Birthday Blessings!

Wow! I am overwhelmed! So much for turning 65 "quietly"! In the last few days I have received a total of 27 birthday cards, two gift certificates, and two monetary gifts. I've also received several birthday greetings on Facebook. It has actually been wonderful to read all the sweet (and funny) cards, and to read all the wonderful comments. Apparently there are those who think more highly of me than they ought to think.

I feel very humbled and blessed, and I so much appreciate all of you who have sent greetings. It was unexpected and a great surprise. I will have to say, I have a very strong suspicion that a little birthday elf was behind all of this. What do YOU think Brenda?

Lynn is taking me out to dinner tonight (my choice, and I think it will be Texas Road House); I haven't seen my cake yet, but he did ask me what kind I like, so I have a feeling it is also yet to come. So-o-o, it could look something like this.

I have enjoyed sending birthday cards, and sometimes gifts, over the past couple of years. It is something that has been fun. I think (and now I know from personal experience) that even in this age of e-mail, facebook, etc., people still like to get cards by snail mail. I have felt that it is one way I can be an encouragement to others. So thanks to all of you who have encouraged me.

Psalm 139:13, 14, 16 For You have created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well....All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

These verses have always amazed me. That the Lord had my life planned before I was even born! In the last few weeks several people have commented to me that they think I am so kind, and thoughtful and generous. However, I know that I have done nothing by myself. Whatever I have been able to do, it is because the Lord is at work in me and has given me the time, ability, and resources. My prayer, especially since I retired, is that He would use me to be a blessing and encouragement to others. I have experienced His immeasurable love, kindness, grace, and blessing in my life, and so I want to show His love and kindness to others.

Thank you for making my 65th birthday such a blessed and fun day. God bless you all!