27 years

27 years ago I was born, today.

At 4:41 a.m.

Shortly after I was born, my dad went pheasant hunting.

I look back at all that has happened to me in 27 years. And well, that would take 100 books to write the stories without much detail to them.

I would like to share just a few.

Around 2 years old, my mom found me eating rat poison. I was foaming from the mouth looking at her saying, "candy!!!!!"

At 2, 5 and 7 my sister and I both won our age categories of the pageants we were entered in. It is so fun to watch those old home vidoes. I said I wanted to be a "gool alligator" during my onstage question at five years old. (Girl alligator.)

I beleive it was my 5th or 6th birthday, I was given around 14 barbies from my friends at my party!

At 13 my dad took me to NYC to a Chiefs game. It was a wonderful memory.

Chiefs won. Everyone in NY attire wasn't too happy to us.

At 14 I entered into high school and thought I knew everything about everything. I was right and everyone was wrong. I knew what real love was at that age and I even knew who I was supposed to marry! Wow, good thing for me! (Much sarcasm here...) I thought I would be BFF's with my clan of buddies and any boy I thought was cute or showed me any interest was just surely the one for me! Especially if they busted out the big "L" word! (Continuing the sarcasm.)

Well, sadly, my brain did not fully develop until probably closer to 18 years old. And even then I wouldn't always trust my judgment. But, I started having more common sense around 18.

By 16 I was running around with not the worlds greatest crowd. Your typical high schooler crowd you could say. I had a bozo boyfriend or two, and I'm sure they would say I was a bozo girlfriend! Hence, the reason our so called "relationship" lasted about as long as icecream does on a hot summer day! You live and you learn, they say. And at that young age- I learned that a true man wasn't going to be extremely easy to find.

At 17 I got saved. Born again. Leading up to that day, honestly, I can't think of a ton of "happy" memories. In a way, that makes me sad, but in another way- that makes me so happy that I got saved at 17 and not 77. I can now live the rest of my life making meaningful memories.

Year 17 was really big for me.

My family started going to the church they still attend.

I was saved.

I was baptized.

I washed feet for the first time.

I learned to pray and read and worship God.

I opted out of going to my senior year even though I had a ton going for me- so I could focus solely on God.

I fell in love for the first time. Truly. I had thought I loved any given or certain boy from about 12 years old until 16. But, when you feel true love, it's something you can't deny. And being that I was now saved, I knew what true love felt like, and what true love did not feel like.

At 18 that boy asked me to be his wife.

At 19 I married that boy. Grant Daniel. My best friend.

From 19-21 we lived in a camper that sits on a truck that was pulled behind his parents bus! Those were not always extremely easy days, but boy they were fun and rewarding. I was able to pray with many people and see many people set free from the bondages of sin!

At 22 we found out we were expecting our first baby. We had her a month shy of my 23rd birthday.

At 24 a hand specialist said Raylea had what he strongly believed to be a tumor growing inside of her hand. They put her under, took it out and it was not a tumor. It was a cyst. Harmless, only irritating. God touched my baby I believe!

At 25 we experienced a miscarriage. August Shalom Ledbetter is waiting for his/her momma, daddy and brother and sis up in Heaven right now. See you soon, baby.

At 25 we found out we were having little baby again. This time we had many complications, given a 50/50 and "wait and see" chances. He came a month early, had cord wrapped tightly around his neck and doctor had to pinch him to get him to cry. Later we learned a small stroke happened during some point of the delivery. Jack is healthy, happy, and oh so handsome.



At 26 I felt the call to homeschool.


At 27. I believe many special things are going to happen.



Not everyone lives to be 27. So, today I want to rejoice and thank God for these 27 years. Filled with health and happiness and HIM.



Don't take your life for granted.



Give it to Jesus.



It'll all start to make sense if you just give your life to Jesus and accept Him.




For my birthday, all I want is for my lost loved ones and friends to come to know this Jesus, the way in which I know Him. Through His faith, His mercy, and His grace. Full heartedly.





HAVE A BLESSED DAY.