It’s February 24, 2010 and I am 40 years old. I can’t believe it…really. I remember when my parents turned 40. My forties. I’m official in

my forties. My dad had 2 more children in his forties. My mom finished her college degree in her forties.

I’m wondering what will happen, what will I do, who will I meet, how will I grow, what will I learn, who I will become in this new chapter of my story.

I received some very precious birthday gifts…funny cards, yummy meals with friends and family, playground equipment given to a school in need in honor of today,Target Gift Cards, phone calls, e-mails, text messages, a beautiful necklace from my parents, hugs, a tender letter from my sis and a little girl saying “Happy Birthday, Momma” all day and even as she went to bed.

I have some birthday prayers for this new decade… losing_____pounds, learning photography, taking and passing an Editor's exam, getting out of debt, selling a house, buying a house, learning how to landscape, celebrating life and growth and the Lord with Cate, becoming more of the me God has created me to be…and two more…but I’ll keep those tucked in my heart.

Holy Father, thank You. Thank You for life. Thank You for the gift that it is and the gift it will be. Father, help me reflect Your light and Your heart.

via Manna for the Journey: Turning 40…Presents and Prayers.