Thursday, August 26, 2010

I'm 35 Today!


I woke to a new beginning. The age 34 is behind me and today I'm 35! A lot happened in my life last year - I began my first year of homeschooling and LOVED it! We moved to a new home. The blog grew with the Rachael Ray appearance. The Good Morning Girls groups began on-line and grew to over 600 ladies this past summer! My husband began a new business. We lost two loved ones to death. We made many wonderful memories as a family and have grown spiritually. I grew as a wife, mom and friend. It was one of the busiest years of my life. It was a good year filled with many blessings but we also had our fair share of struggles and sadness.


As I reflect, my heart is filled with thankfulness to God. I sat this morning quietly with the sunrise - alone with Jesus. I looked at the communion cup that I keep by my computer. It's a reminder to me of why I honor my husband, why I read God's word daily to my children, why I do this thing called "blogging". It is my whole reason for living. Jesus is everything to me.


The last time we took communion at church, I was at a discouraging point with blogging. I felt "exhausted". As I held this cup in my hand there in the pew, I sensed God's presence. And these thoughts went through my mind - "Jesus is Worthy of all my sacrifice. He is worthy of my complete surrender. He is worthy!" And so when communion ended, I slipped this cup into my purse. And now it sits by my computer reminding me of the blood Jesus shed on the cross that takes away my sins and THAT is what I am MOST grateful for on my 35th birthday.



I don't know what the age of 35 holds for me. I don't know what's going to happen next on my journey. But I know who holds the future and I know "My Redeemer Lives". I am not alone. And that gives me great hope for the future.


If you do not listen to anything else I say on this blog, this is the one thing I so desperately want for my birthday from you, my dear reader. For you too to experience Jesus in your daily life. He is alive, he speaks through his word. He hears our prayers and answers them. He is worthy of our complete surrender to him. He is worthy of us rising early to meet with him. He is worthy of our sacrifice to serve our family and friends. Don't let your life slip by too busy to sit down alone with him. One day we will look sweet Jesus in the eyes. We will see his nail scarred hands and feet. Will we have regrets? What we do today in our homes matters. Live it for him alone!


This is my life verse and my prayer for you. Galatians 6:9 "Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest IF you do not give up."


Persevere sweet sisters. You are not alone - we are in this together! I love you!


Walk with the King!

70 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday! Very encouraging post! I will be starting my first year of homeschooling this year and need all the encouragement I can get!:) Hope you have a great day!

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  2. Happy Birthday Courtney you're an inspiration and encouragement to me. THank you!

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  3. Happy Birthday Courtney..
    Hope you have a wonderful day.
    God Bless

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  4. Happy birthday Courtney, thanks for your encouraging post! You are a blessing to many!

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  5. Amen Girlfriend! Happy Birthday. What a great idea to keep the communion cup as a reminder. LOVE IT!

    So glad our worlds have collided. God is so good! Love your heart. Keep spreading the GOOD NEWS!

    Love,
    Traci

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  6. Happy birthday!!

    My Pastor says he would love to hear the sheep that he shepherds say when he is old, "Thank you for showing me Jesus". I can say that to him and he's not even that old yet. I could also say that to you. It is through your testimony of 'walk with the King" that has encouraged me to make waking early to "walk with the King" a first priority. The change of putting Him first in my day has made me a better servant to my husband and children and our church. There are not many women that have a clear view of what it is that God wants them to do as women but you do. Thank you for your ministry.

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  7. Happy Birthday Courtney!!! What a beautiful way to celebrate your birthday this morning! :)

    I too am a Sister in Christ and you are SOOOO right about finding a personal relationship with Jesus being the most important decision and biggest gift that we could possibly have! What an incredible God we serve!!!

    What a wonderful testimony you have shared today of His power and strength. Thank you for bringing it back to this key to everything!

    And again...I hope you have a fabulous 35th birthday today!!!

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  8. Happy Birthday!
    Thank you for the challenging and encouraging words. It is a blessing to read your blog. I am so glad I found it. Have a wonderful day!

