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Unexpected Blue Jay

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” James 1:2 (NIV)

Unexpected Blue Jay

Looking out the window I noticed that some extra decor was added to my seasonal hanging basket and the color just didn’t match with the theme I was going for. Never have I had a blue jay in the baskets before and this one didn’t stay there long. I’m guessing he didn’t find it too comfortable so flew off to somewhere else.

Have you ever had the same experience? Unexpectedly landing somewhere and not feeling like you quite fit in? Goodness I have! And it doesn’t have to be a bad place, just one that’s out of our comfort zone. Like maybe a city girl who comes to teach in the most rural place she’s ever been. Or a gal who tries hard but often feels that she doesn’t measure up, and then her husband is called to pastor two churches making her a Pastor’s wife. Uncomfortable? You’d better believe it! I know you can add your own examples of those times it’s felt like you were left dangling like me. It seems as if things poke and prod us on all sides, making it hard to settle in and leave us thinking a lot about flying the “coop.”

Join me with me for a moment looking back at the Israelites. God made a way for them to be freed from slavery. Miraculously, they walked on dry land across the Red Sea. They were fed daily and their clothes didn’t wear out. They were being led to the Promised Land by God and yet, their surroundings felt awkward and unfamiliar leaving them feeling unbalanced and actually wishing for the life they’d known as slaves. As a result, they spent their lives lost and never stepped a foot into the place God had prepared just for them.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss out on God’s best He’s prepared for me! 

The problem is, I see myself, my own weakness in those Israelites. Maybe you can relate to them too. I do believe that God is leading me through life just as he led them, that He’s providing me with everything I need in whatever situation I find myself as He did back then. But, and it’s a big but, you can still find me whining and complaining, wondering why I’m where I am, scared, anxious, and sadly lacking trust in the One who has my best in mind. This is where the words, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) burst from my heart and pour out of my mouth. 

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NIV)

The part I love most about the verses above is knowing that Jesus is the “perfecter of faith,” not us. When we find ourselves in a “wilderness,” will we(I) fall short? Probably. Might we miss out on blessings because of our (my) lack of trust? Possibly. But, and it’s a big but, I’ve found that those times are also where I’ve learned the most about following God’s plan and slowly but surely (slow learner here) overcoming my unbelief. They do say, “Practice makes perfect.” In this case it is our practice of persevering in this race of life no matter where we find ourselves and Jesus’ perfecting our growing faith in the process.

Who would have thought that an unexpected blue jay in my basket would act as a reminder for me and maybe you too, that when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory and life feels as if it’s swinging out of control, instead of giving up or longing for somewhere else, we need only to look to God’s best, our “Promised Land”: Jesus!

“because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:3-4 (NIV)

Words

“May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O LORD, my refuge and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (GNT)

Words

By looking at this picture you may think our middle grandson is the strong, silent type. You would be wrong. This sword carrying soul is a young man of many words! Listening to him tell you something is a journey with many twists and turns. There are detours and switchbacks. Sentence upon sentence link together like cars on a long, slow moving train. Don’t get me wrong, I will happily sit and enjoy listening to him for as long as he wants me to, the thing is though, what he originally begins to tell me can sometimes get off track in the midst of all those words.

I don’t know about you, but my grandson isn’t alone. Especially when I’m nervous, I can find myself talking much more than is really necessary too AND, my purpose can wind up being lost. Think about it; sometimes fewer words can have a greater impact:

Stop! Help! Wrong Way. Ouch! I love you.

See what I mean? It doesn’t always take a long succession of thoughts to make our point.

If you’re like me, there are times we can let being short on words keep us from saying anything at all. We believe that we must have all the right things to say and a lot to contribute before we can initiate or join a conversation. I find this especially true when in the presence of someone grieving, asked to pray aloud (sometimes even silently), or if offered the opportunity to witness to others. For some reason we can think that quantity is most important. But, like my knight in plastic armor, what we intend to say can also get easily derailed in all our own extra words.

