24

 It’s midnight, March 13, 2024. I’m officially 24. 

I’m laying in my bed, in my new bedroom in my new home, gazing at my new baby (who JUST fell asleep) and the only thing that’s missing, is my husband. Let’s just pause for a second though because holy cow. I promised my mom, I swore up and down I wouldn’t get married until I was 23. I thought that Billy and I were too young to get married (I was 19) and yet here we are. God had other plans and when I listened, I wound up in a better plan than I ever could have planned. 

So here are a few things I’ve learned in the last 24 years: 

Jesus loves me, just because He does. 

Marry your best friend

Babies truly are the joy of life 

Buy the good paint, even though it costs more. What it will save you in time, is worth it. 

If you’re not sure about something, do your own research 

Nothing is really that hard. Somebody had to figure out how to do it, so why not me? 

The only person who notices your overgrown eyebrows, is you  

Never underestimate the power of a good lipstick and a little perfume 

Sometimes, less really IS more 

Organic blueberries actually do cost an arm and a leg 

My mom was right (about most things) 

A perfectly curated playlist is medicine to the soul 

Take care of your things, and someday they’ll take care of you 

Worrying about tomorrow will only make you cry today

Know how to change the oil in your car.

Let go of your pride and rely on a friend, it blesses you both 

Wearing pearls and an apron makes you a better cook  

Being the reason your baby smiles is worth all the exhaustion

Distance doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder, sometimes it shows you the cracks in your relationship 

It’s okay to be picky about the friends you allow into your life. 

If someone isn’t willing to find out if the rumors are true, they aren’t worth being friends with anyways 

Marriage has the potential to be the roots of a beautiful life, so choose wisely 

Not every house project can, or should, be a cheap DIY 

Beauty isn’t pain, it’s joy in your heart that your face can’t hide (and why would you want it to?) 

Music was better before 2005. 

Vanilla Ice is a one hit wonder but his one hit is worthy of being on my Spotify wrapped, yearly 

Laughing at yourself is a lot more fun than letting pride ruin everything 

Don’t trust people that say that not every day can be the best day ever. 

Laundry can be folded later. Snuggle your baby now 

Pride and dignity are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. Do not get them confused, pride will rob you of joy, dignity will save your face 

Maturity isn’t about age. Just because they are older doesn’t mean they are wiser 

 Kindness is like vanilla extract. Use it liberally and never measure, it will add great flavor to your life 

Working hard is much more fulfilling than being lazy 

Sometimes, you just have to laugh about it 

You can’t control what others think, no matter how hard you try 

Wisdom and discernment are two tools you NEED in your tool belt. 

Getting stung by a jellyfish is not that bad (but it’s still okay to cry a little) 

I do not become a comedian when I’m in intense pain (contrary to what I insisted was true) 

Eat cheesecake now, go for a walk later 

Most importantly I’ve learned that life is full of choices and we get to make our own. I’ve been abundantly blessed but it hasn’t been without its nearly crippling struggle, I’m just so thankful the Lord has surrounded me with the people He has. Jesus has been my most favorite choice, my marriage being my second. 

Happy birthday to me! 24 is going to be an incredible year. 24 karat magic is in the air!