Day 30::The Last Day (30 days for 30 years)

I can't believe September is over, I'm 30, and I've blogged every day this month!

I don't really know how to end this. I don't feel like ending it with something trivial because, for the most part, this gratitude blog has been pretty serious--naming real people who have impacted my life in a real way these 30 years. But at the same time, I feel like I've covered most of the important people in my life.

There's a few people I feel like I could thank again because A. I love them so much, and B. I'm continually grateful for them each day, But I don't want to repeat anything so here's my final gratitude post, one which covers over the multitude of all the other posts (and people).

Today I am thankful for freedom.

-Freedom in Christ, which allows me to live under the law without being crushed by the law.
-Freedom in this country, to leave my house and not be afraid, to worship and not fear death.
-Freedom to be myself. So many of my friends and family have encouraged me and pushed me toward being who I am. They loved me through the good and bad and have always supported me in life.
-Freedom in speech, to speak up and give my opinion, to speak truth, to encourage and exhort.
-Freedom in travel. It has been a gift to travel, and I'm sure will continue to. I never want to take for granted the privilege to get on a plane and fly somewhere...it's a gift.
-Freedom to love. In Christ, no one is unloveable. Because Jesus dwells in me, I have the freedom to love anyone and (hopefully) everyone.

Thanks to all of you who have encouraged freedom in my life--helping me not to be chained to sin and death, but to live in the freedom of Christ. Thanks also for those of you who followed my blog this month. It was a sweet journey, reflecting on the past 30 years of life.

Day 29: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for community, culture, and diversity.

Growing up in Nebraska, I didn't really experience much of any of the above. I think that is why I longed to get out of there so quickly. Once I hit college age and was (pretty much) on my own, I explored and quickly found different cultures fascinating. I hungered for people who were different than me and who had things to teach me.

I found community during Campus Crusade, but not a lot of diversity or culture, really. It wasn't until I graduated college that I really got to meet people from other backgrounds and make friends who, frankly, weren't white.

I love community, culture and diversity because they show the beauty of God's creation. What if we were all the same? How boring would that be?! God is so creative in the way He made us all and it is a joy discovering how different we all are. I love having friends with different skin colors, different backgrounds, different ages, different languages, etc. It is a beautiful thing to see the common bond of Christ (and sometimes just the bond of humanity) bring different people together.

I can't wait for the day where every tribe, tongue, and nation is in one place worshiping the One who created them all! So thankful for this today.

Day 28: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for Doris Nolan.

Doris, our time together in San Diego was irreplaceable. Our prayer times together were powerful and encouraging. Our relationship was 100% centered around God, and it was such a precious thing for me.

You are one strong woman! I know your strength comes from the Lord, but still, you are one of the strongest women I know. You taught me so much about prayer and faith. I miss our time together. I'm so thankful for a sister like you. Keep seeking Him and walking with Him in all you do.

Love you, dear friend!

Day 27: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for my sister, Heather. It's her 37th birthday today.

Growing up, we didn't really connect. I think mainly it was because we are seven years apart and were never in the same life stage together. It wasn't until I was about 18 that we started to have a real relationship. It was then that I discovered her depth.

Heather, you have a kind heart. You're so protective of things and people that you love. You are loyal. You work hard and you persevere. You are smart, goofy, and funny. I'm so thankful you found Trevor and that he treasures you for who you are and doesn't try to change you.

Thank you for being my big sister, for caring for me, and asking questions about my life. I'm thankful for you!

Day 26: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for Ben and Lauren Whitley, and Tristan and Ashley Carnahan.

I've heard countless times married couples' struggle with finding other married couples where the husbands connect as well as the wives. I know Andrew and I have run into it a few times, however, we've made out well with good couple friends. Here are two of my favorites.

Tristan and Ashley, our time together was so sweet--our stories so similar. I love that we got married around the same time and had babies around the same time. God was kind to give us each other. Tristan, you are such an encouragement to my husband. Thank you for being a friend to my best friend. Ashley, you are such a servant. Thank you for loving me because you first loved Andrew :)

Ben and Lauren, it has been such a treasure getting to know you guys and living in community with you. I'm so thankful God brought us together here in NC. You guys are some of our closest friends here and I can't wait to see what God continues to do with us together. Thank you for loving us so well. Lauren, you give more than anyone I know. Your generosity pours out through your time and your many gifts :) Ben, you love people so much and it is a pleasure watching the Lord work through you. Thank you guys, for loving Jesus and loving us well.

