Birthdays (For Julie)

Happy Birthday! It is amazing to think that just those few short years ago you were simply a desire in your Mom and Dad's hearts. Ah, but take a simple yet beautiful desire........ Add a bit of Love.......... and VOILA....... You have it- One of the most wonderful lives to ever come into existence! And yet...... even before all that.............. God knew you- He purposed you - He had you in mind as a demonstration of who He is-

In you He has shown forth a bit His Glory-

His Grace- His Character- Yes even His Love and Goodness.

You have indeed been "Fearfully and Wonderfully" made. I am so glad God imagined you. John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God- Children born not of natural descent nor human decision nor a husbands will- but born of God. Another Birthday! Born Again! Born of God- His Life infused into our frailty. His substance- Even the Life of Jesus- Yes the amazing, wonderful, wild, extravagant Life and Love of Jesus birthed in us. I see it in you- I see it in people all around- even in this broken world. Maybe especially in this broken world. Thank You Father in Heaven that You have purposed us. Thank You for finding us when we were lost- for bringing us home to Yourself. Thank You for our Rebirth into Yourself. Thank You especially for Julie- the one You have made for me- The one You have brought me into union with. Thank You that we have received You. Help us to believe in Your Name more and more everyday. Help us all to live out being born of You. Amen