My Spanish BIRTHDAY Card!

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Well, here we are, friends. The eve of my birthday.

And I got a Spanish love letter from God.

Haha, no but really. Allow me to tell you the story —

So over the weekend, I needed to go to a different Mass than usual, because of some plans I had on Sunday. So I searched Google to find a church near me that offered a time I could swing, and low and behold, when I got there…the Mass was in Spanish.

Which, was fine. I’ve taken seven years of the language, so I was able to understand some of it.

But it actually gave me a beautiful opportunity to spend the Mass listening. The meditative lull of the romantic language, with its rolled R’s and cavernous vowels, put me in a peaceful state where I was really listening for God.

My heart was in a bit of a weird place, coming into Mass. My birthday is never something I look forward to, if I’m honest. Each year is just another reminder how different my life is, compared to where I thought I would be at this stage of life. And particularly, how the chyron on my dating app profile is one year older, and one year less desirable to men.

Anywho — that was the headspace I was in, and I was really asking God to just calm my anxieties about this next trip around the sun, and reveal to me some birthday wisdom.

And well — He showed up.

I was following along with the readings at Mass — the only English thing I could find in my Spanish missalette — and…

First – from the first reading: Ecc 2 — “For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart?“

And secondly — from the second reading, Col 3 – “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth…You have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed.“

Well, if that couldn’t be more plain as day, I don’t know what is?

These last few weeks, my heart has just been in knots, thinking about getting older. I’ve been focusing so much on trying to control my future, and my love life, and job opportunities, and finances — those earthly things that I have been letting define who I am, and what I am worth. And in a way, that tight grip of control is actually a lack of trust in God. I’m forgetting what has been the cornerstone of my recovery: that my worth is as a child of God. Not from any of those other “definers” in life, like marital status, income bracket, LinkedIn profile, etc. His truth sets me free.

God wanted to remind me, yesterday in that Spanish Mass, that, I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

I spent the rest of the Mass, thinking about that word: renewed. Because the fact is, with God’s immeasurable grace and mercy, I have taken off that old self — I am now 12 years strong in recovery from an eating disorder that nearly took my life. I was dead in mind, spirit, and nearly body, and He broke through the wall around my heart, saved me from that darkness, and has been renewing me every single day since.

Renewal is not a one time thing. Just ask my skin care regimen. It is an every day, consistent process of turnover and growth. And I am right where I’m supposed to be in that journey.

And that, friends, is something to celebrate.

Today, I am celebrating life. Celebrating the fact that I was blessed with another year to live. Blessed that I’m here, and didn’t succumb to anorexia, and blessed with health of mind, body and soul. I’ve been blessed with an incredible family, and wonderful friends that I love and cherish with my whole heart. And blessed with a job that I love, and people I have met along the way who truly enrich my life. And blessed that I have a God who loves me enough to die for.

That is my birthday reflection this year.

Turns out, I was supposed to stumble into that Spanish Mass afterall. 🙂

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

TAKE ME TO THE B³ STORE!
Yay for cute hats!


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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

252 thoughts on “My Spanish BIRTHDAY Card!”

    2. Aw, thank you so much Johannes!! you’re so right – don’t get anxious! i need to remember that! big hugs xox

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  2. Beautiful 💖💖💖

    I’m so glad you’re here too. Have a lovely birthday, dear. You have so much to celebrate!

    Peace and love 🌺🌸🦋

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  7. Happiest birthday my sweet friend. Your renewal brings so much light and life to so many. My life is better because of your encouraging blogs. Love you sister. One day we’ll catch up over coffee. It’s gonna happen. Hugs. May God bless you with the best year yet.

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    1. awww, thank you so much Melissa!!! what a kind thing to say 🙂 And one day that would be so fun! God bless you too, my friend! big big hugs xo

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  9. I’m very glad you found the answers you needed in a venue you never expected! I run into similar perspective problems: bemoaning what I don’t have instead of what I do have. It can be very difficult to let go of what we want(ed).

    I’m suddenly reminded of a story how islanders somewhere trap monkeys for food. They make a box with food in it with a hole just big enough to get its hand through to reach some food items but not big enough to get their hands out while still holding the food. Even when they see a man approaching, they simply will not free themselves by letting go! Their greed turns them into dinner for one.

    Not that I’m comparing you to a monkey. Not nearly that hairy. Your arms aren’t unusually long. I’ve never seen a tail in any of your pictures. Just, well,…making the point. Should I stop digging now?

    So, my friend, I’m glad you let go of what was in the box and freed yourself from what you had wanted or maybe still want. This year. Maybe we’ll have to revisit monkey island till next year, but until then…may we all learn when to let go!

