My favorite birthday greeting =)

"If you believe that each of us was designed by God for a specific reason, then you know there's no such thing as an ordinary person. So happy birthday, extraordinary person.

Don't ever forget how truly unique, how essential, how important you are. I know I won't."

I am learning that it is ok to be me, that it is good to be me... with all my passion (thanks RF) and craziness and drama and failings (thanks JT).

I want to live with this view of others as well. This is how I want to live my life, by considering others as truly unique, essential, important... extraordinary. And the really challenging part?? Intentionally remembering that this is true of my children and husband as well.

God, please help me to intentionally love my children, especially when they are struggling to make good choices, and especially I am weary with parenting. And thank you for making me... me.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9