"You are loved. A ton. Like a freak load." 29!

I'm pretty confident that my most celebrated birthdays started when I became a teacher. I didn't know that would be a perk of this profession but it has become one of my favorite byproduct. This year was no exception to the avalanche of love. 

I could hear whispering when I got to my classroom door this morning and a few rebellious streamers were peaking out of the cracks. I turned on the lights and heard a chorus of voices yell, "SURPRISE!" before they all started in on Happy Birthday. These girls decorated every corner and surface of my classroom, wrote cards and even brought Diet Coke and friendship bracelets. 

Thanks to the streamers in front of my door, soon enough most kids in the school knew it was my birthday and would say, "Happy birthday Miss Wright!" When they passed me in the hallway. I got a note from Mer, a whole Spanish class singing Feliz Cumpleanos and happy birthday notes all across my white boards. Haleigh showed up in the afternoon with a birthday vanilla latte, my favorite, and the dream team rocked out the afternoon. 

I got to open up my birthday box from my sister with beautiful mess cards of the month and special "make a mess" awesomeness. I think this sign is the best one yet. 

Not gonna lie, Instagram posts are one of my favorite parts of birthdays. Especially for friends I don't get to see in person, I love seeing the pics that they choose, the creative things they say, the memories that make me laugh.

Ellyn showed up at my apartment before the party. After accidentally knocking on two wrongs doors, walking into one wrong apartment, she finally made it into my house. I about died when I opened up her gifts-- a "Home Sweet Choctaw" needlepoint and a #SarahAndDailyPics book. Wow. Wow. Wow.

Last week when I was hanging out with Maddie and Hools they asked about my birthday plans. I wasn't sure at that point and Maddie screamed, "I WANT TO HOST A PARTY!" Hools immediately volunteered to plan with her. I asked them to make sure that Ellyn and KCraig were in attendance but they were in charge of everything else.

We rolled up to Maddie's house and walked into a room of so many of my favorite people in the world. Maddie and Hools did such a good job of rounding up a freaking dream team. Seniors Haleigh and Rachel, Juniors Julia, Genna and Chloe, Liz the Sophomore, Maddie and Cami the Freshmen and Hannah reppin' the Junior High.

I didn't realize these four moms would all be there tonight and I'm so glad they were-- I actually teared up when I saw them all in the kitchen. Michelle, KCraig, Janelle and Mel have such a significant role in my life. They have each been huge encouragers, leaders, prayer warriors, friends and servants in my life. 

One of the Dewolf family birthday traditions is starting the day with birthday pancakes. Birthday Snow interrupted our plans, so I ended up with birthday pancakes from Hools at dinner tonight.

Julia has also developed a tradition of getting famous people to tell me happy birthday. First as an 8th grader she got Bob Goff to call me and leave a voicemail. When she was a freshmen she got Kid President to tweet at me. This year she got BC Serna (our vlogging, Instagramming obsession) to send a birthday snapchat. Oh. My. Gosh. She didn't even tell him my name and he just knew-- so basically we're friends at this point. 

KCraig is my home girl, dance partner and my YL sidekick. Tonight she gave me a collection of all my favorite things-- blue pens, canvases, paint, friendship bracelet string, tape and scrunchies. Everyone gave me such thoughtful gifts--these people know me well.

Did you hear it's National Pizza Day too? How ironic. Pizza Party, Best Party.

Ok-- this was so cool. There were helium balloons all over the room and tied to the bottom of each one was a note from one of these friends. Talk about taking love tanks to the next level.

If you spend a little bit of time with YL people you quickly learn that we love Big Cookie. It's become a dessert staple in the Halkyard household so I was thrilled when we devoured it together tonight. 

These girls are hilarious and fun and silly and I love hanging out with them-- even when they're doing weird ab workouts.

The grand finale of the night was one heck of a freaking awesome dance party. Maddie blared the music and you better believe this group of girls has got some moves. Mid-way through the dance party we decided that this crew needs to take a road trip or at least hang out on a regular basis. These are party people.

Thank you to the dozens of friends near and far that made me feel so loved all day long. Emily texted me and said, "Are you one of those adults who's in denial of your age? Because you shouldn't be. You're the most fun, energetic, spontaneous people I'm friends with. You give everyone who knows ya a glimmering example of what it means to be truly intentional, crazy thoughtful and contagiously friendly. I know age won't change a thing for you." 29 is going to be awesome.

Honorable Mention Blog Title
"Happy birthday to the most carefree, inspiring, life to the max, sacrificial, long haired, J Crew lovin', picture taking, quilt making, great listener, T Swift singing, crazy dancing girl I know. Love you Sar!"

