My birthday is tomorrow and I'm sitting here quietly (I know, it's a rare moment among my household!) wondering if the past 38 years mattered?  Who am I? 

I began as a daughter.  A long awaited for daughter.  My parents had prayed for 8 years to have another child, and after two miscarriages, my mom finally had me.  I know I have brought many smiles to their faces and many tears to their  eyes, but I hope that the smiles outweigh the tears!

I then became a child of my precious Savior.  As I think back, it's funny because I know He waited for me a long time too as I shifted through my own way of realizing He was all I needed!  Since I was "born" into His family, I, again, have brought smiles to His face and tears to His eyes, but my daily prayer is to place a big smile on my Heavenly Father's face.  I know I let Him down time and time again, but I'm hoping that the smiles outweigh the tears!

23 years later I became a wife.  Perfect in all my ways!!!! :)  What's up?  Derrick waited for me too!  He turned 30 the day after we were married.  Doesn't the Bible say something about good things come to those who wait????  I'm learning something new about myself through my own blogging!  :)  Anyway, I can definitely say that I try very hard to be a good wife; however, I know I fall short many times!  Thankfully, Derrick and I have a wonderful, healthy marriage and again...I hope the smiles outweigh the tears!

30 years after I was born I became a Mama.  I love this title!  I prayed so long and hard to hear little voices calling me "Mama!"  I do have my days where I have to remind myself of this!  You know one of those days that if you hear "Mama" called one more time you would like to escape to one of those Calgon commercials!  People ask me how I do it with five little ones....I wouldn't have it any other way!  They are my most precious little blessings and I thank my faithful Jesus for them each and every day!  I do pray for patience at times, but I hope that as I rock them to sleep or kiss their bo-bo's or cheer them on that their smiles will outweigh their tears!

I am also a sister, a sis-in-law, a grand-daughter, a niece, an aunt, a cousin, a pastor's wife and a friend.  I thank each of you for allowing me a place in your life whether you had a choice in the matter or not.  I have mentioned before that my life's prayer has been for God to use my life in a MIGHTY way.  I also have another life's prayer...that in some way my life has brought a smile to your face!  If it has been over the last 38 years or if our paths have just crossed, I hope I have a part in making your smiles far outweigh your tears!!!!