Friday, February 26, 2010

Happy 34th!

I absolutely cannot believe that I was born 34 years ago!!! Seriously how can I be this old?! Some days I feel really wise and confident and then the very next day I am back to being 18 again. I have learned a couple things in my 30s. This is what I know to be true.

1. God is faithful. Even in trying circumstances, even in disappointment and confusion, He is there! He's the Beginning and the End. He's never surprised, conflicted or confused, and that is VERY comforting to me.
2. God is who He says He is. He can do what He says He can do. I am who God says I am. I can do all things through Him. God's word is alive and active in me.
3. Marriage is work. It can easily fall into a rut. I need face to face time with my hubby every single week! Please don't misunderstand me, I am more in love with Mark today than I have ever been, but I have realized that with our hectic schedules, pressures, work, etc.. date nights get pushed aside. To be a better parent; I need time alone with Mark that is guilt free.
4. My friends are amazing. They are consistent and authentic. I have a wonderful support group that I did not have in my 20s, which is FANTASTIC! I am thankfully over the need to pretend, to not be myself. Some will tell you I am too much myself, and could use a little more mouth training:-). I am over caring about what others have, what others think about me, my clothes, weight and trying to impress or justify. That, my friends, is freedom! It is honestly refreshing to be prayed over, humbled, pushed and content with my friends.
5. I love a good par-tay! I love planning it and searching for ideas and letting the creative juices go crazy.
6. I have learned to say no this year. The Lord and Mark have been working on this for years...remember I'm a slow learner:-). This has never been a strength of mine. I feel like I let others down, or feel guilted into doing things or whatever. But this year I did it and you know what, the world kept right on going. I need to celebrate this one. I am putting my family higher on the list and seeing the rewards!
7. I love Zumba. I may look silly dancing around but, I am still a dancer at heart so this class fits me perfectly! One of my besties, Erica, teaches Zumba at our church and I love how I feel after each class. She's amazing to watch and does a devotional each week that always hits home. I have really enjoyed watching this ministry take off. The Lord is really blessing her efforts and it's just plain cool to see His hand at work!
8. My children are huge. I was staring at Ryan this week thinking I cannot believe how big he is. Ally too...they are incredible and I am HONORED to be their mommy!
9. I love a good deal. Target is still my home and I get sucked in almost every week. Mark doesn't have the same affection for Target but my children sure do!
10. I am not in control. This is something that I would say I knew but really didn't believe. I have learned several lessons this year in trusting the Lord with everything, including my family. I was finally convinced that I am not in control. Scary, and freeing at the same time.

I have learned so much more but 10 seems like a good number to stop on. Have a fantastic weekend. I am having an awesome bday! We're on VACATION! Whoo-Hoo!!

Mark's President's Club trip in Punta Cana, DR.

Off to get a birthday fruity drink:-)

9 comments:

Blessings from the Reeds said...

Oh beautiful friend! Happy Birthday to you!. You have been such a blessing to know. I love your realness, your smile, and a heart that is full of love for your family and friends. I hope you two have a WONDERFUL time. Soak up the sun and have a fruity drink for me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!

Caryn said...

Happy Birthday Angie. What a sweet encouragement to see all the Lord has taught you. I can attest to all 10 in your life. I love you so much and I've been glad you were mine from day one...it may have taken you a few years to feel the same :)...but that's water under the bridge now. I love you!

Katy said...

Dittos to all of that stuff! ;) You are right, and a very wise bird. I'm so glad we're friends!! I am so thankful God has put you in my life again here in Waco. What a blessing!
Now---I am trying to restrain my jealousy of that perfect little beach you are on. Not fair!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and live it up!

Brett and Katherine said...

Happy Birthday! What a fun way to spend a birthday! Have a great trip!

shannonmichaelis said...

Sweet way to have a birthday! Enjoyed reading how the Lord has moved you in the last decade of your life. He is so good! Enjoy that beautiful beach and give your sweet hubby a hug and thank him for his awesome job!

MLP said...

Happy Birthday Beautiful Friend!!! I am so glad you guys went on the trip. I prayed for you and wondered what you decided. I'll keep the prayers going.

Love this amazing post. YOU ARE AMAZING and I am so thankful that we have our unique friendship that has developed through our blogs. I feel certain that our friendship will continue to blossom.

You have a heart of gold...better yet, platinum!!! I love hearing you and watching you sing at church on Sunday mornings. You are a BLESSING TO ME.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!! Have a blast on your trip!!!

Shannon said...

GET TWO BIRTHDAY FRUITY DRINKS!! What a great post and HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! I hope you guys are having the best time on the beach. You are amazing and I loved this post! So glad to call you a friend!

Kacey said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I am so glad that God picked you to be my family. You are a wonderful sister and an amazing friend! Wish I was there to rub elbows with the NFIB president for yall again:) Safe travels

Jill said...

Happy Happy Birthday! What a GREAT way to spend it!! That was a very good post!