Celebrating my Birthday!

Today is my birthday!

The celebration has been wonderful.

This year, God gave me a new Don Moen CD! Last night, I learned that I won a contest for his newest CD—Uncharted Territory! How cool! I have a few of Don's CDs and enjoy them very much. So, I'm excited about receiving his newest CD.

I also received several cards from family and friends—love the variety of the cards and the encouraging notes. Many friends posted greetings on FaceBook. And I also received several gifts. One gift is a framed art work of Proverbs 3:5-6 created by Timothy Botts. Mr. Botts is an amazing and very talented artist.

Today, I was able to enjoy time and lunch with a great friend. God even provided a restaurant where I could enjoy a good meal without cheating on my diet! (That was very important to me, since I've lost a total of 20 lb so far. I still have more weight to lose, but since the Moore Health Ideal Weight Loss program is working, I really didn't want to cheat and delay my progress.)

(The last picture is Jake, my server, and me. Jake did a superb job of making sure our meal was very enjoyable.) 

And of course, Max provided some extra laughs today. It was 9 years ago that God gave me Max as my birthday gift. Max has learned a new sound. It's a soft and sweet whistle. When I say, "Pretty whistle", Max will whistle this new sound. I love it.

As I think back over today, I am truly blessed by God. It's so very special to be His child. Creating a positive day is very enjoyable when I'm counting my blessings!

Blessings Celebration Day!

Just wanted to let you know about my Blessings Celebration! I started the day thanking God for His goodness and all the blessings He has sent and continues to send my way. Then I spent time writing notes and emailing people to let them know that they are blessing in my life. I also was able to attend 100 Years of Broadway at Paramount Theater in Aurora, IL.

 When I arrived at the show, I learned that I was given complimentary tickets! The staff wanted to me enjoy my Blessings Celebration!! How cool!! The show was very good. The performers had all worked and sung on many stages, including Broadway. There was a good mix of songs from a variety of shows. And the performers could sing! The Ushers were all so kind. Since, I had to stand during the entire show the Ushers wanted to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. At intermission, one Usher even got me a "booster seat" so I could rest my foot on it. It was just what I needed to make standing easier. After the show I was able to get the performers autographs on the program. To top it all off I was given a CD of the singer I enjoyed most!

Most of you will ask, isn't your pain level high? Yes, it's unbearable. But in a few days..okay it will be more like a week or two....my pain level will settle back down. But the fun I had today will live on in my memory. Each time I listen to the CD, or think of today, I'll smile. I'll think of how God continues to bless me....even by allowing me to attend the show for FREE! That was an AWESOME blessing!!
So, the next year is about to begin......and I'm looking forward to counting all the blessings God has in store for me!!