A Masterpiece

our Rebecca
senior portrait, 2000

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)


Happy, happy birthday, my sweet Rebecca. You are truly God's masterpiece—fearfully and wonderfully made inside and out. I love (in no particular order):

1. Your love for God: Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit
2. Your fear of the Lord
3. Your contagious laughter
4. Your back rubs
5. Your Sunday afternoon phone calls
6. Your knowledge of creative writing and literature
7. The way you support and love your husband
8. The way you parent and love your children
9. Your heart for the people of the world
10. Your heart for the lonely and outcast
11. Your wisdom beyond your years
12. Your curly hair
13. Your beautiful, blue eyes
14. Your prayers
15. Your love of cats and kittens
16. Your love for little things
17. Your love of God's word
18. Your heart for physical fitness
19. Your heart for good health
20. Your notes and letters
21. Your creativity
22. Your faithfulness to God and people
23. Your insight
24. Your photography talent
25. Your love for God's creation
26. Hiking through the woods with you
27. Your ability to listen well
28. Your selflessness
29. The joy of Jesus flowing through you
30. Your company
31. Your deep faith in Jesus
32. The way you hold a baby
33. The way you play with children
34. The respect you show your husband
35. The respect you show your daddy
36. The respect you show your kids
37. The way your brothers and sisters-in-law admire you
38. YOU! And I love being your mom.

"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 'There are any virtues and capable women in this world, but you surpass them all!' Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." (Proverbs 31:28-30)