Happy Birthday to me!

Yes, it is that time of year when I get to celebrate my Birthday again. #54! Although my first few Birthdays are a little difficult to recall, the ones from 10 years old on I remember well and even some of the early childhood gifts my parents gave me. The early years of Birthday celebrations focused on gifts and cake. Each year mom would make a cake in the shape of something important to me: football field, race car, etc. Those were the days.


The greatest gift I could have this year is the joy of being with my family (although our kids are a long ways away from Jill and me). I am so grateful for the gift of life God blessed me with this year. I cannot express the joy I have when I see my grand daughters play in their room or my son lead worship at the church he serves as youth pastor. The things that matter most are family and friends rather than things.

There is no greater gift than that of life and I can enjoy it here and now plus in the future to come. Yes, that is right, my hope is build on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. As friends write on my Skype wall nice greetings, I will be thinking of the Birthday that almost didn't happen. "Thanks Lord for this wonderful gift."

Now, for Valerie and Alex, there is still time to shop....January 24 is a week away!