Well, today is my birthday. I have now lived 25 years on this planet.

Age is relative you know? I mean to some people, (usually, individuals 18 and under) 25 seems pretty old and far away. To others, (usually 35 and older) 25 seems quite young, and an ever increasing distant memory.

No matter how my new age strikes you, I hope that one point will be aggreed on by every Christian reader. That point is that all of our days, months, and years are precious and are a gift, not a right, from our Father above.

I was thinking of the young man from our little town of Covington, VA who died last week. He was 16.

Also, my thoughts were on the three young Sims girls who were taken out of this world by their own father! The oldest was only 17.

We are not guaranteed another moment on this earth. the Bible tells us that "all flesh is like grass, and man is but a vapor."

Therefore, it is important that we do another thing the Bible speaks of which is to "Redeem the time, for the days are evil." We have to make the most of the time we have on earth, and that doesn't mean live as hard for ourselves or stuff, as we can. No, it means that we live a life of service, service, service!

This may all sound pretty blique and solemn for a birthday blog, but stay with me, I promise there is a happy point!

These somber thoughts actually serve to bring me great joy! You see, as I look over the years of my life, and I see different experiences and lessons that God has used to teach and grow me, I become increasingly thankful for the past memories and days I have had. This causes me then to just bounce of the walls with joy because of all the incredible opportunities and moments I experience every day in the present; especially seeing how far God has brought me and how patient He has been with my stupidity and stubborness! Then after thinking of that, I am filled with great hope and eagerness at the thought of the future. I mean, wow! What He has in store for me, and all of you, my fellow believers, if we stay centered on Jesus and surrendered before Him!

See, when I hear of tragedy, and of people exiting this life, and entering an eternity that for many will not be one of golden streets, but instead one filled with torment, I am full of gratitude, for I know that I am safe and secure in the arms of my Savior Jesus. If this birthday is to be my last, then I say with confidence that I will be ushered into my true home and to the eternity that my faith in Jesus secured for me!

If by God's grace, He grants me another 25 years, and then another, then I will continue to strive to be like His son, to love Him more, and to continually have a very happy birthday each year, because when we all stop to think about it, if we know Jesus, then we can say that every day out of hell, is a great day, even if things get tough!

Thank you Father for all of the blessings You have given me. If I wrote them all down, I would probably burn up my computer. So, I will just sum it all up by saying that I think I am probably the most blessed man on the face of the earth. Thank you, Daddy. I love you, Lord.

I hope you are reminded of all the goodness you have in your life, as a saved one. Even the least of us, and ones with unfortunate circumstances and burdens still have a lot to be thankful for if we can say that Heaven is our destination! God bless.

Chris.