~Happy Birthday, Julie Ann~

Happy Birthday! Yes today is my birthday. I turned 29 today. I have had a good birthday. I was able to attend a David Phelps concert at church last night followed by Cheesecake Factory and dancing at Bellbottoms. Yes, quite an experience. I've got 2 words for you, Brick House! However, 4 AM does not sit well with being 29 and I am still feeling the effects of "Groove Is In the Heart...." tonight.

Today my sister and niece took me to lunch @ Tavern on the Summit followed by shopping for shoes @ Parisian. My sister bought me some Yellow Box black suede clogs for my birthday! Yeah! We then proceeded to go watch my niece perform in the George Balanchine's Nutcracker produced by the Alabama Ballet. I can tell I am getting older because I have seen this many times as my niece has played several parts over the years, but this year, I noticed I was more fascinated by watching the enjoyment of the families and children watching the Ballet. I noticed how the parents and grandparents would look at their children with smiles on their faces as they saw their children's eyes light up with excitement during the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies or during the Snowflake Waltz.

It made me realize how much God must enjoy it when we His children are enjoying the beauty in life and earth and experiencing life more abundantly. It is so humbling to think He will delight in me.

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love,he will rejoice over you with singing."

John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Tonight I attended a Christmas party for my Sunday school class. It was fun and I was kissed on the cheek under the mistletoe by my dear friend, Richard. I love a confident man! I think the world needs more affection. I think it is in me to give more affection than I do because I am half Greek and my Dad and paternal family are very affectionate people. However, I do hold back and it doesn't always come naturally. Maybe that is something I will work on this year! I know I am getting better with not having to be perfect or always in order because I wanted this post to be complete by the end of my birthday, but it is after midnight, and alas, it will still be posted despite my missed deadline!

Happy Birthday to me and Goodnight!
~Julie Ann