A Thankful Birthday

Today, I'm doing it a bit different today.  And because this is my blog and my birthday (sounding selfish, aren't I?) I can do that.

I am 27 years old today, and Josh commented to me this morning that I haven't been as excited about my birthday as I usually am.  We joke that I have, over the past few years, started by having a birthDAY, then it turned into a birthWEEK, and it has officially now become a birthMONTH.  I justify this by the fact that since my birthday is in the summer, I didn't get as much attention on it as others who are born during the school year during my childhood; so, we are making up for it for the rest of my life.  So, I'm not sure why I haven't been as excited about it this year.  I think mostly because all my plans seem to be made last minute, so I don't have things to look forward to until a couple days before.  But I don't like this change, for whatever reason.  I want to continue to celebrate and be joyful, even if I'm the only one who really cares about my birthday.  And let's be honest.  I am.

So, to commemorate my birthday, I want to thank God for some specific things in my life over these past 27 years.

I'M THANKFUL FOR... (in life order):
Jesus. I thank you for loving me more than I will ever know and for choosing to die for me in the midst of my sinful state and teaching me how to be like you...words cannot describe;

being born to Scott and Susie McCracken, who established the foundation of my faith from the first day I was alive through their examples and love for Christ;

my lovely aunts on my dad's side of the family, who have given us an example of sisterly love and how to be down-right silly;

my mom's siblings and their spouses, who, now that I am an adult, have thankfully gotten to know even better in recent years and I wish we all lived closer -- they keep my mama close to my heart;

Max Newlin, my first neighbor, who let me work in his wood shop with him and eat peanuts;

for all of the Sunday School teachers I had as a child who faithfully taught me the basics.  Thank you, Jess Elliott, Nellie May, Ray Harden, Nyle Kardatzke, George Stisher, and many others;

George Stisher, my 6th grade Sunday School teacher who "anonymously"  bought me the second half of the horse I was saving for...mom told me years later, and I'm so glad she did.  Thank you, George;

for the Student Venture staff who allowed me to follow them around as a little girl and later taught me what it means to live for Christ.  They always made me feel special.  Thank you Dawn, Deanna, Ken and Kae, John and Jeanne, Vicky, Brian and Erin, and many others.  You are priceless to me!;

for the leaders in my church youth group as a teenager who faithfully showed up every week to love on us and tease us.  Knowing I'd see you kept me coming to church.  Thank you to you all, there are way too many to count, but especially Allen Knisley and Charlie Campbell;

for my whole church family at Church at the Crossing, many whom I have known for the past 22 years.  What a pleasure it is to serve and worship beside you year after year.  Each of you brings something important to our church, and I have learned so much from you;

for my mentors, Kim Tabor and Monika Nyby, who sacrificially give their time to answer my many questions about life and who teach me powerfully through their incredible examples;

for Kara Palmer, Gretchen Livingston, Julia Smith, and all the other Bible study girls who allow me to speak into their lives what I have learned in my life and to encourage them as they grow.  I am so proud of all of you and the women you are;

my sisters, Haley, Marylou, and Ellie, who have grown up with me, fought and loved with me, celebrated and mourned with me, and serve the Lord with me. They are my best friends, and some of the best blessings God has given me in these 27 years;

my closest girl friends, some life-long and some more recent friendships.  What a gift it is to have people with whom I can live honestly -- the good and the bad.  I love our laughter, deep talks, silly moments, and just living life together;

and Josh.  My teammate, best friend, encourager, challenger, supporter, best audience ('cuz he thinks I'm really funny), example, and the love of my life...you are my greatest gift.  I love all of you and who you are;



Hmmm....I really thought I would list some people and then some "things".  But at this point, things pale in comparison to this list.  If you're reading this blog, I would include you in this list if I had the time to write each name specifically.  I'm sure that you have taught me something, maybe big or small, but important for sure.  Truly, people are our greatest gifts.  I feel that today, and wow, have I been blessed by you.

Have a great day, everyone!  Thank you for being a blessing in my life over these 27 years. :)