#Thirtyoneisfun

Friday was my birthday, hence the title.
I have a wonderful group of friends, family, and volunteers in youth ministry. Friday night some sweet friends took me to a new favorite in Detroit. Saturday a friend from out of town visited and we tried the most adorable coffee shop in downtown Northville, and that evening had dinner+drinks with my brother and parental units.

After our Sunday evening leadership team meeting, the youth leaders and adult volunteers surprised me with cake, flowers, and dinner.

So basically my Weight Watcher points were toast. Up a little but worth every sip of that dee-lic gin tonic ;)
It has been quite the year: getting a divorce, moving in with my parents, starting annulment process, and moving into my own new home. Amidst the pain and worry, I am really, really excited for this coming year. 
I just have a fresh hope and anticipation God is doing something mighty in me, and trusting in that feels very secure. I am so excited and peaceful about where God has me.
Another blogger friend Bonnie did a list of things she wanted to do in her birthday year, and I thought  it would be fun to crank my own out list too. Here it is:

Thirty-One Things
1- Get a second tattoo
2 - Attend Onething 2016 Young Adult Conference with Sarah
3 - Read more books on Merton and Dorothy Day
4 - Run more half marathons
5 - Run a full marathon
6 - Read my Bible every day
7 - Smile more at strangers
8 - Read lots more books
9 - Do a silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky (where Thomas Merton lived & is buried)
10 - Celebrate my godson's First Holy Communion
11 - Write more letters
12 - Intentionally mentor several teens in youth ministry
13 - Get a third tattoo (maybe)
14 - More silence every day
15 - Weekly social media Sabbath
16 - Host a traditional Jewish Sabbath or Passover meal for friends 
17 - Host Christmas Dinner in my apartment for family
18 - Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each day during the hour of mercy (3pm)
19 - Read books & listen to podcasts of folks who see life and believe things different from me
20 - Ask for more of Holy Spirit each day
21 - Grow herbs in the spring on my balcony
22 - Give birthday cards to staff members
23 - Drink more lattes + find new coffee shops
24 - Eat at Ethiopian restaurant
25 - Buy espresso machine
26 - Go on family vacation to Mackinaw Island
27 - Plan mission trip for youth ministry
28 - More silence in the car
29 - Vacuum once a week
30 - Learn more about essential oils
31 - Be radically available to Holy Spirit...still praying on what that means ;)