30 is the new... 29

Last Sunday was my 25th birthday. I started a blog post a couple months back talking about turning about turning 25 and the title of it was "Stop this Train." However, I never posted it. I didn't post it because it was, in short, me explaining the fears that come from getting older, why/how I'm going to overcome those fears, and then I tied the whole thing with a spiritual bow at the end.

Well the Lord changed my mindset a bit. Instead of sharing why getting older is weird, I want to share what I'm thankful for! My 24th year was a monumental one. My year was filled with a lot of me saying, "I think (insert hard situation here) is going to kill me", "Oh that's what the Lord meant by that," and "Seriously, did I just do that?"

So here are 25 things that I'm thankful for from the last year. This is kind of a cheesy list but hey... it's my birthday. And I can be cheesy if I want to.

I'm thankful for...
25. Monopoly Deal. Yes this in on my list. I love games, especially ones that bring people together for hours and hours around Starbucks tables. Many Friday nights were happily given to this game.
24. God's sovereignty in Ben's accident. Watching the Lord do miracles with Ben, saving his life, was one of the most awe inspiring situations I've ever been a part of. I'm so thankful that I was able to be with this family and watch them rely on the Lord together and even find the ability to laugh in such a horrific time.
23. Seeing the consequences of sin when we don't nip sin in the bud quickly!
22. The TV show Parenthood. I've learned a lot about what not to do when I have kids one day!
21. Learning as believers, our identity is in Christ (not in other people). We don't need to make sure everyone happy, read into weird looks, or be offended by people because we are defined and secure in Christ and our relationship with him. I've learned this lesson (and will continue learning it) the hard way for years and I'm thankful he has never stopped teaching me!
20. Learning how to love people healthily. It's not always healthy to be the people pleaser. Some times that's the most unloving thing we can do! Truly loving someone is pushing them to see Christ better. Sometimes that means an encouraging note, a hard conversation, or saying yes to some things and no others. Another lesson I'm thankful for.
19. Going Israel. This was the most incredible experience I have ever had in my entire life. I was terrified to go (and almost positive I was going to die) but I am SO glad the Lord took me there. I'll be thankful for this trip for the rest of my life.
18. My diabetes group. There is just something fulfilling about comparing crazy low-blood sugar stories and laughing about insulin pumps. That sounds so incredibly nerdy...
17. Heartache that led to me finding out who the Lord has designed me to be (see Acts 20:24).
16. Discovering @BadBanana. Funniest man on Twitter. If I could retweet everything he said without being crazy, I would! Laughing is most definitely my favorite sport.
15. Dating experiences. So much learning this year in that department. So much laughter. So many good memories. I'm so thankful for these experiences.
14. I'm thankful that I'm in the midst of learning that I can be dramatic... Ate a big piece of humble pie with that one. Working on my exaggerations of situations. and thinking my world is going to end.
13. Living with Ashley, Ashley, and Jayne. so grateful that the Lord has blessed me with such amazing women to do life with! Dance breaks, karaoke nights, and far too much cookie dough.
12. The Well staff. The Lord has used my bosses and my team to sharpen and convict me. I'm better because of Jerrod, Melissa, and Greg!
11. Running a half marathon. I survived it. And then I hate $7 of YoDiggity afterwards. No shame.
10. Meeting CJ Mahaney. A hero of the faith.
9. Learning to see myself as a saint not a sinner. This knowledge allows me to obey out of my identity in Christ, not my efforts. He sees Christ's perfection, not my sin. How amazing!
8. Discovering the musical love of Kari Jobe.
7. Counseling. I could write a book about my counseling experience. I'll spare you. Just know that I'm a different person and I now have a far healthier relationship with others because of it.
6. Weddings. There were 11 weddings I got to watch this year and I loved all of them. So much dancing. So much cake. Zero complaining form this girl.
5. The Lord restoring relationships. Healed relationships this year has been one of the most real examples of grace I've ever seen and known. He has shown me his love and grace for me through these friendships.
4. Kickboxing. Gosh I just love it.
3. The Gospel Coalition. Chicago, deep dish pizza, phenomenal speakers, seeing Jesus Christ in the old testament, and Jayne. Could it get any better??
2. Yo, Vikings. There are few things in this world that get me more "in my element" than performing. I'm so glad I got to do this!
1. Cottage cheese and pineapple. That pretty much sums up my entire year.


Here is to living my mid-twenties for the Lord. Cheers!