One of the most exciting places to discover treasure is children. Whether born of your womb or birthed from your heart, children are true wealth from the Lord.
Sarah Joy- the gift she is, the joy she brings.
“A tribute to Sarah on her “birth” day”
Today, I celebrate Sarah Joy- our firstborn daughter! Today, on her thirtieth birthday, I still vividly remember the wonder of her birth! I was surprised by her alertness, eyes wide open, looking around as if to say, “Here I am. I am so ready for this.” Euphoria filled my being as I looked down at this innocent little one, totally dependent upon us to teach and nurture her in the truth and love of our Heavenly Father. Awe, wonder, delight in being entrusted with such a gift.
We told her early and often of our love, of His love and plans for her life. When she was two, she would introduce herself saying, “I’m Sarah Joy- princess of God (Sarah means princess) and I’m two years old. The Lord surely planned her to be the firstborn of our family- her love and influence to all of her siblings, is still resonating to this day! Like all of our children, she brings joy to our hearts as we have watched her grow in His truth and love. She has a heart for others that amazes me and bears the fruits of the Spirit- especially kindness, joy, peace, and gentleness. She has the gift of encouragement, is a diligent worker, and opens her hand to the poor. She honors us still, as her parents and is teaching her children in the ways of the Lord. Surely this “gem” the Lord shared with us is beautiful in His sight and ours.
She graduated with a Communication and Marketing degrees and has worked in HR since we’ve moved to Kansas (I am amazed by her accomplishments) but she is so much more than how they could ever define her. It is the most incredible experience to see- your child- grow into a confident woman of God. I’ll never forget when Bethany was born, she stepped into the role of comforter/encourager as I grieved. The Word of God’s love and hope flowed out of her to us and all her siblings.
I love watching Sarah parent Finley and Cohen! Patience and a great sense of calm surround her, coupled with humor and a huge dose of fun! She has donned the mantle of motherhood as easily as she seems to embrace all of life’s challenges.
I thank God for her; my daughter, my sister in the Lord, and my friend!
Sarah is a woman after God’s heart that expresses His love in visible ways.
Surprising Treasure: Many women have done nobly, but you excel them all. Prov. 31
You’re silly
And make me blush… but I love you and thanks…You’re a mother that I thank God daily for and a friend I am lucky to have!
Back at you Treasure #1!
Beautiful thoughts Cindy and I agree but more than that, I see BOTH of you as polished gems that have resulted from the Lord’s touch. I know I am a better person for knowing you both.
awww Charlene- I think God has His polishing tool out and is using it on all of us!
Thats MY SISTER!!! Love you Sarah, thank you for always being there for us
Your bro- Josh
Happy Birthday Sarah! Mom is right, what a great big sister you are! Thanks for hanging last night, it was fun. I hope you’re having a great day. You are a blessing.
I’ve always regretted not having a daughter and after reading about your lovely Sarah, I regret it even more. Sons are wonderful; I have two who are grown and who have brought two dear wives and several grandchildren into our lives.
But I have to envy those who have a “Sarah” to share things with, to sit up late and night and talk with, to bake Christmas cookies with, to sit nearby at the hospital while she delivers another grandchild, and so much more. You are so blessed, Cindy, but you know that already. I’ve seldom known people as full of joy and thanksgiving as you. God bless you and Sarah with hundreds and hundreds more times of being together and being blessed by our loving Lord Jesus who is so pleased that you have grown so close.
Mariane Holbrook
Kure Beach, NC
Thank you so much Mariane- I am so grateful for the undeserved yet abundant blessings He daily benefits me with. One of those treasures is you, my friend! I know your daughter-in-loves have to just love you all to pieces- how could they not!
What a beautiful tribute to you, Sarah! You are truly loved and treasured by your family and by so many others of us who are blessed to know you! God bless you this day!!!