Birthday Joy

Psalm 30:1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12

I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 

O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 

Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning. 

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

We celebrated Maria's 15th birthday in two parts this past week.  Nic was out of the country for work this past week, so he and Maria had a special father/daughter date early in order to give her a very special 15th birthday gift, a ring with a promise to guard and protect her heart.  On October 22, her actual birthday, we celebrated with a meal of garlic shrimp pasta and a strawberry cream cheese frozen cake.  We even included Nic in the event via skype.  It was a joyous day!

Maria Joy, we are so thankful to be your mom and dad.  You have brought us great joy and we see the joy of the Lord within your heart.  We pray that God would multiply your joy as you grow and trust in Him.  

The special father/daughter date.

Skyping Nic (in Scotland) while we celebrated!

A strawberry cream cheese frozen cake...

So many candles almost melted the cake!