31st birthday!

My heart is overflowing with God's greatness.  I have had the wonderful opportunity of spending my 31st birthday in Oahu with friends.  My b-day weekend started Friday when I flew to HNL.  Amber dropped me off at the airport where while talking with Uncle Don my boarding pass was brought to me.  While in the airport I caught up with Uncle Bill and then sat with Amy's mom and dad on the flight over.  Arrived, picked up car, and headed to Target to pick up a few things.  Saved over 16$ in coupons!  Reminded myself that it is ok to treat myself to a bag of dark chocolate.  Drove to Mililani where Momma Lisa made me dinner and Lauryn gave me an amazing facial while we caught up and played with the kiddos.  Didn't go to sleep until after midnight as I was so wired from the events of the day.

Reluctantly got out of bed at 6am on Saturday.  Lisa had oatmeal and papaya sitting on the table for breakfast.  Drove to the airport to pick up Bryant, Jeremy, and Bri (oh and Judah!)  While waiting I stopped at starbucks for my free venti mocha coconut frappachino and ran into one of the Nations girls who had come out on a mission trip to Molokai 5+ years ago.  She is now married and works at Starbucks!  Nice surprise as I have stayed with her parents several times.  Took Jeremy and Bryant to CC-Komo Mai and dropped them off at the "How to Walk" conference.  Bri and I then headed to the zoo where we spent a couple of hours strolling around looking at all the animals.  Judah fell asleep halfway through.  Went to Ala Moana and picked up my birthday gift at Sephora and some things for Jenn at the Lego store.  Bri treated me to lunch at Ruby Tuesday!

While eating lunch Jared called to wish me a happy birthday.  As I am thinking about our phone conversation my heart is heavy knowing all the things my brother is going through with his CO poisoning.  He mentioned that the dr's aren't giving him 10 years to live.  My heart just aches as my brother is so precious to me.

Lord even as I write that promises pop into my mind... You made Jared in a fearfully and wonderful way.  You created him with a plan and a purpose and you won't take him one day soon than your perfect timing.  Lord please give him your peace and comfort during this valley.  If it is in your plan... may you heal his body, brain, and heart, and protect him from the lies of the enemy that steal, kill, and destroy.  Lord thank you for your peace that passeth all understanding and your encouragement.

After lunch we headed to Mililani Costco for food for dinner and got HaggenDaz samples... and headed to the house.

Lauryn and family, Paul, David, Kevin, Dawn, and Bella came over for dinner and fellowship and red velvet cake and ice cream for dessert.  Who says God doesn't give us the desires of our heart?  We then walked to the park and let the kids play which they loved.  All of the women are such an encouragement to me.  As part of the evening, they roasted me and I was so humbled by the fact that almost all said that in the midst of hard times, I show joy.  That is such a reminder as I really struggle with joy.  I see myself on such an emotional roller coaster.  Oh the battle of flesh.  Now off to bed as my heart is overwhelmed by emotions!