Happy Birthday to ME . . .

Had a birthday this past weekend. I've had many . . .

It really struck me this year how blessed I am. I mean, I know this and I realize it on some level every day. But for some reason this birthday really brought that fact home.

No . . . I didn't do anything super spectacular.
No . . . I didn't receive any super expensive or over the top gifts.
No . . . I didn't have a huge 'gotcha' surprise party.

What I did have was a lot of me time. I love guilt-free me time. No schedule, no plans, no looming responsibilities. Just time to relax, a quiet house (off and on) and a day of leisure to do what I wanted, when I wanted to. It was awesome :)

I did receive some very special and thoughtful gifts though . . .

My loving husband (who really struggles with the whole gift buying thing) gave me a new study bible. It was made extra special by the fact that we are currently doing a study of Ezra (yes, EZRA) in our small group. Therefore, a very thoughtful gift - LOVE it!

Michael gave me a special card that immediately brought tears to my eyes (son's can do that you know) and a book from Lifeway - Love and Respect for a Lifetime. Of course he had no way of knowing that Ron would recommend during his message on marriage the next day that every couple own and read this book. A very thoughtful gift - LOVE it!

Priss and the future son-in-law, Brandon, gave me something they knew I both needed and would use. A SUPER soft, cozy, comfortable, over sized, calming pastel mint snuggle blanket. My temp is always lower than everyone else, which results in a constant game of thermostat war. A very thoughtful gift - LOVE it!

My sister - Patty - called from the middle of Belks to sing Happy Birthday to me. I'm sure she received several stares, which I can guarantee you did not phase her one bit. Very sweet. Love my sister!

My Mom and Dad called from their vacation. And for as many birthdays as I can remember, I was serenaded via speaker phone with a sound that I pray I hear for many, many years to come. Love my parents!

I received a text from my brother (who was off on his motorcycle searching for his lost youth), many phone calls and a whole bunch of FB wishes, all of which mean more than the poster(s) probably know.

So as the sun went down on what was already a Norman Rockwell day, I was surrounded by my richest blessings for an actual sit down dinner and definitely reminded of just how truly and abundantly blessed I am.

:)

Time's movin' on . . .

I remember thinking these last three months would surely drag by . . . but ughhhhh . . .

We have the big Engagement Dinner tonight. It seems like every day makes May 14th and the wedding day of our baby seem more and more a reality. And don't get me wrong here. I have absolutely NO doubts that it's going to happen, but tonight will really make it real . . .

I am so happy for Priss that it's really hard to put into words. Anyone who knows her also knows that she rarely has a down day, much less a frown on her face. But if you've been around her lately I'm sure you're like me and wonder what keeps her cheeks from literally cracking from the grin constantly plastered on her face!

So I'm here today to attest that nothing can compare to the joy of a mother's heart when she knows without a doubt that her child is truly happy. It makes me want to 'SHOUT - kick my heals up - SHOUT - throw my hands up - SHOUT . . . :)

So who knows . . . perhaps tonight?? :)

Accepting the Call . . .

"Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching" (John 14:23a, NIV).

There is a feature on my cell phone that allows me to decline an incoming call. There are a thousand reasons why I might choose to hit the “decline” button when my phone rings. Sometimes I am writing and have a deadline to make. Decline. Sometimes a call comes in when I’m mid-conversation with a friend or when I’m connecting with my family. Decline. At times, true confessions here, I decline a call simply because I don’t want to talk to the person who’s calling me at that moment. (C'mon, don’t judge me.)

Similarly, there are times in my life when I try to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if I were declining a cell phone call. Times when I just don’t feel like doing what I know God wants me to do. Times when I don’t want to hear the still small voice that whispers to my soul: "forgive him" – "release your anger" – "humble yourself and ask for forgiveness" or "focus on my plan for you ... not on my plan for another person."

Now, naturally I didn't write this humbling confession - although it sadly fits me to a tee at times. It came from a devotional I read this morning that smacked me up beside the head. Not about the whole declining of phone calls (although that part's true too . . .) but the times I just don't listen to God. The times I'm just too occupied, intent on traveling my own path or perhaps even scared to hear what he has to say.

The devotion went on to say -

Jesus told his disciples that if they loved Him, they would obey His commands and His teachings (John 14:15-27). A simple if-then statement. If you love me, then you will obey. He also told them that when He returned to the Father in heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit to teach, to guide in truth, to convict of sin and to remind believers of what Jesus taught (John 16:7-14). To help us. To empower us. The Spirit of God lives within every Christian. He equips us for each task as we yield to His leading. When God prompts us to do something on His behalf, He is faithful to lead the way and to bless our obedience – for His own glory. It's all about His glory. He simply wants our willingness and our obedience. Friend, His plans need to be our plans ... even if His plans sometimes seem to "interrupt" our plans.

My devotion today reminded me quickly that even with all the wedding planning, the endless errands, work, laundry, shopping, the extra bodies around our house (all of them welcome :) and every other menial task I have to do - I've been declining far too often. Time to start taking His call . . .

Lunch-time brrrrr . . . .

Can't believe that after short sleeve weather yesterday, today is a gloves and scarf kind of day! Snow flurries? Seriously??

Our small group meets tonight and I had emailed everyone earlier this week to say that our potluck contribution would be hotdogs and baked beans. Simply because we - or rather I - am trying to rush summer. That apparently didn't work!

But even though it feels like sub-zero temps outside, the Wedding Planner (aka Stephanie) and I ran a few lunchtime wedding errands. And even though I realize we have accomplished amazing feats over the past few months, it seems like every time we mark something off the list it's like we add twice as many! But everything is coming together slowly, but surely. It'll be here before I know it. And when it is, I know I'll find myself wishing that the time had moved SO much s-l-o-w-e-r . . .