The Big One?

Yep.  I am turning thirty years old in a mere 30 minutes...1:21 am, to be exact!  Leading up to this day, I have really anticipated being very sad or solemn or whatever.  That, unfortunately, is just how I work.  You see, in my mind, I am still the 20 year old leading worship and playing Kookie Kickball at church camp all summer long in a much smaller jean size and with straighter teeth!  That's just how I see myself.  Now that the 'big one' is actually here, however, I am closer to the proud side of the spectrum and further from the dread side.  I am so blessed in my current state of being...saved by a perfect, sovereign God; loved by an incredible man who just happens to be my best friend; adored by these two beautiful little people who share my nose; handed a legacy of godliness from my parents who have become my true friends; befriended by a group of people who share in my life (the good, bad, and ugly) as we seek the Throne together; gifted with my honest-to-God dream job with the most glorious students and co-workers I could dream of; and challenged to surrender.  Wow.  I can promise you that the 20 year old in my mind thought nothing of these things.  She couldn't have even imagined what was ahead.  If she only knew, she would have hurried along because the ride only gets sweeter!  Although there is much that I wish were different about myself, tonight I am choosing to think about the things that have been molded and shaped over these years.  What a difference a decade makes!  Hopefully one day soon, I'll have time to think on and write about the things that I have learned in each of my three decades, (ouch.  okay that one did hurt a little!) but tonight isn't that time.  Nope.  Tonight is just me saying, "Thanks, Lord. How about a few more?" 

Yes, I know this was a TON of pictures, but I've been alive for THIRTY YEARS!!!  A lot has happened!