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    1. Thank you so much Jeff! That is so interesting! and hahah you made me laugh about the monkeys! but in all seriousness – that’s really great advice — when to let go! I think that is such a necessary — and oftentimes difficult lesson — to learn! big hugs to you xo

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  11. Happy Birthday to you. I really enjoyed your post especially where you got the message from Him. It reminded me that that He has an answer to all life’s questions and I’m happy He answered yours. I too share your birth month, I’m the 7th and not too excited about the age jump either. But I will encourage myself with the message you shared from Ecclesiates an Colossians and use Ezekiel 37:5 as my mantra. More Blessings to you.

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    1. Thank you so much my friend! Yes!! He really does have all the answers — and how blessed are we to have a book of His Word?!! I do love Ez 37:5 so incredibly much 🙂 Big hugs xox

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  13. Hey Caralyn, if you are going to stumble in this life, the best way is to stumble into the arms of Jesus Christ. Then He can hold you and share things with you personally, without the world crowding Him out.

    I am aware that you will know these verses, but I believe we all need reminders and encouragement at times, as brothers and sisters in Christ. He was always encouraging, so we have a Perfect Example.

    “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33-34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Earlier, Christ was teaching about not worrying about food, drink, clothing, and don’t be hoarding or storing things for the future, worrying about what “may”
    happen.

    Jesus then says seek the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and all that will be taken care of. He closes by saying, don’t worry about tomorrow, get through today first, but do it God’s way.

    Caralyn, you are a bundle of Godliness and Beauty, with Gentleness and Compassion, following and sharing Christ in ways everyone can understand, because you share with a human element also.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dearest Friend Caralyn,
    God’s Blessings,
    Luv, 😀🌹❤️😘🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

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    1. Stumble into the arms of Jesus – AMEN TO THAT, my dear friend!! Thank you so much for the kind birthday words! And I love those verses — thank you for sharing them with me! Gosh, I am so touched by your generous words — thank you for being such a great friend! big big hugs! xoxo

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  15. Isn’t it awesome to know that God is faithful and good and trustworthy. Your future is planned and destined for good and not evil; for prosperity; and is taylor-made just for you…keep following his path.
    Oh and happy birthday.

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    1. Thank you so much Annette!! It really is SO awesome how amazing His love is!! Thank you for the kindness. big hugs xox

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      3. I thinks she likes some Alan Watts! Hehe “When we form images of god they are all really exhibitions of our lack of faith—something to hold on to, something to grasp.
        When we don’t grasp we have the attitude of faith. If you let go of all the idols of faith you will of course discover that what this unknown is precisely, the foundation of the universe, which is precisely yourself.         This is the central mystery. It’s you

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  20. Great post! Happy Birthday!! May God continue to bless you exceedingly, abundantly and above!! 🙂

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  21. P. S. You’re right on with God’s message to you at that Spanish mass! May he continue to reveal to you your awesomeness and your worth, things a great man is looking for. You’re not called to a mediocre man but to a wise, highly spiritual one. You’ll have him soon as you rest in God’s care, while enjoying your authentic self…hobbies, spiritual growth, talents, and just plain having fun. ❤️

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    1. Thank you so much for saying that! You’re right – God is preparing my future husband’s heart, as He’s preparing my 🙂 That’s great advice! Thanks again xox

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  24. There are two things we can do on Earth that we cannot do in heaven – sin and share the love of Jesus with someone that does not yet know him. Every morning that you wake up, God is giving you another opportunity to do something you cannot do in heaven! Which do you think He would like you to do?

    Love seeing Jesus shining through you more and more.

    Paul

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    1. haha oh my gosh I WISH I could, Shani! How fun would that be! I hope you have an absolutely amazing time!! hugs xo

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      2. I think it’s so cool to experience Mass in another language. Because even though you don’t understand what is exactly being said, you know what exactly is being said, if that makes sense! hugs xox

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  30. May your upcoming year be filled with blessings, may your year just ended be a strong pillar on which the rest of your life may be built. Thank you for all the wisdom you have shared with us, and may God grant you the grace to share for another year.

    God bless you!
    AMDG
    -Scoot

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  31. Have a wonderful birthday and may you have a blessed year ahead. May you feel HIS presence in a mighty way and may you feel even closer to the Lord and may HE continue to use you to be an inspiration and blessing to others and may you be blessed in return in the coming year
    Sending you some love and hugs 🤗 ❤️🌺

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  32. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a very gorgeous and amazing lady named Caralynn who is beyond amazing
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU!!!

    And may YOU have far too many more so that YOU can be a light to many people.

    As for that getting older and still single thing, I have been there. I remember my twenties when it did not happen. That was a while ago, and it still has not happened yet. The main thing is to live your life. Maybe one day a good man will be awestruck by you, and he will be a very blessed man.

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  33. Happy Birthday, Caralyn!!!! I pray this next walk around the sun will be the best one yet, with an understanding of renewal and what it means when someone is truly born again in Christ, through mindset and life. You’re an inspiration and I appreciate your taking time to share your journey!

