Today is my birthday. Last year was a big one turning 50. I made a lot of plans for this past year. The year had other plans. Last year seems like a life time ago. I walked through some pretty scary doors this year. But I am still standing strong. There are more doors ahead. But I know that God is already there. He is already there. So today, I celebrate. I celebrate a God who is amazing and who has had His hand on my life from the beginning. I celebrate life. I celebrate today. I celebrate my people, and I celebrate every good thing yet to come.
No matter what comes your way, know that you are going to make it. You are going to be OK. You are going to be better than OK. You are going to rise and walk through it all, only to be braver, bolder, more you, and more full of faith than ever. There is light on the other side of darkness. If you’re not seeing light yet, keep walking. Do not let your circumstances define you. Decide who you want to be and be that, no matter what is happening around you…or what has happened in your past.
Look around and focus on what is good. Fill your life up with the good stuff…your people, hope, joy, celebrating, making memories, making a dent in the Universe, living the story you want to tell, and God…always more God, and the life changing kind of stuff that not only changes you but those around you.
So maybe I did not stick to the plan, but I think it turned out pretty good. Sometimes we need to be flexible. Life is fluid. So much is out of our control. It just is what it is. The one thing we can control is who we decide to be on the journey.
A few of my favorite things from this year…
- Always my sons. They are my people.
- The wonderful vacation my sons and I took in September. We made a memory.
- My new blog here…. The Art of a Beautiful Life. It is my special place. It is where I keep everything that inspires me.
- My new line of inspirational jewelry. This was put on my heart four years ago when I had a sticky note with two phrases that got me through the day. Now, I get to wear what inspires me on my arm every day.
- The Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life Challenge – What started out as a 30 day challenge has now become a way of life.
- The new blogging friends I am making. It is kind of wonderful connecting to other highly sensitive, observers who write their soul. They move me. I want more of that in my life this year.
So, today I celebrate.
Writing on the wall of life,
~Topaz
I literally GASPED with excitement and joy over this post… oh, what a glorious day of celebration for YOU my dear friend!!!
“So today, I celebrate. I celebrate a God who is amazing and who has had His hand on my life from the beginning. I celebrate life. I celebrate today. I celebrate my people, and I celebrate every good thing yet to come.”
Beautifully said… and your encouraging words that follow are GOLD. I adore your heart.
Oh, thank you so much, my sweet friend. That feeling is so mutual. I adore your heart, too. The day was not uneventful either. God showed up in such a beautiful way. He takes my breath away.
Hi Topaz! Happy, happy birthday my new blog friend!! You do have so much to think back on in the last year, what incredible blessings. I am sure there were also really hard times, and yes, you have stood strong with your boys and your faith.
It’s amazing how we can inspire, and you do inspire right here on your blog. It’s a powerful thing, and I know that the Lord directs your heart here. Thank you for listening to his prompts, and passing on your wisdom.
Have some cake, and grab those hugs 🙂
Ceil
It is amazing how our hearts and souls connect with each other through the words we write. It is truly a special place we connect with others. We lived a lifetime in this past year, and we faced something that we had known for four years was coming one day, something we had dreaded for four years. This was the year. But you know what, God made us ready for it. He truly does give us what we need when we need it. Even what He placed in my heart just the evening before it all played out. He takes my breath away. We had such a beautiful and blessed day. Thank you so much for being here, Ceil. I am so glad we are becoming friends. I just love your blog.
Happy happy birthday (although I am a day late!) I hope this year brings you much joy and happiness and gives you even more reasons to celebrate the years that will follow!
Thank you, Ana Lynn! Yes! Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
I’m a little late to the party too – but Happy Birthday! I hope the next year is wonderful for you. So glad I found your blog!