Another Year to Serve Him

Some may choose to define me

by the years that I've surpassed.
And recount to me the things I've done
And the things that my life has.

Others may try to advise me
On the years that have yet to come.
Regaling me of all their tales
And everything they've done.

But I define myself by a
Completely different scale
I'm defined by a God who has
Never ever failed.

I'm defined by His merciful heart
And the things that He has done,
By the sacrifice He made for me
By the sacrifice of His son.

And it is by the people He
has given to me over time
Who've impacted me in some miraculous way
That I am now defined.

My name is Aarika Alura. I am twenty years in the making and am so overly blessed it's nothing short of a miracle. I look back on everything and think of all that could have gone wrong in life. I could have been born into a small family that wasn't close-knit like mine is, I could have been born into a broken family, maybe a non-Christian family, or worse, a family that thought they were Christian but really weren't. I also could have fallen into the wrong crowd in school, I could have turned to drugs, to alcohol, to sex, to everything this world has to offer, I could have done it. I've been given the opportunity, I've been given the choice, but...

Here I am. Standing on the promises of a Risen King, who answered the prayers of my parents when they wanted their daughter to grow in Him, He answered my prayers when I asked for guidance and for strength, and He continues to never waver from me as I still seek Him.

I am truly blessed by a God who not only provides me my needs, but provides people to remind me of Him everyday. I see Christ in those around me and it makes my heart swell to know that I am not alone.

So, I praise God on this day.
For all the little moments like:

RJ calling me at 12am to sing Happy Birthday
And continuing to bless me with her friendship.

My dad, hearing the hail outside and getting super excited because, "It's just so cool."

My mom whipping out her camera just to record Garrett, Cassie, and I messing around and singing.

My brother and sister, who jump on me when I'm sleeping just to yell Happy Birthday
and pretend to fall asleep on top of me.

Noah and Ava who sing Glee at the top of their lungs

Uncle Tony saving me from car trouble.

When my family text and call me during class.

When my youth group, inspires me with different ways to Glorify God.

the High Schoolers, putting up with my lame "don't-know-what-a-cool-card" is moments and still loving me in spite of it.

All of my old DRHS friends giving me birthday greetings and from time to time facebook comments that open up a black hole of memories

Jaimee Lasala, who I was once inseparable with, saying that she still has my birthday programmed into her phone, even though it's been years since we've seen each other. (miss you jaim)

All of my UHS friends who get excited for Ninja movies and remind me how they saved me in high school

And the people I meet on a daily basis, from professors, to classmates, to strangers, that teach me something new.

For all of you, I praise God.
Thanks for a great birthday.
=D

-aarika