Hey there, amazing listeners! I’m excited to share today’s special episode with you. You see, today marks a significant milestone for me: I'm celebrating my 38th birthday! What better way to celebrate than with all of you? Birthdays, especially as we grow into adulthood, carry this intriguing blend of excitement, reflection, and dread. Lately, I've been pondering this unique tension surrounding birthdays, especially the big ones ending in “0.” Now, I'll admit when I hit 30, I wasn't exactly thrilled. But as the years rolled by, my mindset shifted, and I find myself loving my late 30s. What's changed, you ask? Well, it's this newfound appreciation for life that I've developed. Life is a precious, fragile thing, and I've been deeply reminded of this truth the past couple of years. So, for my birthday special, I'm sharing five heartfelt prayers with you – prayers for my own growth, for my kids, my husband (whose 40th we won't mention), and my friends. These aren't just for birthdays; they're wishes for the year ahead, full of hope and purpose. I invite you to listen in, no matter where your own birthday falls. Together, let's embrace the journey, celebrate life, and look forward to the amazing possibilities each new year holds. 4:39 – Prayer of Gratitude Expressing deep gratitude for life’s blessings Asking for wisdom and guidance through a posture of gratitude Practicing daily gratitude 5:55 – Prayer of Praise Praising God for who He is, what He’s done, what He’s doing and what He will do Praising God for your growth in mind, body, and spirit Appreciating God’s involvement in the details 6:51 – Prayer of Reflection Looking back on the journey of life, with all its challenges, successes, regrets, and growth Letting go of regrets and fears that have weighed you down How do I use the regrets and mistakes that I've made to grow and to move forward? 8:04 – Prayer for Wisdom James 1:5 – God grants wisdom to those who ask Seeking guidance for decisions, steps, and the next right things to do in your life journey Learning from those who have experienced much in life 10:25 – Prayer for Joy and Celebration Cultivating a joyful spirit and embracing celebration Finding joy in the little things Making the most of opportunities, being present in the moment, and creating meaningful connections FEATURED QUOTES We are all living on borrowed time. And so a birthday is something to celebrate. How do I use the regrets that I have or the mistakes that I've made to grow and to move forward? Wisdom is the prayer that we pray that God always says yes to.