Happy Birthday to Me.

Well, it's here. I am officially entering a palindrome birthday year, it's not as young as 22 or as old as 44 but somewhere in the middle :)

I wasn't sure how I would feel as I navigated through my 30's. Seeing the number climbing with each birthday brought fear in my 20's. But the fear was because the big 3-0 was looming. Once that milestone was passed, the fear dissolved. It wasn't so bad after all. In fact the freedom that come with feeling content with who I was and confident about what I looked like, unafraid to be myself was such a surprise. I am not sure how that happened, but something about entering my third decade gave me a shot of feeling free to be me - and with each passing 30's year, that same sense of loving who I am just increases. Life feels fuller, grander and more beautiful.

In light of fertility issues, a number above 35 brings some element of fear in regards to my elderly, ever decreasing eggs and the increased chances of certain syndromes and birth complications but that panic feeling has not yet reared it's head with this birthday. I believe that growing our family is in God's hands, and I am seeing how He is gently loosening the grip I have on controlling this area of my life. With every finger of my clenched fist he peels open, I feel a fresh wave of relief and expectant anticipation. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I am feeling truly spoiled, and celebrated today. Birthday wishes from friends and family on Facebook and via email, a pile of packages and cards to unwrap that have arrived in the mail, plans with friends filling my evenings, and a gift that came in a little blue box from my hubby as well as a cup of tea in bed this morning! I love Birthdays!!

In other news, I wanted to thank you all for your generosity in chipping in to reach the goal of $5000 for the orphans in the New Day foster homes in China. As of this morning there was only about $200 to reach to goal!! So exciting! The fundraiser ends tomorrow so you still have time to contribute if you wish. (scroll to the post below this for the link)

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans...in their distress..." James 1.27