I'm so thankful for married friends!

Day 25: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for Katie (Roche) Maurer.

Katie, God gave you to me at such a crucial time in life. I had just moved to MN and had virtually no friends. I was desperate for women in my stage of life. I still remember the moment we sat next to each other at Bethlehem. You were a kindred spirit in so many ways. Our prayer times together were so encouraging, not to mention all our other moments together--Merlin, great beer, Zoo Animal, singing together, knitting together, and so much more.

Thank you for investing in me, teaching me more about Jesus and my identity in him, and introducing me to some amazing people. God has done so much in both of our lives since we met. It is such a beautiful story of God's faithfulness in our lives and fruit from prayer.

Hope you are well, friend. Thanks for impacting my life for the better.

Day 24: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for my friends from college.

College was not my most favorite time, but I definitely had some sweet moments with some amazing people. Here are just a few who really impacted my life.

Katie Hansen, you are such a dear friend. I loved our time living together in 2004. You have always loved and supported me in all I do. You have been encouraging and loving. It has been a joy to see the story of you and Luke unfold...and now there's Cash, sweet boy. I love having you as a friend who can pick up right where we left off, even if it has been months or even years. I cherish your friendship.

Heather (Mullen) Eigsti, you were just such a refreshment in my life. I remember seeing you in one of my English classes and thinking you had such a joyful face and demeanor. Little did I know, there was so much Light behind that joy. You are loving, kind, creative, and such a people person. It was a joy doing ministry alongside you in college. It saddens me that I'm not near you as you are a wife and mother now--I'm sure you're amazing and I'd love to see you in action. Love and miss you, friend.

Day 23: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for my friend Ellie Bradley.

Although I do not get to see her or talk to her much, I still think of her often. She means so much to me.

Ellie, you are one of the most godly women I've ever met. You are loving and joyful in difficult circumstances. You are sensitive to the Spirit, and live in the Spirit instead of your flesh. You submit beautifully to your husband, and love your children with a sacrificial love. You speak of the Lord with such tenderness. You are after His heart, and it is evident in everything you do.

I have learned so much from you and consider you one of my sweetest friends. Thank you, my friend, for loving Jesus and loving me.

I'm thankful for my 26th year of life, when we prayed together and did community well. It was a beautiful thing. Love you.

Day 22: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for Fall. It. Is. My. Favorite.

I love how the leaves turn slowly, and then fall with the gentle breeze. I love the crunch as your tires roll over the dusty road. I LOVE the array of colors everywhere, the cool mornings, warm afternoons and fireplace-worthy evenings. I love drinking hot coffee, hot cider, and hot chocolate. I love, love, love pumpkin baked goodies, roasted pumpkin seeds, and yes, the pumpkin spice latte.

I love Fall parties with bonfires, jack-o-lanterns, candles burning, and people chatting.

But most of all, I love how Fall signifies the beauty of death. The leaves slowly die as they change colors and gently fall to the ground, leaving behind a carpet of glory. As winter slowly creeps in and everything dies and gets brown, I am reminded of the reality of death. But then there's Fall--which reminds me that although death is a reality, in Christ life will return and resurrection is just around the corner.

Through death, there is life. With Him we die. With Him we will rise. There is beauty in dying to ourselves, in killing our flesh and living through Christ. And there is beauty in dying leaves and cold fronts moving in and death can be colorful.

For this I am thankful.

Day 21: 30 days for 30 years

Well, it's my birthday today and so, I think I'll be thankful for birth. :)

In all honesty, I have grown to love the process of pregnancy, labor and birth and the miracle of a new life being born into this world. With that said, this cannot be done without people who know what they are doing and who also love this type of miracle. So today, I am thankful for the best midwife I know--Martha Scheumann! And the best doula in the world--Carlie Veeder.

I learned so much while I was pregnant and preparing for Sybil. Some information I learned was exciting, some a little scary, and all of it, very new to me. I was a bit overwhelmed, and not really happy with the care I was receiving with my OB. I felt like just another number each time I went to the doctor's office. And then God brought me Martha *sigh.

