Celebrating Life!

“All the days ordained for me were written in Your book 

before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:16b, NIV)

“This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Facebook's Memories "On this Day" prompts us to look back at the memories we have for the day. I saw this status that I posted in 2009, exactly six years ago today, and I liked what I read.

"I'll live my life and forget my age... life gives me the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars. As Mark Twain said - "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." "

Having started a trip down memory lane, I browsed further and saw the Note I wrote in 2010 - My Birthday Prayer | 23.Oct.2010 Red Sea Desert Coast, Saudi Arabia

 

Lord, You know me better than myself... and as I grow older today and will someday be old, keep me from the fatal habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on the things that do not bless and build up others because the love of rehearsing somebody’s ignominy is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet, because a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people; and give, O Lord, the courage to tell them of your great faithfulness and your enduring love to me and my loved ones. Bless all of those who remembered my birthday and said a prayer for me. Bless as well all those who have forgotten to greet me as they may have been very busy just like me...And as I continue to walk in  life's highways and byways, help me live and celebrate life to the fullest. Thank you for the rhema you gave me today that 'You will go before me and will be with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me... and surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life! Amen.

I couldn't help but enjoy reading my 2009 status and 2010 notes over and over again and here I am writing a quick post for my birthday this year.

My Birthday Prayer - Circa 2016

Thank you dear God for giving me another year
For holding each day within Your grace and will
To live my life well, and be grateful for my age
Because those years are stamps of Your blessed faithfulness!

I thank my family, whose love and care is beyond compare

For friends, and colleagues, even strangers I meet
Have added value and learning experiences the past years
For times of success giving  happy memories,
And life's reminders during times of failures.

So many hours I've wasted, I have let go,
Many chances to be a blessing, I've failed to do
So many opportunities, that I've missed to take

Help me dear Lord to recognize and act 

And be sensitive to your prodding

So I will not miss out!

I will continue to love, to work, to play, and have fun
And enjoy the beautiful sunsets before I do my run
To look at the stars, name them one by one
Like naming God's blessings that He's given to everyone!

I will continue to expect each day's surprises
With a receptive heart to hear, feel, and see
It may come as sorrow or as unspeakable joy
But will surely bring us higher to a better view!

Help me dear Lord to make this year the best

No matter how bad life may seem to be

There is always something beautiful and good to find.

Because in Your perfect time, the best is yet to come!

So I'll throw off the bowlines. 

Sail away from the safe harbor. 

I'll catch the trade winds in my sails. 

I'll Explore. 

I'll Dream. 

I'll Discover.

Every new chapter is better than the one before! So let's get our glasses for a toast - "Cheers to life!" 

Let's celebrate LIFE. It's our message to the world! Live it well by making sure that it's inspiring!

Photo Credits:
Photo 1 -  Man praying
Photo 2 -  Man kneeling praying in forest