a harvest of blessing | birthday edition

Hey guys, I'm super excited to be posting here on Meg's blog today, I just love this space! If you don't already know me, I'm Chantel and I blog over at A Harvest of Blessing; mostly sharing a bit about our adoption journey, some of my adventures in gluten free baking, and a bloggers favorite thing to write about: blogging. I live with my husband and extroverted daughter in the rectangle province of Saskatchewan right in the middle of the Canadian prairies.
 

I was excited to read the date that Megan asked me to post on because today is my twenty-eighth birthday! I always get reflective around my birthday, thinking about the things that happened in the last year and the things I hope happen in the next. Each year about this time I write a list of goals, the same number of items as the year I am turning; I recently shared my list of twenty-eight things. Since I'm feeling older and (slightly) wiser I thought I would share a few things I've learned in the last few years:

When you are feeling down, the best thing to do is encourage someone else. Sometimes it can be too easy to get caught up in our own lives and problems and throw ourselves a little pity party, but look around you, chances are you know someone who is worse off that could use some encouragement.

It's important to get into the habit of praying before you do something. This is a lesson I am continually learning but I've got some friends who are great prayer warriors and who have the natural instinct to pray before they take action, and I strive to be more like them.

Be inviting. As an introvert my natural tendency is to keep to myself as much as I possibly can, but I don't think that's always Biblical. I've found that I need to learn the art of hospitality. It's impossible for people to see Christ in you if you never leave your house.

Always be willing to be the first to smile. A simple smile makes someone appear so much more friendly. I have been making a conscious effort to smile at people, especially those around my neighborhood, and it's amazing how many smiles I get in return!

Collect memories, not stuff. I have gotten rid of a lot of personal possessions since the beginning of the year after reading those words. I don't want my daughter to remember all the toys she had, but the time we had together and the things we did. I'm sure I've learned more in the last few years but I won't scare you off with an exhaustive list!

Do you take time to reflect around your birthday? 

What are some things you've learned in the last few years?

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be sure to hop over to chantel's blog today and wish her a happy birthday! if you are interested in being part of the advertising team, click here and use the code MAYFLOWER for 25% off all advertising options.