“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman
I’m looking another year older — right in the face! Like it or not. Its here. Birthdays have a way of sneaking up on you without invitation. I’m grateful.
Another year older brings with it reflection and acceptance and closure and, — a great big heart of gratitude. My heart is full.
The humble acknowledgment that every second is a living, breathing, —gift from God. Breathe.
The years my journey has afforded me have changed me — like the wind and waves change the coastline they beat up against. What has life this side of eternity taught me? That I have barely scratched the surface. I’m convinced that God created eternity because one lifetime couldn’t possibly be all there is!
Years and struggles and great big happiness — and everything in-between — has helped to refine my rough edges. I’ve fallen and felt my way through the darkness — only to find pure love waiting for me on the other side.
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
and in kindness you follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
With your hand of love upon my life,
you impart a blessing to me. Psalm 139:5
I’ve tasted the bitter tears of great loss — and clawed my way to the surface again. I’ve entertained shame and unworthiness and accepted “less than” — only to have the shards of my heart beautifully put back together again. I’ve traversed through the valley of the shadow of death — and felt my way through the darkness. I’ve stumbled, fallen, and missed the mark — infinite times in my life. I’ve learned that brokenness and vulnerability — only serve to make us better. Amazing grace.
“Pain has a way of telling us to keep quiet, but hope requests the opposite” Jamie Tworkowski
It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me,
for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night. Psalm 139:11
I’ve been blessed with the tender kisses of life — five children and nine grandchildren and a great grandson. Blessed with my highest calling — “mom” & “grandma”. Pure gold.
I married my bestfriend and together we’ve learned that Hallmark movies lie. We’ve also come to understand that love is the strongest bond alive.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
I’ve been blessed.
By God’s grace I’ve a mother who loves God bigger then life! I’m eternally grateful for her introduction to perfect love.
I’ve lived life.
I know the bond of friendship — in my sit in the dirt kind of friends — and all those in-between. Were would I be without you?! I don’t want to know. You’ve held my heart in place when I didn’t know how. So much love.
In the midst of sorrow and joy and fear and everything in-between — I was introduced to the desert. A place my heart calls home. A people I call my own.
What has life taught me? Own your history — unashamed. Be you. Embrace the shards you will surely encounter in life. Sit with pain. Refuse denial. No excuses. Rest….. in perfect love. Rise again — and again — and again! Run hard after your God given dreams — regardless of how much sense they make to anyone! Free yourself from the restrictions this world tirelessly tries to put on you. Come to terms with the beauty in you. Spread your wings and soar! Never. Ever. Stop. Dreaming.
Love Big!
So, I step into this next year — with arms wide open! I’ll trust every breath to the One who gave His life for mine. I’ll not shy away from risk and I’ll run hard after the fire in my heart. I’ll dare to love — even when it hurts. I’ll rest in grace. I’ll be brave and become intimately acquainted with courage.
No Reserves. No Retreats. No Regrets. – William Borden
Every single moment you are thinking of me!
How precious and wonderful to consider
that you cherish me constantly in your every thought!
O God, your desires toward me are more
than the grains of sand on every shore!
When I awake each morning, you’re still with me. Psalm 139:17-18
Tami Yeager 