Celebrate!

Ephesians 2:4-10 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Philippians 1:6 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:14, 17-19  

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

It was a busy week with much to do...a project weekend, an empanada picnic with family, a Labor Day field trip, school, the first day of dance, Hugo and Maria's special day, four soccer games, and a 17th birthday for Hugo!  So much to celebrate and so much for which to be thankful!

Hugo is rather quiet and doesn't like to make much of himself when it comes to celebrations, but we wanted to make his birthday a day he would remember.  At his soccer game, under the lights, the announcer wished him a happy birthday as the game began, and at each corner kick he took the announcer said, "Corner kick for St. Francis by Hugo Olson, the birthday boy!"  After the game there were cupcakes for the entire team.  (They won 3-1 over North Branch last night.)  After those celebrations we went home and finished our day together with gifts and chocolate cake.  It was good to see him enjoy celebrating his birthday.

Happy Birthday, Hugo!  We rejoice in God's grace and goodness in your life and we are thankful that we can be a part of it, watching as you grow into a young man, His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.  We are confident that He will complete every good work He has begun in you and we pray that you would know the breadth, length, height, and depth of His love.