That’s right! Another year has passed and another year older I have become. I would like to say wiser too, but I need to think about that….um no, I’m not feeling it…perhaps we will just leave it at older…that I can feel (and see!). As my darling husband’s card said: You know, if you figured your age in pig years…you’d be a football by now! That is just what I needed to start my morning off – I laughed so hard. It is by far the best card I have received to date. My brother-in-law thought it nicer to say it was the 10th anniversary of my 24th birthday. It was a wonderful day filled with much laughter and warm memories. This year I had the opportunity to spend my special day with family who spoiled me rotten. Why share about this day that the earth was blessed by my arrival? Well, I was just feeling so overjoyed and thankful that I thought I would burst – typing to you would be less messy than cleaning that up. I have never cared much for my birthday as I don’t like all the attention that it draws to me – I know I’m strange. But this year was a special one. Not because of all the thoughtful things that were done or all the lavish gifts that were presented, but because of some special surprises from my Father. What better way to celebrate your birthday than to find out your prayers had been answered, not just once, but 3 times! Three different situations and many days/weeks/years of prayer all returning news that is praiseworthy! I don’t know if it gets any better than that! Sometimes we feel as though our prayers are falling on deaf ears and when things don’t happen in our timing we get frustrated, but perseverance, trust and faith pay off. These prayers were not answered in the ways or timing that I thought, but they were answered in the way and timing that He (the all-knowing, all-wise God, my Father) planned. Just as He planned for me to be here to know the result. Thank you, Father, for these gifts. These special treasures of your promised faithfulness. The reminder that nothing is too hard for you and that it is all for Your glory.