It's my birthday! 38 Lessons Learned!

Morning Y'all! Today is my 38th birthday! Thank you Jesus for allowing me to celebrate another year of life! I feel loved, am very blessed, and have much to be thankful for!

Despite the many mistakes I've made and bad decisions, I'm most grateful for God's forgiveness and new beginnings with Him. God continues to show Himself true, faithful, and a real force in my life. I'm also grateful for Leah and Lori, my sweet daughters who make sure there's never a dull moment, along with my loving family, friends, and church family.

A friend suggested I share 38 things on my birthday. So, during my quiet time this morning, I reflected on the many life lessons I've learned over the years and sharing with you! May they bless and encourage you. Also, no matter what, never give up on God and stay planted with Him! Remember– There's never any shame for loving God and doing what He wills for you to do. You'll find yourself the "happiest" and most content when you're living these truths throughout the good and bad times.

38 Life Lessons I've Learned

1. Surprise, God knows best!

2. Best decision I’ve ever made– Accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior!

3. Best investment I’ve ever made– My salvation!

4. There’s nothing wrong with growing and always wanting to be a better version of yourself for God.

5. Life is not about how much money you have, status symbols, credentials, and other

material things that have no eternal value. Life is about growing in Christ, becoming more Christlike, sharing the Good News, and maturing into what He’s called you to be.

6. A beautiful life consists of loving God, loving others, and living out your God-willed purpose.

7. It’s all about progression not perfection!

8. God cares about our internal– the heart, soul, and spirit. The world cares about our external– body and image.

9. A few of my favorite things– Purple. Beaches. Good company. Good music. Good food. Good books. Silk scarves. My favorite silver cuff. Converse sneakers. Ripped jeans.

10. It’s wise to put spiritual things above material things!

11. You should never apologize for wanting to pursue the things of God. And, if you got people around you that look down on you for that or make you feel guilty for that, you need to find new people!

12. Surround yourself with people that care about the same things you care about.

13. One of the worst things ever– Having to apologize for who you are. God gave each of us unique skills, personalities, and abilities for His purposes. Therefore, be who He made you to be unapologetically!

14. What God has called you to be, He’s already gifted you to do.

15. One of the worst feelings ever– Being lukewarm on anything! The torment that comes with being lukewarm is dreadful... Protect your peace and pick a side.

16. Besides salvation, best gifts ever– Family. Friends. Fellowship. Church. Time.

17. Always let your yes be yes and your no be no!

18. Never give yourself or others your crumbs. Always give your best or don’t give at all.

19. Be kind.

20. Be honest.

21. It truly is better to give than receive. Be a blessing to others!

22. Know that prayer does change things.

23. Remember, your family is your first ministry.

Lessons from studying Proverbs…

24. The beginning of godly wisdom, as opposed to worldly wisdom, is fearing (having incredible reverence and respect for) the Lord.

25. God is the source of righteousness and justice. We can't be just if we don't know what's right.

26. God hates pride and loves humility. He also rewards the humble.

27. We cannot hide from God. He sees it ALL.

28. Our character should reflect one that's quick to listen, slow to anger, and careful (or prudent) with our words.

29. We should pursue righteousness and avoid wickedness.

30. With God, there is life. With Satan, there is death.

31. Want friends? First, we must be a friend to have a friend.

32. To God, it's better to be poor and blameless, than rich and evil.

33. Preparation is required, but the source of our victories is the Lord.

34. Better to be wise and stay away from fools!

35. Think before you speak! Choose your words wisely!

36. When adversity comes, the strong ones persevere and prevail. The weak ones faint and

fall.

37. We should ask God to give us just enough. If He allows us to get too rich, we may deny Him and forget we still need Him. If He allows us to get too poor, we may steal and bring shame to His name.

38. Be generous with kind words. You never know what's really going on behind a person's "happy" exterior.

*Bonus Lesson- Talk is cheap! Want to know what someone truly cares about? Simply observe their choices. Assess their fruit, if any. Learn what their priorities and treasures are.

What do you think? What are your life lessons? I would love to hear from you!

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!

~Natasha