55 Years of Grace: Lessons From a Life God Is Still Shaping

By Jeanna Bumpas

Today, I celebrate my 55th birthday, and with a full and grateful heart I can say this with confidence:

I am who I am because of the grace of God.

Before anything else, I start with the prayer I’ve prayed for years:

“Thank You, Lord, for Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy.”

Those three things have carried me through every season—
the painful ones,
the stretching ones,
the growing ones,
and the victorious ones.

This year, my prayer is simple:

• to grow in wisdom and understanding,

• to deepen my love for His Word,

• to expand my heart for His people,

• and to walk with the humility and mindset of Christ in Philippians 2.

After 55 years of living, learning, stumbling, rising, and becoming, here are a few truths that have shaped my journey—and may bless yours too.

1. Carry an Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude changes everything.

Be thankful for what you have.
Be thankful for what you don’t have.

Some of God’s greatest blessings are the ones He withheld because He had something better planned.

A grateful heart will take you further than talent, titles, or connections ever will.

2. Pick Your Battles

Life is too short to hold grudges or waste energy on conflict that doesn’t matter.

Not every disagreement needs your attention.
Not every argument deserves your peace.

Guard your energy.
Protect your joy.
And walk away when God whispers, “This one isn’t yours.”

3. Learn the Art of Saying No

As women, we carry many roles—often all in the same day.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So here’s your gentle reminder:

No is a complete sentence.

You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to protect your time, your energy, and your peace.

And if saying no feels uncomfortable or guilt-filled, I’d love to help you build boundaries that honor God, honor your purpose, and make your life lighter.

4. Have True, Honest Conversations

One of the most freeing habits I’ve developed is speaking openly and truthfully from my heart.

When I need to begin a real conversation, I often start with:
“Can I be honest with you?”

And if I just need someone to listen, I say:
“I don’t need advice—just your ear.”

God honors honesty.
Healing flows when we stop pretending and start speaking from a place of truth.

Here’s to 55 Years of Grace, Grit, and God’s Goodness

I’m grateful for every chapter—
the difficult ones,
the healing ones,
the hopeful ones,
and even the ones I wouldn’t want to relive.

Because they all shaped me into who I am today:

A woman of faith.
A woman of purpose.
A woman of resilience.
A CHAMPION.

If you’re ready to step into a new season with clarity, boundaries, confidence, or financial strength, I’m here for you.

Send me a message, and let’s talk about building the life, legacy, and wealth strategy that honors who God created you to be.

Here’s to another year of rising, serving, loving, and leading.
Happy 55th birthday to me—
and thank You, Lord, for every blessing still on the way. 💛