DAY 17 Surprises

Affirmation

“I am open to beautiful surprises. I don’t need to control every detail — I trust that life, love, and God have good things waiting for me in the moments I least expect.”

29 SURPRISINGLY NEW THINGS THAT HAPPENED ON THAT MONDAY

Surprise #1

The world was learning how to connect — the internet was becoming a new home for dreams.

Surprise #2

Emails were replacing letters for the very first time.

Surprise #3

People were still amazed they could talk on cell phones without cords.

Surprise #4

A brand-new invention called DVDs was being introduced to replace VHS tapes.

Surprise #5

The very first flip phones were being tested — small, sleek, full of possibility.

Surprise #6

“Macarena” had taken over the world, and nobody could escape the dance.

Surprise #7

Nickelodeon was in its golden era — color, laughter, and imagination everywhere.

Surprise #8

Pixar was finishing Toy Story, the movie that would redefine animation.

Surprise #9

Oprah had just launched her book club, inspiring people to read together again.

Surprise #10

Destiny’s Child was just forming — a reminder that greatness starts quietly.

Surprise #11

Space Jam was in theaters, showing that even impossible collaborations can shine.

Surprise #12

The very first Pokémon games were being released in Japan — sparking a global phenomenon.

Surprise #13

The Spice Girls were shouting “Girl Power” and changing pop culture forever.

Surprise #14

Apple was planning the rebirth of creativity — leading to iMacs and iPods that would reshape the world.

Surprise #15

eBay was founded, teaching people how connection could become community.

Surprise #16

MTV was still about the music — and every song felt like a message.

Surprise #17

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was wrapping its run, reminding everyone what heart and humor look like together.

Surprise #18

Tupac had just left the world weeks before — and his music was reminding people that words live forever.

Surprise #19

Bill Clinton was President, and hope felt like something people could vote for.

Surprise #20

The Chicago Bulls were rewriting basketball history with Michael Jordan’s return.

Surprise #21

People were still mailing photos — no filters, no retakes, just real smiles.

Surprise #22

Beepers buzzed like secrets passed through sound.

Surprise #23

Everyone was learning what “World Wide Web” really meant.

Surprise #24

Nintendo 64 was about to drop — and joy was becoming 3D.

Surprise #25

“Friends” and “Martin” were dominating TV — laughter and culture in every living room.

Surprise #26

Furbys, Tamagotchis, and Beanie Babies were teaching people about collecting joy.

Surprise #27

Coffee culture was booming — Starbucks became a lifestyle, not just a drink.

Surprise #28

People were beginning to dream about what the next century would hold — not knowing it would include you.

SURPRISE #29

And then — on October 21, 1996 — you arrived.
The world gained its best surprise yet: your laugh, your light, your soul, your story.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for being the author of beautiful surprises. Thank You for the moments that catch us off guard with joy, the blessings that arrive quietly, and the answered prayers we didn’t even know how to ask for.

Lord, help her release the need to predict or plan every step. Teach her that peace isn’t found in control — it’s found in trust. Let her rest in the truth that You are already working things together for her good, even in ways she can’t yet see.

When her heart feels uncertain, remind her that surprises are not interruptions — they are divine reminders that You are still in motion. Let her feel excitement again — not fear — about the unknown ahead.

God, fill her days with moments that make her pause, smile, and say, “I didn’t see that coming, but I’m so thankful it did.” Surprise her with clarity where she felt confusion, laughter where she felt weight, and new beginnings where she thought doors had closed.

Seal this prayer with Your promise: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)

May she walk into today with her hands open, her heart expectant, and her spirit ready — because sometimes the best blessings come beautifully unannounced.

Amen.”