I’m speaking to myself as I type this tonight; we can’t let fear of saying the wrong thing, not being sure of what to say, or having enough to say, keep us from comforting, uplifting, praying for, and especially witnessing to those around us. Maybe we need this reminder too. The WORD teaches us powerful things in few words too:.

“Jesus wept.” “Love never fails.” “It is finished.” “You are forgiven.” “Be still and know.

And you know? As I ponder this a little more, It’s occurred to me that some of those who’ve influenced my life the most, actually did so with……….no words at all. 

“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” 1 John 3:18 (GNT)

Escape ~ Five Minute Friday

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Galatians 5:1 (NLT)

The Great Escape

Our middle grandson is going to be “that child.” Most every family has one. (If you know, you know!) His latest escapade found him playing cops and robbers with his brother.  He was the robber (not surprising) who’d been apprehended. This particular robber however, didn’t think the story was over and decided to attempt an escape from the cop. So, standing forty inches off the ground atop a backyard toy that was not meant to be stood upon, that child took a flying leap toward freedom. Unfortunately, he hadn’t calculated what would happen upon landing since his hands were handcuffed behind his back. You guessed it. With no way to break the fall, his face and the brick patio collided. That poor robber was quickly off to the ER.

I must admit that there have been times in my life (more than I’d like) that I’ve been “that child” in the family of God. I can totally relate to and claim these words Paul wrote, as my own:

“So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”
Romans 7:14-15 (NLT)

Yep! I can find myself in trouble with the “law.” You too? How often do we know what it is we should do but don’t. Even more, how many times is what we shouldn’t do evident and yet, there we are doing what is wrong anyway.  I don’t know about you, but there are times I feel bound by my own sin and looking to escape. Unfortunately, this is usually when I (that child) take a flying leap on my own, only to crash head first into a hard mess. Maybe you’ve “faced” the hard stuff too. That’s when we need to rush ourselves straight to the ER, our Eternal Redeemer.

“Oh what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Romans 7:21-8:2 (NLT)

The doctors gave our grandson a good look-over and thankfully he only came away with easily treatable scrapes and bruises this time. He was awfully sore though, so hopefully it taught him a good lesson. I’m pretty sure about one thing, those handcuffs won’t go back on for awhile, if ever! 

There’s a lesson you and I can learn, too. Being “that child” makes us painfully aware of our sin. Thank goodness we are cared for by Jesus. He is the key that frees us. We may feel the misery of our actions, but because of Him our shackles to sin have been removed AND we never have to put them on again. 

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
John 8:36 (NLT)

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Music ~ Five Minute Friday

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalm 59:16

Name That Tune

For the first time in a long time wrens have taken up residence in the house I have just for them. How do I know they’ve moved in you ask? Wrens have no problem making themselves known. 

Do you remember the show, “Name That Tune” where contestants challenged one another with how few notes it would take for them to identify a song? As a music lover I enjoyed playing along. You too? There are songs that even today when I hear the first few notes I can immediately start singing along with, or when listening to just a couple words of the lyrics I’m able to identify the artist, sometimes those introductory beats can take me right back to another place and time and to exactly how I was feeling when I heard it. Well, that’s how it is with a wren’s song too. It doesn’t take too many shrill notes for me to recognize the song, who’s singing it, and how they are feeling about having found their place.

Thinking about it, those around us whether they are music lovers or not should be able to identify our “tune” very quickly too. As Christians, our lives should sing a song of mercy, love, and grace on repeat.

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
Psalm 40:3 (NLT)

When we are standing in the looooong, sloooooow line at the Wal-Mart checkout lane what tone will the audience in front and behind us overhear and identify quickly? Sitting in an overcrowded, understaffed restaurant hungrily waiting for food, who will the patrons identify as the as the One (or not) behind our words? Tired, stressed, stretched to our limit, where will our biggest fans, those who matter the most to us be taken to, a place of harmony or dis-chord? It will depend on who our heart is beating in rhythm with.

