Reframing my Birthday – VIDEO

Hey Guys!


Happy Monday!

I’m coming at’cha one year older and one year…weirder lol

Yup, Saturday was my birthday!

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Sooo, I decided to throw down a few thoughts on how I’m reframing my birthday.

And I know – two videos in a row…what IS this madness!?

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I have a written post all tee’d up for Thursday, just wanted to keep with the video theme for today. 🙂

Have a great day guys!

 

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288 responses to “Reframing my Birthday – VIDEO”

  3. Happy birthday for Saturday beautiful lady. Love your birthday wisdom and your video, just remember, the best years of your life are right now and all in front of you. Enjoy 🙂 xo

    Reply

  9. Happy Birthday! Last week I was confused because I didn’t find a link to a video. This week I used my awesome deductive reasoning skills and tapped on your picture. In case there’s more slow people like me you may want to add a click here sign, or some arrows or something. It’s awesome that you’ve been through so much and still recognize God has a plan for your life. We’re going to have to get you to South Georgia to share your testimony with our young ladies one day. Isn’t it funny how saying the right thing always feels so cheesy? I’ve said before the people we all quote are the people with the courage to say what we’re all thinking. I’m going to go see if I can watch last weeks video now that I’ve figured it out. Keep up the good work. God bless! Praying for you!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much! Oh gosh! Sorry for the mixup! Yeah-the picture is the hot link 😬 I’ll make that more clear next time. Oh my gosh I would absolutely LOVE to speak for young ladies. Seriously that is my dream. Enjoy the videos and thanks for your encouraging words! Big hugs xox

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  12. Aww, BBB!! My beautiful sister, I missed the first video. Been on a bit of a hiatus. I’ll have to go fetch your first appearance and give it a watch. Loved this video though, beloved <3

    Happy Belated Birthday, dear one!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much JT! Haha oh I hope you like it! I have to be honest, I spent a few hours editing a different video and tried to upload it at midnight last night only to find out that the files were “corrupted” and unusable! So I had to quick film this one before work this morning…so in complete transparency, im not 100% happy with the second video, but eeh-im not going for perfection! Lol anywho, thanks for watching and for being such a great friend! Sending big big hugs xox

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      • Aaahahaha! I love the transparency, but no worries–it was great! The outtakes were perfect too. You are just as I envisioned you to be and sound. I thank our Abba Father for connecting us–sisters in Christ for ever eva 🙂

        Its interesting timing to watch your video too, so soon after spending time with my cousin in Atlanta. You guys have a similar countenance.

        Donna is one of my favorite people in this whole world. I am blessed to have a cousin who is like a sister and best friend. AND. We are also sisters in Christ 🙂

        God bless you and sending you mondo hugs and love!!

  13. Not to steal everyone else’s comment but Happy Birthday! I hope it was great! You’re a natural with these YouTube videos, by the way.

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  15. I was looking for I Bible verse about God restoring lost time, I’m sorry I can’t find it, I’ll keep looking. But, I want to tell you that we learn from ALL experiences-good and bad/useful and wasteful; God uses ALL that we do for our good-simply because He loves us, He can, and He knows what’s best for us; Also, none of that was cheesy!; Also, Happy Birthday!! Oh, one more thing, I lost ten years-yep, completely wasted. I’m convinced that God gave those back to me. Don’t worry about those two years, He will use that time to grow you-in His way, and He will restore that time.

    Reply

  17. The line is long to get the chance to wish you a happy birthday, but I finally made it to you, Whew! Oh, now that I’m here, Happy Birthday!!! 🙂

    Your videos are great!! They bring to life so much more of you. They reveal the beauty of your heart in a more profound way, along with the wonderful lightness of your personality.

    Reply

  18. Happy Belated Birthday!!!
    Just remember, your past experiences have made you who you are today…awesome! Nothing cheesey about recognizing God. The Universe has a path for you to follow and you’re on it! 🙂

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  25. Happy belated birthday!!! I hope it was a great day. Thanks again for the video…if you weren’t a natural, you are becoming one rapidly! If this keeps up, you may not be writing too much more 🙂

    Take care, friend!

