Ephesians 2- Part 2

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Study and learn. Be changed.  Ephesians 2 Made Alive in Christ 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not
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Happy 40th Birthday to me!

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I really dreaded my 40th birthday. It's such a BIG birthday. My
husband and my friends made it really special. Birthday cakes, flowers, balloons, surprise lunch, surprise dinner-party, and other gifts. Most of all I appreciate their presents, not gifts, but time with me. Nothing is more important to me than the people in my life. God has taught me so much in my 40 years, but that is one of the things I really, really get. I am grateful that I don't struggle with keeping up with the Jones. I happily look for ways to save money and don't care if I don't have a $500 purse. I have learned... blood doesn't make family. I have some amazing sisters that grew up in different homes, but I love them dearly. You know who you are. (If you wonder if it is you, it is). I have learned to not judge God based upon my circumstances, but to judge my circumstances based upon who I know God to be. I have learned not to say "if only" for that leads me to be bitter with God. I have learned not to say "what if" for that leads me to be anxious. Through John-Michael's diagnosis, I have been given the gift of today. Today we are happy and healthy. I don't waste time ...don't doodle days away, but try to make each one count. We still have stuff happen. This past week our toilet broke and ruined part of the ceiling in the basement. I would rather have spent that money else where...but so grateful God provided a contractor at a great rate...great work. I have had time in my life where my depression was so bad that I had to take anti-depressants, where I shook my fist at God (still amazed He didn't zap me...just shows His amazing patience). I have had times that I cried for days and days, but that time is many years behind. This is due in large part to trusting God more..and myself less. Russell, my husband, gave me a great compliment on my birthday. He said, "you look a decade younger in your looks, and a decade older in your wisdom". Here's praying I keep that trend going.
Blessings,
Rachel

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  1. AnonymousMay 27, 2010 at 9:51 AM

    Happy 40th Birthday, Rachel!!! I'm so glad you were born and even more thankful that you were born again through Christ! You certainly are a very beautiful 40 year old... inside and out! I'm so thankful to be blessed by your encouraging blogs!
    -Vicki

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