My thirty-FIRST Birthday
Today, I am 31 years old.
When I was little, I thought 31 was old… like REALLY old.
I thought that by 31 I would DEFINITELY have it all together.
Well… here I am. Too old to be in love with Zac Efron and too young to get a face-lift.
And seeing that I only have one living grandparent left, I think I can safely guess that genetics would say my life is already half over.
But you know what?
… Thirty-ONE is a great number.
It took me 30 years to get to the point of complete honesty with myself.
It took 30 years to fall completely broken on my face.
It took 30 years to realize the walls I had built around me were suffocating me.
It took 30 years to finally set up appropriate boundaries of protection.
It took 30 years to experience what grace really is.
It took 30 years to see that love was real… even for me.
Today is my thirty-FIRST birthday.
My first year to fall in love everyday with my husband.
My first year to love those around me UNCONDITIONALLY.
My first year to extend the grace of God that is for EVERYONE.
My first year living with no hidden secrets.
My first year being 100% available to my children.
My first year being whole.
It’s my FIRST year. My life is only beginning.
God is in the business of restoring lives. This is the first year I’ll fully experience it.
Guess what???
Today’s the first day of the rest of YOUR life too!!!
Jenni on Skype: jclayville 
David
This is the best “it’s my birthday” post I’ve ever read.
Except for the fact that it makes me want to sing The Carpenters in a really camp voice that usually only Diane gets to hear.
Weird.
Happy Birthday Jenni. You’re amazing.
[Reply]
Sep 25, 2009 @ 12:28 am
Toby
I think you’re stinkin beautiful!
Happy Birthday to you!
…..and me
…..and the rest!!!
[Reply]
Sep 25, 2009 @ 1:30 am
Lynse Leanne
I love this birthday post!!
Happy Birthday to you!!
You look so peaceful and content in your picture…and i love the tattoo.
Love you woman!
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Sep 25, 2009 @ 7:11 am
Heidi
Happy Birthday 1st birthday!!
Changing lives…. you did mine.
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Sep 25, 2009 @ 7:12 am
jenni
Happy birthday, you guys!!!
Make today count!
OH… and btw… the tattoo was a gift from Crystal Renaud the last time she was here. Isn’t it the best birthday gift EVER???
[Reply]
Sep 25, 2009 @ 7:18 am
gregghart
Happy Birthday, Jenni!
…and Happy Birthday to all that read this amazing post!
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” – Eph 2:10 NLV
[Reply]
Sep 25, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Pokinatcha
Happy Birthday!
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Sep 25, 2009 @ 11:02 am
Sarah Jean Groenink
Yeah, I’m pretty sure that just made me cry…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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Sep 25, 2009 @ 11:52 am
James
Funny how Google image search for ‘31′ gives us limited options. It was the same back in July on my birthday too: http://www.jamesridgers.com/?p=1112
Happy Birthday Jenni!
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Sep 25, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Crystal Renaud
the tattoo makes up for the fact that i didn’t call you today. FAIL! but i absolutely LOVE this post. i am so in awe of God’s redemptive power and your testimony that shows it.
hooray for 31…. and the next 31+ of your new life.
you are loved. you are amazing. i am so honored to call you my friend… and sister.
[Reply]
Sep 25, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
jenni
Thank you all!! You guys really make a girl feel loved and blessed.
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Sep 25, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
Helen
Sweet tat!
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Sep 29, 2009 @ 6:14 am
alece
“my first year being whole.” that is so the prayer of my heart…
happy 31.
happy restoration.
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Sep 29, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
Janet Fraser
beautiful.
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Oct 15, 2009 @ 6:26 am