What Is 39?

Roughly...

1,230,768,000 seconds

20,512,800 minutes

341,880 hours

14,245 days

2,035 weeks

468 months

39 years

It's childhood friends, swim lessons, softball games, roller skating parties, school picnics, summer camps, puberty, junior high, high school, youth conventions, colorguard, spiritual experiences, learning to drive, first car accidents, dances, vacations, boyfriends, break-ups, graduation, college, marriage, kids, growing up, finding a purpose, fulfilling a purpose, becoming comfortable in my own skin, knowing who I am, having my own teenagers, one of my teenagers learning to drive...

Friends, it's my birthday and I am not afraid or ashamed to say it!

39 years

The only birthday I ever struggled with was 25. I won't get into why but it's true. 30 didn't bother me...I had too much going on for it to be what took me out! 39 isn't bothering me either. I can look back, specifically on the last 4 years of my life, and see how God has done a work in my heart and mind that I can finally rest in who I am because I am His. As a quote from one of my favorite books puts it,

"I have a decided heart. I am passionate about my vision for the future. I will awaken every morning with an excitement about the new day and its opportunity for growth and change.

I am passionate about my vision for the future. My course has been charted. My destiny is assured."

For maybe the first time in a LONG time, I have so much peace about where I am and where I am going. I love my family and my family loves me. I have amazing friends who I can't imagine life without. I know that God has placed me where I am for such a time as this and I am excited about what He's doing and how it will all play out.

I am still learning and I pray that never stops. I want to always pursue...pursue God, pursue His heart, pursue the calling He has placed on my life in new ways, never settling for status quo or mediocrity. I want to lead well, love big and live brave. My heart is to encourage and build others up in faith and in the confidence that comes with being a child of God.

I want to make impact in the world around me that points right to Jesus. I want my life to count. I want to shine a light on injustice like human trafficking. I want people to know that we can end the suffering of millions! Actually, I celebrated my birthday doing something for this. I am committed to fighting the fight against modern slavery in the ways that I can right where I am. I have created a way for people to join the fight. You can learn about how giving to Project Rescue for my birthday is a way for you to do that! The other little thing I did is a bit more permanent...it is a way that I pray will draw people to ask me about it.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Proverbs 31:8

I have written about ways to learn and engage in the fight against Human Trafficking before. You can read that post here. But my birthday is one more opportunity I am taking to say that I am #inittoendit. It would be the BEST birthday gift if you would join me in the fight.

I guess what I am trying to say is that 39 doesn't look so bad. 39 looks to be a great year. 39 is a game changer. 39 is exciting! 39 is braver and stronger than the other 38. Go ahead, 39. Go ahead.