"The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet."--Author Unknown
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| Tim with an ice cream cake at a "combined" birthday party |
Yesterday, we had the true privilege of celebrating dear "Unt" Annie's birthday. Aunt Annie is Tim's sister, making her my sister-in-law. We just call each other sisters, though.
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| Aunt Annie, serving on Thanksgiving in her home |
I don't know why we tend to wait until after a person has passed into the next life to speak of how we truly feel. The papers are full of Obits and Eulogies recapping a soul's existence here on this planet.
So, in a small attempt to not let this life pass without acknowledging what is noble and lovely, let me tell you about "Unt" Annie by referencing Titus 2.
She is reverent in the way she lives.
She honors her husband by her actions and by what she speaks of him, even when he is not present. Aunt Annie does this because she loves the Lord her God.
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| Uncle Bob, Fedor, and Tim on a Sunday afternoon at The Hernandez Estate |
She is not a slanderer.
She is definitely not addicted to much (or any) wine.
She teaches me what is good through her life choices.
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| These 16 kids are from 3 families! GG is the proud beauty in the middle. |
She values people as much as God does. She considers her children a reward, as the Scriptures teach.
She practices pure and faultless religion.
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| December 1, 2011--Adoption Day |
She ministers to her family and to those in her church through service--the type of service that leaves you sweaty and needing a shower.
She stores up treasures in heaven.
She is devoted to leaving a Godly legacy.
She encourages me to love my husband and my children.
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| Tim and little Kevin |
She actively and deliberately submits to her husband. I know--I bristle at that word too and at the idea of submitting to my husband. Aunt Annie is not super-human-woman, so don't get discouraged and think that you just can't be Biblical too. Also, do NOT confuse this with weak, frail, fake, un-opinionated-ness that is passed off as meekness and submission in some circles.
This is hard stuff. I am talking about a Godly bending of the will to the one that God has placed as the leader of the family. Just ask her about the milk and ice cream incident.:)
She is self-controlled, pure, and DEFINITELY busy at home--not by default, either. Definitely purposeful in the affairs of her husband, children, and home.
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| Ang with Elijah, Lydia, Judah, and baby Priscilla |
I can closely watch her life (one of the many perks of being family) and I see her choosing to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions.
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| Breakfast after a sleepover at Aunt Annie's |
She encourages us and humbly rebukes PRN. (as needed)
She is kind.
She is SO VERY kind to us and our children. She counts it no trouble to invite 4 more over to join her brood of 7 at the drop of a hat--even in the midst of caring for a very ill husband and her own 7 children.
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| Kevin, Judah, and Stella in Ang's backyard |
She opens her home up to us every week and doesn't keep score of when we break, scuff, and dirty her things.
She honors her parents.
She visibly, tangibly loves others, therefore, she REALLY does love Jesus. She doesn't just provide lip service.
She fears the Lord and seeks Him with her entire being.
She is one of my dearest friends.
I greatly value her opinion and input in my life.
And she is quite lovely.
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| Aunt Annie and Priscilla |
Happy Birthday, Aunt Annie! May you have many more "best birthdays."
You are loved and we are blessed by your life, Annie.
Love,
bunbunbunbunbun
