I'm turning 30!

Wow!  The title alone, is crazy!  Yes, that is correct.  I am turning 30....tomorrow! Now, let me just rewind.  The last time I posted, it was October of 2011.  Can I just say "WOW" again.  A lot has happened since then.  Some really sad and tragic things, and more recently, amazing and wonderful things have happen.   (The details will come with later blogs)  

I've heard many express how upset they were when they turned 30.  My grandmother told me she just cried and cried.  Others have told me when they were in their 30's, it was the best time of their lives.  It might seem a little strange to some, but I am really happy and excited that I am turning 30.  I finally feel like an adult!  I feel like I have grown in maturity, wisdom and understanding.  I'd like to share some of that with you :)

My word for the year is Inspire, from the Latin "to breathe life into".  I have focused most of my life on what other people think of me.  I've let other peoples expectations for me run my life.  Who I am, what I should look like, how I should talk, who I should be or what I should stand for.  As I approach 30, a lot of that has melted away.  Of course, now and then, that beast comes roaring its ugly head...but that should NOT be our focus.  What matters in life is who you are, and what type of legacy you want to leave behind.  I want to be known as someone who Inspires others.  One that encourages others. I want to inspire people to be the absolute best version of themselves as they can be.  The "golden rule" has never rang so true, as it does now.  "Treat others the way you want to be treated."  I never wanted to be treated like I wasn't cool enough, rich enough, smart enough, funny enough, sarcastic enough, pretty enough, that my dreams in life weren't good enough.  But you know what?  It happened.  It happens every day to each and every one of us.  There is always that "negative nancy" that creeps into our lives.  That person who doesn't have enough to do in their own lives, that they feel the need to push their own faults and insecurities onto others.  The ones who love to stick it to you when you are happy, or especially when your down.  Sadly, sometimes its our closest friends and family.

I've learned that the only person you need to prove yourself to, is you!  I am a lover and follower of Christ.  If I know I am living to the standards He has set before me, then that's ALL that matters!  
Don't be a contributor to the evil in this world.  Anytime I had a bad attitude or I wasn't being very nice, my grandmother would always say, "Quit being ugly." She was right!   

Our children need to hear encouraging words from us.  Our friends need to hear how great they are.  Our husbands need respect and to hear "thank you" for the hard work they put into providing for their families.  Wives/mothers need to hear encouraging words for the patience and endurance it takes to raise children as stay at home moms and working moms.  Pastors need you to appreciate them, not to tell them "you sure went long today!" Employees need to know that they are appreciated.  Teachers need to hear that what they do is extravagant! We all need encouraging, we all need to be inspired. We all need love..... Be the love this world needs.

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Prov 16:24