Birthdays are for being Reborn

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

I always celebrate my birthday during Lent. Most of the times it falls between a Maundy Thursday or a Good Friday. This time it is no different.

But…how do you look at birthdays?

Do you look at it as a day to be another year older?

Perhaps a day to be a good reason to splurge?

What about….?

A day to be REBORN!

Have you thought about this, birthdays are for being reborn?

Re-birth….

Isn’t this a wonderful way of looking at birthdays? An opportunity for us to be born again.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

A renewed you!

A renewed and stronger faith.

Believing that ALL His words are true.

Growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord.

Seeing ourself as He sees us.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Born for a purpose…

Born to make a difference…

A beautiful creation loved by God!

What about you, how do you look at birthdays? I’d love to hear!

All good things,
Charina

riches in Him….

“I don’t really want to be rich.” That’s me telling my daughter (in a nice and not discouraging way with explanation of course). Yesterday, in one of our usual – trip to town conversations, we talked about being rich and what if we win the lottery, what would you do with the money and so on.

The hubby would want to build a bigger house ( with a man cave- he says; and a writer’s cave – I say), he said maybe a new truck, a motorcycle (Nikki said with a sidecar so she can ride with him), a motor home so we can travel around the states, oh and a boat. He will help family members, donate to our church, open a restaurant where food will be affordable for everybody. Nikki would love to travel. Me, ah blank……nothing. I didn’t give this riches thing much thought that I literally have no idea what to do, seriously. Ok, let’s see….yes, I would probably want a bigger house (but not extravagantly big that you don’t see each other or know where or what the others are doing), but I am perfectly happy with our simple and modest home and of course pay off debt. Hmmmm, we do need to fix our yard, it seriously need some sprucing up, replace carpets with hardwood floors, vinyl with tiles. Ok, ok I said I would probably want a bigger house but is happy with our modest home, hence the upgrade plans. I can use a car of my own. Definitely help family. Give to church and charity. Travel to visit family. And open “Little Belle’s House of Love”. If we can afford for me to quit working, I would so I can write and write and write. Who would think I would decide to write…..I never did, until now.

On a serious note, I really don’t want to be rich, I just want to have enough….enough for us to enjoy life and enough to bless others. Is this bad? Am I the only one who doesn’t want to be rich!? Do I sound crazy? I hope not…..

I want to be rich in Him and with Him. I want to stay and grow closer to Him. I want to keep longing for Him.

I don’t know about you but…I don’t want the distractions and the temptations that is associated with worldly riches.

“You know what is good with not having money”, me asking my Mom. I don’t have to worry where and what to spend it with. See, no temptations – no distractions – problem solved….at least with where and what to spend it with other than bills….me just seeing the humor in it

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
Proverbs 3:13-17

Happy and at peace with Him….no riches can buy this for me but – Him.

All good things,
Charina

{a weary heart…?}

Have you ever have that feeling where you don’t know how to describe your emotions?

{weary – sad – discourage – questioning – wishful}

That moment when you have so much going on that describing how you feel is just so hard to decipher, where your mind seems full but…blank? And no I am not going crazy either. I hope I am making sense…

In between money issues (and work issues, will talk about this later)…you know, one paycheck – mortgage payment – bills = indescribable human emotions and tears at times.

{a weary heart}

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34

Only by the grace of God! How are you doing it for years with just one income?, a co-worker once asked me…..only by the Grace of God. He is my strength, my guide, my light….our provider. We cannot do it on our own.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb 13:5

Yes, I can’t tell you how many times I asked Him how come some people just have an easy life and some don’t. You know…you work hard, you hurt no one….

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James 1:2

{a weary heart}

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

{weak – humbled – loved – closer – thankful}

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

{a grateful – loving – trusting – faithful heart}

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

For when I am weak, then I am strong…

Linking with Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Life today for Fresh Brewed Sunday.

All good things,
Charina