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    1. Thank you so much Shell!! I really appreciate this beautiful prayer! Yes!! Thank you for being a wonderful friend! hugs xox

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    1. THanks Ryan! Yeah, it was really a neat experience! Despite not understanding the homily!! ((it’s okay thought – i listened to a podcast homily later that day!! )) heheh hope you’re having a great night! big hugs xo

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  36. Oh what a celebration–HAPPY BIRTHDAY (I can’t remember the Spanish for it…something cumpleanos, maybe?)!!! Your post is spilling over with richness, JOY, Blessings! I love the verses you shared from the Spanish Mass, and that it was right where HE wanted you to be!! I never liked b’days either, but my attitude is better now–I’ll be 67 next month, and daily I am more aware of God’s gifts to me. I, too, have survived issues (depression) because of HIS grace and mercies. I love that you reminded us “renewal” is not a one-time thing–I’ve just spent a couple tough years, due to the Lie that what God did for me in 2011 was IT, I’d arrived–no more issues or worries. I believed and shouted to the world that God had healed and delivered me from lifelong depression…only to have it return. In despair I searched my heart for wrong-doing, but God kept telling me, “that’s not it–I still have more to teach you, and there will be times of testing; don’t be afraid or despair, I AM WITH YOU.” I’m blessed that more and more pastors are teaching that God works through “process”, a constant renewing–HE did it in the lives of Bible folk, and often HE still works that way today. HE has not changed HIS mind, HIS promises are all still legit–so when we’re feeling low, all we need to do is Lean Into HIM, be quiet and listen for HIS voice. Thank you for this wonderful post…hope I haven’t jabbered too much! May God bless your b’day HUGELY! Much love, Fleur ❤

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    1. Thank you so much Fleur!! What a beautiful note, I really appreciate that. And thank you for sharing your story — how incredibly powerful — I am with you — wow. What a powerful truth. I’m sorry it’s been such a trying journey, but I’m so glad you’ve had that renewal! big hugs to you xox

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      1. You’re most welcome–you inspire me, and probably the whole world you reach through the Internet ❤ ❤ ❤ Big Hugs back 🙂

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  39. Happy Birthday Sis! Thanks for sharing, because the messages you received served as reminders, nudges, and confirmations to me from the Lord! Abba is good like that!!

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  40. Happy, happy Birthday, Dear Caralyn! You have many gifts, including a strength of spirit. You embrace life and walk on your journey with Jesus. No need to worry about not meeting your goals. You are valuable and give much! Fine wine ages well and have people lining up to buy what is so precious. Caralyn, you are valuable. Enjoy you birthday and take time enjoy the fragrant flowers and smell them. You are precious and so is each day! Love and hugs! XOXO

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    1. awww thank you so much for this beautiful note!!!!! gosh, i am seriuosly so touched. Fine wine — I love that 🙂 cheers, my dear friend! big hugs xo

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  43. Happy blessed birthday! Your ability to witness the ‘present’ as your true present is beautiful. I wish you have a great year of celebrating life!

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  44. Happy birthday to you!! 🥳🎂🍰🎈 Our birthdays are really close together (my birthday was yesterday) and it’s awesome that you’re an August baby too. Did you know that the August flower is the sunflower? 🌻🌻🌻

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    1. Thank you so much Hilary! And oh my gosh happy belated!! Hope you had an awesome day! I didn’t know that!! Love that fact!! Hugs and love xox

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  46. Happy birthday Caralyn! Much love to you. I just turned 30 a few days ago and can relate to the whole “older” thing. But a friend told me that it’s going to be an awesome decade. She’s so right! Bring it on. 🙂 God has amazing, beautiful plans for you. I’m so thankful for you and this blog!

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    1. Thank you so much Hannah! And oh my gosh happy belated!! So exciting!! Totally – awesome decade for sure!! Hugs and love xox

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  47. I should have guessed you are a leo…. it all makes sense now lol…. oddly, yesterday I found my solace, or a reminder of the miracle of life, in an unremarkable sky, because every sunset and sunrise is a truly amazing thing as long as we have the eyes and life to see it… the signs of life are always there, we just have to stop the world spinning (in our minds) and pay attention, however we get there is fine, as long as we get there, and share… that is truly the best we can do, and we mostly fail, but that only makes the moments of clarion beauty that much more warming…

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    1. Thank you so much David! Haha I don’t know what that means but I’ll take it! I appreciate the kindness! Hugs and love xox

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      1. leos find leos, mostly, at least from my experience, as much as I love to ground myself in logic and science I wind up finding myself in a pride of lions, at work, online… so coincidence? there are either no coincidences or there are tons… just funny to me how the universe (or god if you will) works. anyway for whatever reason at this exact point in history I met your blog, and I am glad, it adds fuel to my personal fire, good bad or indifferent, it is a voice to which I can listen.

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