Awesome Birthday!

I want to start today with an small update as a follow up to the prayer I shared about a week ago. Thank you to every one of you who joined me in praying for that sweet little girl! As of now, my prayer has been answered! A few days after I shared that, we found out that she really wasn't leaving after all! She is still here and, from what we can tell, has been safe since she came back to us! God is so good!! And, I am continuing to pray that He makes himself known to her and her family so that she will continue to be loved, safe, and protected!!!

Over the last few months, a pretty incredible transformation has been occurring in me. I have gone to church my whole life. I have been a Christian my whole life. But, when Matt was in the hospital, something changed in me. It was the first time in my life that I have truly put 100% of my faith and trust in God to get me through something. Sitting in that chair by Matt's side day after day could have destroyed me. But, I made the decision to completely give my fear and worry to God. I think you all know how that situation turned out, but it didn't stop there! Once I made that choice, I got to a point where I felt like I needed as much of God as I could get. So, I started praying every day, several times a day, even if I wasn't in a crisis situation. I started reading the bible every day. I started spending more quiet time with God on a daily basis. I started openly sharing my faith and my experiences with God. And, what I've noticed is that, in the process, God really started to work in me and through me. I have become so much more open to His will and His influence that He is now a part of every minute of my life, even when I am not conciously thinking about it. I've noticed that making Him my first priority, no matter what, has completely transformed my outlook on life, my relationships, my job, and my family....and that is really the main point of what I wanted to share today.

Yesterday was my birthday, and I was completely overwhelmed by the birthday wishes I received, the good friends who helped me celebrate it, and the gifts I received from them and my family. But, I was moved the most by the gifts from my children. Chelsea used almost 2 full weeks of her allowance (leaving her completely broke for the coming week) to buy me several birthday presents. She sent me the most beautiful sunflowers (my favorite) that I have ever seen. And, she gave me two books, both of which have very dominant Christian messages in them. She also gave me a silly card with a very heartfelt handwritten message inside. She is so aware of how important God is in my life, and He is equally important in hers. Blake picked out a bracelet for me that has beautiful crosses on the beads and came with a touching scripture inside the box. I love it! But, the card he picked out blew me away! It is a card you would expect an adult to give to his mom, not a 7-year old little boy! Matt said Blake was reading the cards himself, and that HE picked this one out! I just want to share with you what it said:
"You are an amazing mom. You give yourself so freely, and there's a quiet kindness in the way you do it. You walk in the grace of God with a gentleness that makes those around you feel loved and valued. God has truly given you a special heart...one that nurtures, understands, teaches, and loves-not only in words, but by example too. Thanks for everything, Mom-for doing more than you're asked to... for giving more than you need to... and for being all that God has called you to be with such a sweet spirit. '...a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.' Proverbs 31:30"
WOW!!!! It just hit me right between the eyes that my willingness to give God 100% control of my life and to truly work in me and through me has not only blessed me, but is blessing my family as well!! I am awestruck that even my 7-year-old son recognizes and appreciates the work He is doing in me!

I am SO blessed and SO thankful to God for giving such an amazing birthday weekend! God is SO amazing!