"You have taken me under your wing (or Patagonia) and we've become so close."

I don't think anyone would ever pick Monday as the best day to wake up extra early, but that's what I've been doing with this group of 7th grade girls. And you know what? It's the best. Spending time with these girls, talking about Jesus and whimsy and love is the perfect kick start to the week. 

They've started following Bob Goff on Instagram, since we're reading Love Does, and one of the just noticed this group from a jail book club. The prisoners have to hold the books over their faces. 

So of course the girls wanted to do the same thing. Solidarity, sisters.

Shhhh! Top Secret Insider Information: In April some of my friends will be putting on a huge event to raise money for their mission trips. Chloe, Rachel, Es and Lauren are going out to be His hands and feet-- but the act of obedience, fundraising and patiently trusting that God will provide is teaching them a whole lot right now. Their event is going to sell a whole slew of different crafts so I'm going to provide a stack of fun canvases. I can't wait to see everything they bring together.

The Fall Creek Clubhouse is having an Open House for the current 6th graders tonight, telling them all about what our school has to offer. In my absence Grace and Hannah, two Varsity braceleters, represented the FBC. Honestly, I'm so sad I only have part of a semester left with them. They're awesome.

Thanks to the weather, AP Psych, sports and a whole other list of reasons YL was tiny tonight. But even though it was tiny it was still so awesome.
Favorite moments: Leader knockout before dinner, my 2nd Chinese meal of the day for Chinese new year, giving Sophia a bracelet, sitting and talking with Erin and Olivia, a hug from Jessica, getting to be in a group with all of the girls, talking about how we've seen God show up and how we need him in our lives now.

"God is so smart. I like him so much." IF: Gathering

For Christmas, my mom wanted to get to spend time with my sister Katie and I at some kind of conference or retreat. We looked at a bunch of options and then found ourselves at the IF: Gathering Local. IF (What IF we lived like Jesus?) meets in Austin, Texas with about 2,000 people but then it is streamed to over 2,000 sites around the country and the globe. We went to an IF Local event at Grand Rapids Middle School. 

I loved getting to share all of this with my sister and mom through out the weekend. There was a whole slew of women that shared and they spoke so many good words...

"The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it." He became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. He came to rescue the world.

It's in Christ we find out who we are and what we're living for. He's the redeemer of your life. He restores your purpose. 

I pledge to stop doing things for God instead of doing things with God.

Eugene Cho

Do I love the idea of exercising or do I actually exercise? Do I love the idea of following God or do I actually follow God?

We are called to love people that are forgotten, marginalized and left out. We are supposed to usher in the Kingdom of God.

Is it possible that when the grass is greener on the other side that God is telling you to water the grass you're standing on?

Being a friend is just being a friend. There is no over thinking it.

In Acts they put all they had in a pot and served it to anyone who was in need. The early church was built on hospitality. We were made to rally.

Lauren Chandler

"So the woman left her water jar." He gives us a spring of water that will never run dry. "He will fill in all."

We may not know why, but we know who

"Faith consists of believing when it's beyond the realm of reason to believe." Voltaire

The cost of discipleship will cost you everything, but ultimately it will solidify your faith

I believe that you can, I believe you are able, even if I don't get my way

Bianca Olthoff

Let the Bible be your primary source of nourishment. Abiding in God (the Vine) is the blessing-- the fruit is just the byproduct. Will you remain faithful even if the harvest is years away?

The nature of Jesus, just like a vine, is to wrap around us and hold us fast when we encounter Him.

What if we didn't care about being known but we wanted God to be known?

Seasons of Life (This was one of my favorite parts-- a round table discussion of women from all different seasons of life including Sweet Maria Goff)

The way my kids love and serve others reflects that they know they were born on Earth but that their citizenship is in Heaven.

Be intentional-- I want to learn from generations before me and be relevant to those below me. When you do that you glean so much more from life. 

Our differences don't divide us-- they make us real. Seek people out, it's a treasure. When someone comes to mind, just send them a text.

We're a generation that, in a way, is being mentored by all these women who are writing books and blogs and Instagrams that are speaking to us daily.

Invite people into your story-- they want to be there. Even the reaching out speaks so much even if you don't get together.

Being a friend with people in other seasons of life teaches you to be a grace giver. "How can I be a better friend to you in this season?"

Jen Hatmaker (We didn't know if she'd be talking because they don't announce speakers. When she walked out I just about screamed. Actually, I did squeal a little bit.)

I talked my two friends into doing a marathon with me. But it's kind of like eating a pizza-- eating a whole one is excessive but eating half a pizza is ok. So we decided to do a half marathon.  We said we would "train" but any training that ends with wine on one our porches isn't that serious. One of my friends would always says, "Let's just walk because I can't talk with all this running." One time, just once, we basically almost hit 7 miles.

