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I love my birthday.  

Wow, that sounds a little conceited... let me elaborate.  

I love my birthday in the same way that I love every morning, the first day of the month, New Years - I love the reminder that God's mercies are new every morning, every season, every year.  He'll never stop offering second chances (or 2,493rd chances).  He is so good to us!  

I also love the opportunity to reflect on the past and envision the future.  My one true type-A tendency comes out in making lists... I make them for every day and every thing.

So here are some lists for a new year of life:

I'm thankful for in the past year (in no particular order):

- God's Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love - praying with Elli that Jesus would come live in her heart - watching Elli's understanding of God grow through BSF and the Jesus Storybook Bible (haven't heard of it? go get it!) - the birth of our precious baby girl, Caroline Faye - Daniel, ever my best friend, through good and bad - good last memories with my grandpa, and the peaceful way the Lord decided to take him home - good health in general in our sweet family - a new place to call our home - a backyard, complete with sandbox, garden, and patio - clear direction from the Lord regarding my role at our church - BSF this year - a community where we belong - lots of sweet memories made with our family - Elinor Faye, who lights up my days - Caroline Faye, who adds so much sweetness to our family - seeing Elli become a big sister, one of my favorite moments ever - the Lord's grace and provision while Daniel traveled - new friendships - old friendships - the ease of my labor and delivery with Caroline - our church gathering around us and caring so well for us after she was born - our new pastor - the end of the drought - His grace has once again proven enough in my weakness - several new babies to love on this year - the fun Daniel and I have had working on house projects together - many many answered prayers -

Twenty-Seven is the year I plan/hope to:

- not drink diet coke - finally sew our Christmas stockings - read more grown-up books - wear sunscreen much much more - bring beauty into our home - pray and memorize Scripture more - run another half marathon, maybe two? - write letters and notes to friends and family - be really silly with my girls - trust in the Lord and submit to His plans for this year -