Good Bye 20's, Hello 30's

Well, yesterday I departed the 20's club and became a member of the 30's club! Wow! I can't believe I am already 30. It really doesn't seem possible if you ask me. Physically, I would say I have days that I can tell that I am getting older, but mentally I don't! Not really sure if that is good or not. Coming up to the my 30th birthday I was struggling with the fact of turning 30. I really never thought it would bother me turning any age, but this one has. When I look closely at it I realized that God has blessed me tremendously. I know He will continue. I have had my ups and downs throughout the first 30 years of my life and not that they won't continue, but my faith in My Heavenly Father has grown and He has also surrounded me with a wonderful family and great friends. I look forward to the next 30 plus years of my life. Honestly, I like the thought that I am leaving behind my 20s. They weren't always the best. In my early 20's I have been blessed with great friends and wonderful memories with my teammates and coaches. Also, that time was probably some of my darkest moments as well in my life. Sadly, I didn't follow the Lord much at all at that time in my life and it led me to some not so wonderful decisions. But, the Lord is faithful. By His precious sweet grace He came to my rescue! He has forgiven me of my sins, and has blessed me abundantly! He brought Byron and I together. He brought me into one of the most amazing families ever. He gave me some of the best friends in the world. He also gave me 2 precious gifts, my children. WOW!!!! I look forward to being apart of what God has in store for this family. I know that its going to be a great adventure. So thankful that our family's journey is in the hands of the Lord.

The birthday celebrations I guess started on Thanksgiving Day. Most of my extended family gave birthday gifts to me then. I was unaware of the sneakiness of my hubby and sis though. On Saturday evening, they had planned a surprise birthday dinner in Ardmore at Interurban. It was a great evening with family and friends. Yesterday, was the "official" day. It began with 30 swats from Jaycee, the last one she was allowed to use a spoon! HA!HA! Then after that my daughter came up to me and serenaded me. She sang "Happy Birthday" to me in the most precious angelical voice ever. By far made turning 30 awesome!!! We had lunch out together as family. My day was full of well wishes from friends and family via Facebook, text messages, and phones calls. As I have aged, knowing the love you have of friends and family make your birthdays even so much more special!!!

So good-bye 20's! I am thankful for each and every year I had with you. I will be ever grateful for the lessons that I learned during my time with you! You brought me sorrow and you brought me joy!!! You will forever be apart of me, because you helped form who I am today!

Hello 30's! I am like a giddy little school girl to see what all you have in store for me! I can't wait to see what each year holds for not only me, but for my family! Each year I will grow more in love with my Heavenly Father, my husband, and my children. The memories I have to make with family and friends will be amazing!!! I look forward to continue serving God in the areas He has placed me in and also in all the new areas He will lead me. Thank you Lord for the gift of Life! Thank you for the time you have given me here on earth. May everything I do bring you glory, honor, and praise!!!!