Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Embracing Seventeen!

August 5th, 1992 at 12:27AM a new baby girl entered into this world. Little did she know what God had in store for her the moment she arrived. A stubborn girl she was, not willing to make herself out to this world, but was forced by doctors and then endless hours from her mother. This little baby was the first girl in the family, and was the second child, welcomed by her big brother and two very excited parents. First child to be born in America from the new family, and first one in the BIG lone star state. Hugs and kisses were thrown on this precious little baby and she grew, and grew, and grew. Life came around so suddenly that she woke up once on August 4th 2009 realizing that tomorrow she would be 17. This little girl is me!

Yes, today is my birthday...wow, another year for me has passed by. I'm startled to even say, "Seventeen!" That number seems so large, and also knowing that new situations will arise in the next few years. I remember just yesterday being 6 and stating, "Hm, I wonder how I'll be like when I'm 16?!" I have to admit that my 16th year was very interesting, meeting new people and developing long distance friendships. Experiencing many hardships and headaches. Things I had to go through that I rather would of pushed away. As my life approaches this new year of life, I feel blessed to be more and more in the ultimate presence of Christ Jesus, knowing that He is available to me at all times. I cried many times throughout this past year in the hands of God, pouring out my deep inner thoughts and humbling myself because of past pride issues or perhaps emotions. Seventeen will be a new adventure, taking new steps, new paths, new relationships, and new situations. I look forward to what God has in store for me, knowing that He is not finished with me yet. At times I wonder what this new year will bring, what will change, and what will remain the same, however, I have a peace and no burden because I can give it all to God and know without one doubt that He is in complete charge. I am blessed with family, parents and siblings. I have friends who care for me, those who will encourage me perhaps with emails, phone calls, or blog posts. I thank each one of you for reading my blog and for making a difference in my life. I pray for another wonderful year, and I am excited to see what is in store. Seventeen embraces so many new things, some major and other minor. I do realize that God is in control and I am thankful for that. Growing older also enhances me for other trials and temptations, however, only bracing me closer to Christ and my family. It will be a year of adventure, and also moments of just relying upon God because I'm nothing without Him. I'm learning that each and everyday is a treasure itself, supposedly to be spent with enjoyment and also knowledge in what you do. My character is being sharpened in each trial, circumstance or occurrence. I have come from this girl being hungry for God only about 40%, to now being a young lady thirsting and yearning for God more than 100%! Praise the Lord for what He is doing, I have some sense of timidness in welcoming this new age, nevertheless, I know that I will not be alone, in all struggles the greatest mentor is there by my side-Jesus Christ! Being under the submission and protection of my parents only keeps me away from dangers, things the eye should not view. Blessed for those who care for my soul, and thankful for moments of acknowledgements from Christ. Before we actually realize it, the year shoots by, and looking back I want to remember positive things, and of course a few negative incidences snuck in although, overall I view back seeing a faith coming from small to something much greater! Thanks be to God for giving me life, breath, not even noticing how special that gift is, a gift of living, and most of all in the house of God! I'm thankful for this year, and sharing new posts with y'all and how God moves-powerfully!

16 comments:

Bethany said...

Happy Birthday! May God continue to draw you closer to Him through your years. :) Have a good time at the lake, lake MI is a beautiful lake with such spirit, I love it!
In Christ,
~Bethany~

Josh said...

Happy Birthday Vannessa! I pray that God will bless you and forever draw you closer to himself.

Enjoy your day!!!

Blessings,
Josh

Jenna said...

Happy 17th Birthday! I just found your blog (through Josh my twin) and have really enjoyed the posts!! Keep up the great work:)

God Bless you as you follow Him!

Jenna

Marc said...

Happy Birthday sis!!!! May God continue to grow you and bless you this year. May He give you the strength and wisdom to overcome the new challenges that may come.

Michelle said...

Happy 17th Birthday Vanessa! I hope your day is a special one filled with many wonderful memories! I pray that you'll have an incredible new year as you walk and trust in the Lord.

May the Lord bless and keep you always!

Happy Birthday!

~Michelle

Kalani said...

Happy Birthday Vanessa! I hope your having a lovely day!

Kalani
P.S. I sent a birthday letter... It will probably get to your house tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Happy 17th birthday!!! I turned 17 in April.... I hope you had a wonderful birthday! God bless you richly!!!!
-Lisa-

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Vanessa!! Have a great day!!! God Bless You!!
Your Bro
Alec

Vanessa said...

Thanks everyone for leaving your kind messages! I enjoyed reading each one of them, it made my day extra special! May God bless each one of you for your kindness and I really appreciate the time y'all take in visiting! Be blessed friends...Vanessa

Elena Pizarro said...

Happy late Birthday!!! Hope you had a great one!!

Allison said...

Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Colossians 2:6-7

Continue to seek the Lord!
Love in Christ,
Allison

lydia said...

Hi Vanessa, Just stopped in to see what was going on with you and your family and noticed that you have just had a birthday. Happy Birthday from Lydia , Don and the gang.

Micah said...

Happy Birthday to you!

Erica Melugin said...

Vanessa, I'm sorry about not commenting too.... not that it would matter - you read it to me on the phone on your b-day!!! But..... happy late birthday anyway and you KNOW I wish you all the best. Ü I LOVE you girl!

Anonymous said...

Happy REALLY, REALLY late birthday!!! Sorry it took so long...I've been out of town. :)

Leah

Paige's Page said...

Happy Birthday Vannessa!!! It is soooo true, the older I get the more time seems to go. Hope you had a great day!

Paige