Celebration in My Box

Today is a special day for several reasons: my daughter Caron, her husband Cory, and son Caleb are here visiting for the weekend; we are celebrating my March 3rd birthday, and I am eating birthday cake this year.

Last year my girls prepared a scrumptious birthday dinner, complete with red velvet cheesecake. I didn't eat the dessert because of an earlier commitment to abstain from processed sugar until my son Josh was clean and sober for a year. That achievement was accomplished on February 18th! This was the best birthday cake I've ever eaten.

Another cause for celebration is that Caron and Cory announced they are having a baby in September! Another grandchild. Since we have four grandsons, a pink bundle would be wonderful; but we will certainly love a blue one. Caleb wants a little brother. The primary desire is for the baby to be healthy. Having another boy could be viewed as God's way of keeping me out of bankruptcy. Those little pink outfits are soooooo cute!

During 2009 my emotions ran from the depths of despair with Josh's addiction to the mountaintop of jubilation with Caron and Cory's engagement announcement. There were so many highs and lows as I met most days with fear and trepidation. The new year of 2010 brought the promise of new beginnings; the year was filled with victories and triumphs. Josh went into treatment in February, and we had a wedding in June. The year was filled with watching God's mighty Hand sustain our family and guide us on our journey. I had a front-row seat to watch Jeremiah 30 and 31 come to fruition.

As 2011 unfolds, I am rejoicing at God's faithfulness. I am thankful for another day--and year of life--to see what great things He has in store for me individually and our family in the year at hand.

Yes, today is a blessed day of celebration. "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."