Celebrating 40 Years

This year marks 40 years since my life changed.

First, it has been 40 years since I had my first stroke. I know, I know, it is a bit difficult to be that long when I am only "29" years old, but it really has been 40 years since my life changed! My parents were told to be thankful for every day I lived. 40 years later, God still has me on this old earth. :)

More importantly, it was the year that my relationship with God was restored through my acceptance of Christ's gift of salvation. My relationship with Him changes my life not just here, but for eternity.

How has my life changed?

The stroke changes are obvious. I became "disabled" or, more accurately, "Him-abled." My life became more difficult in many ways. I have to work a bit harder than some at simple things like walking and playing piano and dressing and ... you get the picture. But in another sense, it became easier as each day I see my need of Him. I also am grateful for all that I am able to do. He has a plan for my life. His plan for others sometimes seems so much more difficult than His story for mine.

My relationship with Him gave me abundant life. No matter what comes, I have life abundant... joy in Him... peace... comfort. He speaks to me through His Word and longs to commune with me in prayer. I am His child. He loves me. He uses my weaknesses to display His strength and grants grace sufficient. Amazing.

40 years...40 years. So much has happened. So much has changed. Yet, one thing remains the same: God's faithfulness! Great is His faithfulness. His mercies are new every morning. :)