Tomorrow I turn 45 years old. 5 years into this calling.
Seems like yesterday, yet it seems like forever!
Never imagined living this long when I was little, but I have.
Never imagined God would call me to ministry, but He did.
Never imagined I'd obey despite the sometimes crippling fear, but I have.
Never imagined He could be so faithful, so consistently, so wonderfully, but He is.
Never imagined this walk would be this hard, but so filled with joy and peace, but it is.
My Birthday Prayer
Father, thank you for saving me, thank you for guiding me, thank you for your patience with me.
Thank you for blessing me with a loving wife, and three beautiful kids.
I'm tired, yet more committed than ever before.
My heart breaks for people who don't have hope, and even more for those who have hope and aren't willing to share it. My heart breaks for church and ministry leaders who work so hard to help their people know you and share you, but have yet to see the power you've revealed to me.
Father give me the words to reach them, to help them, to minister to them.
Father give me the wisdom and courage to be first and foremost a disciple, husband and father.
Father I ask and trust that you will take care of my every need, not my every want. Yet, I ask that you would give me the desires of my heart as I acknowledge and give you honor in all that I do.
Father, give me the humility and the courage to ask for and graciously receive help from others.
Free me from the worry, pride, and fear associated with money. Bless the ministry you've entrusted me with, that we may be a blessing to others.
Father, teach me to be the man you want me to be. Lead me, and guide me, that I may lead and guide others towards you.
I give you my life, my ministry, my family, all that I have, and all I'll ever be. It's yours, help me to not just remember it, but breathe it. Thank you for not giving up on me!
I love you, and if in some divine plan I should not be here tomorrow, I guess I'll have the best birthday ever! Otherwise, thank you for an amazing and heavenly year, even with all of its trials and tests. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Your child,
Todd
My Birthday Wish
That everyone I know would take a moment to thank God for every thing He has done in your life, and share this with someone you love who is distant from the love of God.