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT)

I guess what I’m saying (and learning) is that we need to be like a wren. It shouldn’t take long for others to recognize the “new song” we sing, determine whose we are as we sing it, and that we’ve thankfully found a place provided just for us.. We shouldn’t have any problem making it known who we are: brothers and sisters in Christ. How you ask? Well, I can name that tune in one note……

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35 (NIV)

A “LOVE-NOTE” of course! And that one note my friends, will be music to the world’s ears! Let’s invite them to sing along!

Want to discover more “Music”? Click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to “sing along!”

Aspire ~ Five Minute Friday

“And think about grassy fields-the grasses are here now, but they will be dead by winter. And yet God adorns them so radiantly. How much more will He clothe you, you of little faith, you who have not trust:” Matthew 6:30 (The Voice)

Teetering on Trust

“It is life and death.” Words I never imagined I’d ever write in my journal and yet, two years ago today I found myself doing just that. Our youngest grandson had been life-flighted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and his future, our future, was teetering between those very things: life and death. You may know exactly how that feels, too.

At ten months old, that precious little boy of ours lost most of his intestines due to them traveling through a small, undetected hole in his diaphragm and the blood supply being cut off from them for too long. But, praise God he survived and despite his many challenges he thrives today as a true, living miracle!

As I reflect on that experience two years ago there are many emotions, thoughts, and memories churning around inside of me. I moved in and cared for my two older grandsons while their parents stayed at the hospital. For three months there were ups and downs, joys and pain, discouragement and hope, fear and oh, so much bravery. I leaned on God’s strength more than I ever have in my life and He got me through.

Those weeks of desperate prayer, worship through praise music, reading Scripture, and receiving unbelievable support from those around us brought me to a place I’d never been, an ah-ha moment when I finally was able to say to myself and to God, “I see now. Even in the worst times You are with me working things out for the best even when I don’t understand. I. Can. Trust. You.” Let me tell you, this was a place I’d wanted to be for a long time. Trust has never been easy for me and I was relieved that I’d finally made it.

Fast forward two years and here’s the rest of the story: I still have a long way to go. Even though I didn’t think it would, worry has crept back into my life. Fears overtake me in the night. Anxiety steals my breath. And trusting God with every part of my life? I think you can probably tell I’m struggling. Oh me of little faith. The good news is the fight isn’t quite as hard as before because I’ve seen God light the way through such a dark time and that helps me to remember He guides me now.

And so, I continue to aspire to be more faithful. To trust God with everything, everyone, and all of me no matter what comes. If I’m honest, it’s scary to type those words and to believe them because I’ve lived long enough to know that desiring more faith and trust often means walking through more of those “teetering” experiences for growth to happen. I’m guessing you also know that.

“Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line-mature, complete, and wanting nothing.”
James 1:2-4 (The Voice)

I’m not wishing for hardships, quite the opposite really, but I am encouraged by these words and truly hope for a blossoming faith no matter what lies ahead. And when I need an extra reminder of finding joy in my troubles I just need to look at his smile! If this boy can smile with all he has gone and goes through, then I can embrace what comes and “ultimately find joy” in the journey, too. I pray you are encouraged to do the same and together we can say for certain, come what may, “I trust You.”

“The deepest pains may linger through the night,
but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.”
Psalm 30:5 (The Voice)

Chapter ~ Five Minute Friday

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

Leaf Lesson

Despite its fall-like appearance, this is actually what my Japanese Maple tree looks like today in the height of spring. Unfortunately it got ahead of itself. Buds formed early and soon (too soon) new, frilly leaves covered the branches before the other trees even began to show signs of life. I actually pointed it out to my husband telling him that our young tree looked fuller and prettier than it ever had. But then came the frost warning. And then the deadly frost. As you can see, what should have been, could have been, a tree full of life now only displays a limited smattering of its once beautiful, red leaves. 

