A Grateful and Blessed Birthday

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. Psalm 100:4 NASB

People would ask, “What are you doing for your birthday?” I would often jokingly reply, “Having hundreds of my closest friends over to walk through our home.” You see, our home was one of four homes on the Christmas Tour of Homes in Plant City. This is a fundraiser put on by the Arts Council. The Arts Council of Plant City also strives to increase the availability of arts experiences through arts education curriculum in our schools, through local theater productions and through the presentation of professional and emerging artists; be they musicians, visual artists, dancers, or actors. The mission of the Arts Council is to bring arts to the Plant City Community, to promote education in the arts and to develop artists and arts programs.

While decorating the home, I would often say a little prayer for what others would feel and see when they came through our doors. My prayer was that others would see Jesus, experience peace, and feel at home.

The morning of the tour, my niece had sent me a beautiful birthday text.  She said, “Happy Birthday! Today is going to be awesome, and your house is going to be perfect. Not because of the construction, but because when people walk in they are going to literally feel the presence of Jesus and it’s going to be awesome. Love you! Proud of you!” Y’all! I hadn’t shared my prayers with anyone, except for Tim the night before. My precious niece was speaking what God had put on her heart. And her message was my desire, and each time I read it I would cry.

I share her text and my prayer with you to let you know that God did indeed show up! 

The most beautiful birthday gifts I received that day were not of monetary value. They were the precious words of affirmation, and the expressions on people’s faces as they would see something they enjoyed. And…I even had a group of ladies sing Happy Birthday with such harmony. Yes, I cried again. (I’ll post that video on the Soaking up The Son Facebook page. (Click here))

When people would comment that they see our faith everywhere, or they would read each scripture or word art on the walls or some home decor and appreciate it, or feel such peace at our home, THAT…that was priceless. That was a great gift!

I can’t help but grin when I think about how the word art and decor was appreciated, because my late mother-in-love would often say “You and your words on the walls”. Yes, Jany, those words shared Jesus with others.

I thank the Lord for the blessings He has given to us. Through it all, we pray we can be a blessing to others, and give God all the glory!

The Message translation made me giggle because we have a secret door that leads into Tim’s man-cave. 

Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him.  Psalm 100:4 MSG

For more years than I can recall, I’ve wanted to incorporate a secret door somewhere in our home. Well, now we’ve got one. The bookshelf murphy door simply needs a little push. Folks have asked if there is a book to pull down or a secret word to say like a speakeasy entrance. That would be cool! Maybe I should tell others that you say “thank you” in order for it to open. Then they can make themselves at home, thank the Lord, and worship Him.

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrew 13:2

So, how was spending my birthday with hundreds of people walking through our home? It was humbling and rewarding. I am grateful for each comment that was spoken and each expression of joy that was shown. They were like angels sent that day.

Blessings to you and yours,

Stephanie