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  9. Happy Birthday Courtney! Have a blessed 35th year!

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  10. Happy Birthday! At first I thought that the communion cup was a strange coffee cup--now I can't believe that I didnt' see it! Thanks for sharing yourself with us. It's easy to feel isolated within our own little Christian homeschooling mom homes, but you make me feel like a close friend. I wish you were closer! Have a wonderful day! Maybe the kids will make you cards during school (have them put up their "privacy folders" as we call them so that you cannot sneak a peek!

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  11. HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY! I love your blog and read it everyday. God is using you in a mighty way.
    My dad died on this day 5 years ago.

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  12. The words spoken in that last paragraph were most definately for me! {as i sit here bawling my eyes out now because this is something that I have been struggling with forever!} For one reason or another, my morning quiet time has struggled over the years and has been pretty much non-existent. I end up spending time in the evening, but I am not giving it my all and I hate the feeling of putting God "last"...in a sense. But, I have found such motivation through your blog and am looking forward to growing with my GMG's group this fall!
    Thank you Courtney for all that you do to encourage us.
    Happy, Happy, Birthday! May God continue to pour out His blessings upon you and your family!

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  13. So enouraging. Brought me to tears really. I pray that God blesses you on this special day and that you feel His presence near.
    Christie

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  14. Happy Birthday sweet Courtney. I am humbled by your words today like always. I am so blessed that the Lord brought you into my life. Through you we all can grow into the people that the Lord has made us to be. Know that every word you send out inspires me to be closer to God.

    HAPPY BDAY with tons of love from a little military women in NC

    Sonya Schroeder
    xoxo

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  15. Happy Birthday! You and your blog are such an encouragement to me to "walk with the King"! So thankful He brought me to it a few months ago. May you be richly blessed on your birthday and always!

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  16. Great post! Hope you have a Happy Birthday!

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  17. Just wanted to say Happy Birthday and thank you for this inspirational and motivational post. One of the many reasons I love to read your blog.

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  18. Happy Birthday Courtney!! I hope that it is an absolutely amazing day.

    And thank you so much for the gift you've given ME this morning. The reminder of how we serve a worthy God... such encouragement! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am continually blessed by your walk with God, your journey as a wife. Thank you for sharing it with us. You truly are a blessing to so many.

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  19. Wishing you a lovely birthday! I hope there is cake involved..LOL!

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  20. Have a very Happy Birthday! I pray God would richly bless you today, as you are such a blessing and encouragement to so many!

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  21. Thank you for sharing your heart. It really does encourage me. I hope you have a very blessed Birthday today!

    Here is my birthday gift to you today, a prayer

    Dear God,

    Thank you for Courtney and the ministry you have built through her. Bless Courtney this next year and give her the strength she needs to fill your commands in her life. Help her to grow more and more in You and share what You have done in her and through her, so that others may continue to be encouraged and grow in the same way. Completely surround her with your love and blessings on her special day. In Jesus Name Amen.

    Happy Birthday!

    Many Blessings,
    Amy

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  22. Happy Birthday! I have only recently discovered your blog and I am glad to have found you! May God bless you with a beautiful, successful, happy and healthy 35th year.
    ~Lily
    www.neverfadingwood.blogspot.com

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  23. Happy birthday and thank you for the encouraging post!

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  24. happy birthday; what a great testament to your 35 years! A life with Jesus is the one thing I'd love for people to get out of my blog, too.

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  25. A blessed birthday to you, Courtney, and thank you for giving us the gift of your encouragement today.

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  26. Happy Birthday Courtney! I have tears in my eyes reading this post. Such true words! Blessings for your 35th year!

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  27. Courtney, you are a beautiful treasure. May your birthday be a great reminder of the Lord's love for you. Thank you for pointing us to Jesus more and more. Love in Christ, Jenny C.

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  28. You are one of God's own "Angels on Earth" - your mission here is to inspire women to follow the Godly path, and you do it with such grace and eloquence. I am so blessed by your posts every morning. God is doing great work in you, Courtney! I hope this birthday is fantastic and that you have a wonderful, blessed year!!

