What My Birthday Shows Me About Prosperity

by | Aug 9, 2014 | Encouragement, Sabbath

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As I celebrate my birthday today, entering the second half of life, prosperity takes on new definition. I realize a prosperous life isn’t about numbers — of bank accounts, followers, friendships or possessions — but the kindness of redemption.

Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s the picture of the “prosperous life.” At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing. (James 1:9-11, MSG)

We are prosperous when surrounded by love and pay attention long enough to notice it. Sometimes love is a patch of glowing wildflowers waving among life’s leaf litter on a walk or the cricket choir outside your window. The friend who sends you a thoughtful vox from across the country or the cashier who makes conversation by telling you it’s her birthday.

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Thank you for following my journey, for reading here and commenting when you are able. I’ve taken account of the way God has joined me with a global community and it is no small gift. Our friendship is a miracle I didn’t know I needed.

I look forward to getting back to a regular blogging rhythm next week. I have lots to tell you about.

Happy Sabbath Friends!

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12 Comments

  1. Mary Gemmill

    May the second half of your life be greater than the first because you are continuously moving on from faith to faith, strength to strength, glory to GLORY..

    • Shelly Miller

      Thank you for believing in me and for your constant encouragement Mary!

  2. Lynn D. Morrissey

    Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday, dear Shelly,
    Happy Birthday to you!!!
    Next time I sing this, I’ll sing it with a British accent, just for you!
    I surely hope that your day was just as special as you.
    I’ve missed your beautiful face, your beautiful photos, and your beautiful food for thought here at Redemption’s Beauty. So glad you are back (here and from Canada), and can’t wait to read and see more. Pls. tell H that you are entitled to celebrate your birthday for at least a month!
    Oh, and not sure what you mean by the second half of life exactly. I’m pretty sleepy, so don’t mind me if I am a bit dull at the moment. =]
    Love you so much!
    Lynn (with the rosey cheeks! 🙂

    • Shelly Miller

      For the record, H already said we would be celebrating all year. I told him I would remind him of that on days when I don’t want to do the dishes. And 50 begins the second half of my life to make things clearer Miss Rosy Cheeks!! ha!

  3. Lynn D. Morrissey

    ps you and ann v. are one day apart! 🙂

    • Shelly Miller

      I know . . and Amber Haines, Kristin Schell, Susan Stillwell, Lori Heyd . . .all bloggers. Must’ve been a good day for people.

  4. pastordt

    Lovely, lovely. Big things happening in your heart these days, I think.

    • Shelly Miller

      Huge Diana, beyond my wildest thoughts.

  5. Pat S.

    Happy Birthday. Can’t wait to hear the stories!

    • Shelly Miller

      Thanks for being here Pat!

  6. Jillie

    Dearest Shelly…I too have missed your beautiful face and deep words in my inbox. I cannot wait to hear more about this incredible journey.
    HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY WISHES to you, Shelly, as you begin the second half.

  7. Nancy Ruegg

    I love the particular wildflower-dandelions- you chose to illustrate that “sometimes love is a patch of wildflowers waving among life’s leaf litter.” Who would ever consider weeds as part of our prosperity? But these bright, cheerful beauties defy their weed status. You’re right: if we pay attention we’ll experience more of the prosperity that surrounds us. Thank you, Shelley!

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