chronicles of she

i turned 25 last weekend. twenty five! how did this happen? is what i've been wondering to myself this week. i've also been wondering about my life's progress and the things i've accomplished during my time on earth. i've been wondering about what is worthwhile and what is not. what is considered a meaningful use of time and what is not? to some, my life is only average. to others, i've accomplished many wonderful things. but i think where it counts is how i feel about my life, and just as important, how God feels about my life.

that i have consistently tried my best to do what He asks of me, i feel that God is proud of my life. that i have spent my life reaching out to Him to open the doorways of communication, i am proud of my life. additionally, i am proud that i graduated high school. i am proud of the friendships i've made and kept through the years. i'm proud of my commitment to college, as much of a thorn in my side that it's been. i'm proud that i spent a block of time dedicated night and day to sharing special truths with others. i'm proud of my marriage. i'm proud that i was prepared to meet jared when i did. i'm proud of the love and commitment we share and the future we will enjoy together. i'm proud of the people we are becoming. i'm proud of my heart's pursuits: beauty, truth, and love. i'm proud of my life, because i have lived the best life i could.

the photos are from my birthday. jared surprised me with tracy aviary annual passes, then we had brunch with my mom and julie, visited hogle zoo, saw ayley for a split second and received a birthday gift from her (the packaging alone was enough to make a girl swoon), visited the chocolate conspiracy where i enjoyed a delicious marshmallow and officially tried the best hot chocolate my tongue has ever tasted, and ended the night with a delicious dinner at caffe molise. spending the day with jared was enough already, everything else was cherries on top. it was one fantastic birthday.