The day of the race came, we hit 1/2 way, took a picture at 7 miles and it was the last time we were smiling. At 8 I started locking up. Then one of our husbands would drive by slowly and hand us Advil through the car window. But that last 1/2 mile you better believe I was sprinting.

God said to to love God and love people. He left out all those other rules and I said, "Good, because a lot of those are really weird." But maybe this core central work of being a Christian is really hard-- the whole carrying your cross and dying to yourself.

This surprising over the top love is different and it's not easy. 

Jesus' list looked something like this: poor, sick, powerless, widows, lepers, weirdos, scandalous women, immigrants, mentally ill, religious outcasts, politicians, cheats. 

He taught us to love them with touch, presence, proximity and dignity. He called them FRIENDS. As equals. Partners. Not a project, charity case, photo opp. There is no angle. It's straight up love.

Who is going to hate that kind of love? The world.

But you don't belong to the world. If they persecuted Him they will persecute you too.

Start loving people that force us to lay down the false comforts of feeling better than and righter than.

If you're loving people the way you're supposed to, you will have some major tension in your life-- people will say they're wrong, bad, that you're confusing and reckless. And if you're hearing those things than you're doing this love thing exactly right.

Who would you stand by if you were not afraid? Being criticized is the biggest deterrent, it's easier to stay safe and protected because it's costly. 

Jesus was straight scandal from the moment he got here. He was reckless. He's not looking to preserve the status quo. He came to rescue the hurt and broken. He was deterred by no one's stories. 

Jesus is not afraid to recklessly love you. He said you are his, He came for you and He will pursue you till your last dying day. "I've told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Loving people like Jesus told us to is the only way. It's the most thrilling, exhilarating life you can imagine.

Use what you have and do what you can. Every time you live extravagantly you're setting the table. -Sweet Maria

Transformation happens in relationship.

Is what or whom I am pursuing worth my pursuit?

Sunday is the most segregated day of the week-- it shouldn't be like that.

Recognize the unique place where I've put you. Realize what's at stake in people's lives. Remember the simple purpose I have given you.

After IF: Gathering wrapped up I went back to Katie's house to spend the night and get to hang out with the boys for a little while. This is what nights look like at the Dekoster house...

This is what mornings look like with the boys... Also building Batmobile's with legos and Red running laps back and forth across the living room as fast as he can and giggling the whole time. 

Before heading back to Indiana I made a quick pit stop at Hope to visit with Maggie and Olivia-- two of the youngest girls in my long SIB family. Their upperclassman now and both taking on lots of responsibility. We mostly know each other through social media but I'm thankful for these quick visits together when our lives overlap. SIB was such a huge part of my life in college and it shaped me in ways that still are present today. 

While the Super Bowl was going on I still met with a dream team of girls for our Jen Hatmaker Brave Girl series. We're not into the sports part of the Super Bowl but we did show up with snacks which are really the highlight of any good Super Bowl party.

Tonight's topic was all about guys and relationships-- such important stuff. I loved having open, real, honest conversation with Rachel, Chloe, Julia and Kegley tonight.

A good guy is very much for you. He's for your health, future, purity, heart and faith.

It gets distorted what love looks like because we tend to lean toward what love feels like and it feels so strong. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

10 Year Rule-- Is this the kind of husband and dad you want?  Will he lead you to Christ? Will he champion for your family? 

God cares for your mind-- your knowledge and self-control. 

Listen to people who love you, not just someone who wants you.

Your best years are ahead of you. 

"The woman at the door of Sam's Club is wearing a Patagonia sweater, long jean skirt and a scrunchie-- that's us in 2075 just wanting a job where you get to make more friends."

FBC was the definition of low key today-- three people making bracelets, about 12 girls on one side of the room and 6 boys on the other, no game, just talking. Sometimes we need things to be a little bit chill and not so intense. 

Alana and I had our own little dinner date tonight which was just wonderful. Usually we're hanging out with a ton of her friends but I so appreciated time with just her. Plus I got to gift her with the 'Merica bracelet she's been wanting for awhile (and she put me on her story).

Alana and I found a spot right in the middle of the parent section at the basketball game. The 8th grade choir from my school and my old school we're singing the national anthem together and I wanted to be there to cheer them on. Little did we know that this was also the Best Buddies game, Dance Marathon game and 5th grade basketball night. The place was packed.

In a matter of minutes our little bench was packed with friends-- Sam, Chloe, Hools, Kegley, Genna, Hannah, Samone, Katy and Nicole. Sometimes the best parties are the unplanned ones like this. We really freaking love these people. 

