following 21, preceding 23

One year has come and gone. I can't believe it's gone by so fast! Much has changed. One year ago today I became engaged to the most wonderful man in the world. It was the most romantic day of my life. One year ago today, I was a different person. I was a senior in college, excited about moving on with life. I've learned so much in so little time. One year ago today, my name was Jen Johnson. Now my last name is Blair. One year ago today, I was just dating. Now I am very happily married! One year ago today, Jonathan's hair was really long. Now it is cut short (just for me). I can't believe how fast it's flown by.

This is us on my 21st birthday last year, right after we got engaged! I'm afraid my man will never be able to out-do himself. That night was so amazing. Well OK...he probably can (because he can do anything), but I don't see how!

Here we are a month ago around Jonathan's birthday. (Notice the short hair!!! So much better!)

I am so thankful for another year of life. God has blessed me tremendously. Though much has changed in my life, I wonder how many things have changed that truly impact eternity. I can't predict how many more years of life I have left on this earth. One year may be all I have left. I have no guarantee that I will ever exceed 22 years of life. My prayer is that every second of this next week, month, year, or however long I have left to breathe, is passionately spent for the glory of God and reaching the world.

So, I conclude with pieces of wisdom from two men who lived impacting lives. There's nothing particularly significant as to why I chose these two (for there are many who lived and died for God's glory), but these are the ones that were brought to my mind today.

Jim Elliot: He lived a very short life and was martyred by the Aucca Indians

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

"I gain Him - sensing my losses, not losing my senses.

I am found in Him - lost to myself.

I know Him - forgetting Him as One I know after the flesh.

I experience the power of His Resurrection - positive force.

I experience the fellowship of His sufferings - natural outcome.

I am conformed to His death - ultimate on earth.

I attain resurrection - ultimate in glory"

Moses: He lived a very long life and died up on a mountain with the Lord

The years of our life are seventy,
Or even by reason of strength eighty;
Yet their span is but toil and trouble;
They are soon gone, and we fly away...
So teach us to number our days
That we may get a heart of wisdom.
(Psalm 90:10,12)

Moses said, "Please show me your glory."
(Exodus 33: 18)

May I be ever seeking to live purposefully, in tune with God's Spirit. My old youth pastor at FBC Jax once said, "Proof of fellowship with God is a life of love." I hope I can embody that statement by the end of my life, whenever that may be.