Turning 7 with "Reading Rainbow"

Verity is a reader.

On most mornings when I wake up and walk into her bedroom, I find her lying in bed starting on her 2nd or 3rd chapter book of that morning. So I was not surprised when she wanted to celebrate her 7th birthday with a "Reading Rainbow" theme.


Our girls mustered up lots of self-control and did not pick at the "rainbow food" until the guests arrived. =)
Verity really does have sweet, sweet friends. Thank you for those of you who were able to make it! Here she is blowing out her "candle." I couldn't find our birthday candles (still packed in a box somewhere) so she blew out a normal, scented candle I had sitting on a dresser.
I affirmed Verity after the party for the special care she gave to her only local guest (show in braids with her chin in her hand). We wanted to invite all the local girls in our neighborhood but most were vacationing in the villages and Ayten was the only one who could make it. I asked Verity, "How would you feel if you went to a birthday party and you were the ONLY one who could speak English?" She nodded and said, "I understand, I'll take care of Ayten." And she did ... we're very proud of the young woman you're becoming, Verity ... happy 7th birthday!

By the way, Verity is hugging her new German shepherd Webkinz given to her by David's parents. A week prior, she was outside playing with our dog and was muttering to him, "I wish I had a Webkinz that looks like you!" David and I winked at each other smugly knowing she would get her wish at her birthday party.

It was a joy watching Verity open her gifts, especially knowing she was getting things she specifically asked for. Of course, Matthew 7:10 comes to mind ...

I was driving home one day, feeling a bit anxious about our cash flow (since we had just moved into a house that still needed some work). Jake was coming in for a visit and I wanted to be able to host him well and on top of that, we were struggling without any air conditioners in our home.

As soon as I walked into our home, I heard the familiar Skype ring on our laptop. We NEVER leave the internet on when we leave the house so this was very odd.

It was my parents. And the first thing they said was, "We're depositing a gift into your checking account so that you can show Jacob a good time." And upon seeing the sweat dripping off our faces, they also added enough for a few air conditioner units!

That is so God. I know He timed the call to come on the HEELS of my worry-session on the drive home to show that He cares and that He is our Provider. It was such a specific answer to a specific need. I remember my joyful reaction upon seeing Verity hug the exact Webkinz she had been wishing for - how much more God delights in providing for us.

Here are (sweat-free) Verity & Annalise pointing to one of our new units. Thank you, Mom & Dad!
These very specific answers to prayer are nothing new in our lives. I remember a student conference I wanted to attend during college ... at the time, I didn't have the money to go.

A former alum found out about my need and sent me a check to cover the fees.

I was so thankful! It was an answer to prayer. And then I found out that meals were on our own. And I wasn't sure I had enough to cover meals. But I didn't mention this to anyone.

A few days later, I found an anonymous envelope in my mailbox with $100 and a note that said, "Please use this at the conference - for meals, etc."

I was stunned.

I was very grateful and didn't need anything else. The thought did go through my head that it would be fun to shop at the conference bookstore but I already felt so provided for. I never mentioned THIS thought to anybody either.

But a week later, I found another anonymous envelope in my mailbox (with different handwriting) ... it included $100 again and a note that said, "Use this to buy books at the conference."

And I know God was smiling, enjoying His ability to bless and provide for me.