Martha not only put my mind at ease by her sweet and peaceful spirit, but also gave me so much information and supported me in my pregnancy, labor and birth. Martha, I could not have gotten through my labor and birth without you. You were such a gift to me, as a midwife and as a friend. You are gifted at what you do, but more than that, you are a light in this world. You shine with the love of Christ and I am blessed to know you. You got me through such a special time in life!

Carlie, I learned so much from you. You and Fred swept Andrew and I up in such a time of need. You welcomed us into your life, your church, your community, when we needed it most. God used you so much in my life. You are the best birth coach I've ever known, and of course, I don't know how I'll ever have another baby without you! Thank you for being such a strong woman, both in physical strength and spiritual strength.

My birth story with Sybil was not ideal, but just how God had planned and I learned so very much. You can read my story here.

I am so thankful for the miracle of birth! Amazing.

Day 20: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for my time in Lima, Peru with some pretty awesome people. In 2007, I spent about 5 months in Lima with Word Made Flesh. I learned some pretty hard lessons and some pretty great ones.

I learned how to love simplicity. Taking away daily luxuries (like washing machines, dishwashers, Starbucks, wifi, etc.) taught me how to find joy in doing things simply. It slowed my pace of life down so much and surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. There was NO rush for anything. I learned so much in the quiet of washing my own clothes on the rooftop, washing pots and pans with dear friends next to me at the kitchen sink, improvising in our cooking because we couldn't get a certain ingredient, only getting what you need for the day and not worrying about tomorrow.

I'm so thankful for being able to live in community and experience simplicity together. Monica, you were such a great leader. You lead by example and it was such a joy to serve with you. Sarah Dyer, you taught me so much about embracing who God made me to be and being comfortable in my own skin. You are such a unique, gifted individual. Megan, you brought me so much laughter. It was a joy to be your roommate. Marissa, I'm so glad you were my host sister! You have so much joy and I truly felt we were sisters. Thank you for loving me well, all of you!

Seven years later, I still look back often on a few things from my time in Lima:
-My 23rd birthday when eggs were smashed on my head and flour was caked all over me.
-The streets of Lima and the dear kids who live there.
-The lesson and joy of simplicity and walking in solidarity with the poor.

I am thankful for my time with beautiful people in a beautiful and broken place.

Day 19: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for the ability to learn and for the gift of teaching. It is a privilege to learn and have information at our fingertips. I never want to take if for granted. I also don't want to forget how great it is to have teachers who are so good at what they do, they make you love the subject regardless of what it is!

I have had many teachers impact my life in small ways through out my 30 years. Here's just a few:

-Señor L, you were one of my favorite teachers in high school. You made learning a different language fun and you didn't treat me like a child, but like a friend. I loved your class.

-Mrs. Epp, I was only a first grader, but I remember feeling so loved by you. Thank you.

-Mrs. Baker, you were one of the sweetest teachers I've ever had. You made my fifth grade year--a very awkward year in the life of a girl--much better. Thank you for your kindness to your students.

-Ms. Conner, you inspired me in many ways. You helped me to embrace my creative side and pushed me towards excellence in art and volleyball. You actually pushed me in the right direction for college--pursuing advertising and journalism and being able to use my love of art within them. Thank you!

-To the Creative Writing Genius who taught my favorite college class, I'm so thankful for the way you taught and encouraged...and I'm sorry I can't remember your name, Professor.

To all you teachers out there, you are really making a difference! Thanks for what you do.

Day 18: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for random people who impact your life without even knowing it. Some of these people I knew for a short time, some of them I don't even know their last name, but each of them impacted me in a positive way.

I am thankful for Erin, my camp counselor during summer camp the summer before my senior year of high school. She showed me that you can follow Jesus and still be yourself, incorporating your love for Him in the gifts he has given you. She also put me on to nose rings, of which I have had one since my 19th birthday. Thanks for that, Erin ;)

I am thankful for Alex, an ex-gang member living in Compton. I met Alex the summer I spent in LA with Crusade. After getting over my fear and intimidation of him, we became fast friends. He has an amazing story; coming out of drugs, gangs, gunshot wounds, and much more. He showed me that no one is too far gone. God does miracles all the time and saves people the world thinks are not salvageable.

Thank you to the countless Craigslist interactions I have had that have encouraged my belief that all people want to connect on a deep level. To the lady who drove halfway to meet me with a bed when I needed it last minute. To the older couple who sold me a running stroller and cared about my life and my baby.

It amazes me how one interaction can impact someone in such a good or bad way. I am thankful we have an opportunity to love complete strangers. I hope I have done some of these things for people I've interacted with in a quick moment of time! I would encourage you to too.

Day 17: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for work.

Work is such an interesting thing. We have to do it to survive so it often feels like a burden, yet we find so much satisfaction and purpose in working...when we have a job that fits us, that is.

I have had many jobs in my 30 years. Some of them were serious, some of them were fun, and some of them I hated. Probably my favorite non-serious job was working at Blockbuster during college. I loved the weird evening hours, the regular customers, and the FIVE free movie rentals each week. I also really loved working at coffee shops as a barista. It required so many of my favorite tasks--loving on people while keeping busy with my hands, multi-tasking to the max, and of course, drinking coffee.

Then I had a few desk jobs, which I quickly grew weary of. I'm the type of person who needs almost a perfect balance between being with people and being alone, so these desk jobs just didn't cut it. I was so lonely!

And now, after 30 years, I think I've finally found something that I love and I'm good at--event coordinating. It is just such a joy for me to run around and multi-task, meeting new people and making things happen, all while someone gets to enjoy the event without having to work it.

I also, obviously, love being a wife and mother, which is a job in itself. I'm in such a fun time of life right now as I use my time and talents to do what God created me to do. I am thankful that God has given me work!

Day 16: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for old friends made new. I've moved around a lot since college and haven't lived in NE since I left there in 2007. It is rare that I live in the same city with people I also grew up with in Nebraska, but it has happened a couple times. It's so interesting to navigate relationships with people who knew the "old you" and who know the "new you." It has been really sweet getting to be a part of this process with two specific people.

Today I am thankful for Brenna Augustin and Eric Ablott. They knew me in high school and know me now. I'm so thankful the Lord placed me in Minneapolis with Brenna and Tate for three years, and now in Greensboro with Eric and Charlotte. It is such a gift to continue relationships with people that you've known for many years. There's something about these relationships that make God's faithfulness so much more obvious...probably because we've walked through so much together over the years.

Brenna, I miss you. You were (and are) such a great friend to me in Minnesota and I was blessed by our time together. It redeemed so many of our high school moments. I've seen you grow so much since then, and I hope you can say the same for me.

Eric, I love having you in the same city, the same community, the same church. You are a faithful friend and I have grown so fond of your second half, Charlotte. She's perfect for you and I am blessed to know you both. I have also seen you grow so much and have been able to see the Lord's hand in your life, working miracles everywhere you go.

These friendships are some of the most special I have, and I truly cherish them. I'm thankful for the years we had together as teens, but even more so, the years as adults, where we can pour into each others' lives and see God at work continually. Love you guys!

Day 15: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for nap-time. Although not a person, nap-time is a very important thing in my life these days.

Ever since I had Sybil, I've been very protective over the hours I have while she's sleeping. It is the only time I get to do what I need to do without interruptions. I have even resorted to trying to shower and clean BEFORE nap happens, so that I don't have to "use up" my time doing those things when nap-time starts. I sometimes will even ignore phone calls (sorry, people) during nap-time so that I get the full two hours to myself. I'm kind of crazy about this.

During these two hours, I get to start my day over. Sometimes, I even take a nap myself. But most of the time I use nap-time to spend with the Lord and search my heart...and maybe spend time with my husband (if he's home) or someone else (if Andrew stays home while Syb sleeps). I truly miss the days where my "free time" wasn't limited to two hours a day. But, this is what I have and I am SO thankful for it. At least my kid is still taking naps! Two hours is better than no hours.

So, moms, let's raise our glasses to nap-time and what it means to us!

I am so thankful for the gift of sleep--for my child, and even myself! Now, I'm off to take a nap :)

Day 14: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for my in-laws, specifically the women in the Laparra family. How can I be so blessed to have married into the family I did?

