Today, I open the treasure chest of memories and celebrate the birthday of our sixth jewel- Moriah Ruth.  (not called the wind Mariah- but MOriah- the great mountain of God)

My quiver felt full and satisfied when Moriah was born.  A little girl again- after three boys, was just what our family needed.  While Sarah was the leader of the pack, Moriah became the tag-a-long, mimicking her three older brothers skirmishes and bodily sounds.  Quite the sunny personality from the start, she was convinced the “fireworks” were celebrating her birthday until she was five years old! We joked she was our firecracker at the end of the family.

Those next five years were somewhat idyllic.  Five great kids at five different stages, each so fun and unique.  I caught myself thinking- If I could just “freeze” life right here it would be awesome.  And yet, if time does not march on we would miss the rest of the parade. 🙂  When Moriah was five, sitting on my lap, she grabbed my cheeks, looked in my eyes, and said excitedly, “Mommy, I see a baby sister for me in your eyes.  God’s got a baby sister for me!!”

I laughed and explained I was too old to have another baby and that our family was complete just the way it was.  Didn’t phase her a bit- “No mommy, you’re gonna have a baby sister for me! I see her in your eyes.”  For a brief moment, I let the thought of another baby sweep over me, but quickly quenched that thought.  Things were perfect the way they were. I thought it would be too big of gap between Moriah and another child and to tell the truth, there was a great sense of freedom from knowing we were done with potty training, structured hours and planning events and vacations around a baby.   After homeschooling for the last 12 years, Moriah had started kindergarden and I was ready for her to be my last one.

Four months later, trying to home school but excusing myself every so often to puke in private, I had to admit that Moriah might have been right.  When we announced the grand news, the excitment was contagious but Moriah just said, “See, I told you God had a baby sister for me.”  We tried to tell her it might be a brother but she just laughed.(you can read more in “About Bethany”) but I wanted to share this story so you could glimpse the joyful determination she has.

Moriah is a blast to be around; fun, quirky(in a good way), and imaginative.  She loves the Lord uncompromisingly, is compassionate,  a loyal friend, and has a strong sense of justice.  She’s not afraid to take a stand against bullies.  Selfless and giving, I could go on but it might sound like I’m prejudiced. (LOL)……………………………………………………………………………………….

A junior in high school, Moriah is active in youth group, worked on the school yearbook, has lettered in Volleyball and Choir, is pursuing photography, and still is plugged into family!  So today- I salute you little firecracker- Moriah Ruth (God is my Teacher; good friend)- you are a precious daughter and my sister in the Lord. I praise God for the day He put you in our family.  Happy Birthday! Kudos on becoming who God created you to be!

Surprising Treasure:  Celebrate with fireworks the “sparklers” God has put in your life.

Post Script: How often do we tell the people we love all the GREAT things about them????) Especially as parents—-I used to be the kind of mom that took my responsibility to correct and “guide” so seriously that I don’t think I encouraged and built them up enough  That is one thing I’ve learned with Bethany- to celebrate everyone- look for the best in people and tell them- to commemorate every achievement- large or small and make sure they know you love them!