Shared Birthday Tradition

26 years ago today a tradition started when this competitive boy was born on my mothers birthday. Over the years I have gotten many responses ranging from how cool it is that we share a birthday to whether or not I like having to share "my day." Well I tell you now that I love sharing my birthday, always have, and always will. It is a treat to share ones birthday with family and is something very few people get to experience. For one I rarely experience those parties in which everyone is singing except you because I sing happy birthday to my mom! But seriously, since going to college a wonderful, naturally competitive (If you know me you me at all you are not surprized), tradition. My mom I always try to be the first to say happy birthday on the 4th. Texts, cards, emails, and even voicemail does not count. The birthday wish must be in person or over the phone. In college my mom won every year but finally three years ago I won the fun little contest and haven't lost since. The trick is coming up with new and creative ways to surprise my mom with the phone call. I will update you later on the method this year but I cannot divulge the secret now, being that she might read this post. My shared birthday is an awesome part of my birthday that I wouldn't trade for anything. Goodbye and wish me luck today!

Amazing Faith!

The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts 5: 41-42

Wow! I must admit I rejoice that God has allowed me to live in a country in which I am not flogged as the apostles were in Acts 5. That is an amazing story of faith for me because I know I wouldn't be rejoicing as I was leaving. I wouldn't deny God (I say that carefully knowing Peter said the same thing at the last supper only to deny him hours later) but I don't think I could rejoice in the way the apostles rejoiced. I want a faith like that and will work on that everyday and, while I hope I never have to suffer in this way, Lord make me able to rejoice and loudly praise You if I ever do experience this kind of suffering.