Happy 11th, Madison!

Today we celebrated Madison Joy's 11th year. She is truly a blessing and "joy". Her breakfast request was bacon, egg, and cheese omelets so the day began with those and a few gifts from the family. After church we broke from our usual tradition of a birthday meal at Joe's Real BBQ and went across the street to his other restaurant, Liberty Market. The food and service were great - Maddie got her free meal and we all enjoyed ourselves! In the afternoon she and I did a little shopping for a dress and then it was off to church for the evening where she received a special "birthday song". Now the birthday girl is sleeping soundly after a long week of Thanksgiving and birthday festivities.

I am truly thankful for the gift of Madison to our family and the talents and character she brings. It is encouraging to watch her grow and mature into a helpful, creative, determined, caring, and sensitive young lady. It is exciting to see the areas in which the Lord has gifted her and wonder how He will use her some day if she yields to Him. My prayer for her is paraphrased from her "birthday verse" - Romans 15:13:

Madison Joy - I pray the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace and that you will trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit........