Brianna's 4th birthday

My beautiful, only daughter turned four this week! As I look into her eyes and thank God for her little life, I realize that this is the very age I was when I came to Christ. When I was four years old, as a dark-haired, dark-skinned, brown-eyed little girl, I was invited to ride a church bus for the first time. And my life forever changed.
My sweet Brianna has not had to live through the life I went through. By the time I was her age, I had been severely abused and neglected by my parents. I had lived in a foster home. I had been in the government's care. And, as far as I know, I had never heard the words "I love you."
But, praise God for His mercy to every generation! And because of God's amazing grace and care for me, I am able to watch my own little girl be reared in a happy, secure Christian home full of love and joy. Does it get any better than that?

We were able to celebrate Brianna's birthday two days in a row. Her actual birthday fell on a Sunday, and she had the joy of being in a supporting church in Austin, Texas, and feeling loved by the church people who paid extra attention to her. The pastor even took us to eat at Macaroni Grill where Brianna was sung "Happy Birthday" to in Italian! The next day found us celebrating at Chuck E. Cheese's with our friends, the Simpsons.

After Brianna's birthday party, we were invited to attend the birthday party of some new friends who had a petting zoo brought to their very own front yard. Our kids loved this!

Thank you, Jesus, for this beautiful girl you have given me that I am able to love and relish in her words, "I love you, Mommy." There is nothing like having a daughter of my own, and I am loving every minute of her sweet life!