Have you ever remembered something to such a degree that you were 99% correct in your recollection, but you found out later that there was a 1% that you've been telling wrong for years?  Well, that's what I just realized has been happening to me for 13 years.  Until today, I have counted February 15th as my "re-birthday."  I've believed that it was on that Saturday of 1999, at a teen conference in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, when I first believed in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ and, in mind and through profession, trusted him as my Savior and Lord. 

I remember so much about that day.  I remember the friends with which I shared the experience.  I remember Chris Tomlin performing.  I remember breaking into a run down the aisle to meet leaders at the altar.  But apparently I didn't really remember the date.

I just looked at a calendar of 1999 and found out that February 15th was not a Saturday.  The Saturday to which my mind has been referring was actually February 13th (So, if any of you are thinking about giving me a cake tonight, please make sure to write "belated" before you write "birthday").  Regardless, it has been 13 years this week since the Lord called me out of darkness and into His wonderful Light.  My ongoing pursuit of Christ has been far from perfect, but it has surely been purposeful. 

I now find myself a spiritual teenager, independent enough to walk on my own, but still walking in recognition of my need for Jesus.  I too often rebel, thinking I know all the answers, but I swallow my pride enough to "go to my room," and reset my priorities with Him.  I pray that in all my days, not just on February 13th (or 15th, if I forget in my "old age"), I always recognize my need to continue my journey in, with, and for Him...

...And I pray that next year, you'd get me a chocolate cake.

Peace,
Bob