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  27. Happy belated birthday! Mine was on Sunday Aug 7 and I had mixed feelings about it. I mostly felt scared because this birthday reminded me that I am not getting any younger and I still have no idea on what I want to do. Your vlogs are awesome. They are so real and natural. Keep up the great work!!!

    Reply

    • Aw thank you so much Olivia! You’re so sweet! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY! we’re almost twinssss 😎 and I totally FEEL YOU about trying to have life figured out. One day at a time ❤️ Hugs and love xox

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  28. Look at your full face picture! ❤️ Happy Birthday to one kick butt girl! You inspire a lot of people. Hope your birthday was amazing! 🎂🎉🍰⭐️

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  29. Great post 🙂 It is fascinating to always hear stories about what one’s own birthday means to them and yours is no exception. We all feel a little nervous during birthday time because one realizes that they are getting older, but what really helps is to see getting older as a crowning achievement of your life as of now. Based on what you have written on this blog, you have come a long way and you have achieved significant things and in many ways, it prepares you for the next big thing while also calming you at the same time. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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  30. Caralyn:

    Happy birthday!

    Birthdays are an “anniversary” that for many people that comes with baggage.

    In my writing about grief and mourning (including the second Beatitude), I talk about “Gethsamane moments”. Matthew writes: “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt 26:39) In a G-moment, we have a choice–do we turn into our grief or do we turn to God? Our identities are shaped by the answers that we give to the many questions posed by the G-moments in our lives. The fifty-cent word for this process is sanctification. (read more at: http://wp.me/p3Xeut-Xg).

    Actually, I think that you figured this out for yourself–happy birthday!

    Stephen

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for this, Stephen. Wow what a powerful perspective. I appreciate you sharing it. So true-it’s how we respond. Thanks for this food for thought! Hugs and love xox

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  33. if i was to describe how it makes me feel to watch your videos even though i dont get to fully experience the emotion, i would say i feel like i want to envelop you with a breath of love and let you linger in the presence of god all the days of your beautiful life, and for you to be blessed and peaceful in all you do and be. im encouraged to be a part of your journey in some way, thank you for your wonderful expressions of love and openess of heart.

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    • Oh my gosh thank you so much! Wow, what a beautiful thing to say. You’ve definitely made me feel loved and blessed. Thank you for that Michael. Thanks for being part of the journey:) huge hugs xox

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  41. I’m very glad you are taking the tack of looking forward to see how God will continue to guide you long your path.

    All I could think through the first part of the video was that you don’t have to get those years back! If we are the sum of our experiences, your years in bed and anorexia made you who your are. There’s nothing to get back.

    Believe it or not, I look back on my bypass surgery a bit fondly. I was going so fast all of the time up till then, that the relief I felt at doing nothing but breathing and healing was a real surprise.

    Oh, it wasn’t easy, but it was…enlightening.

    As I’ve describe myself before, I’m a fat old white guy. Back then, I was so bulked I had trouble sitting next to people in airplanes. Now I’m XX pounds heavier, but airplanes are more comfy. The weight went from sideways to out the front!

    Would we be friends without your ED? Would you have so many friends through your blog without ED? Would you be such a help and inspiration to so many people without ED?

    I didn’t go through it, so forgive me for saying that I thank God for your ED! You’re a special young lady. You wouldn’t be without ED. There are no years to get back! Just years to thank God for, years to appreciate how He came to you.

    Hopefully, Julie and I can tell you in person before long.

    Reply

    • Hi Jeff! Wow thank you for this beautiful and powerful perspective. You’re so right-God really does work everything together for good–even ED. I thing you’re right. And another big thing that I am grateful for is how my relationship with God grew as a result of ED. It demolished my pride and made me learn to completely depend on Him. So those are two buggies I am grateful for too. Thank you for sharing that. Yeah it’s amazing what we learn from the healing process-way more than just physical, that’s for sure! Sending big hugs to you Jeff!

