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!!!
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.
I think you’re stinkin beautiful!
Happy Birthday to you!
…..and me
…..and the rest!!!
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!
Happy Birthday 1st birthday!!
Changing lives…. you did mine.
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???
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
Happy Birthday!
Yeah, I’m pretty sure that just made me cry…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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!
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.
Thank you all!! You guys really make a girl feel loved and blessed.
Sweet tat!
“my first year being whole.” that is so the prayer of my heart…
happy 31.
happy restoration.
beautiful.
I found this post searching for an image to go with my Facebook dinner invite for my 31st birthday, exactly 366 days after your 31st birthday. Happy 32nd!
I found this because I was searching for a 31 to put on my FB page. My birthday is tomorrow! You put such an optimistic spin on turning 31. I love that! Thanks so much!
happy birthday, kimmie!!! have a great day!