Happy Birthday, Denise! You are an incredible blessing to our lives. It is hard for me to remember a time when I was not a Mom. The last 20+ years have been the biggest blessing in my life. I never knew that being a Mom would be so fulfilling and rewarding, and I am so thankful that God has given me the privilege to be your Mom!
I am so proud of the young lady you have become. God has sent to you many trials and you continue to grow stronger and more mature with each trial. I have never heard you complain in the midst of each trial. You just keep looking for the positives and allowing God to stretch you and grow you through them.
You have had brain surgery, two ACL repairs, and now the end of your senior year in college has been disrupted by a small little virus. You have missed out on so many things, BUT you have chosen to not let the trials dictate your response. You have chosen to continue to hope and trust in the Lord. You have chosen to make the most of each situation. You have chosen to take the negatives and make them into something positive.
I love your heart for discipleship. It shows that the love you have for God is something you want to share with those who are around you.
I love your heart for children. You love them with an unconditional love. Not just do you love them, but they love you. Kids are drawn to you.
I love to work outside with you. We seem to be able to turn any work project into something fun.
You love to work with your hands, and get them dirty. You also enjoy keeping them clean while you make something creative in the kitchen.
Your smile and laugh light up any room and bring joy to anyone’s face that hears it.
You have a heart for serving our Lord by serving others.
So today, on your birthday, I know that this is not the way you had planned to spend your birthday, but I hope that you see this day as you have seen all the other days that didn’t turn out quite how you thought they would. I hope you continue to see all the blessings in your life. I hope you see all the people that love you AND you feel loved and cherished. I hope that today is another day in your life that you continue to see God’s faithfulness in your life.
HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY, DENISE!
