I turned 34 today! I still feel like I did 12 years ago when Jimmy and I got married on my 22nd birthday—absolutely excited for the future and loving every moment of the present.

I certainly don’t have life figured out, but I’ve picked up a few things along the way. Some are lessons I’ve learned the hard way, some are silly musings, and others involve faith and motherhood. Here are 34 things I know at 34.

1. I know if someone is randomly on your mind, it’s a nudge from God to reach out to them. Send the text, make the call, write the letter. You won’t regret it.
2. I know it feels good to freely give true compliments. It costs nothing to give encouragement and joy.
3. I know I have met the most people—some of which have become incredibly special to me—through having a dog.
4.  I know the only food you should feel guilty about eating is food you stole.
5. I know homeschooling is more about relationships and learning to love learning than simply covering material.

6. I know generosity is the fastest way to feel joy.
7. I know we are born in our generations, places, and bodies for a reason. God doesn’t make mistakes.
8. I know God cares about obedience more than results. Obedience is success.
9. I know peanut butter is one of the best foods to exist.
10. I know it’s normal to feel all emotions—even negative ones—because God made them.
11. I know we may not always get to choose our circumstances, but we can choose our attitude.
12. I know your struggle is not your identity.
13. I know where God guides, He provides.
14. I know black cats are the best cats.

15. I know you should use the things you save: the candle, the nice perfume, the jewelry. It’s meant to be used and enjoyed!
16. I know Starbucks coffee is the best coffee.
17. I know I can set a clock by our cat. Every day at 3:15 pm, he is ready for dinner and and lets me know by (aggressively) rubbing against my legs until I feed him at 5:00 pm.
18. I know no amount of money you earn, grade point average, number on the scale, number of followers on social media, or even a person will make you happy. True joy is only found in God.
19. I know there is a parenting Murphy’s Law where when you sit down to a meal, one of your children will go #2 and need to be wiped.
20. I know God doesn’t waste our struggles.
21. I know that when you love what you have, you have everything you need.
22. I know you’re never too old to try something new.
23. I know the secrets we hide and feel ashamed of are what we most need to share. Our stories help others.
24. I know love is actually spelled T-I-M-E.
25. I know some of God’s greatest gifts come wrapped in disappointment.
26. I know fresh air and sunshine can solve more problems than we give them credit for.

27. I know children need present parents far more than they need perfect parents.
28. I know I’ll never stop learning.
29. I know God cares about our hearts more than our performance.
30. I know that growing older is a privilege, not a problem to be solved.
31. I know the Bible is the best book ever written.
32. I know asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
33. I know worth is fixed, not earned.
34. I know God’s timing is always perfect.

I know at 34 I have a lot to learn, and I’m grateful God isn’t finished with me yet. 💛

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you had known ten years ago?