On Sunday, I turned 24. Which means I'm now 5 days into my 25th year of life. (It's confusing I know, but think about it… You get it?… Yup ok.) And in these 5 days I've been thinking about everything I want 24 to be.

I want 24 to be about H E A L I N G. About addressing my hurts and habits and pains and idols. About moving from them in hope and resurrection. In freedom. About accepting the grace He's already granted me in them and “standing fast in the liberty by which Christ has made me free.” Galatians 5:1

I want 24 to be about J O Y. Not happiness, but joy. Learning where to find it, how to cling to it, and how to let it lead me. Being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:2

I want 24 to be about R E S T. Not just sleeping in on the weekends or only working out 4 days a week. But truly learning how to rest and care for myself. How to refresh and refuel and refill myself so I can give and give and give without fading. About finding the things that bring me peace, the things give life back to my bones and provide “rest for my soul.” Matthew 11:29

I want 24 to be about D R E A M S. Not just dreaming about them or speaking them out loud, but truly stepping out in boldness to chase them. Not letting fear of failure or desires of comfort hold me back, but truly discerning the convictions He puts on my heart and using the gifts He's given me to make things happen in His name. Being bold, praying big prayers, and trusting God to provide before I see Him do it. About “delighting myself in the Lord” because I know He gives the desires of my heart. Psalm 37:4

I want 24 to read like a testimony of His goodness and my faithfulness. I want 24 to be about becoming more of the woman God made me to be.

And more than anything, I want 24 to be about actually following through. About truly putting this to action. I'm a list maker and a box checker, so naturally, I made a to-do list. Because intentions without actions only take you so far. So in very simple ways, I think these 25 things will help me get there. Some easier than others, some entirely unrelated, but all attainable, measurable, and life-giving.

1. Arrange a bouquet of flowers.
2. Go to the drive-in movies.
3. Forgive someone who's hurt me.
4. Read Mere Christianity.
5. Swim in the ocean.
6. Pay for the person behind me at a drive-thru.
7. Go paddle boarding.
8. Read Desiring God.
9. Call my grandparents.
10. Have friends over for a game night.
11. Read the New Testament.
12. Talk to a homeless person.
13. Take a risk.
14. Get a massage.
15. Have a picnic.
16. Go for a bike ride on the Trinity.
17. Read A Hunger for God.
18. Tell a stranger about Jesus.
19. Finally nail a headstand.
20. Write my parents a thank you letter.
21. Watch the stars.
22. Hike and swim at Hamilton Pool.
23. Write a blog post of my testimony.
24. Teach a nutrition class.
25. Go talk to people at a nursing home.

Here's to hoping I celebrate my 25th birthday with 25 boxes checked! Because a year packed with these things will be a year well lived.

xoxo, mollie