Celebrating (04/06/2026)

Today is my birthday, but I celebrated it yesterday with my family as we gathered for Easter. We had our Easter celebration and prayer and meal. Then after the dishes were done, and I was sitting at the table with several of my kids and grandkids, I was surprised with a birthday party of sorts complete with candles in my favorite rice Krispie bar. It just doesn’t get better than that – Easter – Family – Favorite Food – Surprise Party.

As some of my family snuck up behind me, sitting at the table, they starting singing “Happy Birthday”. I looked up just as my husband placed the plate with a rice Krispie bar with candles in front of me. I was so surprised. I was so touched. I was so amused. We have number candles for birthdays. I was turning 76. They found a 7, but there was no 6 candle, so I got a 7 candle and two 3 candles. Do the math.

They told me I had to make a wish and blow out my candles. I cheated. At that moment, I had what I wanted – a loving family gathered together. So, silently, instead of a wish, I offered up a huge “thank you” to my LORD.

Yesterday I had a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends. It was a joyful day in which I was able to acknowledge the love of our LORD so powerfully and awesomely shown on Easter. Yesterday I celebrated the gift of life in multiple ways.

As I pondered my day before bed time, I thanked the LORD for His gifts to me most especially His loving presence and His promise of life in abundance. And I thanked Him for the abundance of that day.  I recognized all over again that it is the love that makes us, that sustains us, and that gives us hope. And I thanked the LORD all over again for His love and the love and lives of family and friends.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.