am more aware of the situations of animals. I am beginning to understand that I don't have to kill or support the killing of innocent lives just so I can be fed or enjoy eating. I am not a vegan yet but I sure am inclining to that direction. Thanks to my dogs who taught me that animals have feelings and can teach you about humanity more than some people. That they too deserve to be happy and have the right to live freely.

I can say that I am at this point in my life where I am happy and content. And whatever God gives me that is outside my needs is a huge bonus. 

Late last year, I wrote about joining the dating scene again. But this time, I've found a different field. That field is on the web. I don't get to go out as often as I should be in order to find a potential partner. My circle is limited. And I work at home I seldom go out. So what are the odds that I'd meet my ideal partner on my way from my work desk to the fridge? Zero.

I have planned my future life as a single person. I have made sure that even if I grow old alone, I will be able to secure and support myself. All I outlined was a life free of responsibilities for another living creature (except maybe for our dogs). I've pictured out a future of me traveling locally and abroad with friends, family or alone. I was totally okay with that.

But then God has better plans. Well, he always has. He sent someone who, believe it or not, checked off the non-negotiables I have on my list. So far at least. God gave me all I seek and more. And I wish I can say more about it now but I'm still a little overwhelmed by how God works in my life and how He's made what seemed to be impossible just a year ago, so real today. Like what I thought is far from my reach is now in front of me. What an amazing God we have.

I have learned that it is important to be specific when asking for what we want because God surely delivers. We just have to be patient. Because our timeline is not the same with His. He is neither early nor late. He is always on time. That's how omnipotent He is.

Where am I right now in my life? Still deciphering. Still obeying. Still working every waking hours. Still planting seeds for the future. And still in awe.

Sometimes I feel exhausted. Sometimes things still get to me (especially on that special time of the month for ladies). Most of the time, my back still hurts. But looking at the things around me and thinking about how far I am from where I used to be, I can't complain. I can only give thanks.

On my birthday, I wish nothing more than for God to teach me humility, contentment, gratitude, and dependence on Him (because I tend to control things and get disappointed when they don't go my way). I wish He transforms me fully to the Proverbs woman I aspire to be.

It may sound cliche, but I still do wish for world peace. We can't continue to live in fear knowing that anytime a crazy gun man would attack us or our loved one. Or that someone is being treated unjustly because they're powerless. Surely this is not what Jesus died for.

Although I am untroubled right now, I pray that God would continue to guide me to where I need to be. To change my life according to His plans because I trust Him more than I trust my own visions and capabilities.

There are more things I need to accomplish, more things I want to experience, and more places I want to see. There are more changes I want to happen.

For now, I choose to be here, content, thinking about my upcoming birthday with a heart full of joy and gratitude...and a flight to catch! I'll keep you posted when I get to catch my breath from this birthday trip.

Thanks for being here always!

What's your birthday wish for me?

Photo credit: Michael D. Molinare