"29 Reasons"

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God; that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Today I celebrated my 29th birthday. It is a strange feeling to be another year older. Yet I am marvelling in where God has brought me this last year. I have grown so much and learned what it means to truly trust GOD! I want to send up "29 reasons" I am praising Jesus for today; for what he has done and is doing. They are certainly not in order of importance, but things I am incredibly thankful for.

29. The gift of my salvation-I am realizing more and more every day what it cost HIM to take my penalty upon himself.
28. For bringing me back from Nigeria a changed person-I see the world in such a different light and more importantly I see Jesus more for who he really is; my only hope!
27. Being able to drink tap water-I love just turning the faucet on and filling my glass without having to filter it first.
26.Taking hot showers
25. Fresh smelling laundry-I can't get over how amazing my clothes smell, it makes me want to do laundry every single day!
24. Taking walks outside anytime I want and not worrying about being yelled at or proposed to!
23. The many choices of food at Jewel.
22. Sidewalks
21. My amazing family and church friends that have rallied around me and support me.
20. The generous gift I received a few weeks ago that helped me with my school tuition for this semester.
19. Being at Moody, the most amazing place ever.
18. Open eyes to see the needs of people around me.
17. My beautiful Honda that takes me everywhere.
16. My new job at Northwestern. Thank you Jesus, I don't deserve it but you are so faithful.
15. The many Nigerians I have met who bring such joy to my heart.
14. The free tickets a supporter gave me for a concert at Wheaton last weekend.
13. God's Word which is coming alive to me and bringing me such a sense of peace and joy!
12. My profs who love Jesus so much and encourage my heart and spur me on to adore God's Word. I can't say enough about them.
11. The girls in my prayer group at Moody-thanks girls for praying for me and blessing my life.
10. My niece Maddi who made me a necklace a few weeks ago and told me, "Aunty Susan, this is for the children in Africa!"
9. My friend Heidi who has a heart for Uganda and encourages me and loves to hear my stories; thanks girl, you are precious to me and such an answer to my prayers!
8. The e-mail I got the other day from a couple in the Netherlands who are touched by the work in Nigeria.
7. The free ticket I got on monday for the train from the lady sitting next to me.
6. The extra 10 points I got on my Theology quiz monday, thanks prof!
5. The beautiful message my dad left on my phone today, that one is a keeper!
4. The way God is shining his peace into my soul!
3. The nice gift I got in the mail today for my birthday from a dear friend who was with me in Nigeria.
2. God's unconditional love for me, a sinner.
1. That I can call God my Abba, Father, and he sees me as his child!

These are just 29 ways to praise God; they could never be exhausted. God is so good and he deserves all the praise, adoration and honor.

Abba,
Thank you for giving me life and for loving me. I will never understand the depths of your love; it is only now after 29 years that I am beginning to comprehend in the smallest way why you had to die for me. Your sacrifice was so costly, and in return you ask for my life. I give it Lord, for your glory.