Disclaimer: Sorry this blog is a couple days late and there is a reason for that. So, I have a little secret for you guys. This is not Shelly, but it’s her daughter Bethany. My mom had asked me to write a guest blog post about something the Lord has been reminding me of recently on praising God even in trials even if it takes a process to get there (like it did for Habakkuk). That may be for another time! But it’s her birthday today, so I thought I could get away with a blog post about praising God for the blessing of having her in our world for all these years. It’s still a blog about praise with a little birthday twist. Hehe.
Happy Birthday, dear momma!
Recently we’ve been thinking how life would be if you didn’t have ALS right now. We’re just imagining all your yummy homecooked meals (your minestrone soup and mini pizzas etc…), your amazing hostess skills, camping/backpacking with you and your scrumptious campfire potato packets, going on fresh morning walks with you, hammocking with you by Lake Harriet, singing your Scripture songs with you, seeing a welcome home sign whenever we would return from trips, of course your warm loving hugs, just talking without having to wait for you to respond letter-by-letter on the eye gaze computer and without being interrupted by the many needs, and so much more. Life would truly be so different if you didn’t have ALS, but there is still so much to praise God for in the here and now on this special day of yours.
The biggest praise we have today is that you are here with us and are still such a huge part of our lives. What a blessing that we have made so many memories through the years even with all the difficult changes we’ve been through as a family.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 says, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.”
We would like to take this opportunity to remember the blessed times with you and praise God for the ways that you have enriched our lives through the years:
Kevin – For nearly 38 years, Shelly, you have been the true heartbeat and glue of our family—masterfully orchestrating everything from our favorite adventures to the warmth of our home. Whenever you start a sentence with “I’ve been thinking…”, I might squint at what it’s going to cost me in time and effort, but your visionary mind has repeatedly built something better for our family and ministry. Through every season, you’ve remained a fun-loving scrapper, a gracious hostess, and a steadfast partner who lifts up everyone she meets. Circumstances have drastically changed and life moves on, but your heart for the people you love never wavers. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate you today, my beautiful, God-gifted wife. Happy Birthday!
Jonathan and Hannah – Even though life is not like it used to be and you can’t do all the many things you’d love to do as Mom and Grammie, you still have a very special place in our kiddo’s hearts and of course ours as well. We love watching them give you the sweetest hugs and snuggles. You are an inspiration to us and so many others with your heartfelt blogs, your encouraging texts to many, and your uplifted prayers in our behalf. You da best! Much love to you!
Daniela and Nathan – Dearest Mother, you are such a source of blessing and inspiration to us and the world. Your trust in Jesus is a living testimony that we each can trust Jesus when life is not ideal. Momma, you are the glue of our family, and as I (Nathan) say, although we know you would like to do a lot more than you do, your mother’s blood is beating strongly in your veins, and for that we are truly blessed. We feel your motherly love, care, and attention to detail. You are amazing, and we love you very much! Our prayers are with you every day. You da best!
Bethany – Momma, you are such a strong woman with Jesus (as I often tell you). I praise God for the privilege of being able to consult you for fashion advice, cooking, and just for life in general. I also praise God that you have shown me a beautiful example of deep care and love for people in need from Guatemala to Jamaica to Ouachita Hills etc.… Everywhere you go through your presence and/or words, you make an impact because you point people to Jesus and make them feel loved and accepted. Love you lots!
Micah – Even though things are different now, I still know that you love me and care about whatever I’m doing. I miss the times that we would go on dates, but we can always look forward to heaven. Hopefully, I can spend some more time with you during the week.
Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her.”
There’s of course so much more that we could say, but just know that we praise God for YOU. May you be reminded again today that you are so loved and truly one of the biggest blessings in our lives, a real woman of virtue because of your loving Savior. Lovely birthday! We love YOU!
Love, your family ❤️
P.S. Feel free to wish my mom a happy birthday and share anything in the comments about how the Lord has used her to encourage your heart. ;D Thank you each one (even if we are not able to reply to everyone)! May God bless you and may you remember to give thanks today for the people God has placed in your life for a reason.
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