I know for most that birthday's are just another day, but I like to celebrate them. I actually took the day off from work to celebrate my birthday by doing whatever I want - whenever I want! :) Which means catching up on reading the great blog posts you all write, working on a client E-Design, lunch with a friend and whatever else the day may bring of course!
This may get a little lengthy but hopefully, if you read it, you may find inspiration by focusing on the positives and realizing that God has a plan that truly does come to pass. (Ok, I'm getting a little teary...)
It truly amazes me what all has happened in my first 30 years - both good and bad. Everything from learning how to walk and talk to graduating high school and college, taking on a first job and working for three different organizations in five different positions. And now, getting prepared to start my next chapter of life- marriage and family.
One thing I do know and find so much peace in is that I was blessed with an amazing family and wonderful friends. In my first 30 years I lost my brother as a little boy, who I miss dearly and wonder who he would be as an adult. But, I was then blessed with two beautiful sisters who I couldn't imagine my life without.
Emillee, Kayle, and I - 2011
I've lost two best friends, one who I wont see until God calls me home someday and one who I hope to see again, my best friend from high school, to rekindle our friendship and again become the friends we once were. Today, I have some of the best friends in the whole world that I talk to weekly, daily, and some I only talk to once in awhile but we pick up where we left off.
Katie and Niomi
Cynthia
Melissa
At one time, in my mid-twenties, I thought I found love but was mistaken and heart-broken. God proved to me that he had something better in store and he did. I found Adam who is my blessing and true love. We can work together, play together and pray together.
Throughout all these years I would consider myself a pretty high achiever and blessed by so many opportunities and the passion to pursue my goals and dreams - even if they didn't come to pass. My long time goal throughout high school was to become a National FFA Officer and have the opportunity inspire young people and spread the knowledge and love for agriculture that I grew up with on my families farm. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to run for this position even though I was never elected. But I've learned that what you learn from one experience always benefits you in the next, like getting run for University of Minnesota Homecoming Queen and being elected. Yeah - I was the homecoming queen of a Big 10 university - a gal from a small farming community who didn't stand a chance of being homecoming queen in high school!
For some reason, as a little girl, I always wanted to be Miss USA (seriously, who doesn't, haha!) So, I ran for Miss Minnesota and felt as though I could do anything since I walked across the stage in a swimming suit. I didn't even make it past the first round but I still pursued a goal. And, if you're curious, the stereotypes are somewhat true...
I found my dream job, bought my first house and redecorated it, moved 10 hours away from home to Ohio and came back to Iowa because I had fallen in love and realized that home is where my heart is. Now, I am pursuing a new dream job of owning my very own interior design business. I am in the best health and physical shape of my life and my faith has strengthened ten-fold.
Honestly, I wouldn't change any part of my life. It has happened as it was supposed to.
Through it all, here is what I know and hope to pass along to you...
One. God has a plan. Trust Him. He has amazing things in store.
Two. Be nice. To everyone.
Three. Everything happens for a reason.
Four. In today's world we are so caught up in looks but truth of the matter is that beauty is not confidence but confidence is beautiful.
Five. Make choices for you and don't worry about what everyone else thinks. (This one will always be a work in progress for me!)
I'm looking forward to my next 30 years!!
Thanks for sticking with me through this one! :) I am thankful for you all!
Cheers!
