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As you celebrate a faith milestone, look to incorporate these five Rs: Recognize God's work in your life. And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) • Identify the moments that mark your journey with God. • Intentionally take time to recognize how God is leading, guiding, and working in you or your family. recognize Remember what God has done for you. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11) • Read from God's Word, reflect- ing on His promises. • Remember who you are in Christ—a redeemed child, cre- ated for a relationship with Him and others. • Retell the story of your faith milestone to others. remember Receive God's gifts for you. Thanks be to God for His inexpress- ible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) • You receive God's gifts of love and grace through these faith- life moments. • A physical gift can be given as a visual reminder of God's work during this time. receive Rejoice that you are His, and rejoice in His blessings to you. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11) • A public prayer of thanks and a blessing can be given. • The surrounding community— family, friends, or local con- gregation—rejoices together, celebrating the faith life event. rejoice Renewed in your faith, you're encouraged to commit to a renewed life of faith. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) • Encouragement and resources can be given; discussion starters and activi- ties for the home and the church help strengthen God's people in their faith lives. renew We, too, can use physical reminders, whether stacked stones or birthday cake, to remind us of God's faithfulness in the past, His provision for the future, and His presence with us today. These markers line life's journey with the truths of God's Word and the realities of living life as His dear children. With each milestone, we celebrate a special blessing in our faith walk. Somehow, an infant grabbing fistfuls of cake while adults cheer for his icing-stained fingers to find his mouth has, in the US, become something of a milestone to mark a little one's first birthday. With a tasty treat in front of the child, loved ones gather to celebrate the baby's growth and to encourage the child that more sweetness in life lies ahead—just dig in! As a family of believers, we, too, have opportunities to gather with one another, recognize key moments in life, and point to God's goodness and grace. The life of a Christian is marked with thankfulness and joy. So open your hands, and dive in—there's so much richness from God to enjoy. w Lutheran Life 3

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