Eighteen Years of God's Faithfulness

Today I celebrate eighteen wonderful years of life.

It's kind of funny how eighteen seemed like such a big number when I was younger, but now that I've reached it, it doesn't seem quite so intimidating. The past eighteen years have been years of learning and growing, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. God has taught me a lot over the years. Lessons on faith, patience, and joy. Again and again He has shown me His faithfulness and love, even though I don't deserve it.

>> He has encouraged me on days that seem harder than others. Maybe it's as simple as a Bible verse coming to mind, an encouraging note from a friend, or a little blessing that reminds me of just how much my God cares for me.

>> I had been praying for a horse for years. When I was twelve I purchased a horse named Buck who lived up to his name, bucked me off, and I broke my arm. Long story short, I ended up selling him and questioned why God would allow it to happen after I had prayed for so long. But then only three months later He gave (yes, free of charge) me a lovely Quarter Horse mare named Flash who has been the best horse ever. And now six years later He has blessed me with yet another horse, a gorgeous mare named Jade. God is good.

>> I have been blessed with amazing friends who love the Lord and encourage me in my walk with Him. Friends to laugh loud with, cry with, talk late into the night with, and snap photos with. Gotta love 'em!

>> I have a wonderful family. Amazing parents who teach me about the Lord, and six great siblings who are so much fun to be with. I love, love, love them, and thank God for giving me such great people to live with! 

I could go on, and on, and on listing all of the blessings that God has given to me. He is faithful, and I know it to be true because I have seen it again and again over the past eighteen years. Getting older brings on new decisions to make, new chapters to open, and new steps of faith to take. But I know that God is faithful, and I trust that He will guide me no matter what I may face. The past eighteen years have been pretty amazing, and I'm looking forward to the next eighteen.