My 28th Birthday

There is only a few minutes left of my birthday and even though it is way past my bedtime I couldn't miss the opportunity to put my pen to paper and hold onto these sweet moments.  

For the first time in my adult life I am thrilled for what 28 will bring. I would describe this birthday as a moment in time where I feel comfortable in my own skin. I feel confident in who God is shaping and molding me to be and I'm ready for whatever adventures He has in store for me. (That includes a trip to Coleford, England in 31 days with my students from church!)

I have felt an overwhelming sense of love and grace from the people in my life. Not only in California but the amazing people and coworkers God has blessed me with here in Texas who have made this birthday one that I will remember for a very long time.

Today was one of those days you wish you could freeze frame and hold on to when life gets rough and your not sure what the next day will bring. But I know that the sweet presents, voicemails, texts and moments I had today will live on in my heart and in my memory.

Feeling very blessed by the people in my life - every single person who made this birthday special- you know who you are. Thank you for thinking of me, thank you for loving me, thank you for supporting me.


Fast forward 365 days and here's a quick thought for the me that will be closing in on the end of the decade called her twenties:

I truly hope you live this year with abandon - you love more, you give more, you hope more and you dream more. This life is truly yours for the taking and with God the sky is the limit. Don't be afraid to say what you feel, share with the people around you and love like you've never loved before. 

Continue to put God first and He will direct your path, remember that as you grow older you have the blessed opportunity to spend another day on this earth sharing the love and joy you have found in Christ. Don't be afraid to be the light- be who you are and everyone will love you for it. Don't take life too seriously because you never know what's around the corner that might derail the best of plans. Love your friends and family and extend grace whenever possible. 

But if you do nothing else in the next 365 days at least do this - LOVE those around you as much as you love yourself. The rest will fall into place. 

Blessings

It's hard to be sad or down or upset when you have too many things to be grateful for. So I made a list.

5 things tonight that I am grateful for:

1. The simple task of crawling into my bed at night - knowing that I am loved.

2. Knowing that the God of the universe has a plan for my life and know exactly what the future holds.

3. The ladies in my small group who challenge and grow me every week.

4. My sweet friend that sent me flowers today to kick off birthday month

5. My friends and family in California who despite the distance are still here for me everyday.