Darius Rucker - This

"its crazy to think that one little thing could have changed all of this..."

I will never forget as a 6 or 7 year old child sitting in the den with my back against a mirrored and pig-skinned wall (weird, I know) thinking 'wow, i love my life.' At that time I didn't know the future or the gist of life.. I was just living for the moment focused on love, family, togetherness, joy, warmth, shelter, and always having someone to run to when I needed them. At that small moment of my life, I didn't know that my parents 6 years later would have a bitter divorce, that i wouldn't see my dad for almost two years except on rare occasions, and that my brother and sister could possibly take the divorce so much worse than I did. I didn't know that these major events and special people who mentored me through would shape me into the person I am today .. for the good..... All for God's glory. I'm not trying to say "woe is me" or that now I have everything together; I'm trying to say no matter what God brings you through he has a reason for it. No matter how many times you say "Why God? Why here? Why now? Why me?" He is telling you after every storm comes a rainbow, behind every cloud there's a silver lining, and with every trial he is there to carry you through. And for you to remember one of the most peaceful verses for me...“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. 

"Because your love is better than life..

...I will praise you."- Psalm 63:3 

I've always been a Psalms girl (since I was in 7th grade, it was the first book I would always turn to) and on my 19th day of birth, I would like to exclaim how thankful I am for one more year of life. Through these last few weeks I have realized how important it is to use the time we have on this earth not for ourselves but unselfishly for others. Through my dad's heart attack, I was truly "put in my place" as far as stressing and complaining about school and other such problems when it reminded me...have I always let him know how thankful I am for him? how I don't know how I could make it through this life without him. So I as drove back home thursday I praised God for the "wake up call" that reminded me to cherish every second I could spend with him, the rest of my family, and others. And now on my birthday, it seems like a pretty big challenge but I have come to find this life is really not about me. Not about the popularity, clothes, relationship status, the ultimate 4.0... Im not here on this earth just to "have a good time" and through all the events, encouragement, and promises of the bible I know I and everyone on this earth has purpose in this life or else I don't think they would be here. Through this last year of college, I have been reassured that this life is to reflect Him and Not Me... even on my birthday. So today is your day to shine for Him.. go get your shine on.