Each year ideas run through my mind of what a birthday should look like and sometimes they may seem pretty farfetched: a Bahama cruise, a night on the Riveria, a Hawaiian vacation, a scenic tour to the largest waterfall destination or a Scandinavian adventure. Those are just a few 😉

Looking back on what actually transpired, I see a pattern for what matters most; a “storing up” of treasure in heaven—here I have compiled it:

• Building into the life of a three-year-old grandson
• Hosting a birthday brunch for a dear elderly neighbor who is a caregiver
• Spending quality time with my oldest grand (9 years old)
  • Two Chosen Road Gospel Bluegrass Concerts
  • Two 5K races
• Playing in paper leaves and always making God known
• Receiving calls from those I hold dear
  • Text messages/picture text of those grands far away
  • Monetary surprises
• My Son’s Wedding Anniversary: He married a girl 8 years ago with my same name
• Special friends who share October for their birth date month
• A daughter who shares October as a birthday month; I have always wanted a grand born in October as well. In 2019, a granddaughter was due to be born in October, but she came in the month of August as a preemie. And this year (2025) a special blessing, as I celebrated with a foster grandson born in October and celebrating his 4^th birthday!
• Two-night stay at Hampton Inn in Morehead City with a beautiful water view as we were honored to observe the foster grandson’s birthday and to run in a 5K that raised money for Veteran’s in the Newport area; before the race, the National Anthem was sung and prayer was offered!
• Showing up for friends on Pastor Appreciation Sunday
• A day at the NC State Fair
• My annual Bonfire/cookout
• The privilege of hearing my husband speak in Chapel at CCBS, twice
• My final Celebration for 63 years of life came, November 2, at Maggiano’s with my greatest cheerleader

So often I miss what God is doing because of my tendency to complain about what didn’t transpire. And then there are times where He chooses to bless me, but it goes unnoticed (for a time). During this beautiful month that I truly enjoy… “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” –(Anne of Green Gables)… the Lord continues to bring me to a place where I can thank Him for the simple, homespun pleasures: like a roaring fire, a star-studded sky, a hot cup of cocoa, and even just being alone with His beautiful presence! I love the way an insightful message will pop up in my day-to-day activities through something as simple as a bumper sticker. Scarlett, “Do you follow Jesus this closely?”

To stop and consider ALL He gives to me…a relationship that is personal and always present…and say, “YES, Lord! I want to ‘ALWAYS’ follow YOU this closely!”

“The greatness of your power is the measure of your surrender” (Henrietta C. Mears).

I surrender all.

When we surrender it ALL to the Lord, we put it all in the capable hands of our Creator saying, “Not my will but yours be done”, and just watch what He will do!

When I recount the many adventures that transpired in my birthday month of October, I am totally humbled!

Matthew 6:20-33; Romans 12:1; Luke 22:42; Matthew 6:10