Springing into action rather than waiting, I’ve at times found myself in the same situation as this over eager tree. I pray for something. The answer is slow (to me) in coming. I pray again. Seemingly nothing and so, I branch out on my own (too soon), ignore any warnings I sense, and end up realizing that by not waiting for God’s perfect timing, the “should have, could have” I’d prayed for was hindered by my rushing ahead. Instead of the full, beautiful result, I instead had little to show for all MY effort.

We can get to a place where we just want God to write a new chapter in our lives and so maybe we pray for love but jump too quickly into a bad relationship, ask for guidance about a new job then out of fear accept what turns out to be the wrong position, or lift up a dream of something we long for, watch others seem to get what they want and so compromise our finances to keep up. Can you relate? The list can go on and on. Ask me how I know….

Here’s the crazy thing too, even if I don’t necessarily act, my thoughts form early and grow at a rapid rate detailing all the scenarios of how I THINK God should answer my prayer! My mind is so full of MY expectations that I know I’ve often missed God’s actual perfect answer for me. Sound familiar? Think the Pharisees! Yikes!

“Then his people believed his promises. Then they sang his praise. Yet how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn’t wait for his counsel!”
Psalm 106:12-13 (NLT)

The reality is my maple tree didn’t have a choice about forging ahead early instead of waiting, but we do. It’s not something we’re (I’m) always good at doing, “waiting for his counsel,” but it’s the lesson those shriveled leaves I see out my kitchen window are teaching me:

Eager for a new season in life? Pray and wait.
Hoping to turn a page? For that different chapter? Pray and wait.
Want evidence of real growth? Pray and wait.
Longing to see beauty again where it once was? Pray and wait.
Prayed and still waiting? Remember “what He has done” and patiently wait some more.

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”
Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

This is written as part of http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where I’ve joined in with others to write to the prompt “Chapter”. Click over to read more.

Danger ~ Day 22 ~ Write 28 Day Challenge

Day 22: Danger
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Dangerous Predator

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love:
Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
Purchased by the Savior’s blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,
As a son and heir of  God.”
~Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing~

Something had caught my eye outside the window. An unfamiliar looking bird was perched motionless in the lilac tree. It took me a minute to finally realize that the small, oval shaped, smoothed-feathered bird statue clinging to a branch for dear life, was actually a usually large, boisterous, crown-wearing, self-assured blue jay. That’s when I knew that a hawk was hovering close by and my blue jay friend was in danger. Wary, he was doing all he could to conceal himself in hopes of avoiding attack and becoming a morning snack. 

You know, there’s a devious adversary who’s hovering around us too, and unfortunately he’s also a master of disguise. Patiently, he unassumingly lurks nearby, and before we know it, he’s able to capture us when we least expect it. I’m talking about Satan of course, the fallen angel from above. The ruler of this world we live in. (explains a lot about all that’s happening, doesn’t it?)

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Birds seem to have an innate sense when danger is near, but I, maybe you too, sometimes willingly come within the predator’s reach. The thing is, once we’re enticed and snatched away from where we want to be, it often takes us a while to realize it because as most beasts of prey do, the devil toys with us for awhile and then before we know it, we’re consumed.

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”James 1:14 (ESV)

Deceived, lured, enticed, I can relate. But wait, my own desire? Your desire? I guess if we really stop and think about it, we do find ourselves in the grip of the devil most often because he was able to convince us that it’s fine to pursue the seemingly harmless things WE long for or that there’s no harm in avoiding those WE don’t want, even when we know better. We give ourselves away so the enemy knows right where we stand.

To avoid attack, that poor blue jay stayed frozen in his spot for a long time. Nothing moved. Except, occasionally I noticed his eyes looking toward the sky. We are in the same kind of battle. Satan has so many wily ways to strike that it can leave us feeling stuck. That’s when we too, need to look up.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11

Luckily, the blue jay’s persistence paid off and the hawk eventually set off looking for new prey. The jay’s normal posture and personality returned and he quickly feasted at the feeders. Thankfully, God has already defeated Satan. He provides a defense for you and me and when we take our stance in His armor, we too can resist the one waiting to attack us. The predator is forced to retreat and we’re able to draw near to the One who provides the feast of everything we ever need to truly live.

