Lifestyle

Thankful Thursday- Love!

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“Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.” -Anonymous

Well, it’s official! I’m 21! Yesterday I celebrated my 21st birthday! I realize that 21 isn’t actually that old, but it seems like just yesterday I was turning 18! That, and the fact that I look like I’m only 17, it makes me feel much younger than an official ‘adult’. I’ve learned a lot these past few years. I’ve learned what a healthy lifestyle is and what it isn’t. I’ve learned that life is never perfect… and it doesn’t have to be. But a positive attitude always helps. I’ve learned that the best life is a balanced one–one that is filled with joy and a grateful heart. 

My supahhh healthy birthday dinner!

My supahhh healthy birthday dinner!

I’m a pretty optimistic person, I’m not gonna lie. As a follower of Jesus I know that this life is not my home and that my hope is not based on my happiness or my accomplishments. My love for other people stems from my love for Jesus. I have a close personal relationship with the Lord and that means EVERYTHING to me! Each morning I wake up knowing that I’m deeply loved. I try to share a little bit of this love with those around me. I thank God that I’ve also been blessed with some pretty awesome family and friends. 

Yesterday I woke up to some really sweet Facebook messages, birthday texts, and lovely posts from the people I cherish. I even got a couple cards in the mail from aunties and grandparents. I was brought to tears as I read the sweet, heartfelt words written by some very wonderful people. I was reminded that LOVE makes a lot of things right. Jesus spoke a lot about love and friendship. 

Birthday dinner party with some awesome friends!

Birthday dinner party with some awesome friends!

When He was asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus responded by saying, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 explains what love is by saying, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

Move aside sugary, processed cakes... my birthday cake was homemade banana ice cream pie with a chickpea cookie dough crust and fresh fruit!! Hello Healthy 21st year! :)

Move aside sugary, processed cakes… my birthday cake was homemade “banana ice cream” pie with a chickpea cookie dough crust and fresh fruit!! #naturescandy 🙂 Hello Healthy 21st year! 

Facebook may be a fad. Maybe it’s overrated and maybe it’s a time-stealer. But today Facebook reminded me that I have some really amazing friends. Sure, we have lots of “friends” who we really never see or talk to. But we also have some relationships we can’t imagine living without. It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives… between work and school, going out and staying in. It’s easy to focus on what has to get done instead of stepping back and appreciating our loved ones. But what if I fully lived life with the love that Jesus has called me to?! What if we all chose kindness over selfishness? Crazy things happen when we love each other deeply and in truth.

Healthy treat time!!

So, today I want to encourage you to send a text, an email, a Facebook message, maybe even a REAL paper letter to someone who has been a blessing in your life. Share a special memory, an awesome photo, an inside joke, a secret or a funny thought. Thank them for the special place they hold in your heart. Then share some of that kindness with someone else. Cuz a healthy life is happy one, am I right?

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28 Comments

  • Reply Kaylin@EnticingHealthyEating

    That banana ice cream pie looks amazing! I actually prefer pie over cake as a dessert. Love how you did a healthier dinner party for your birthday at home, that is super cool! Happy Birthday!!

    January 7, 2016 at 9:41 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Kaylin! Considering one of my close friends is a vegan and I’m dairy free it was so nice of her to make this lovely dessert!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:53 pm
  • Reply Jessica @ Sweetest Menu

    Happy Birthday Cailee! So glad you were able to celebrate and feel the love on your special day 🙂

    January 8, 2016 at 1:55 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Jessica! It was such a lovely day!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:52 pm
  • Reply Tandy | Lavender and Lime

    Birthday blessings and welcome to adulthood 🙂

    January 8, 2016 at 4:41 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thank you Tandy! Where has the time gone?!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:52 pm
  • Reply Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen

    Happy Birthday Cailee! Looks like you got to spend it with some really amazing friends!

    January 8, 2016 at 4:05 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      They’re pretty great! Thanks for the birthday wishes!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:51 pm
  • Reply Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog

    What a fun birthday celebration – Happy birthday, hope your year ahead is wonderful 🙂

    January 8, 2016 at 5:12 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Phi!! Can’t wait for this year!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:51 pm
  • Reply Kaitlin

    Such a beautiful post! Happiest of birthdays and here’s to many more!

    January 8, 2016 at 8:02 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thank you Kaitlin! 🙂

      January 9, 2016 at 8:51 pm
  • Reply Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me

    Happy belated birthday, Cailee!

    January 9, 2016 at 12:44 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Julia!!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:50 pm
  • Reply Jem @ Lost in Utensils

    Hope you had a wonderful birthday Cailee. You are wise beyond your years but do look 17 years old. The best of both worlds 🙂

    January 9, 2016 at 7:47 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Hahaha!! Thanks Jem!! That’s very sweet of you <3

      January 9, 2016 at 8:50 pm
  • Reply Jen @ SavedbytheKale

    Your Birthday dinner looks fabulous and it looks like you had a fun time celebrating with friends! Happy belated Birthday Cailee!

    January 9, 2016 at 11:09 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Jen! It sure was fun!!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:50 pm
  • Reply Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

    Happy Belated Birthday, Cailee! I’m so glad it was a blessed one! I love your positive outlook on life! And you are right a healthy life is a happy one! Cheers to you, my dear! 🙂

    January 9, 2016 at 1:55 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thank you Cheyanne!! Healthiness and happiness go hand-in-hand 🙂

      January 9, 2016 at 8:49 pm
  • Reply Julie @ Running in a Skirt

    Happy Birthday! What a milestone. So fun that you had a great dinner at home with your friends!!! You have a beautiful heart and will have a great year with your wonderful attitude! Very inspiring.

    January 9, 2016 at 4:04 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Wow Julie! Thanks so much for your kind words! Looking forward to this coming year 🙂

      January 9, 2016 at 8:49 pm
  • Reply Ashlyn ~ Dollop of Yum

    I hope you had a fantastic birthday and filled with wonderful company!

    January 9, 2016 at 9:50 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thank you so much!! It was super fun! 🙂

      January 9, 2016 at 10:46 pm
  • Reply Lucie

    Happy birthday beautiful girl! I remember turning 18 (and 21 too!) and I actually can’t believe I’m 25 on Friday, time really DOES fly! It looks like you had a brilliant time! I hope this year brings you everything you ever dreamed 🙂

    January 10, 2016 at 12:10 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Lucie! Happy belated birthday to you!! Hope that you had a great day!! 🙂

      January 20, 2016 at 5:15 am
  • Reply Rach @ This Italian Family

    Happy belated birthday, girl!! So glad you were surrounded by so much love! 🙂

    January 13, 2016 at 11:01 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks so much Rach!! It was a blast 🙂

      January 20, 2016 at 5:16 am

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