I've been in countless conversations with people about how much they dislike their in-laws, and quickly I realize I cannot relate. I love my in-laws and really connect with them. They truly have become my family and I feel so at home with them.

In fact, my sisters-in-law have become not only my sisters but also my friends. Elisabeth lives with us, communes with us, and pours into us. She is kind, loving, servant-hearted and goofy like her brother. We are kindred spirits. Rebekah is such a joy--always smiling, always helping, always loving. Leah is a servant at the core. It's clear she loves Jesus with all her heart and serves others because she wants to serve Him. And Abbie, oh Abbie...she is so sweet, so innocent, so kind and silly.

Then there's Becky and Amber, who are connected through marriage, which immediately means I am one of them, since I too married a Laparra. Becky is sassy, outspoken, loving, witty, and oh so dear to me. Amber is one of a kind; patient and loving...all demonstrated through her love for Paul. Ha!

And last, but not least, there's my mother-in-law, Susan. Susan is one of the most Godly women I've met; kind, loving, submissive, possessing a gentle and quiet spirit, generous, and so much more. She has more patience than I can fathom. Raising 12 kids is no joke, and she has done it well. She is a blessed woman and it is plain to see God's presence in her life. I am so thankful I can learn from her and call her mom.

I love the Laparra girls. I'm thankful for each one of you! And I'm proud to be a Laparra.

Day 13: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for like-minded people who become fast friends. I'm thankful that within the body of Christ, you can meet someone and connect so deeply and so quickly. I've had several of these types of friends in my lifetime, but today I am thankful for one specifically--Danica Kushner.

Danica, I have loved getting to know you. It has been such a joy to connect over our love for food, CA, cafe au laits, and most importantly, Jesus. You are one of those friends who brings life and inspiration to me each time we hang. I love that, even in just a few months, we have connected so deeply and so easily. You are one of my most honest friends and I love that about you.

It is such a joy to know you and to see God work in your life. I'm so thankful our paths have crossed in my 29th year of life. You're a gem!

Day 12: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for travel and the many opportunities I have had in my 30 years to explore this world.

My time in some of the places I'm about to mention was entirely too short. I'd love to go back to a few of these countries and explore more. Here's some of my favorite travel memories.

-In 2005, I visited California for the first time and fell in love with that state.
-In 2007, I lived in Peru for five months and got to explore the beauty and brokenness of Lima, a city of 9 million people, many of whom live in deep poverty.
-In 2011, I traveled to Uganda to help at an orphanage with a small group of people. I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the red dirt of that country. One day, I will go back!

This year I'm on my way to India with the love of my life. I'm excited to explore and am so thankful for the opportunity to go. It is such a gift to travel, a luxury really. I am thankful for the ability to fly above the clouds and see the glory of God so clearly as I travel. I'm also thankful that we are not all the same. God made every culture, every country so different and beautiful. He's calling every tribe, tongue and nation to himself and I love seeing it!

Day 11: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for a friend, mentor, and sister in Christ who I've known my whole life. Jen Stutzman.

Jen, you have taught me countless things. I have some sweet childhood memories of jumping on your trampoline, riding your horses and learning how to be a country girl from you. When you and Jake first got married, even though you were just wee babes, I looked up to your marriage and your passion for Christ. I finished high school, hoping I'd find a love like yours both to Jesus and to Jake. But even more than those memories, I have had the sweetest moments with you in our adulthood.

You have mentored me in ways you do not even know. I've learned how to be real, honest and vulnerable by watching your life. I've learned how to hunger and thirst for righteousness by watching you run hard after God. I have seen you cling to our Savior when times are good, bad and worse. You're always pointing me to him.

Your deep questions are loving. Your jokes are funny. Your tone, sincere. You love me with the truth of the Gospel. You are a friend like no other. (I'm tearing up just thinking about you!)

I think in all my years of knowing you, the sweetest one has been my 25th year. The year you adopted your children. The year I moved from San Diego to Minneapolis. The year God showed me truth and solid doctrine and more of His amazing grace, through you and your family.

I am thankful for our friendship and your life. Love you, dear friend.