Witness ~ Five Minute Friday

“We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32

Witness

One of my very favorite read-aloud Christmas books is Max Lucado’s “The Crippled Lamb.” It’s the story of Joshua who was born with a leg that doesn’t work and he can’t do all the things he wishes he could. A day comes for his flock to move to a new meadow and he is excited. But, the Shepherd comes to Joshua and tells him he must stay behind. Instead of joining the others he is sent to a stable. As you might guess, the little lamb is devastated to find himself somewhere he doesn’t want to be.

 Later in the story, noises in the stable wake a frightened Joshua. He looks around in the dark and is surprised to find that a baby has been born and is laying in his manger.  Yes, this little, disappointed, weak lamb becomes one of the first to witness the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Messiah. Amazing! It gets me every time. There might even be some tears.

You know? This isn’t just a book for Christmas. It’s a story for life. Our lives. We all are “crippled” in some way and it can hold us back from doing all we want to. We make plans only to have them change unexpectedly. And I’ve been devastated to find myself in the midst of something or somewhere I never wanted to be. Maybe you have too. But, like for Joshua, those dark, often scary places. or when we are at our weakest, are exactly where we too can witness God.

Back in the story, Baby Jesus becomes cold, Joshua realizes he can help and curls up beside Him to warm Him with his fleece. The lamb who wasn’t where he thought he’d be, learns he was actually right where the Shepherd had wanted him all along. I don’t know about you, but  when I look back I can see the same thing in my own life. There have been many times when I was not in the place I thought I’d be or wanted to be, but soon discovered was exactly where God knew I needed to be. Sometimes it’s been to help me grow and others to help someone else, both in ways I never thought possible. Amazing! It gets me every time. There might even be tears. Oh, who am I kidding? When witnessing God’s love, for me, there are always tears! 

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
Luke 2:11(NIV)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

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Forget and Remember ~ Five Minute Friday

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

Forget and Remember

Forget the things from your past that try to convict you. Instead,
Remember “There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 (GNT)

Forget those words you hear when you look in the mirror. Instead,
Remember “..we are God’s masterpiece.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Forget longing to be like someone else. Instead,
Remember “Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. There would not be a body if it were all only one part!
1 Corinthians 12:12,18-19 (GNT)

Forget the fear that confines you. Instead,
Remember “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

Forget the worries that threaten to overwhelm you. Instead,
Remember “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Forget thinking you’re too weak to face the circumstances you are in. Instead,
Remember “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Philippians 4:13 (GNT)

Forget believing you aren’t loved. Instead,
Remember “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (GNT)

Twenty ~ Five Minute Friday

Twenty Things I’d Like To Tell the 20-Year-Old Me

“For we are God’s masterpiece.” Ephesians 2:10a (NLT)

1. No one cares about your hair, you shouldn’t either.
2. Dance to your own beat, sing off key, wear what you want. Embrace who your really are.
3. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
4. You can’t be perfect so stop trying.
5. Talk to yourself as gently as you do to others.

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

6. Don’t let fear keep you from seeking adventure
7. Try new things even if you fail at them. That’s called learning.

8. Go with the flow. You can’t control everything.
9. Rock the boat sometimes.
10. Hard times will knock you off course. You will make it through.

“Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

11. Be content where you are instead of worrying about where you’re going.
12. Happiness comes and goes but joy in the Lord can always be found.
13. Read your Bible and pray a lot more.
14. You don’t have to do it all on your own. It’s OK to ask for help.
15. Even when it’s not easy, forgive others and forgive yourself.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

16. It is OK not to fit in.
17. Never underestimate the gift of friendship.
18. Stop looking so hard. Love will find you when you least expect it.
19. You’ll be amazed at how the bad experiences in your life will be used for good.
20. Trust God. (Even when it’s hard)  He has great plans for you!

To the 63-Year-Old Me: Don’t just read the above, live them!

“I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”
Psalm 71:16-18 (NLT)

P.S. These twenty things are for you, too!