30 at 30

Today I celebrate my 30th birthday!  How do I feel?  Grateful, thankful, and joyful for the blessed life that God has given to me.  When I look around, I want for nothing.  There is nothing I need, nothing that would make my life more full, except for a heart more in love with my Savior.

The first 30 things that popped into my mind that I am grateful for:
Jesse, who loves me "in sickness and in health"
JG
Ava
Adrian
our growing baby boy
quiet mornings when children crawl into my bed to cuddle
my Mom who continually sacrifices so much for us
my Dad who is a wonderful example of serving others with the gifts God has given you
my sisters that bless with their thoughtfulness and help
my extended family and the way we celebrate special times together and comfort each other in the difficult times
my friend Alice that always makes me laugh, no matter what the situation
my church
the gift of the Holy Spirit that keeps me wandering to far from Him
women's Bible study group... .women who know my good, bad, and ugly and still are my friends
the public library
neighborhood mom's club (strangers that have been blessing our family with meals)
cuddle time watching movies or playing games with the kids
listening to JG read chapter books to us before bed
Adrian's gift of random showers of kisses
Ava's curiousness of the world (especially bugs)
health (that I will one day get up from my couch and there are so many that will spend their lives this way)
air conditioning... no need to say more
laying in bed and talking with Jesse at night
feeling the baby kick (and watching the kids faces light up when they feel it)
photos that capture moments that I so quickly forget
friends sharing the truth around the world and their stories of how big He is
Keri's special friendship
vacations
freedom to worship Jesus openly without fear for safety
ICF student ministry that helps international students connect with Christ

When I see this list (and much is left unlisted), how can I feel anything but overwhelmed as each blessing is completely undeserved.  This is definitely a happy 30th birthday for me!

Oh--and if by chance, you find yourself feeling grumpy instead of grateful today, make your own list and I bet you'll see that you too are blessed beyond belief.

(Picture of me at 30... and of course I always dress up, put on jewelry, and wear make-up when on bed rest)