Happy Birthday Jason

I can’t believe that you will be graduating in several short months! Wow, the time has gone fast. You have really grown in your faith during the last four years and have turned into an awesome young man. I want to share some words of encouragement as you approach graduation and the next phase of your life! These are some words that come to mind as I reflect on who God has shaped you to be.

Laughter ~ When you’re around there is always laughter! You are always coming up with new nick names, funny sayings or whacky stories. Things are just more fun when you’re around. Keep letting the joy of the Lord shine through you.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Earnest ~ You are earnest in your walk with God. You are serious about your spiritual commitments and your relationship with Christ. Your commitment to prayer and personal holiness challenge others to walk closer to Christ. Keep loving the Lord with all your heart.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Athletic ~ This was an easy one! You love athletics, competition, physical activity and action! You also hate to lose, but that’s another story! God has made you this way. Use your skills and talents for His glory and enjoy every minute of it.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Decisive ~ You are clear about what you think and believe. You may not always be right, but you are always decisive! You give specific instruction and clear direction which enable others to follow your leadership. Keep seeking Christ so that you can lead others in His ways.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Early ~ You love being prepared. I have always been amazed at your work ethic and how early you would start on your homework assignments! You are always prepared which enables you to give your best effort. Keep seeking the Lord early in the morning and He will prepare you for your journey.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Realistic ~ You are realistic about your strengths and weakness and who God has made you to be. You have a good sense of who you are in Christ, and you desire to change and grow. God has a special plan for your life. Trust God for big things – He is able!
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:3, 6

Happy 22nd Birthday Jason!