2 for 1

We decided to combine the babies' birthday again this year.  It's really just easier for everyone and for some reason they tend to share friends, toys, pretty much birthdays...so why not!  Pirates and princesses everywhere...what fun!!!
We had a great time celebrating these 2 littles and I guess it's time to start planning next year's....
I am just so thankful for such sweet friends and family to share this special time of year with...what a birthday blessing!
"This is the day
which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24

My Madden...

Dear Tinky,
Roonie, Tinkalicious, roons, sweet baby girl, fairy tale princess.  Happy 4th Birthday!  4 sounds SO much bigger than 3!  For 4 precious years I have been able to look at the sweetest little eyes and hear your sweet voice...ughhh your little laugh is magical!
  You are such a blessing.  I love you more than any girl on the planet, you really are a dream come true.  You have grown up so much this year.  You started Pre-k, made precious friends, took ballet and gymnastics, and learned so many new things.  You  have such a kind heart, and loving way about you.  Don't ever change that, Tinky.  Always be you. Be proud of the special girl that you are, I know I certainly am.
Here are your 4 birthday wishes with one to grow on....I hope all of your dreams come true and you will always feel as special as you are.

#1.  Be confident.  Try new things.  Don't ever be insecure about who you are precious girl.  Be brave, you can do anything!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philipians 4:13
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philipians 4:6


#2.  Seek God's plan for your life.  I wish you would always look for God's will everywhere.  He has big plans for you my sweet girl.  The way you love to learn and try new things is amazing, I know you will do some incredible things in your lifetime...don't hesitate, just pray about everything...and follow Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:11

#3.  Be the salt and the light.  Love others, sweet girl.  Salt preserves things and protects them from ruin...it also adds flavor.  Try to enhance the world  in your special ways.   Be the light in the darkness. Love others by showing them the way and by being a light in their hearts, just as you are in ours.  You are so good at this Madden!  You make us so proud when you love others and tell them about Jesus.  

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

#4.  Love the Lord.  You have Jesus in your heart.  You love to hear stories from the Bible and tell us what you have learned.  Honor Him in all that you do and glorify Him everyday.  Sweet Madden, you have the most special spirit and it's such a reflection of His love and glory!  

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
1I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

And one to grow on...
Show Grace precious girl.  Forgive others.  Don't hold a grudge, you will suffer far more if you have these feelings towards others.  Let things go...let your kindness shine through...find peace in Him. Pray for your enemies as well as your loved ones.  You are so quick to forgive and to move forward loving others...keep it up-it is such a gift!
⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matthew 5:44


My angel baby, I wish you the best birthday yet and so many more to come.  I hope you find something special in everyday.  I hope your future is as marvelous (one of your current words of choice) as you are.   Keep learning new things everyday baby girl-there is no limit to the places God will take you...its a blessing just to stand beside you and watch Him work.  He is so good.  You are proof of His goodness, you are a blessing to all of us and we love you more than you could ever imagine.
Happy 4th Birthday, sweet Madden.  I love you with my whole heart. You are My Girl.

and Tinky....please dont ever forget your precious talent and gift for learning so quickly, loving so well, and praising Him...!

And one to grow on...

Dear Murphy,
Its hard to believe you are turning 5 tomorrow.  It's hard to believe the difference you have made in our lives, our paths, our hearts, our journey.  You are a gift, you are joy.  I can not imagine what you will do over the next 5 years, but I thank God for the privilege of getting to be your mother.  I am thankful for every minute and everyday I get to watch you grow.  
You have changed our lives and blessed us in ways we never knew possible.  I have some birthday wishes for you, 5 of course with one to grow on.  Happy 5th birthday, Murphy may all your wishes come true.

This pillow always makes me think of you. It is the greek word for JOY.

1. Never try to change who you are. I wish for your heart to stay firm in the love you have for others. You are straight from God and made in His image. Your heart is kind and your spirit is so sweet, you are our boy, our son, Madden's brother, you are a teacher, you are a student, you are strong, you are a protector, you are an encourager, you are a hard worker you are caring, your smile lights up our lives and you are so, so loved.
Be Murphy and be proud of who you are.
Always remember God made you exactly how He wanted you to be.

Psalm 139:14
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."

2. Let others see your JOY. We have called you Joy since you were a little baby. Joy defined is

-a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment. No matter what your circumstances may be...keep your focus on Him and you will always be able to find your Joy. Share it with others who may not have eyes to see...your smile is one that comes from deep inside you, its hard to explain but a genuine smile from Murphy is a glimpse of true joy. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" James 1:2 3. Love Him. I wish that you would constantly pursue Christ. I hope that you will love Him with all of your being and all of your soul. I wish that He will be the only approval, only satisfaction that you need in life...Look for Him everywhere, glorify Him in everything. Jesus is in your precious heart, Murphy. Your praise is amazing and the way you express your love when you sing to Him and talk about Him is something I hope never changes. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]” Luke 10:27 4. Love others. I wish that in this lifetime you continue have the grace that I so often lack. I wish that you would be able to see past the ugliness that creeps out of people and love them through it. Love others well. Your love is infectious and a gift to anyone who knows it. When others are unkind, I pray that your spirit will not hurt, instead you will find a way to see people how Jesus does. You have eyes like no other and an ability to love that is not from this world. Don't ever change that. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34 5. Praise Him. Murphy you love nothing more than to sing God's praises. Keep it up...be an example to others in how to Love our God. You are such a teacher. We have so much to learn about letting go and Loving Him. In everything you do look for something good and worthy of praise. Smile, laugh, and sing as often as you want...I can only imagine how He delights in you. "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!" Psalm 150:6

And one to grow on... I pray that God will

Bless you when the first light of sun. Bless you when the long day is done. 

Bless you in your smiles and in your tears. Bless you through each day of your years.

We love you more than you could ever know! Happy Birthday, Murphy!