51 Today
Yes, I share a birthday with one of the hardest days in American history — but it’s still my birthday. And honestly, I was destined to be a 9/11 baby. I was born at 9:11 a.m. on 9/11.
When my mom was alive, she would call me every single year at exactly 9:11 a.m. on my birthday. I miss that deeply. But I’m grateful for the ones who keep that tradition of love alive — my father-in-law and his wife call and sing me “Happy Birthday” every year, and my sister does too. Those simple gestures mean so much.
Looking back over the past year… I stepped out. I hosted several neighborhood ladies’ events at our home to build community. Totally unlike me, but so worth it. I joined my neighbor’s monthly book club (I’m one of the youngest and absolutely love it), went to a Bible study down the street, and even joined a different church’s study on Revelation. My circle is widening.
I’ve grown closer to my siblings, nieces, and great-nieces/nephews. I’ve started sending cards — holidays for the littles, birthdays, thank you notes. I want to be that Auntie.
I’ve been getting my nails done every few weeks (thank you to my youngest daughter for the nudge — she was right, it really does make you feel more “put together”). I’ve started paying more attention to my skin, too.
I’ve been helping my husband with his new business start-up, enjoying our regular ice cream dates, and loving this new season with only two children remaining at home.
In my faith, I’ve been digging deeper — learning more about the Holy Spirit and His role in daily life. Each year I memorize the Psalm of my birth year — just finished Psalm 50 and already working on the next. I also memorized 2 Thessalonians 5. Scripture memory anchors me.
My Hopes for Year 51
- Keep hosting ladies’ events and encouraging neighborhood community
- Take a trip with just my husband
- Focus on health — rebuild lost muscle with structure and consistency
- Walk more daily (3+ miles instead of 2)
- Cut back on spending (Hi, I’m Becky and yes, materialism is a struggle)
- Be more affectionate with my husband — in all the ways
- Have more FUN! My youngest daughter inspires me with how she balances work and play
- Spend more weekends outdoors enjoying Tennessee’s beauty and free state park activities
- Travel to West TN more often to see family
- Be bold in sharing Jesus — the freedom and Good News He’s given me
- Spend one-on-one time with each of my kids
- Be mindful of what I watch and listen to — no more tolerating what poisons my soul
- Try new recipes (maybe one a week)
- Be the wife who adores her husband, and the mother who lavishes love on her children (not a pushover, but deeply loving)
- Call my mother-in-law and my dad’s wife weekly just to say hi and check in.
- Be the friend who shows up and goes the extra mile
- Keep savoring my back porch — my happy place
- Stop letting my to-do list rule me
- Give my family experiences, not just things
- Try new things – find new hobbies maybe?
- Make holidays special
- Schedule coffee & lunch dates with other females – older, my age and younger women
- Above all — glow with the love of Jesus, reflecting Him in what I do, say, and even think
Goodness, I’d better get on with this after making this list!
More of Him and less of me. John 3:30