The big 3-0

30. A “landmark” birthday.  Some see it as a good thing, some as a bad thing.  I guess in a way, I see it both ways.

Looking back, 7-ish years ago, I was told I wouldn’t make it to this birthday.  The doctor said I would be dead before I turned 30 unless I did something drastic to change my lifestyle (severely overeating and morbidly obese).  So – after gastric by-pass surgery (about as drastic as you can get) – here I am, looking 30 in the eye.  It’s a miracle really. 

I’ve had trials (my exhusband for one haha), hardship (being laid off, stretching our monies, etc), and heartache (boys, friends, miscarriage, infertility, etc) , but looking back... I wouldn’t trade any of it.  These “bad” things in my life have shaped me into the person I am today.  God has used these things (He didn’t cause them, but USED THEM) to help make me more patient (still workin’ on that one!), compassionate, and understanding.

Oh but the BLESSINGS!! I have had a BLESSED 30 years!  I was a VERY loved child – maybe too much if there is such a thing, I was well taken care of and always knew it!  My momma is my best friend (never seen that coming when I was a teenager).  I have a wonderful man I call my Daddy - who was there and treated me as his very own - and didn't have to!  I have been lucky enough to get to know my Dad better recently.  My grandparents who helped raise me when my parents were working - Nanny & Poppy who loved me like their child at all times.  Amazing family! I have a very close knit family – even extended family.  It is such an awesome feeling to know that you are loved all of the time. 

I have been blessed with great friends though the years, and to still know and be close to the majority of them, Nikki Crane, Brooke Lockhart, LiAnne (LemonAnne) Savage, Vickiy Stanfield, GG Ragsdale (my soul sister), Nina & Ernie Shurden, Somer Southern (my lifelonger best friend), and Jaime LeBlanc.  Many good friends through the years that have laughed with me (maybe even at me haha), cried with me, and held me through hard times in my life. 

My church family has been like another family to me too.  I am blessed to have had the same pastor through my entire life.  He teaches me to love like Jesus – through his actions in the community. 

My husband, words cannot express the love and respect I have for my husband.  I love him like no other.  And he tells me and shows me on a daily basis how much he loves me.  He sat by my side in church, even before he was saved and working in the church.  My love for him continues to grow every day – I love the fact that he is the spiritual leader in our household.  He has held me through rough times (which we have had a lot), he has put up with my over obsessive worrying and wanting and anxiety.  He writes me love notes – I love finding those around the house.  God truly blessed me behind all of my imagination with my husband.  We have made it through a LOT together that a lot of couples may not have survived through.  He is my bestest of friends, my confidant, my love. 

Along with my husband came his family – which I am proud to call my family.  I am blessed to have another Mama & Pops, and a sister and brother (that’s right, I’ll claim him even if no one else does haha) and 2 more nieces and a nephew that I am so glad to be called their aunt and that I get to watch grow up. 

Looking back, God knew what He was doing and where He would lead me with the choices I made in my life, even if they were not all good choices.  I am grateful that He was ALWAYS there, even when I walked away from Him.  And He accepted me back with open arms when I came home.

I pray I have many more memories to make in the years to come.  I anticipate many more birthdays to “dread” to spend with my friends and loved ones.  

Some things I look forward to and plan to do in my coming years (because 30 is just the beginning) is:

·       Finishing school and getting a career in a field I never realized I LOVED (yes I know you told me so Mom).

·       Continue to watch my nieces & nephews grow and play

·       Many more family cookouts, get togethers, and just plain fun!

·       Being the best wife I can be for my husband.  To be more attentive and be more loving.

·       TRAVEL

·       Get pregnant, have and raise a child for the glory of God – to love Him, to worship Him, and to be a blessing – because HE promised me it would happen.  I won’t give up.

·       Go para-sailing

·       Go on a mission trip with my husband (I hope we slow down enough to do this one day)

·       Go on a cruise

·       Go to Disney (I know – I’m just a big kid) and take all of our nieces and nephews – okay, okay – looks like as fast as our family is growing that will have to be a family vacation!

And I’m sure there are many more things on my list... but it could go on and on! 

I’m excited about what God has in store for me the rest of my life – and grateful for what He has taught me and brought me through already.  I will ALWAYS rely on Him. 

“’For I know the plans I have for you’, says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.’” Jeremiah 29:11