So it's that time of year again...

...that time when your age adds a number.

My birthday is 1 week from today. I've never NOT looked forward to a birthday before...until now. Yes, I'm excited to celebrate my life, look at how God has blessed me and is using me, but I'm not excited for the only thing associated with being 21. For the first time, I want to go into hiding on the day of my birth. No, really, I do.



I'm not scared, just tired of the "jokes" and comments about partying, drinking, being crazy for one night, etc.

Excuse me, I'm sorry, but do I live a life that looks like I'd be into that kind of thing? Tell me the truth. Yeah, that's the stereotypical thing most people do...but I'm not most people.

So, yes, I get it. I understand turning 21 brings more temptations and people just expect and are ok with you doing certain things, but no thanks.

Don't get me wrong, I want to party like nothing else and enjoy myself for sure...just not like that.

This is one of my favorite scriptures, which relates very well to this:

"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to it's level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2

Sorry, but when it comes to turning 21, it's just another birthday. So...Happy Birthday to me :)

You are enough

I have something really important to tell you today. Lean in close. Let this get past your self-doubts and into those open, assurance-seeking places of your heart...

God is absolutely crazy about you!

Yes you. The beautiful one sitting there looking at the screen.

I know it's hard to believe sometimes, but it's true. You fill God's heart with absolute joy and every day you take His breath away with your smile.

Just a slight glance in His direction makes Him pause. He loves the unique way you do things. He really enjoys watching others love on you and bring out His best in you. And He's not critical of your mistakes like you sometimes think, or waiting for you to do something productive. He simply delights in you because you are His. And that is enough.

You are enough.


Oh, and if you are a guy reading this, you can reread this and replace "beautiful" with 'handsome", if you'd like :)