Hey Guys!
I’m coming at’cha one year older and one year…weirder lol
Yup, Saturday was my birthday!

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!?

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!


Happy Birthday….Mine was on Sunday. Just more proof that great people have August Birthdays. 😉
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Thanks! Haha I totally agree! HBD! Hugs and love xox
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🙂 thanks.
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🎉🎉❤️❤️
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Happy birthday!!! 😘💮🌹🌺🍩🎂🍰🍹
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Aw thank you Pete! 🎉 I appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
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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
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Thank you Miriam! Aw that is such a beautiful thought. Thanks for sharing that. Yes, I had a lovely weekend with friends. Thanks for watching! Xox
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My pleasure. Enjoy the rest of your week. xo 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️you too!
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Happy birthday!!!
Love reading your posts; they’re inspiring and help me with my own struggles.
Keep on posting!! 😉
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Thank you so much!! Aw yay! That seriously makes my heart so happy that you enjoy my posts! Hugs and love xox
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Happy Birthday I hope it was spectacular! Mines the 22 of this month … Lots of August babies! 💵🎁🎉
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Thank you so much! It was!! Oh awesome 🎉 happy early birthday! ❤️
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😆👌✌👏👊
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❤️🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
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Happy birthday beautiful girl!!
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Aw thank you Tatiana! ☺️☺️☺️ you’re so sweet! Big hugs Xoxox
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Happy Birthday! Wishing you many more years of happiness and love.
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Thank you Marques 🙂 That’s so kind. much appreciated xoxo
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This is truly wonderful !! Happy Birthday Month ! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
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Thank you so much:) haha birthday month–I like that!!! 🎉🎉🎉 sending massive hugs xox
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🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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😎❤️👍
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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!
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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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Happy Birthday, to one of the most awesome and inspiring women I’ve ever known (even if “knowing” is only through reading your blog), who I am proud to call a sister in Christ.
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Thank you so much David! Haha aw that really means a lot. Grateful for your friendship! God is good! Hugs and love xox
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Happy Birthday
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Thanks friend! I appreciate it:) big hugs to you xox
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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 ❤
Happy Belated Birthday, dear one!!
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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!!
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Haha aw😍 thanks again. I agree!! Sisters! 👯👯👯👯
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Woot!
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🎉🙌❤️
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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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Haha thanks Paul! You’re so kind to say that. Glad you like them. Big hugs xox
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Awesomeness! Happy Birthday Carolyn! Yes, keep looking forward! I love the idea of reframing.
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Thank u so much! ☺️☺️☺️ yes yes! Let’s go forward! Hugs and love xox
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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.
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Thanks so much for this. Amen to that- He uses is ALL. I’m so glad you got those years back. God is good. And He is already blessing me everyday. Hugs and love xox
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Found it! Please check out this link, I just happened to find. You’ll likely want to read all, but if you scroll down they write specifically about lost years: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/god-can-restor-your-lost-years
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Thank you so much for passing this along. I truly can’t wait to read it! Hugs and love xox
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Happy Belated Birthday!
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Thanks so much TrE! Woo! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
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No problem! You’re most welcome!
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❤️❤️❤️
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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.
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Haha aw thank you Matthew:) I can’t tell you how much that means. Thank you for watching and for your wonderful notes 🙂 grateful for you! Hugs and love xox
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I’m very grateful for you! A true blessing you are for so many. Hugs and love back to you. 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️
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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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Thank you so much Stephanie! You’re so sweet:) amen to that! Hugs and love xox
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Belated happy birthday!
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Thanks Jenn! Big hugs to you xoxo
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The final product looks amazing! It was definitely worth the wait 👍🏽
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Thanks friend 🙂 You’re so kind! thanks for watching! big hugs to you xox
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You’re welcome! I try 😁
Anytime! Huge hugs to you 😉
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❤️❤️❤️
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😘😍
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Goodness gracious! You have some great followers. Happy Birthday, BWB
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Thank you so much Steven! I know! I am so incredible grateful for the friendships and wonderful community on here 🙂 big hugs to you xox
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Same back to you, BBB
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❤️❤️❤️
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A wonderful happy belated birthday greetings to you. Xo.