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  29. Happy Birthday dear sweet Courtney. I sat at my computer with tears coming down my face as I read your post. Oh, how I pray that your passion and love for our Lord will be contagious. I pray that you will have strength to replace the exhaustion and that you will have continued wisdom with abundant joy. Thank you so much. You gift us all, even on your birthday!

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  30. Happy Birthday Courney. Thanks for your encouraging blog!
    P.S. That communion cup is really big (or is it the photo?)

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  31. Happy birthday, Courtney!
    I found your blog back in February, but it feels like I have known you forever! Thanks for being so real and transparent to encourage others and "spur us on toward love and good deeds." (Heb 10:24-25)
    Blessings to you today and always!
    With love,
    Kim A.

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  32. My kids are out to recess on their first day of homeschool and I come to THIS. A most beautiful and meaningful blog post. HAPPY and BLESSED BIRTHDAY to you, Courtney. Your blog, just recently discovered, is my favorite blog stop of all. As a blogger myself, I know it can be draining (it takes a LOT of time to carefully "pen" the words that God would have us to publicly share with others.) I got away from regular writing for a time, but I feel lead to start again, and so I will in September. He will renew my strength. That is encouraging.

    Btw, wish I was celebrating my 35th. I've had, uh hem, a few more. :D
    Blessings
    Toni

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  33. Happy Birthday on behalf of the Alumni Association of MBI! Thank you for all your beautiful posts--you have greatly encouraged me. I pray Jesus would draw you even closer to Him in your next year of life. Thanks again for all you do!

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  34. Hope you have a birthday that is as special as you are! Thanks again for your ministry.

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  35. Happy happy birthday! You are such an encouragement!

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  36. Happy Birthday, Courtney! You are only one year up on me... I turn 34 next week :) Hope it's as great for me as it seems to have been for you! xoxo

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  37. I hope you have a wonderfully relaxing day!!

    Laura

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  38. Courtney--Happy Birthday! I have read your blog for quite some time but this is my first post. I am in the midst of a difficult season in my life as a caregiver for an extended family member with Altzheimers and Galatians 6:9 is the verse I have been holding on to and claiming from God. I just felt your post was an affirmation for me today. Thank you!

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  39. Courtney,

    We share this day, today I turn 40. Wow, just in typing this, I am in disbelief. I am always thankful for your posts and the honesty in which you share your life. Hope you have a Blessed Birthday.

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  40. Happy Birthday, hope you have a blessed day!

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  41. Happy Birthday Courtney! May this be the best one yet!

    Many Blessings,
    Melissa

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  42. HURRAY for your special day. I pray you feel God's smile over you and enjoy the sweetness of His presence more this year than any other! Thanks for what you do!

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  43. Happy birthday dear Courtney, you're inspire and encourage me over the ocean!!!!
    I find a good morning you!!
    So happy to walk with King!!!!
    Have a wonderful day.
    Blessings from France!!!

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  44. A very happy birthday to you, Courtney! Thank you for being so real and authentic and for your ministry. May this be your best year to date.

    :)Erin

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  45. Happy Birthday Courtney! I am praying that your new year is blessed beyond measure. Thank you so much for your encouragement and for reminding me how important it is to take care of my home and family the way God designed. Have a great day! Blessings!

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  46. Happy birthday Courtney! I gave you a Sunshine Award because I love your blog. You are such an inspiration to me! As recipient of this award, you are supposed to post seven tidbits about yourself and pass on the Sunshine Award to seven blogs. Since you probably get these all the time, I won't hold you to that. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate Women Living Well.

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  47. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!!!!!!! I love you and can't wait to see what God holds for you in this coming year!!!!!!

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  48. Happy Birthday! I pray the Lord richly blesses your day with lots of love, hugs and joy! Thank you for listening to His call on your life--your obedience has blessed so many of us!
    And I may have to copy your communion cup idea--love that!
    Blessings!

