22 blessings & 22 prayers for 22 years

Despite remembering my 16th birthday like it was yesterday, today I turned 22 years old. When I was little, I saw birthdays as a day to eat cake and get presents. Then, birthdays became a reason to throw the coolest birthday party and hang out with all my friends. And while presents, parties, and friends are all amazing perks of a birthday, now I love birthdays because it reminds me of everything I have to love about life. Thinking about how good God has been in my life, through all the ups and downs, my heart just bursts with joy, and I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for the life God has granted me and the people I get to share it with. This is a feeling I want to hold onto every single day, and one I hope to share with the people I love. So, with that, here are 22 things I'm grateful for and 22 prayers I have for my 22nd birthday.

22 things I'm grateful for (in no particular order ;) )

1. My parents - their support, steadfast love, and quiet strength

2. My sisters - for the chaos, honesty, and endless laughs

3. My family - my constant source of strength

4. My friends - who bring joy and connection

5. TCU - my home away from home

6. Texas - the greatest state

7. My health - a strong body and strong mind

8. Good food - because life's too short to not eat good food

9. Music - therapy, but catchier

10. My dog - pure joy on four legs

11. Our beautiful earth - the canvas of His creation

12. Those who serve our country and protect our freedom

13. My gifts and talents - what I get to grow and use to serve others

14. The ability to know God through his word

15. The ability to travel and explore the world

16. Obstacles I've faced and have overcome

17. Ability to serve others through philanthropy/volunteering

18. Teachers and mentors who have believed in me

19. Hobbies and the ability to learn new things

20. Jesus - steady, constant, and true

21. My culture - rooted in sacrifice and resilience

22. All the little joys in life that make the ordinary beautiful

22 prayers

1. For peace that goes beyond my anxiety and understanding

2. For strength to endure hard seasons

3. For wisdom in my decision-making and a mind of discernment

4. For a pure, obedient, and steadfast heart

5. For a daily passion and hunger to know God and His Word

6. For the courage to accept change

7. To develop the Fruits of the Spirit richly

8. To surrender my own understanding and invite His direction

9. To seek opportunities to serve in a world filled with opportunism

10. To see His face in everyone I meet

11. For attentiveness to the work of the Holy Spirit

12. For continued forgiveness of my sin and conviction

13. To love people the way Jesus loves us

14. To have boldness in my faith to live it out and share it with others

15. For the needs of my family and friends

16. For peace across our nation and all nations

17. For justice and protection of the vulnerable

18. For the strength and unity of all Christians across cultures, languages, and nations

19. For spiritual awakening and revival in our world

20. For the protection of life, marriage, and religious liberty

21. For the Catholic church and Pope Leo

22. For all the intentions I hold in my heart that I may not have the words for