November 8, 2008. I had been anxious about many things as this day approached: the preparations for & expectations of the new Youth Worship, the increase in work at the office that comes around this time of the year, and the fact that I didn't want to turn a quarter-of-a-century old. All of these worries had mentally and physically drained me by the time I arrived home on the eve of the 7th, that I even felt too tired to pray.

But God did not tire in ministering to me. In fact, He started really early, by encouraging me through text messages (the amusingly prompt stroke-of-midnight birthday SMS-es) before I drifted off to sleep. And despite my physical tiredness, I felt refreshed when He woke me up extra early this morning, prompting me to spend time with Him in His Word.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3

That was the first verse that greeted me. I couldn't help but break into a little laugh as I marveled at the way God ministered to me, and how His timing was just perfect: when I was discouraged, He addressed it using the people around me; He took care of my fatigue by letting me rest; and through His Word, He reminded me that I can call on Him and He would give an answer to everything that I was unsure of or worried about. It's amazing--He knew what I needed and met those needs even before I lifted it up to Him in prayer! I then started to look back on my 25 years, at the way God has blessed me, protected me and how His hand directed my life, and I couldn't contain the immense gratefulness I felt--my only response was to bow down in worship and praise my heavenly Father for His faithfulness & goodness.

November 8, 2008. The date I had once dreaded to reach has now become a starting point for great things to come--both for the Youth L.I.V.E. ministry and for my life--great and unsearchable things that we do not know, but because we put our trust in the One who loves us, we can look forward to the wonderful plans that He has in store for us.

I am so privileged to have celebrated my birthday, the day I turn a quarter-of-a-century old, worshiping our great & loving God. Nothing can be better than doing what He created me to do.♥