Before & After: Birthday Girl

Today is  my birthday...I'm 31.  There is nothing really all that special about today...but it certainly is a day to reflect on the life I've been given and how I can use my remaining time on earth most effectively.  I am excited  because I can see already that God has taken me seriously when I resolved to grow closer to Him this year.  I am plainly experiencing His hand at work in my heart.  It is especially neat how He is using my love of reading to bring His message home.  Yesterday I was blessed to see in such a powerful way how the things I'm learning during my S.O.A.P. study of James were made even clearer as I read Ted Dekker's book 'Green'.  (I just love how easily & seamlessly God weaves his lessons into many aspects of our lives.)  Anyway...for my birthday this year I want to give praise to my Maker who knit me together in my mother's womb and who knew me before I was born; to my Savior who died so I might live; to my Master to whom I will be loyal all of my days.  Thank you, Jesus, for your indescribable gift!

A photo of me that my daughter took this morning, edited by me in Paint Shop Pro 9.

Before (SOOC):

After (edit):

"Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Psalm 103: 1-5