Birthday Glory| 24 Years Deep!

As my birthday slowly approached my heart was filled with so much excitement. I could not help but think that I've come such a long way. No one ever knows where the journey of life will take them. We just hope that as we unravel the layers of our life story that we are able to understand the hidden mysteries along the way. Like everyone else I've had some bad days, some happy days, some beautiful days and ugly days. I failed at more things than I've been successful at and although there are times I feel like I should be in my career by now, I'm at peace with where God wants me to be. Jeeez I can't believe I typed that out! I never even thought I would make it to this part in my life... EVER! But I'm here, alive. I've grown so much; I can actually look at myself in the mirror and see a beautiful black woman; one with dreams, goals and a crazy drive to inspire others. If I could go back four years, I would tell my 20 year old self that everything is going to be okay and to wait on God’s timing. My young saved soul had no clue what this walk would be about. I mean, 19 was the turning point but 20, 21 and 23 was the battle ground. I went to war with God, stopped going to my church, cried my eyes out, beat myself up over my sins and lost friends. But what did this all teach me? That you keep moving, you don't let the setbacks limit your growth. So here are some things I've learned and I’m thankful for: 

1. My relationship with Christ: Seriously, where would I be without my father in heaven. He sustains me time and time again. Ya’ll don't understand how many times I ran from him, disappointed him, and even almost denounced my faith ( yaaaaa I'm dramatic LOL). But his love knocks me off my feet LITERALLY. I'm so thankful that at 24 I can say I know Christ for myself. He made me his own despite my crazy ways and disobedience; he doesn't give up on me. True definition of ride or die!! Thank you Father; no words can describe the joy I have in you and the love I have for you Papa.
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. | Psalms 34:1|

2. MY FAMILY: My life line. My parents have had my back in everything, especially financially. From when I went away to school. I did not spend a dime on rent. And when I came back home and explained all my plans (something which was so hard for me to tell them), they loved me with open arms.  Every birthday my mother prays with us. It's like this tradition she has developed for me and my siblings. Her prayer for my birthday honestly left me speechless. I know that her committing my life in God’s hands and asking him to do all the things she desires for me will come to pass. My sister and my brother you guys are my heart. I love my blood!!!

3. My boyfriend: I don't talk much about my relationship on my blog. But man, ya’ll don't understand how good this man is. Seriously heaven sent. I used to cry for boys to just look at me and love me. I used to be caught up in the messiest relationships. But what I prayed for, God give me more than I expected in a man. I don't doubt that Nate will ever stop his commitment to me because his love for God shows me that I'm secure in his love. 

4. MY FRIENDS: WHEN I SAY I HAVE AMAZING FRIENDS NO ONE UNDERSTANDS!!! Man, God is so good. I have the most loyal friends a girl could ask for. I don't question one bit their actions towards me. They have shown unconditional love in every season that I've been through. Legit, from my booty popping days at the club (Haha) to changing over night and becoming a serious Christian. And currently walking with me in my growth. They stuck around to wipe my tears, laugh with me, and rock with me. My heart is overwhelmed with love for every single one of you. 

5. My Best friend MARILYNNNNN!!!!!!!: How can someone teach you how to pray. Listen to me ball my eyes out and teach me to be a better communicator??? How, tell me how, sway, tell me how ? THIS GIRL MAN I love you.

6. MY BLOG: WOOOOT WOOOT TURN UP, This blog has taught me so many things about myself. It has helped me become a better writer. It has taught me to be patient, consistent and focused. I remember just crying to God about why he wanted me start writing. I was mad and sad because the task at hand seemed so much bigger than me. But I'm now seeing the fruit of obedience slowly come into full effect. Thank you guys for the 10k plus views. I am honestly so, so thankful.

What I learned: 

7. TRAVEL WHILE YOU HAVE THE TIME: I'm far from being rich but honestly traveling to Jamaican last year really taught me that there is so much the world has to offer, things to see and people to meet. And while I'm still young I'm going to do my best to get my travel on at least once a year. That's a promise to myself !

8. Don't sweat the small stuff:  Seasons change. God always works it out.

9. No matter what you do someone will always see a fault in you: Jesus had haters and he was without sin soooooo.....

10. Drink lots of water: It will help your skin tremendously

11. Pray: Even when you don't want to do it because you always feel better every time you do.  You never regret spending time with God.

12. BE YOURSELF and LOVE YOURSELF: discovering myself was one of the hardest things for me. I found it through prayer and writing. I know I'm unique and beautiful.

Loving myself was quite difficult for me because I couldn't see past the exterior to see who I really was. The biggest challenge was knowing that my worth will never come from how people see me or their affirmation towards me but how God sees me.

13: FORGIVE: the most destructive thing you can do to yourself is hold on to the hurt. It will limit and distract you from where God is trying to take you. Let go and let God.

14. SAVE SAVE SAVE

15. Be a better communicator: Say how you feel but watch the words you use to say how you feel. Once those words are said you can't take them back.

16. God's plans for you is greater than your parents’ plans for you: For a long time I was stuck with my parents’ dreams and goals for me. I was afraid to disappoint them so I kept pursing their dreams for me, and each time I kept going after it I kept failing. When I decided to follow Gods purpose for me everything just started working out. 

17: Love is work: Love is beautiful. Everyone wants relationship goals. To have those relationship goals happen, you must be selfless and patient. Those things aren't always easy.

Everyday there’s something to be thankful for and many things to learn. I have gained more than what I have lost. God doesn't miss a thing. I’m so thankful that he's writing my life story!

NanaOhh.