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  42. Happy Birthday! 😀
    I love this video. I think everyone should look at birthdays this way; as more of a reflection of growth in the person God intended you to be, and not just getting a year older again! 🙂
    Keep making awesome videos, Caralyn!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Larry! Aw:) you’re so kind–I know, I am so touched by the support and positivity on here! Gosh! I’m falling asleep smiling. 🙂 There is such a wonderful community on WP! Sending massive hugs xox

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  46. Happy belated. That was a great video with such a strong message, and very eloquently put. Do you think about what you want to say and begin drafting something off camera or is this all off the top of your head? Either way, great message, great delivery. Here’s to your next year.

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    • Thank you! Aw that is so kind of you to say! It’s off the top of my head! Haha I probably should do a little more planning lol 😂😂😂 but yeah, the on camera stuff, the blogs — they’re all first drafts! 😬 I just kinda roll with it. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. It means the world. Hugs and love xox

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  50. Happy birthday!

    I have a birthday coming up very soon too, and I needed this reminder… thank you. I know the feeling of having lost years that I’ll never get back, although for other reasons. This birthday in particular is a little difficult for me. But you’re right, I should focus on what God is doing rather than wish for something I’ll never get back.

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  51. Happy Birthday Caralyn! I hope you had an amazing one 😀 Thank you for your ‘birthday wisdom,’ and sharing to us that we should look at birthdays as being “one step closer to fulfilling God’s will” – you know, I’ve never looked at birthdays like that, but I just love what you pointed out there and it’s the truth! Looking forward to more videos (NYC adventures sounds pretty cool)! 🙂 <3

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    • Thank you so much! Aw:) yes! One step closer. And thanks for saying that! I really have a lot of fun making the videos so I’m glad you’re enjoying them! Hugs and love xox

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  52. I am glad to read that you’re one year weirder, it’s great to see you going for gold in that pursuit! Thanks so much for your great blogs they are a rich blessing and the weirder you get the greater the grace in your blogs long may that continue! Shalom.

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  53. Happy birthday Caralyn (hope spelling is right). You are awesome, honest, entertaining but most of all beautiful, inside and out with your love and trust in God. Wow!

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  56. Hello Carolyn, I know how birthdays can be quite daunting but just know that God has placed you exactly where you should be in His timeline. Hang in there, if God is quiet right now, it means it’s a test. God bless <3

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  60. Happy Belated B-Day somehow I missed this post I am so sorry. But maybe it wasn’t time for me to see it and now is the time. Don’t worry about other birthdays they were only numbers it is what you are doing now that counts. It seems to me that you are doing a lot. It is the right time to be doing these things too or you wouldn’t be doing them. God works in mysterious ways and I think it has found a wonderful way through you. So hang your head up high kiddo and don’t worry too much you seem to me at least that you’re doing what you are suppose to do or you wouldn’t be doing it and I know you’re loving it look at that SMILE on your face. God bless my dear. God is good. Kat

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  62. First let me say Happy Birthday (also singing The Beatle’s “You say it’s your birthday, well happy birthday to ya), I am not very good singer so I will spare you from a video of me screeching. I also wanted to say I love your “Reframing”. Everything you spoke was right on. Remember, you can’t do anything about the past, you can’t do anything about the future, but you can focus on today. Lay your worries at the feet of Christ and go about doing you work for our beloved boss who is a Jewish carpenter and our Lord & Savior. The most often answered prayer is, “Dear Lord use me today to fulfill the great commission”. & then hang on. Jesus will be and is the only man who walked this earth who will never let you down. Thanks for your message today.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Michael! Haha oh I love that song! I’m echoing with the guitar riff – dun dun nun nun nun nun nun nun! 😂😂😂 amen to that-Lay it at His feet. Thanks for this wonderful note. Hugs and love xox

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  64. What an honor it is to get a new day, let alone a new year. Aging is the sweetest gift God grants us. Well, most of us. And when you consider that *most of us*, it is certainly that much sweeter.

