A Princess Transformation

For the rest of the world who doesn't know.... today is my birthday! LOL!!!  I have often made references throughout the past few weeks about my daily struggles with expectations.  It's something I struggle with... whether it be in my children, my husband, friendships or even how dinner will turn out... my life is constantly influenced by what I think SHOULD happen and consequently it is almost always falling short.  I don't know many people who set an imaginary bar for how life should go and have it surpass it.  If you're one of those few, consider yourself lucky, or better yet... blessed! 

However, I had a HUGE ephinay today!  So much so that I had to sit down right at this very moment and share it!!!  It has been the best birthday present I could have ever imagined, hoped, or prayed for.  And it came from my Heavenly Father at the most appropriate time.  (He has a knack for being timely! LOL!)  You see, I had every intention of being completly pampered today....from my day starting with being delivered my favorite Starbucks as I opened my eyess (preferably after 8 am), to doing whatever my heart desired all day long.  Because, in my small, self-centered mind, everyone deserves at least ONE day to feel like a princess/prince.. right????  A day to be showered with affection...

I know... I sound like a complete brat...  actually makes me sick to think those were the thoughts of my head, but I'm being completely honest.  My comfort comes from knowing I have no one to answer to or to be judged by except my God and trust me... I have learned my lesson well.   I share this in hopes to encourage others who have had the same struggles I've experienced and/or to share a testimony of how God still is VERY much an active part in every day people's lives! 

The reality of my day was that I woke up, on my own, at 6:30 (BEFORE my alarm), there was no coffee, however, my sweet husband had made a wonderful breakfast for us.  I LOVE him!  The rest of my daily activities have consisted of baking my birthday cake: a chocolate oreo cheesecake (with the "help" of Chloe --- who takes great pride in sampling to ensure quality control! LOL!), doing laundry, and cleaning the house.  A far stretch from my expectations, but right there in the middle of sweeping the kitchen I got it!  My heart was filled with a sense of pride and I know God put this on my heart.... "Your desire to serve others is GREATER than your desire to be served, and you are now the princess I created you to be!!" 

I'm completely overwhelmed and I love it!  My Cinderella story I've fantasized about my whole life has finally come true.  I often forget that  I AM a princess to the King of Kings and He loves me beyond all measure. 
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19 (New International Version)


I feel so grown up... who knew it was going to take 31 years to do that! LOL!!!  I am thrilled and feel so excited to continue this wonderful journey of life I've been blessed with.  And don't think for one minute that it's "ironic" that I was cleaning (like Cinderella) when He revealed my crowning moment... I firmly believe God has a sense of humor too! 

I'm so excited to embrace life with clear eyes, no longer shaded by expectations.  I can't wait to celebrate with my family this evening!  However, at this moment I must get back to cleaning... it looks like Chloe has taken over "washing dishes".  And based on the amount of water on the floor, it looks like we'll be mopping too!!! LOL!