Happy Birthday Dad

[Photo taken July 2013, Burnsville, Minnesota]

Today is the birthday of one of my most favorite people, my Dad.

He may not have the same DNA that I do and he may not have raised me, 

but he is and will always be my Dad.

Dearest Dad,

Today we get to celebrate you and all the things we love about you.

You are always teaching and showing me new things.

You (and Mom) are my biggest cheerleaders.

You always tell me the best stories.
You can fix anything, be it a broken item or a bad attitude.

You love a certain young man just as much as I do.

You listen to me go on and on about girly things that are the least bit important to you.

You are always praying for me and with me.

Your hard work, drive and determination helps me to do the same.

You are the best tour guide I know.

You show me unconditional love and grace.

You are always willing to learn new things and in doing so 

you remind me that embracing change is a good quality to embody.

There is no daughter who is more proud of her Dad than I am of you. Here's to 53+ more birthdays.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your Fave Daughter

For this I am Grateful

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought." 

- Matthew 5:5 MSG

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." 
- Mesister Eckhart

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

For this I am grateful.

For family, friends who are like family, and friends all over that make life rich.

For a relationship with the Creator and the promise of eternal life through the death of Jesus Christ.

For health and exercise.

For travel and the opportunity to explore new places.

For technology which allows me to work from home and stay connected to those I love.

For California with its incredible weather that allows me to spend as much time outside 
as I would like.

For my pets and their faithful companionship.

For the opportunity to be truly free as an American.

For knowledge and the continued opportunity to learn and grow.

For a church that I love.

For music that is the soundtrack to most of my days. It accompanies me while I work, exercise, relax, and go to sleep.

For hobbies that I love and am passionate about.  

Gratitude is a practice. Make it a priority.