@45

3.20.2013

today is my birthday.
i am taking inventory today.
my life is most days controlled chaos.
well...except for the controlled part.
but i think i am getting use to it!

insta celebrations font by RhonnaDesigns
 today i woke to a mental list of what my life has been...
what it is...
and what it is still to be.
45 things in all.

photo by maggie massey


this is in no way all inclusive.
however, inwardly thoughtful.

she is 45
she was born to young parents who are married and committed to one another today.
she was born in a tumultuous era of the country and globe in 1968. times have not changed much.
she has one sister. friends today.
she puts her trust in the LORD daily.
she grew up quiet, reserved and introverted.
she strengthens her strengths everyday.
she met her husband in high school.
this is her 24th year of marriage.
she is served coffee in bed every morning by him.
she has been pregnant seven times.
she has given birth five times to amazing bodies and souls.
they call her mama.
she is currently mother to a 17 year old as well as a 2 year old.
she will this year be mom to a senior in high school as well as a freshman. a middle schooler. one in elementary and a preschooler.
they make her laugh everyday.
she is presently potty training her last.
her days are full of training these souls academically, socially and spiritually.
her life was changed by two books: The Bible years ago and daily. More recently by 1000 Gifts {Ann Voskamp}.
she lists her gifts daily.
she reads truth daily.
she has two life long friends. these friends hold her heart in their hands.
she loves to make them laugh.
she has been to Paris. once.
she has a palatable taste for travel.
she is more dedicated to her faith and prayer than she has ever been.
she falls everyday.
she gets back up again. everyday.
she is an idealist.
she has more hopes and dreams than ever.
she wonders when she will ever grow up.
she creates daily.
she continues to look for her best.
she has volunteered her whole life.
she volunteers her time currently to middle schoolers.
she has friends all over the world.
she thinks starbucks is the best invention of her time.
she loves her country and believes it is still the best hope.
loves an honest political conversation.
her favorite movie is still Philadelphia Story.
she decides daily to enjoy more and endure less.
she knows happiness is a serious problem.
she knows everything will be alright in the end. if it is not alright, then it is not the end.
she is immensely blessed and loved.
if she lives as long as her paternal grandmother, she is half way there.

Scripture tells us to number our days. to renew daily.
i think a birthday is great time to number our years and renew our hearts for what is yet to be.

thank you for letting me share.

10 comments:

  1. This is Beautifully Honest, thanks for Sharing . . . HAPPY Birtheay <3

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  2. Happy Birthday, Jamie! Love your beautifully composed list... wishing I could express myself like you and Ann Voskamp do (I have read 1000 Gifts and leading the DVD study now... it is indeed life-changing.) I am thankful for "online friends" who can inspire and bless us! May you have at least 45 more years on this earth, and may you live each day filled with gratitude and joy!

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  3. Your post is an inspiration. You are one of the most beautiful women I know.

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  4. First of all, I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday! Second of all, I've never met you in person, but I feel like we would be great friends :) And third, you are so amazing and a true inspiration to me and to many others as well! Thank you for sharing and I hope you have the best day. xoxo

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  5. Beautifully written. Happy Birthday!

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  6. beautiful post by a beautiful soul... happy birthday!

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  7. FANTASTIC! hope you had a wonderful bday and many many more! aloha

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  8. hey JAMIE, happy birthday! Thanks for your words, your creations, your pictures! I love your blog so much!

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  9. how did I miss this??? Jamie...you are, without question, one of the most beautiful and talented women I've ever met. I adore you...and your list is inspiring and wonderful...thank you so much for sharing it with us...

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