20 years living in this beautiful world, 20 (and many, many more) things to be thankful for and absolutely in love with...
1. A savior who loves me extravagantly, who sees me and knows me. Nothing is too big or too small, and His beauty astounds me day by day.
2. My parents, who are the two most wonderful people on the planet. They love wholeheartedly, they seek wisdom, they offer grace, and they keep their hearts young. They have given me tenfold of what I have needed.
3. The rest of my family- blood or bond. I am surrounded by genuine support and endless joy. We are large in number and larger in love.
4. Justin- My best friend since I was 13. The person who knows everything about me and still wants to hang around ☺️ he makes me laugh like no one else, and he conquers life admirably.
5. Madi- My person. My 3am phone call, my 80's glam band mate, my personal cheerleader, and someone I can always find in my corner. So thankful for her infectious smile and her adventurous spirit.
6. Baylor University, the place that has become my beautiful, wonderful home. This college and the people who brought me here hold an irreplaceable spot in my heart. I am continually amazed that I have the opportunity to be here. I am challenged, stretched, and nourished here.
7. "Sextuplets"- the six people who make staying up all night worth it. 😂 Calleigh, Joi, Kristyn, Heather, Brentyn, and Justin have given me a family at college. My life is weird and joyful because of them, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
8. Kat- meeting your roommate on move in day is scary. Living with strangers is hard. Kat has become such a wonderful friend to laugh with, be encouraged by, and vent with. She is such a blessing, and I'm so happy that we ended up living together!
9. Sunsets- One of my most favorite things about this world. The beauty of a sky painted vibrant, luminous colors takes my breath away.
10. Mountains- I could spend my life hiking trails alongside streams, cliffs, and waterfalls, surrounded by snow-capped or lush green peaks. There is restorative tranquility in these places.
11. Kids/babies- Jesus calls us to live our lives with the faith and joy that precious little ones possess. I am so excited to spend my life loving these sweet, tiny humans.
12. Music- one of the biggest parts of my life. Whether I need to sing, dance, cry, laugh, rest, or be wild, there is music for that.
13. Puppies- because, come on, who doesn't absolutely adore them.
14. Privileges- I have always had what I have needed. Never have I been left behind or forgotten. There are so many people in this world who are treated horribly, so many lives I could have easily lived. I am unfathomably humbled to be on the end that has the means to cherish, protect, and care for these people.
15. Words- they're kind of my thing. ☺️ from languages to poetry, we are beautifully connected by words.
16. Pathways UMC- this little country church has awakened something in my family that had previously been hushed. I find so much joy in sitting among my parents, sibling, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents while we worship and learn together.
17. Technology- being 500 miles from home is hard. Thankfully, I can hear voices, see faces, and send messages instantly to my loved ones back home.
18. Failure- I can be a sore loser and I struggle with chasing perfection. There is no wisdom in that, though, and I am thankful to be learning that failure can do just as much good in my life as success.
19. Christmas!!!!!! My absolute favorite time of the year. I shamelessly begin obsessing around October. There is pure magic in everyone coming home, being unified, blessing others, and celebrating redemption. I adore it.
20. Grace/forgiveness/mercy- how thankful I am that each day is a new one. I am thankful for today, a new age to grow and learn and love. A new year, soon, to experience life. I am amazed at these three things that are freely given to me each and every moment of the day.
Here's to 20, and all of the big plans and small moments that will make it spectacular. 💕
-Thanks for reading! You can continue to follow my journey here. Prayers are always appreciated. Feel free to send me a prayer or some encouragement, too! Kelsey_Phipps@baylor.edu
"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Christ Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes." -Philippians 4:19-20
