I love the 1st!

It wasn't until recently that I realized how many great things have happened in my life on the 1st of the month...

For starters, I was born on February 1st.

On May 1st in 2008 (just like this year, in 2008 it was the National Day of Prayer), I stepped out in faith to launch a full time ministry - Into the Field - with the mission of serving the servants around the corner and around the world.

And on July 1, 2013, I became the Mom to my precious Olivia. Ten months ago. Is it possible that it seems simultaneously to be yesterday and forever-ago?

The last couple of weeks she has reminded me of a butterfly coming out of its cocoon. She is flourishing, thriving, and oftentimes leaving me in awe.  She is speaking in more complex sentences, doing (basic) math, writing her letters and numbers, and continuing to bring lots of smiles and laughter to my life.  (Full disclosure: there are definitely, too, those moments when she is, without a doubt, a 5 year old girl who knows what she wants, when she wants it, and exactly how she wants it.)

Getting ready to go to the symphony

God is soo good!

A couple of days before Easter we were at the grocery store. Someone asked her if she was ready for Easter and the Easter Bunny to come visit. She replied, "Easter is about Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He loves us even when we mess up. He is in my heart." They just smiled and weren't quite sure how to respond. She loves to tell others about Jesus.

Showing her Easter joy!

One of my most favorite things is to walk into Olivia's room in the morning. She looks so peaceful as she cuddles with the blanket my mom knit for her. All of a sudden she will open her eyes, look at me, and get the sweetest grin on her face. "Mommy, I just love you!" Every. Single. Morning. For so many years I dreamed of and longed to know what it was like to have the pure love of a child. Now I know. I am blessed.

So much joy!  Just like her middle name!

Olivia's hugs are THE BEST!

She has a contagious joy, love, and compassion that I - and the rest of the world - could learn a lot from!  I can't wait for many more 1st 's with Olivia.  I don't take lightly the precious gift I have been given.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father..." James 1:17