**Birthday Blessings**

Yep! Today was my 19th birthday!

One of those crazy, doesn't-really-feel-like-a-birthday birthdays...not because of anyone's neglect or forgetfulness (so don't feel bad Mom and Dad:), but because responsibilities trump partying:)

Though today wasn't the type of birthday I always longed for as a child...it was a pretty special day!

Some of the blessings from God today...

• The roads weren't too icy...so I stayed alive to celebrate my birthday:)
• My mommy got up early and made me a hot breakfast!
• My little sisters got up early to give me birthday hugs before I went off to school!
• My sister and daddy got me a Starbucks coffee and a balloon in chapel <3
• The message in chapel was out of one of my favorite passages: Philippians 3: 10-11
• SO many people wished me a happy birthday at school today! It was an encouragement!
• I got a great new CD from a friend at school today: saxophone+piano=beautiful!
• Another friend bought me a raspberry iced tea--yummy!
• Classes and music rehearsals went well...definitely learning a lot and being challenged!
• It was a friend's bridal shower tonight! God is faithfully working in her and her fiance's life to make them a beautiful reflection of His relationship with the church!
• I got to eat supper with my whole family tonight! Special times to cherish...
• I am drinking tea and spending time in the Word before bed! God's Word is alive and personal!

As I look back on the day, there were many exclamation-point-worthy things, but the best blessing of today...was the life God has given me! Every day may not be a super exciting, fun-filled day, but every day is a gift, a blessing, a treasure to invest. 

God has me alive for a purpose, and He WILL work everything out for good, which means making me more into a reflection of His Son FOR HIS GLORY!

May this nineteenth year of my life bring Him glory more than any other thus far...whether that means joy or sorrow, blessings or burdens...I am His.

Day 9: A photo I took

I was going to get up early this morning and take a picture of my birthday sunrise, but staying up late and getting up early don't really work together in my book:) 

Eighteen is sort of a milestone. It reminds me of the verse that says something like, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, etc., but when I became a man I put away childish things." 

I think I should feel more nervous or overwhelmed than I do. I feel as though I've been preparing "all my life" to be a responsible, mature adult, so why be scared? This is just the next step in life! 

This morning, at breakfast, we sang "Come Thou Fount" and I thought that verse 2 was appropriate. . ."Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home."
If my God has led me thus far, will He not continue to prove faithful? Even when I am faithless, HE WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL! He cannot deny Himself.
Wow! That just fills me with joy and peace about the future, whatever it may hold. I know WHO holds the future, and my life is in His hands!

For My Father On His Birthday

Dearest Daddy~

I thank God again and again for giving you to me as my father. You are a wonderful example to me in so many ways. You love God with an passion and devotion that is evident. You love His Word to such a degree that I am ashamed of my own luke-warmness. You pursue excellence and urge us all to do the same.

I am so thankful for your leadership in our family. In the past few years, you have truly become our priest, prophet, protector and provider. You are to me a counselor, friend, and protector, and I cannot imagine life without your humor and “weirdocities”:)

Thank you for your faithful prayers for me, and your constant support and encouragement in all that I attempt to do.


“For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thess. 2:11-12

I Love You!

Your daughter,

Sophie

Day 9: O, How Shall I keep my Christmas/Mommy's Birthday!

This carol was completely unknown to me until a few minutes ago! As something a little different, here is a video of the tune along with the words...
You can view the text without the video here.

Isn't that beautiful? I really enjoyed it!
Today is my Mommy's (I won't say which) birthday!  This carol reminds me of her because she does not ever, EVER take a song or verse just as words. She sings from her soul and considers the words deeply.  When she reads a Bible passage to us children, she carefully explains and urges us to consider the deep truths.  
She is a keeper at home (Titus 2), faithfully caring for her husband and seven children. My mother has faithfully home-schooled all her children beginning with kindergarten (at this point the total being 14 years, but at least 13 to go!) and all the way through high school. She always tries to make our home a sweet and safe place for us.  She looks out for things around the house that need to be changed to make this happen. 
She rises early and spends time in the Scriptures.  I could not count the mornings in which I found my mother early in the morning at the kitchen table studying the Word of her God whom she loves.  If I am doing my devotions at the same time, I am often interuppted as she shares with me something she is learning. She is so excited by finding truth that she has to share it.
She is the queen of our house and yet a servant, working all day long.  
She is my friend and counselor. I know that she will always listen and have a wise word, but not her own words.  She always points me back to the One who understands my problems better than I.

There are so many more things I could say about my Mommy! But in Proverbs 31, King Lemuel says it best: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."

Me, Mommy, and my older sister, Jessie

Happy Birthday Mommy Dear!  May God richly bless you this year!