Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Post #334.

Must be sort of a magic number. I logged in to write a new entry and my post count this post is 334. Today is also my 34th birthday. Just thought that was a cool coincidence, no? =)
Busy, busy day at our house...Christmas parties at school and gift giving and hubby working, but still he took time to get me a couple of gifts~ including a couple from Starbucks.
I told him last night that he could be my guest blogger today and say something nice about me. Instead, he told me to write whatever I wanted and to sign his name to it. How's that for TRUST in our relationship! He's either really brave or really naive. =)
Another friend asked me to blog about 'Jody- the Early Years'...but that would be a bit frightening to some. Or to most of you. I'm really thankful to say that in 34 years I've evolved and grown and changed so much that many of my 'early years' friends wouldn't hardly recognize me- inside or out. That's a good thing.
So, for my Nitty.Gritty. birthday today, I invite some of you die-hard fans to do something nitty-grittyish. You know...go out and create some joy, or take a moment to hug and love someone in your life- maybe someone you wouldn't normally show much love to. Kiss your hubby when he walks in today (or when you walk in)...wearing a vintage apron and with the smell of dinner cooking. Ha! Or just something little, that means a lot- like throwing a couple of extra dollars into the change holder at McDonalds. That cash adds up across the nation and helps to create places like the Ronald McDonald house that Devon Kaat and his family just stayed at. Shoot up another heartfelt prayer for Jaymun when you drop your money into the slot.
Or, take a minute and search your heart. Ask yourself in the midst of this crazy, hectic month, 'what are you TRULY living for?' Is it to get more money to buy more stuff? Is it to be praised and promoted at your job? Is it the things you do to try to make others love you or your kids? Or is there a deeper purpose- one that seeks to do what you feel God has called you to do in this world. Maybe it's not the grandest life, maybe you don't even like where you're at or how you look or who you live with, but this is where you're at. Choose today to accept your place in this wolrd, and do what you can within yourself to bring glory to God in this place.
It makes me think of all the characters of the Christmas story (which I believe is true- through and through). I will share more of my thoughts on this topic in the next few days, but for now, imagine for a moment that God came to you (through and angel, or a shining star or any other way you can see/hear Him). How would you respond?
I would like to think that I would follow Him and do what He asks of me without question. I'd like to think that my heart would be open and willing. I know that He has already asked much of me in my life. But here I am turning 34 today. And for some strange reason, I have a feeling He's not through with me yet.
Okay. Enough deep thoughts for this birthday. I'm off to party at second grade again! The class is making gingerbread houses...how fitting that I should get in on that! Twice in one holiday season. =)

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope your Birthday is happy, Jody! You deserve it!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS EVER, JODY !

Jackie Carl
Marion, IN

Anonymous said...

Many blessings to you Jody! Have a very happy birthday and many, many more!

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful day (and a wonderful year to come, too!)! I am so happy you get to make gingerbread houses on your b-day. How fitting that you will be helping other kids create warm holiday memories on your special day. May life only create more joy for you in the years to come. Enjoy some buttercream or holiday goodies in honor of your special life today! I promise to do something in your honor today, too.

KatieButler said...

Happy Birthday, Jody! Sending wishes for all the best in the year to come!

M.E. said...

Hope you have a super birthday! Happy Birthday, from another 34 yr old! Happy Holidays to you and your family! I love checking out your blog!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jody!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jody!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

happy bday jody. here's hoping that your next 34 will be full of love and happy times.

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful birthday, Jody!

Nancy said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I hope it is a great one.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to one 34-year old to another! I hope you have a awesome day! I'm thinking of you and wishing you only the best!

Anonymous said...

Hiya Jody~
Happy Birthday again! I did something Nitty Grittyish today...I bought some scrapbooking supplies off QVC and watched Heidi Swapp! =) You're right, I should've watched out for that "scrapbooking bug" I think he bit me!
Hope you have had a great day!
Birthday wishes,
Tammy

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Of course He isn't thru with you yet, you silly girl! Can't remember where but somewhere in the Bible it says something to the effect that your mission is not complete until your time has been called. Even then I don't think it is up. Just look at how many times Teagan has touched others lives. Hope it has been a super great day!

mary h.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, chica! Miss you!

Christal said...

Hope that you are having a buttercream filled birthday! Happy Birthday Jody! Hugs! Christal

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jody
and a Merry Christmas too !

An

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy birthday, Jody! I hope you had a wonderful, joyous day.