The Quarter of a Century Mark!

Well, today I officially begin my 25th year of life! Already my facebook page has over 40 birthday wishes from different friends, I've gotten text messages and phone calls, was taken to lunch by my boss and have a fun dinner planned with a group of friends at a restaurant that gives the birthday guest a free steak dinner! Today has been a wonderful day so far! And Saturday I'm getting together with another group of friends to have dinner, play games, watch movies, and have our own little wine tasting event!

This year is going to be a great year. I've got vision for my future. I know what my next step is. I feel completely in step with God's plan for me in this moment.

People may wonder why I get so excited about my birthday. For some people its about the attention (and I'm not saying I don't like a day that's all about ME) but that's not the reason I tell everyone that will listen that its my birthday.

You see, not too long ago I had plans to never pass the age of 21. I had already attempted suicide many times and I hated every day that I had to endure on this planet. And of course my abuser's birthday is the day before mine so my family always celebrates his and mine was always with his. He took everything I was and pushed me aside. I hated my birthday and didn't want to see any more of them!

At the age of 20 at the loving nudge of a dear friend I researched Mercy Ministries a little further. And I started the application process though I hadn't really done anything with it. Then, when I was sitting alone on Christmas Day in a dark room cutting myself I realized I had to do something.

I felt that my only options were 1) to kill myself, really kill myself this time or 2) give God a chance and go to Mercy. I made a deal with God in my desperation for something to get better. I told Him that I would make one last attempt at getting better and if it didn't work then He'd have to let me die! So, I finished the Mercy application process, got an entry date a few months later and began the journey.

I spent 7 months of my 21st year at Mercy. And boy did God meet me in BIG ways. From the moment I walked through the doors, God was at work. He took all the weeds that had taken over my soul and threw them away. He planted rose bushes and orchids and made a beautiful garden. I got to experience Thanksgiving and Christmas at Mercy and realized that the holidays could be good. And my last night at moments at Mercy were knit together perfectly by the only Father who knew what I needed. I graduated the program and came back home and have been truly living life ever since.

You see these past 4 years since have been a gift from God. My every day is a gift because for so long the plan was that I would never see these days. And here I am a quarter of a century old and excited for the next quarter of a century and all that God will bring! I try and live my life to the fullest and every year I am so glad to have a birthday again!

My birthday is no longer linked to the evildoer in my life. Instead, it is linked to the life giver and ultimate Restorer of my soul. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many people who love me with a whole and non-twisted love. Today I turn 25 years old and loving life!