Birthday Plans!

Approaching the big 31 in a few days and feeling content with the one year addition. It's common for many including myself to reflect on the goals you set for your current age and whether your completion levels matched up. This can be quite dangerous for someone who "wants it all" or is influenced by social norms and pressures set my society. 
Overtime, I have learned to shake off the "shoulds" and bring on the "cans" and "wills." It is not about what you accomplish by your age rather it's about who you are, how you feel, and what you are contributing to your environment. The age obsessed society impacts can influence our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors more than we think.

For instance, last year I was in Panama City, Panama for my birthday. It's a love of mine to be in a different city each year(preferably abroad) for my August Birthday.
This was my trip through Central America with the trip starting in June. When traveling throughout Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize-people pay attention to your character, your spirit, and your soul. People would rarely ask how old I was and when they did-I would hesitate and say "I'm turning 30." They would respond, "That's great you have your whole life ahead of you." along with a nice string of compliments after it. 

When I was in the US, I was so stressed about turning "30." Focused on what I don't have or what I'm not rather than who I am and who I have the potential to become.  The gifts I had and have are all stirred up like a twister up in the air, but eventually they will come down and find their place.  It just takes time and as they say, "Time is on our side." Age is just a number and who ever accomplishes everything they want to by their birthday- a robot? 

                    WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS MISS. PRISCILLA?
This weekend is a special one in Chicago as it is summer and there are always multiple things going on including the Air and Water Show(planes flying in the air and in the water).
Chicago is also having it's first "Lobster Fest" this weekend, which really cannot be missed and the Italian Festival and movies, dances, and much more! BUT....
 
Saturday, August 15 is Indian Independence Day, which brings a big celebration for my Indian ministry.
Indian Independence parade on Devon and Western starting at 11:30 

Our children will be on the float along with myself and Dr. Regi Paul with the purpose of prayer for the Indian community and businesses(not solicitation) important to note:
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I AM NOT PART OF ANY OF THAT AND I MENTION BECAUSE MY CHRISTIAN INVOLVEMENT CAN BE MISPERCEIVED.  

Willow Creek Community Church will continue the celebration with Indian food, Bollywood dancing, Mehendi, singers, and a church service at 5:30pm.

When your birthday is on a Monday, the whole weekend is your birthday!

Friday-Italian Festival
Saturday- Indian Indendence parade with my youth, pastors and families AND Willow Creek Indian 1,000 plus event!
Sunday- Church and Concert at the beautiful Northern Island Pavillion
Monday- Intercontinental VIP stay, Afternoon tea at The Peninsula, Jazz and Piano bar
Then turn the birthday mode off until next year or another big event or just a daily time to CELEBRATE  

If I'm not abroad where I would have planned to be.......CUBA
So Go Big or Go Home Kind of Chicago Birthday!
But now I'm "old" and am tired after a couple events-lets see where the wind and my age can take me:) 

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