Today is My Birthday

Today, I give thanks to God for another year of life. It has been such a long year, but through it all, the Lord has been faithful. As I grow older, I continue to see life differently and learn lessons that shape me. Here are a few things I’ve learned this past year:

• As a Christian, I strive to live by God’s Word daily. I don’t believe one sin is greater than another, and I know we are called to love others while leaving judgment to God.
  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
• I will never let failure define me.
  “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16)
• People pleasing is a no-no.
  “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? … If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
• Patience is key, and God has been teaching me a lot about it lately.
  “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” (Psalm 37:7)
• Contentment is powerful. My iPhone 14 Plus works fine — no need to chase every new release.
  “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
• I don’t believe in car notes — wisdom with money matters.
  “The borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
• When you lose something, trust that God is preparing something better.
  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” (Romans 8:28)
• I try not to use the word “depressed.” I choose life-giving words.
  “The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:21)
• Not everyone close to you will be God-sent in your time of need.
  “Put not your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3)
• One person cannot solve the entire family’s problems — especially for the ungrateful. Sometimes the healthiest choice is to love some people from afar.
  “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” (Proverbs 17:1)
• Life is worth living — enjoy it to the fullest.
  “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
• There’s no badge of honor for busyness; be effective instead.
  “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
• Working out pays off in the long run.
  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• Gratitude is everything.
  “Give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• Even small lifestyle choices (like eating beans alone without garri,plantain or bread) remind me that I can adapt and enjoy life.
• Set S.M.A.R.T. (S-Specific, M- Measurable, A-Attainable, R- Realistic, T- time based) goals — but always commit them to God.
  “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
• Trusting in the Lord is the best decision.
  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Take care of yourself — body, soul, and spirit.
  “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…” (3 John 1:2)
• Don’t get carried away by flashy lifestyles. Stay grounded.
  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
• With God’s help, I can become all He created me to be.
  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
• And yes — I even tried sushi this year. Growth can be as simple as trying new things!

Through it all, I’ve learned that life is a gift, and I want to live it with gratitude, purpose, and trust in the Lord. Here’s to another year of growth, joy, and walking with God