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Thanks Mary! You’re so sweet:) sending love and hugs xox
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Have a very happy and beautiful birthday!!!
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Thanks Jacob! That’s so kind of you! Have a great night! Hugs and love xox
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Right back at you! 🙂
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❤️👍❤️👍❤️
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Happy birthday
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Thanks Robert! Have a great night! Hugs and love xox
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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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Thank you so much T! Oh it was such a great day:) haha seriously you have no much how much that just made me smile. You are kind T! Hugs and love xox
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The pleasure is all mine, Caralyn! ☺️
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❤️❤️❤️
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Happy birthday!! ❤️❤️❤️🎂🎂🎉🎉🎉
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Thank you so much Elizabeth! Loving those emojis! Hugs and love xox
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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!!!
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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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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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Haha thank you so much Jessica! You’re so sweet:) thanks for saying that. Big big hugs xox
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I haven’t seen the video yet. Hope to soon. 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️👍
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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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Thank you so much John! That’s such a great way to look at it! Thanks for reading and for this perspective! Hugs and love xox
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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
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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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P.S. I almost forgot Happy Birthday 🙂
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Haha and thanks!!
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I’m an August birthday, too. It think we’re all entering an awesome year ahead. 🙂
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Yay for August birthdays! Happy birthday friend! Yes! Hugs and love xox
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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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Happy Belated birthday.. You’re awesome
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Thank you so much Pat! Aww thats so kind of you to say! Big hugs xox
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Happy Birthday!
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Thank you Tikeetha! Hugs and love xox
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You are the woman wants you to be… Think in the moment.. The years 17-19 was then, this is now:) peace
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Thank you so much for saying that. I agree. This is now 🙌 thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox
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Now is what matters.. Wasted years… Spilled milk my friend… No use.. I can’t even remember my 20’s and 30’s…
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haha that’s such great advice. thanks again!
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You.are.an.angel! Happy late birthday!!
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Aw thank your Matthew! Thanks for making me smile! Hugs and love xox
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Psh, what can I say? Iz what I do! 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️
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Happy Birthday a few days late! 🌻
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Thanks so much!! Big hugs! Xox
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Hope you had a lovely birthday 🎂🍸 xx
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Aw thank you Lisa! I definitely did! Hugs and love xox
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Happy belated birthday.
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Thanks so much Kumar! Hugs and love xox
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You’re welcome. 😊
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❤️❤️❤️
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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.
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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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And back to you. Sleep well.
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❤️❤️❤️
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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!
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Thank you so much! Aw you’re so sweet:) yes-God is at work, so we should celebrate that! Thanks for watching! Sending massive hugs xox
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I actually haven’t had a Birthday in 10 years as my sister said I do not have one because her invitro twins took it from me.
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Aw, well then happy birthday times 10!! You deserve to be celebrated my friend! 🎉❤️🎉🎉❤️🎉❤️
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Happy Birthday Caralyn! I agree with many of the positive, supportive comments that others have posted. I couldn’t say it better. – Larry
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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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Happy birthday, love. Celebrating the day your precious presence came into this world. Take good care of yourself. ❤ Good on you for doing another video.
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Thank you friend:) you just made me smile:) sending big hugs xox
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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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Happy Birthday lady! Thanks for sharing your video!
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Thanks Dino!! 🙂 So glad you stopped by this evening! hugs to you xox
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Happy Birthday dear….. August babies rock!! Mine is next week. Love the way you’ve put it…. getting closer to what God wants us to be…
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Thanks Cynthia! Yay! Happy early birthday to you!! Thanks for watching😘 sending big hugs xox
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Happy Birthday!!
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Thank you Therese! Big hugs to you! Xox
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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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Thank you so much! Happy early birthday to you! You’re right-we’ve gotta keep looking forward. Hugs and love xox
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