"The worst part about needle pointing is that you want to do it in bed but I just lost the need, I repeat I JUST LOST THE NEEDLE. Update: found the needle. Needles should be neon to avoid this issue."

 Little did I know how much I would love chaperoning the Washington DC field trip when I first went in 2013. I finally said yes to Mr. Brown and spent three hilarious, educational, dance-filled, educational days in the nation's capital with an army of 8th graders. I got to know this group of 8th grade girls even more than I anticipated. After we returned home, KCraig and I started a bible study with them for the rest of the year. Now they're Juniors in HS and all of them are still in our lives in some way or another.

2014 was a surprise. I got partnered up with Mr. Hodgin, my favorite teacher friend. We were ready for the earliest flight with our 25 kids. That flight got post posed, then cancelled and we found ourselves stuck in the Indianapolis airport from 3am till 5pm. We made it to Philadelphia where our connecting flight was not waiting for us and hadn't left to come to us yet. Our next move was to take a bus-- but it took the bus over an hour to find us outside of the gate. Once we got on the bus the constant clanging in the ceiling kept us from falling asleep. We made it to the hotel in DC by midnight, each got a free Papa John's pizza and headed to our rooms to collapse into bed. The rest of the trip wasn't nearly as eventful. Looking back, we wouldn't trade our airport day for anything.

The 8th graders of 2015 included girls from two different bible studies that I'd been leading for two years. I loved getting to hanging out with all of the kids on my bus and was impressed with how quickly they learned and perfected our bus cheer. We went to the White House for the very first time and thanks to Kid President's example and advice we licked the wallpaper inside. 

We're just 10 days away from the 2016 trip and I'm beyond excited. I get to lead with Beesley and Hodgin, so many fun kids are signed up for the trip and I know that this year will hold it's own surprises. There are a few new things on the schedule too like the Spy Museum, Pentagon and Spring Hill Rec Center for the Dance Party.

Tonight I met with Wyld Life leaders Rachel, Katy, Julia and KCraig for discipleship. One of the most important parts of our job is to make sure we're growing in our faith and building one another up. This community is one of my favorite things.

"I'd love to needlepoint with you and watch Golden Girls."

Many, many moons ago I met a little Brave girl named Lilly. She had a smile on her face all week long and gave counselors more hugs than all of the other campers combined. I've been at Tecumseh for many years and Lilly is one of those kids who has been part of so many of them. Even though she's not in my cabin, she's always one of those kids that I just can't wait to see. She shines joy and her enthusiasm is more contagious than the giggles during rest hour. 

Tonight her team came to my school to play 8th grade girls basketball and you can bet I was there in the stands cheering her on. Lilly was focused on the game but she also kept glancing over at me and smiling-- so totally Lilly. When the game ended I was afraid she'd have to head straight to the locker room but she told her coach, "Hey my sister came to see me play-- can I go say hi?!" and ran across the gym. She's a champ on and off the court.

I wasn't in the stands alone tonight-- Hools, Mads, Cami and Emma were all there too. You could spot us braceleting, eating free nachos, laughing at Big Girl's jokes, exploring the Clubhouse and then heading to Olive Garden for unlimited salad and bread sticks. This is a quote by my desk that says, "Community is more than just fitting someone into your schedule." These girls make that so easy because they feel like family.

"Did you know that smelling farts helps prevent cancer? It's true! I've read it on the internet like 75 times!"

THIS IS SO COOL! I've had an obsession with needlepoint crafts for well over a year now. I keep saying that I'm going to learn, but I've yet to make that happen. Last week Cassidy showed up to YL with a surprise needlepoint for Julia which was so cool. I talked to her later and said, "I don't like to ask for things, but I'm willing to do anything for one of your crafts. Could you ever make me one?" She told me that not only did I not have to do anything, but she would let me pick a pattern!

I ended up picking a whole collection of favorites so I would still be surprised when she finished it. Tonight, just a week later, she showed up with this You Make Me Happy. I love it. 

Then she told me she had a SECOND gift for me. I had no idea what to expect but she pulled out a SECOND NEEDLEPOINT and it was a FREAKING PATAGONIA! I died. Well, I didn't die, but I fell to the ground and had tears in my eyes I was so dang excited. These are beautiful. 

I love nice people (like Cass) who make cool things (like happy, Patagonia needlepoints). 

You can bet the rest of the Young Life night was great too.

Teen Girl Squad...

the Bro gang...

old friends and new friends coming together...

friends helping out friends...

vulnerable conversations, truth about wresting with God, so many hugs, singing together and time together to just be. I love Monday nights at Young Life.