Today I turn 30.
I’ve lived a great life so far. Sure, there have been challenges and really hard times, but there have been some incredibly high points as well. I honestly never gave much thought to turning 30; when I was a teenager the only thing that consumed my attention was what I was supposed to do the next day. My 20th birthday I honestly don’t really remember, and my 21st birthday was spent snoozing on the couch while a group of friends was watching Top Gun. It just always seemed like I would live in my 20s forever; not in a morbid way, but just because I’ve only ever focused on the short-term.
And now here I am, entering another decade with more love and more hope and more grace than I could ever have expected. Yet I feel a little unfulfilled.
It’s not because I don’t have enough blessings – Lord knows that I have exponentially more than I deserve. I feel so often as though I’ve just played it safe in regards to allowing myself to become the woman that the Lord has intended me to be, rather than taking a chance on His plans. Today I look ahead, for the first time, to the fullness of a decade ahead of me. There are so many things that could happen, so many chances to take, so many ways to love and bless and encourage and uplift and give all the glory to God. So many chances to change the safe little rhythms that I’ve created for myself and truly allow myself to blossom into a woman who is undoubtedly and BOLDLY on fire for Christ.
For 31 days in the month of October I’m going to blog about a bold choice that I’ve made (in addition to recipes) and how/why/what that choice was different than what I would normally do. I want a lack of fear to become a habit of my heart; I don’t want to allow myself to be defined by self-restriction in any area. I tend to play it safe in pretty much all areas of my life, and largely due to the fact that I don’t want to do anything to stand out. However, the Lord has not given me a spirit of fear, and while I don’t want all eyes on me and attention on Heather, I DO believe that I have been created for great things. It is not up to me to stand out on my terms, but in this world I can’t NOT stand out because of the way Jesus so boldly loved, lived and died before and FOR me. Us. Everyone.
I’ve made a list of 31 things and each day will either write or share a short video blog about it, and I hope more than anything that it helps create a bold heart not just in me, but in others as well. Some of the “dares” are simple and silly, but they all have a deeper meaning for me. So wish me luck, we start on Tuesday and I can’t wait/I’m a little scared 😉
Love you guys,
Heather
A QUICK NOTE: THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE CHALLENGE WILL BE POSTED ON DAY #3 DUE TO PREEXISTING COMMITMENTS TO SPONSORED POSTS.
This is a wonderful idea. As someone who is also entering my thirties this year, I feel awed by the possibilities to come and I want to embrace it in a bold way. Thanks for the inspiration!
1. I know I’m late, but happy birthday! I hope your boys spoiled you rotten. 🙂
2. Gorgeous photo. Yowza.
3 (but really #1 in importance?). AMEN to living with boldness!! God has been teaching me so clearly that I need to live a life characterized by courage rather than caution (though that has its place!)…praying for courage in my everyday life feels odd, but man does He provide it in spades, and bless us for our obedience to follow His BOLD leading. Love your idea for October, and you are not alone in your quest to live boldly!
Thanks girl! You are so sweet 🙂
I am looking forward to what you will write–as I do anyway.
Love this. You have inspired me. I think sometimes I take the easy solution on things, because the other option may be too hard. I’m going to try and make the right choice even if it’s the hardest. Thanks, Heather!
Happy 30th Birthday!!!
Happy Happy Birthday! I have to say that so far I love being in my 30’s (I’m 31). My 30th year was awesome and I have heard from friends that they far more enjoy being in their 30’s than their 20’s. Things seem calmer…
I love this! I turn 30 on the 7th. This is such a great idea might have to join you!
Happy birthday, sweet lady! I am SO looking forward to this series!
I love this. Maybe I need to join in on the challenge. Thanks for always being an encouragement. I hope you have a fabulous birthday!
Happy birthday! I’m hoping to blog each day in October too… we’ll see how that goes! haha
I’m going to be praying for you on this journey and following your posts daily to encourage both of us. Happy Birthday, sweet friend.
Great idea! And happy birthday!
What a cool idea! I’m excited to see how the month goes!! 🙂
i love this idea! what a great way to embrace 30! it’s good age. Happy birthday beautiful