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  49. Happy birthday Courtney! I'm from Brazil and I find your blog very encouraging ... I'm far from being a woman of that Proverbs but I am trying now. And certainly Jesus is blessing you and your family for
    you're a great Christian. Thanks for all you've done and yes, you and I and all of us must persevere.
    I'm your fan, keep walking with the King always! Priscila.

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  50. Happy Birthday Courtney! As a young wife and mom I feel very blessed to read your blog!

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  51. Happy Birthday, Courtney! I hope this is the most blessed year yet!

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  52. Happy Birthday, Courtney!

    We are birthday twins...today I turn 41 and my new baby boy turns 4-weeks old!

    I feel so blessed that after years of struggling with infertility and truly turning it all over to God that I was blessed with giving the gift of life just one more time!

    Love your blog and always get inspiration from it!

    Blessings to you on this very special day!

    Valerie

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  53. I hope you have had a lovely 35th birthday. Like you always say, "Walk With The King". *smile* I like your reminder of the communion cup. I am glad you enjoyed your first year of home schooling and are getting ready to start your second year. With one in first grade and the other in kindergarden I'm sure you will have fun! Have a great day/evening knowing Jesus is the Son of God. Sincerely, Mommy of two little blessings & so much more! *smile*

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  54. Happy Birthday Sister! You're a baby! I'd love to be 35 again. :o)

    I pray this will be a wonderful year for you and your family.

    God bless!
    Beth

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  55. Courtney,
    You have truly inspired me, in just the few weeks that I have been reading your blog. I finally took the step, and began blogging.
    Now I hope I can keep it up. If you have any tips, please send them my way.

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  56. Happy Birthday, Courtney! Please do not grow weary, for you are definitely doing good! Have a blessed day!

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  57. Happy Birthday. Thanks for the hard work and encouragement from your blog.

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  58. happy birthday! :)
    may you walk with the King all the days of your life! :)

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  59. Praying your birthday was very special, keeping the communion cup shows just what a life line precious communion is for you and what glory you give to God in sharing about it,
    your perservere encouragement touched my heart today as we are home again from kids hosp with lil c,
    thank you sweet sister
    Hugs
    C

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  60. Happy SWEET Birthday! My mom is a happy follower of your blog and showed it to me. I'm thankful she did. You have such grace and wisdom in your writing...truly an encouragement. It sounds like an eventful year for you with some very exciting things! You're such an inspiration. <3 Blessing on your 35th year.
    Lisa

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  61. Thank you everyone for all of the sweet birthday wishes - I am so humbled!

    Thank you Amy for the beautiful prayer - that's the best gift I could recieve :-).

    Theresa - you made me laugh - it's the angle of the picture - the communion cup is tiny!!

    Heather - blogging tips...cover it with prayer, persevere - write on what you are passionate about and be patient in the process.

    There are so many familiar names on this list - some of you have chatted with me now for a long time - thank you for your friendship! And for those names that are new - thank you for taking the time to comment! I love hearing from my readers and getting to know you!!

    keep walking with the King!
    Courtney

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  62. Yesterday was my birthday as well! I too turned 35, I also started homeschooling last year (K-12 as well) and we also moved last year. Wow do we have a lot in common. Thanks for your blog. It has been very helpful in my life. Happy Birthday to US!!!!

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  63. Happy Belated Birthday! What a touching post. You brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad I followed the bunny trail from HOTM and found your blog. I'm looking forward to reading future posts!

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  64. Happy Belated!!! Thank you for your inspiration, encouragement, challenges and humor. I look forward to reading your blog. God bless you!!!

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  65. Happy Birthday!! I too, am 35! I'm just 5 days older than you. :-)

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I LOVE hearing from my readers and I pray for you all regularly. I try to respond to questions in the comment section as quickly as I can - within 1-3 days.

Due to an overflowing email inbox and the desire to keep my husband, children and home first priority in my life, I am no longer able to answer personal emails at this time. I apologize.

Walk with the King!
Courtney