my first day of being 38

Today is my birthday! The big 38.

I walked outside first thing in the morning and discovered that the tree in my front yard had lots of tiny little leaves all over it! The last of the dead leaves had all fallen off last night and the new leaves had come in their place. What a wonderful birthday surprise this morning!!

I happily opened my gifts from my mom and my mother-in-law right before breakfast. I got the boxes in the mail several days ago, and I've been anxiously waiting to open them. I wanted to wait till my actual birthday. So, it was really fun to open them this morning!

the beautiful vintage tea kettle that my mother-in-law sent me. i LOVE it!!

i put it to use right away and heated up some water for my cup of Cafe Francais for breakfast.

and my mom sent me this cookbook! 

the photos inside are just gorgeous, and I can't wait to try some of the recipes!

and this little beauty is my birthday present from Jesus. :)

let me explain - I found it this weekend at a bazaar that my church had. when I saw it, I fell in love with it. I was going to get it and give it to someone or put it in the shop. But as I was holding it and admiring it, the Lord spoke to my heart. He, ever so sweetly and gently, said to my heart, "That is how I feel about you, Lora." And He reminded me of this scripture:

For You created my inmost being; 

You knit me together in my mother's womb. 

 I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

I love Jesus. I love how sweet He is with me. 
And how He knows just the perfect way to encourage me and love me.

I hung it up on the wall this morning, in my craft room, right above my sewing machine.

And as I hammered the nail in the wall, I resolved to walk in the knowledge of how special I am. 

That this 38th year, I will accept and love myself as Christ loves me. 

I will be secure in His love for me.

I will be free to be myself and never apologize for who I am, quirks and all.

It was a special moment with the Lord this morning. A wonderful way to start my birthday!

And I am looking forward to tonight - Clint is taking me out on a date! :)