Day 10: 30 days for 30 years

Here we are in the double digits already! I'm not even close to running out of things/people to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for children, but especially my child. Kids are truly such a gift from God. They bring a joy and innocence that can bring clarity in life. It is a miracle to watch them experience things for the first time, and therefore find a newness in those things ourselves.

I have had several children impact me as an adult, but none like my own child.

Sybil Elise, you are one of a kind. You are so goofy like your father. You're incredibly smart for your age. Your stubborn heart is incredibly hard to deal with, but one day I believe it will help you conquer your biggest dreams. You make me laugh, you make me cry (both good and bad tears), and you make me a better person.

I am so thankful God has allowed me to have such a wonderful child, even with all her idiosyncrasies. Much love to the one who will only hold my right hand, only go potty backwards, prefers to eat food from only my plate, and wants to do everything herself! I'm thankful for my 28th and 29th year of life with you. I can't wait for many more.

Day 9: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for my dad. He is such a kind, loving, faithful, goofy man. He has always made me feel loved and welcomed, just as my Heavenly Father does.

I can't count the number of times my dad has brought me joy in a time or moment of sadness. He has always known how to make me smile. When I'm feeling down, I just want to be around my dad. He's so cuddly and comforting. I have been, for these 30 years, and will continue to be, a true Daddy's Girl.

I get to see him in less than 2 weeks for the first time in a year, and I am so excited! The laughter that follows my father everywhere he goes is plentiful. He makes up words, turns phrases upside down, and puts a bit of himself in everything he says and does. His goofiness brings me true joy. I love my dad and am thankful for all he has taught me the past 30 years.

Day 8: 30daysfor30years

Today I am grateful for a certain season of life, a time that shaped me and taught me about God, community, and mercy:--the summer of 2005 when I lived with 25 college students in the wonderful city of Los Angeles.

Last night, I drove around downtown LA with Sarah. I saw, once again, tents lining the streets, shopping carts filled with treasure, and the beautiful people who call these streets home. I was brought to a place of nostalgia. In 2005, God opened my eyes to what the church is and how He meant for it to demonstrate His love and mercy in every corner of this world. That summer, I saw miracles, learned how to love, understood true community for the first time, and watched Scripture come alive. I'm so thankful for my 20th year of life that shaped me and stretched me so much.

Because of this season, I will always and forever have a dear love for Los Angeles and the people of this city.

Day 7: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am grateful for real, true friends (of which, I have many and will only mention a few today).

I have friends who care for my soul, ask hard questions, know my love language, and help me to grow creatively, spiritually, and mentally.

Jenna, you teach me how to have faith and adventure--to jump in with both feet and not care what others think, but to follow God on this crazy adventure of life.

Cynthia, you make me use my brain--to think, process, problem-solve, grow and strive. You inspire me. You point me to God in such a special way.

Sarah, you point me toward the Spirit and help me to listen to Him more. Your joy and your light bring me to a happier place, a place with every possibility.

From the early days of college, where I met Jenna, to the sunny days of San Diego where I met Cyn and Sarah, I cherish the moments and years I've had with each of them.

Day 6: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for marriage, and more personally, my husband.

I don't have enough space or time to write down all the things I am thankful for in my husband. He is too great. Tears come to my eyes right now even as I think of my love for him. (Maybe because I haven't seen him for five days...but still.)

Marriage is amazing. It is better than I ever thought it would be. Becoming one with someone through The One is truly a miracle and gift on this side of heaven. It gets better every year with every trial and joy bringing us closer together.

I'm thankful for my Andrew. Here are a few reasons why:

-He loves Jesus with all his heart.
-He's kind.
-He is bold, brash, real, and vulnerable.
-He serves me, our daughter and our community with selflessness and passion.
-He knows me and still loves me.
-He challenges me simply by being himself.

I am so in love with my husband. I can't believe I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I'm grateful for my 27th, 28th, and 29th year with him. Here's to my 30th year with you, babe...and then 30 more, and 30 more!

Day 5: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for the Truth.

I am grateful to those preaching and teaching the truth of God's Word even through trials, persecution, rejection, and scrutiny.

Here are some people who have impacted my 30 years with slamming truth in my face and heart:

-John Piper
-Leonard Ravenhill
-Francis Chan
-Steve Lamm
-Andrew Hopper

I am super grateful for these men of God who don't budge on Truth.

