Birthdays #2

Our third birthday celebration since late January occured in mid-February (we celebrated my father-in-law's between the two girls). Michelle finally flipped in to double digits, and she couldn't be happier.

On the kids' birthdays, I like to affirm their uniqueness and special place in my heart. I decorate the kitchen the night before, get all the gifts out from family and place them on the table, and then I either bring a card downstairs to wake them with or I do something similar. This year I taped a written note to Michelle's door, facing inward (she has windows on her door) so she could see it when she got up to come upstairs. This is what I shared:

Dearest Michelle…Shelly…Mish…Ma Belle…Mishelly…Shell…Mishka…
May you always know how deeply you are LOVED by God and your family

On your tenth birthday, here are 10 absolute truths for you:

You are a child of God and He has bestowed His great love on you (Galatians 3:26, 4:6, Romans 8:14-15, 1 John 3:1)
Christ has accepted you (Romans 15:7)
You have been given the Mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)
You are a temple of God; His Spirit lives in you (1 Cor 3:16, 6:19)
You are blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
Christ Himself is in you (Colossians 1:27)
You have been made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
You are a child of light and not of darkness (1 Thess. 5:5)
You are one with Christ, He is not ashamed to call you His (Hebrews 2:11)
You are part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…a people of God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9-10)

And 10 of the things that make you neat to know…

Your tender and gentle spirit
Your heart’s compassion for others
Your willingness to try and try again, despite many challenges and unsuccessful times with learning
Your wish to be organized and efficient, and understand what all that means, despite your body and mind not cooperating
Your quick grin and quicker mind
Your eagerness to share new things you have learned
Your love of critters, bugs, and outdoor things
Your desire to contribute fun to others’ life experiences
Your acceptance of everyone, regardless of others’ judgments
Your passionate stance for what you believe in

Sweet Michelle, You are a treasure beyond compare. I know I don’t daily express this to you, but I pray that your heart experiences its truth.
Happy, Happy Birthday…I look forward to the rest of your life’s journey.

One of the greatest blessings to her this year was that her dad was willing to come join her in our family birthday celebration (we had a girl party on a different day, but we always have a family dinner on the actual birthday, with the birthday person planning the menu). Bo was scheduled to be out of town for training. Because he was gone, he suggested we invite Michelle's dad to join the celebration (her dad is not yet comfortable being around her stepdad in close quarters).

He came and share a few hours with our family. She was thrilled (he even gave some of his time to work on this computer, as I mentioned below ~ I was so grateful). I was happy to be able to shower her with blessings. He was even gracious with Rosie who kept climbing into his lap to "see" what Michelle was opening when she opened her presents next to her dad. Here is a picture of Michelle, her dad, and her sister.

I praise the Lord for every opportunity He provides to bring unity to this family. May He bless and keep Michelle's daddy and draw him ever near. Thank You, dear Jesus, for all you do for us.