We’re Gonna Party Like It’s My Birthday

So, yesterday was kind of a big deal. It was my twentieth birthday. Yes, I am officially two decades old. Do I feel old? Not any older than usual, but hopefully that will change. What happened twenty years ago?

Gas was only about one dollar.

Bill Clinton had just finished his first year as president.

It was only four dollars to go to the movies (at night!).

Snoop Lion was actually called Snoop Doggy Dog.

Forest Gump, The Shawkshank Redemption, and The Lion King were released.

Anyway, a lot has changed since then. We have Internet that doesn’t take up an entire room, cell phones are smaller than bricks, and we have our first black president.  I’m really glad to have survived the ’90s, the millennium, and all the “end-of-the-world” accusations. Zombies, natural disasters, you name it.

My birthday was so delightful. I got to spend my day relaxing with some amazing people who brighten my life on a daily. They were actually willing to spend nearly an entire day with me, which is crazy to think. I’ve been so blessed by my experiences and (probably) wouldn’t change it for the world.

I’m thankful for you readers. Thanks for being there for me through all the different things that has happened in the past two years. It’s been a happy birthday.

Love,

Paige

2 Corinthians 5:17– “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Love is in the Air

Because it’s Valentine’s Day (like, my absolutely favorite non-national holiday) I decided to be sappy and cheesy and write about love. I hope you love it.

I love like, everything.  Puppies, rainy days, Instagram, music, reading, crafting, glitter, online shopping, movies, being empowered, seeking justice, people. Seriously, everything; we don’t have time to go into every single thing I love.

But, what is love? No, I’m not quoting a Haddaway song. But, seriously. What is love?

Merriam-Webster says love is warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion.

HOWEVER…

1 Corinthians 13 says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

I know you’ve heard this at every single wedding ever. Look how awesome love is! It isn’t just for couples, parents, etc. It’s from one person to another. That’s why I always say I love people. People are awesome, full of ideas, creativity, themselves being formed in love by God. I think this definition is so much better than the dictionary definition.

Jesus tells us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). In fact, this is called the Great Commandment.

God wants us to love each other, and more importantly, love God with everything that is in you. God IS love, which is amazing to even think about. “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). How cool is that?? God is love, we have God if we have love, and we are with God.

The ultimate offer of love was from God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die so that we could love. Wow, just wow. I can’t even fathom this. There are way more examples of love in the Bible, considering it is God’s love letter to us. There are always more days and blog posts to talk about more of the love that God is. 

Love is such a small word with so much meaning packed into it. At the end of all my blogs, I always say Love, Paige and I think it’s super important to let you know that every blog I write is written in love. In love for my blog, my readers, my God. So, Happy Valentine’s Day and, as always,

Love,

Paige

Romans 12:10- “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

 

 

To My Fathers Above

Daddy,

I miss you. A lot. It’s been four months since I last saw you, texted you, laughed with you. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. I still can’t believe that you’ll never be around again to tell a ridiculous joke to, give a bear hug to (even when I always said I hated hugs), and to be that rock we need. I can’t even listen to “Brown Eyed Girl” anymore because that was our song.

You never realize what you have until it’s gone. I had a supportive dad who loved me, even when I messed up. I had a dad who raised me with values that will stay with me forever. I had a dad who, even though he was really shy, he was never one to say no to anyone.

I know this is really selfish of me, but I want you back. I want to have someone who doesn’t have to try at being the greatest. I want you to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. I need you to tell me everything is okay, even if it’s not.

But, I know this isn’t goodbye. It’s only see you soon. I think that has given me a wonderful peace; the fact that you are in a way cooler place-the place I’m working toward. I love you too much to write, say, think. Love you.

My Heavenly Father,

Thank you. Just thank you for everything you’re doing in my life. I am so grateful for everything, everyone who you have put in my walk with you. I see you strengthening me daily, and I love that. I hate that you took my dad away so quickly, but I’m so thankful that you sent your Son to die for him, for me, for everyone. That tells me how much you truly love me. I can’t find all the right words to say, but I know that you still love me.

Love always,

Paige

Psalm 5:11-12 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with shield.”