22 Years!

Today is my birthday! As of 4:01pm, I am 22 years old! I really can't believe that I'm 22. I am so blessed! As I reflect on my life so far, I'm amazed at God's plan and can see how He's carried me through it all. I've been able to do so much in my 22 years.

Here are some of my first pictures!

Just born

I love the way I'm looking at my mom

My dad and I smiling at each other.

I love this! 

Holding my baby brother, Landon, when he was born! I was 5 when he was born and was so proud. I still am so proud of him!

Awww

I've done a lot in my 22 years! I've been to Europe 3 times, South America 3 times, and Mexico once, all for mission trips. I've traveled across the US multiple times. I did community and school musicals throughout elementary and middle school. I've won different awards throughout my life. I've also been really sick since I was 13. But none of this is really what my life is all about. 

"I am a child of God and there is nothing I can do to keep God from loving me. I exist for a purpose, to glorify God in EVERYTHING I do. In the way I talk, in the way I relate, in the way I act, in the way I love. This life will be hard but THAT'S OKAY because I have Jesus to lead me, the word of God to guide me, the church to support me, and one day, Jesus is coming back to take me home so I can BE WITH HIM FOREVER" 

That's what my life is about. That's what matters. I've been able to do so much in my life so far. I've also had so much taken away with my illness. But what matters is my life IN Christ. Even when things seem to not be going well, I can live life to the fullest in HIM. My circumstances don't change my identity in Christ. I've gotten to live 22 incredible, happy, joyful years because of God! Without God, the past 8 years would have been the worst 8 years of my life because of my illness. I still cannot drive for 6 months because of my seizures. But because of Christ, these are not the worst 8 years of my life! I can see the beauty from ashes! I can see the rainbow at the end of the storm! God is so good and I'm so thankful to have Him carrying me, just like He promises!

'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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' Jeremiah 29:11-14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
your works are wonderful, 
I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

"All the days ordained for me 
were written in your book 
before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" Ephesians 2:10

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

To end I'll share my favorite verse. Please keep praying for me as I fight to get my health back! I'm so blessed by your prayers and encouragement. I WILL get better one day and won't ever give up!!!!!!