Happy Birthday to Me.

I turned 42 yesterday!

It was a great birthday.  We didn't do much, we went to church and came home.  For me, that is my favorite kind of day.  My girls cooked and cleaned up, and THAT just blesses me to the bones.

I like reflecting when I turn a year older and when the New Year comes in, so I'm glad they both happen in the same month.  It is quite convenient to lump it together, so thanks Mom and Dad for that great planning (lol) on your part...for my reflective convenience.

This year as the New Year came in and as I turned another year older I just feel thankful.  I don't always ACT thankful, but I feel it deeply.

I am thankful for so many things but I got to watch a lot of it play out this weekend.

 God just continually reminds me and shows me how He takes such good care of my kids and He continues to draw them closer to Himself and that is my biggest prayer for them everyday.

The Lord never stops at just that and that would be more than enough.  He is guiding their lives and directing their path, and I can see it.  I don't always know as it is happening, but then He shows me and reminds me that He has good plans for them.

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Saturday, Charlie and I got to take Kole to the Portland airport so he could return to University of Texas.  He is doing so great there.  I know he is right where he is supposed to be.  He is doing great in school (straight A's), he is LOVING his church and getting more and more involved.  He is right where he should be to grow and learn.

Then on Sunday, I got to watch  Charsie and my man stand up and testify to what great things the Lord has done.  We all shared on what our experience was like in Uganda and what the Lord had shown us and allowed us to be a part of.   But nothing blesses me more than to watch my daughter give testimony to the Lord.  And nothing blesses me more that watching my man cry over the things the Lord had shown him.  My man is tough with a very tender heart.

I also got to witness my son-in-law as he welcomed people to church yesterday, and that just does a mother-in-law's heart good to see him be a leader in his family and in his church.  When I get to see things like that, I just thank the Lord.  He is just showing me and reminding me that their little family is precious to HIM, and He is taking good care of them and their path is being directed by HIM.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ 

in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

Of course getting to spend my 42nd birthday with my Grand baby is beyond THE BEST.   When I reflect over the year.....she is the biggest highlight for sure.  I couldn't even imagine being a Nay Nay at 41 years old and I'm so glad I don't get to plan my life, that God just keeps throwing blessings right into my lap.....LITERALLY.  :)

Watching Lashae being a mommy just blesses my socks off.  I hope they have a boatload a big boatload of babies because I can tell you, this world will be a better place.

When I "reflect" on the rest of the kids through this last year I am again incredibly THANKFUL.

Mirembe Esther

.  We have had some obstacles to overcome, as with any kid, especially kids that are from hard places.  We have both grown a ton through it all.  I have learned a deeper dependence on God and for that reason alone I'm thankful for the things we have to struggle through. She is growing in every way and I could not be more thankful that the Lord saw fit for me to be her mom.

Luke Franke

Luke is so sweet and mellow.  He is also an "animal" on the football field.  We are so glad that he has a gentle spirit, but I'm telling you there is a little animal inside that comes out during sports.  It kinda makes us crack up.  It's totally out of his nature to be so aggressive, but apparently it is in there and it comes out at the appropriate times.   This kid has stepped up in a big way this year.  He is now the oldest boy in the house and he has taken on this role quite well.

Reece Charles (Roo)

He is a wild man.  He has so much passion it just flies and jumps around him.  He is the funniest kid I know.  I pray for him.......he will turn the world upside down, and we are just praying that it is all for the GLORY of God. 

Guaranteed he is going to make a mark in this world, so my prayer is that all his passion and enthusiasm are used in LOVE for God and LOVE for others.  :)   (for those of you that have the pleasure of knowing Reece....you know what I'm talking about, and I would appreciate if you joined me in this prayer of mine.  :)

Maezie (Auntie Moo)

This kid is still a surprise to me.  She has been the biggest and best surprise of my life.  I am in awe of how good God is to lavish His love on me and bless me with this baby.  She is the best Auntie on the planet and to watch her with her niece is one of my favorite things of the year.  She loves Maubry, she holds her hand as the ride in the back of the car together with their car seats next to one another.  She tries to share her binky any chance she gets.  She is a love!!!

Charlie is the love of my life.  He is a crazy cowboy that just loves like crazy all over the world.  He has spent most of this year working away from home (and civilization) during the week.  He never complains he always makes the best of it.  I know he loves like this because of his deep LOVE for the Lord.  He has grown greatly in the Lord and he is in the Word everyday, and I know that is why he does what he does.

It's been a good year.  NOT an easy year, but a good year for sure!!!!

THANKFUL!!!!