Day 4: 30 days for 30 years

Today I am thankful for alone time. I am the type of person that needs ample alone time in order to function and love people well. As I reflect on the alone time I’ve had over the past 30 years I recognize the different types: A) That which was sought out. B) That which was given to me in a season of life. And C) That which I longed for but rarely got.

I think back on many years where I practiced Type A alone time. Through out high school and college, I loved people but sought out time to myself where I could think, process, grow, and learn about God through experiencing Him in the quiet of my room. Then I remember a season of loneliness where I longed for more community, a husband, a church body, a group of people who loved me, etc. but didn’t get it. I look back on that Type B alone time and realize it was an incredible gift from God. I was forced to be comfortable by myself and to find my identity in God alone and not in who I hung out with. I remember it being so liberating. I even got so comfortable with being alone that I chose to go to a movie by myself—no shame accompanied me, just excitement! If God hadn’t given me that season of loneliness, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Being alone with God shapes who I am when I’m around people.

I now have Type C alone time; I search for it every chance I get, but only get it every once in a while. As a mother, wife, friend, community group leader, and much more, I find it difficult to get away. When I do truly get away it is due to the graciousness of my husband and his family, who so willingly watch Sybil and free me up. 

I am so thankful for any alone time I get these days. I feel blessed to get it at all. I also am incredibly grateful for the time I had in the past to just spend hours by myself, with the Lord, in the quiet of my room, my house, the world. There are so many precious moments to recount during those seasons. Some of my favorite moments of life have happened when I am alone but surrounded by people in this crazy world. Feeling an intimacy with your Maker in the midst of a crowd of strangers is a very special feeling. I then find I belong in Him alone.

Single people (yes, again I speak to you :) ), soak up these days where it is just you. You have the opportunity to be alone with the Lord, with no interruptions. You’ll never get this time back. It’s precious. See it as a gift and please, don’t wish it away.

Thank you, Jesus for alone time.

Day 3: 30 days of gratitude for 30 years of life

Today I am thankful for my mother. I owe so much to her. She not only birthed me, fed me, taught me, and led me, but she has loved me well. I never knew the sacrifice moms have to make until I became one. And now I know it is so great.

Mom, you've done so much for me. Thank you.

Thank you for getting me through these 30 years of life and encouraging me to be the best I can be. You love me so well and are not only my mother, but my friend. Thanks for raising me, momma.

Day 2: 30 days of gratitude for 30 years of life

Today I am thankful for married couples who love single people and invest in them.

There was a time in my life when I knew very little of marriage, and what I did know, was not a proper view. I was hungry for people who loved God to show me how to love each other.

So, I am thankful for Matt and Johanna Jones...who demonstrated marriage in all its glory. They taught me to love my husband with a Christ-like love, to recognize my selfishness quickly, admit my wrong-doings and forgive as Christ has forgiven us. They showed me a love within marriage that I didn't think possible. I am so incredibly thankful for my time not only in relationship with them, but my time living under their roof where everything real and raw happened each day. I am thankful for my 26th and 27th year of life under their influence--their beautiful, Christ-like influence.

Matt and Johanna, I miss you more than you know!

*Married couples! Please love on single people. They need it.

30 Days of Gratitude for 30 Years of Life

I can't believe I'm almost 30. There are days I still feel like a child. But, then again, there are days where a certain season of life feels like centuries ago. I guess age is really just a number. It's very easy for me to make my birthday all about me. So to fight against that, I'll be thanking God, and most likely, thanking someone He has used in my life, every day this month.

Day 1:
Today I am thankful for salvation...coming out of darkness and into light. I am thankful that God often reminds me of my past, even though it is painful at times, because then I see his glory all the more in bringing me out of death. I have a tattoo (and have for years) and this is what it says: "But as for me, God will redeem my life; he will snatch me from the power of the grave." Psalm 49:15

He truly snatched me up when I was in high school. I was in such a dark place and he found me. And the two people he used most when he first brought me into the Light were Lacey Reineke and Luke Hoselton. Thanks guys, for letting God use you in my life during my 18th year of life! I am thankful for you both.