birthday surprises continued (#29)

I remember late last year when I looked ahead to my birthday for this year and realized that it fell on a Sunday- I really wasn't that excited to spend this big birthday with the church.  Nothing against my church (because from my previous blogs, you know I love Maple Springs) but I wasn't sure I wanted to celebrate turning 30 with 400 friends:)  Boy was I wrong!

What a gift it was to get up this morning and go to one of my favorite places!  I enjoyed sitting through the 8:45 worship service and hearing from our lay leader, Dr. Michael Boyles.  He closed his sermon saying that when he filled out his spiritual gifts inventory he said he put down 0 for public speaking, but he nailed him.  I don't get to sit through a service often, but I sure did enjoy hearing what he had to share.

I headed into Sunday school excited to spend some time with the kids.  Some of my leaders had some tricks up their sleeves.  They had been collecting letters from kids and their families for a couple weeks.  All of my kids gathered together and presented me with the box of letters as well as sweet gifts to help me be creative.  They read some sweet notes to me and really loved on me.

So thankful for all of these sweet faces.

I am so thankful that this year's birthday was on a Sunday- what a blessing it was to be in the presence of our faith community at Maple Springs.  I'm blessed!