A summary of my day

A big thank you to those of you who made my birthday extra special either by responding to my blog post or through personal e-mail, cards, etc. I had a very blessed day and felt loved.

Before I share some of the day's highlights, I'd like to ask you all to lift up two prayer requests.

1. My mom is undergoing (as I write) emergency knee surgery. I am not sure of all the details, but she has been having severe pain and fluid in her knee and she had some treatments done earlier this week and now has a severe infection which is requiring the surgery.
2. Napp is leaving EARLY tomorrow morning for a conference in New Orleans. Please pray for traveling mercies and also for his back. He is in intense pain tonight as well.

My day had an extra-special start because I joined the Beth Moore "Stepping up" Bible Study at church. It will journey through the Psalms of Ascent. Today was an inspiring preview. I look forward to sharing what I learn as the study continues.

My awesome friend Jaime had sent out a mass e-mail to the other ladies informing them it was my birthday so I got cards and lots of birthday wishes...and even a group singing rendition of "Happy Birthday."Jaime , who is an incredible professional photographer also surprised me with a very special gift, a framed copy of one of her photographs. I love it and have already hung it up in our apartment. I'm not very talented when it comes to decorating, so I may find another spot for it later. I'll have to post a link to the photo as well. it's really neat.

After lunch (Xylie and I had a luncheon tea party) Zayden took a long nap while Xylie and I played lots of games. We had a very sweet time. I also got to take a nap when my hubby came home from work early.

Napp and Xylie went to the store to finalize their special surprise and they also returned with a New York style Pesto Pizza. It was yummy and I didn't have to cook. Napp and Xylie put so much love into celebrating my birthday. Their plans didn't go as...well...planned....but I felt very loved. We did have a "Champaign" (Sparkling cider) toast and Xylie said a very sweet prayer for me before our dinner. On Sunday after Napp returns, he and Xylie are going to bake me a special cake. Napp was so generous with his time...shopping, bringing home dinner, and planning a little party even though he had tons to do before his big trip tomorrow. He's such a wonderful husband!

A definite special part of the day was that PapPap (with some help from my sisters) was able to call me. Every year for as long as I can remember, PapPap has never missed my birthday. He always was the first to call and sing to me. Today I couldn't make out that he was singing Happy Birthday, but he was definitely singing and JeanAnn said he had a big smile on his face the whole time we were talking.

I hope I didn't seem selfish with all these posts about my birthday. I'm not trying to me all "me, me, me." I love birthdays. The reason I love them so much is because life is such a miracle and I truly believe that all people are created for a reason by the Lord God Almighty. Often we look at our own birthdays and think "Ugh, I'm older, or fatter, or it's just another day." But this past year, the Lord put Psalm 139 on my heart "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." So I don't think of my birthday as a day that I'm older or a day for just presents and parties. I think of it as a day for celebration because the God of the Universe wanted and designed little ol' me to be on this earth for a reason. When it hits home how much God loves you, joy and celebration become mandatory. So next time it's your turn to blow out those candles, remember how loved and special you are to God.

I just got a call from my mom. She is out of surgery and recuperating. Thank you for your prayers and I ask that you pray for her continued recovery.