    Peace

    Reply

  65. You’re already doing it. God’s will, that is. Your honest, lively and radiant videos will no doubt resonate with many people who’ve gone through similar things.

    Looking forward to the streets of NYC! Bring it on! 🙂

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  69. Absolutely wonderful “reframing” of your birthday… Great and truth-filled perspective! And, of course, happy birthday with many, many blessings! 🙂

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  72. Hi Carolyn, Happy Birthday to you!
    You know you already are the person God wants you to be – you are saved, and redeemed and made whole, hidden with Christ in God. It’s like the paradox of the Gospel that you already are, and yet you are also becoming.
    Just look at the wonderful impact God is having through you because of those trials you experienced – all the people you are blessing (including me). He sure is a smart loving Dad!

    I pray for your this birthday and all year that you celebrate who you are and how far you’ve come as well as knowing those truths of where you are headed.

    You are such a beautiful, talented, courageous young woman and your words (whether spoken or written) always, ALWAYS inspire me, make me feel, and draw me closer to our Lord.

    Go have fun young one! xxx

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    • Aw thank you so much! wow, your words are so kind and you’ve touched my heart this afternoon. So thank you 🙂 and amen to that – God is good. hope you’re having a beautiful day! hugs and love xox

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  77. Its not cheesy! that was very beautifully put! I went through a similar revelation this year on my birthday if you would like to hear a short testimony about it (no pun intended, with the name and all.)

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      • Okay so little bit of a back story, having been in the marines for 4 years I had just looked at my birthday as, just another day, but that all changed
        last June, that was my birthday. I was on a mission trip spending time on a kayak alone with GOD, and there I was able to let go of a great many things and in that moment it dawned on me. Its not just another day, it was the day that the very same spirit that spoke creation into existence, looked at the earth and said they need one of me. In THAT moment I said its not just another day and im not just another man, I am his. (something you wrote, about identity that has always stuck with me, I really love how you put it.)

  78. Happy belated birthday, C. 😀 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on how birthdays connected you to your past and how you are moving to your future. To have a benchmark of such sorrow in the past offers one the wisdom to see every moment as an opportunity to experience the beauty of life in a meaningful way. You’ve done that. It shows in the sparkle of your eyes.

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  86. Whats incredible is that you answer so many many people and spread so much real Love. You are an explosion of Gods Love and a real encouragement to many many people.

    The world needs you.

    Stay strong in Jesus.

    Love from Terry from Simpletruth.

    Reply

  87. ” For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life…” Happy Birthday.

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  92. Belated happy birthday Vit B3! I wish you more years and better health as you continue inspiring others through your blog! Thanks for the like BTW…. You reading my post means you know and understand why I wasn’t able to greet on time. Haha.. 🙂

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  98. I don’t know how you felt making this, but you project serenity and contentment. Hoping that those virtues walk with you in the coming year, and all those to follow!

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  100. Happy Birthday!!! I’m a little bit late wishing you a happy birthday, but I hope that it was a joyful celebration! I loved your video. Thank you so much for sharing your genuine and touching contemplations. Even though you are still trying to find your way, to find what will ultimately be God’s plan for you in your life, you are definitely fulfilling God’s plans right now!!!! You are such a spot of hope and love, and a source of blessing for so many people. God IS using all of your grace already. I know that you will continue to do wonderful things, and that the rest of God’s plan for you is a good one! xoxoxo

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    • Thank you so much Lulu!! You’re so sweet 🙂 also – thank you for your email. You have such a beautiful heart. I look forward to writing you back properly this evening when I’m not running out the door to work! hugs to you friend xox

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  101. I know its late but happy birthday all the same….also you share my brother’s birthday! Happy Birthday, its been great knowing you through your blog.

    Reply

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