My Heart AND My Tummy are Full

Please indulge me that last day of birthday celebrations then I'm done for another DECADE! It was said of God by St. Paul in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…..” That is God Who exceeds our greatest expectations and that was my sweet family this last weekend with a 70th birthday celebration that was above all I could have ever asked or thought. I've been giving a brief overview of my weekend's celebrations, topped off with the finale yesterday morning when they wouldn’t let me come downstairs until the festivities were ready to continue at a breakfast fit for a queen: cream gravy and chocolate gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, and fruit, followed by gifts and “special plate” times of hearing words from each and every one of my family sharing what I meant to them. To say I was humbled and a blubbering Nana puts it mildly. Then we had a sweet time of praise and worship as Staci led and Payton played the piano while we sang “Good. Good Father” and “God’s Reckless Love” followed by prayer. I was so thrilled that we gave God thanks for the many things He has done for me and for us, as a family. Then we headed to a local historical site for family photos followed by Flores Mexican Food. The pace didn't slow down as we headed to the bowling alley for family bowling and back home for the 70-candle salute on the cake that we thought was almost out of control before I could get them blown out. It was a sight to behold.

My Heart is Full

Day 235 of Photo Inspirations -- My Heart is Full
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."  Ephesians 1:16.  Those are St. Paul's words, but they're my words, too.   I am overcome with the love I felt from you, my FB family and friends, for your outpouring of kindness and thoughtfulness to send me so many warm wishes for my birthday.  You especially reminded me how incredible that Facebook is.  Whoever wants friends to make you feel loved and appreciated.....make friends on FB.  "A man (woman) who wants friends, must show himself (herself) friendly."  Proverbs 18:24.

I know a lot of folks bash Facebook, the world's largest social network. But while naysayers speak against it, my Facebook network of friends has increased and has blessed me immensely. It's become a vital tool both personally, professionally and one of my most passionate tools for sharing God's love.

Yes, I'm a thriving, loving life, motivated and passionate widow of nearly five years now and whose children and grandchildren live in another state.  Two reasons for the option to be whiny on my birthday:  widow and kids out of state.  But, for me, success and living life with gusto means overcoming the mindset of loneliness or self-pity.  Facebook, along with other purposeful outlets and places of giving back, have been so important to.me.  I've been given so much.  Having "likes" on my daily blogs gives me motivation to continue to do what I KNOW God called me to do.  The biggest gift is that it's reciprocal -- having a way to easily provide support and encouragement to others feels so good.

Facebook was also such a useful launching pad for my business.  I reached my business goals in record speeds because of the trust that I had earned from my FB friends.

But, yesterday, FB went to a new level when I realized that it made me feel like a celebrity on my birthday.  I admit it.  Facebook makes birthdays way more fun.  Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg and thank you, Facebook, and THANK YOU, my wonderful friends and family!

And, I'm so grateful for my family and friends that made me feel like a queen with their gifts of presents AND presence.  These photo inspirations are worth a thousand words.  I am so blessed -- far more than I deserve, but God's grace exceeds what we deserve, it is the unmerited favor of God that blankets us in what we need when we need it.

Yesterday, there was nothing more precious than your words, thoughts and prayers.  Becoming a year older has its rewards.....and you ALL rewarded me remarkably.  God bless you all for taking the time to make this "ole' girl" feel so loved.

Photo Inspirations:  Breakfast with Mom, Karen, George & Anna
Lunch with my Walking Buddies: Sharon Ray​ & Nancy Crow​
Dinner with my BFFs - Mick & Sheila Michie​