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July is my birthday, and this one is a milestone. A lot of people don’t like to talk about age, but I don’t mind. I’m grateful everyday for one more day to spend with my family and friends.

To celebrate, I want to give one of my reader friends a gift for my 65^th birthday!

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Reflections of the Heart

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Before July ends, I will celebrate another birthday. I've chalked up a lot of experience in the years I've lived. As I looked in the mirror this morning, my reflection stared back. White hair, tired eyes, wrinkles and frown lines. Life mapped out on my face. Sounds depressing doesn't it. Until I look past the physical markings and see the cheeks my husband, children, and grandchildren kiss. The hair I still have. The eyes that take in the beauty of the natural world. I see hints of my mom and my dad, resemblances to my siblings. Years of worry and sadness are balanced by many more moments of joy and love.

Somewhere in the reflection, I recognize the love Jesus pours over me. The grace he offers freely. Even as I live on earth, I see Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, the apostle Paul talks about "a reflection as in a mirror," as in what we see now—today—here on earth. But "then we shall see face to face," not in a mirror but face to face. Jesus will return to take his followers, the believers, the obedient—and then we will see him face to face. Not just a reflection, but our true Savior will stand in front of us in all of his glory. What a joy that will be!

As I reflect on my life, I pray that my heart reflects the deep love I have for Jesus and the grace he's given me. I praise God for many years lived surrounded by people I love.

Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We caught sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We catch sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?

Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary!

One of the first books I remember reading by Beverly Cleary was Fifteen. Jane, a high school student was asked out by Stan, the most popular boy in school. I remember reading this sweet romance and thinking it was the best story ever.

Many years later my daughters read Henry Huggins, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, and so many other wonderful books written by this beloved author. When I worked in an elementary school library, I read Dear Mr. Henshaw to my students and recommended many of her books to my precious readers.

I can't let this day pass without wishing Happy 100th Birthday to one of the most wonderful children's authors, whose books crossed so many generations.

What's your favorite Beverly Cleary book?

Me and Dr. Seuss

“Step with care and great tact, and remember that life’s a great balancing act.”-Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. You could say he helped me learn to read. When I was a child, my mom bought me a subscription to the I Can Read It All by Myself book club. Dr. Seuss wrote many of the books, like Hop on Pop and the Cat in the Hat. I loved receiving a new book in the mail and couldn't wait to see what crazy story he had to tell.

Fast forward several years and I would be reading the same books (literally) to my children. We giggled over Green Eggs and Ham and didn't let a Christmas pass without reading and watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”-Dr. Seuss

As a children's librarian for many years, I shared my love of Dr. Seuss with my students. We read The Lorax and The Five Hundred Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins and many others. I even dressed up like the fish in the bowl in the Cat in the Hat, with the help of bubble wrap one year.

And I don't know how many copies of Oh, the Places You'll Go I purchased for graduates.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”-Dr. Seuss

I also credit Dr. Seuss for giving me a love of poetry. Reading his rhymes is still great fun.

So I say thanks and Happy Birthday to one of my favorite authors of children's literature.

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”-Dr. Seuss