AN EARLY MORNING BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

Good morning!  I think that’s an appropriate start to this sweet story.  Were you aware that God gives us “clues” on how and who to choose as friends.

Proverbs 12:26 “The righteous should choose his friends carefully.”

There are two beautiful people God designed for my friendship many years ago.  They are Carolyn and Ann.  They are both enjoying Jesus and the joys, luxuries and delights of heaven….and, I MISS THEM BOTH.

Anne just recently graduated to her “forever home;” and in my sadness and memory of her, I thought this was a perfect time to share about the “creativity and sharing ways” of these two beautiful friends. Together, they were “Creative Characters!”  You’d need to rise very early in your plans and pursuits to get ahead of these women.

To bring you into the scene, it was about 7:00 a.m. on the morning of April 22nd of one particular year of my birth.  (Trust me, I’m over 30!)

I was adorned in my pajamas, transporting my being from the bedroom, down the hall, to the kitchen.  For some unknown reason, I glanced my waking eyes outward to the front of the house through the window at the front door.

It was early morning, I’ll admit, but the scenic bustle of commotion on our front lawn was mind-boggling.  I kept blinking in disbelief thinking I was having a real-life dream and hadn’t woken up quite yet. 

Here’s the scene for your scrutiny as well.  There was a card table being man-handled by these two gals…attempting to set it in position.  Then, flapping through the air, was a tablecloth.  I ran to the window to get a closer look.  I had to make certain I wasn’t half-asleep and sleep-walking. 

No, these two were on a definite mission on our front lawn.  Once I realized this wasn’t a dream….it was two adorable, crazy-eyed, loving pranksters having the time of their lives in an attempt to surprise me on the morning of my birthday.

It was a full-blown party in formulation!  Plates were quickly being arranged, tea cups, juice glasses, utensils and centerpiece of flowers were all carefully setting up for the surprise.

YEP………they more than surprised me.  I grabbed my nightgown and moved to the front door.  Upon opening the door and stepping out, they broke into the HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG at the top of their lungs.

We all began to laugh uncontrollably.  They were dressed for the occasion, but I attended like I was invited to a “Come as You Are Party.”   I had everything covered, except my house-slippers.  We laughed and giggled all the way to the table.

May I share too that this table ensemble wasn’t close to the house.  NO….it was in the middle of the FRONT yard where anyone and everyone passing by would recognize the “breakfast event.”

At first, I wondered what in the world the neighbors would think.  Then, I regained perspective and momentive with my thoughts.  “WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK!”  They must have been brought to hilarious laughter and a realization that these three crazy women were enjoying each other in such a fun way.  I’m surprised some didn’t pull over in their car and want to join us.

Well, friendships are wonderful, aren’t they.  And I couldn’t be more pleased to have had such two delightful people show their love for me in such a creative, caring and conspicuous way. 

Thank you Lord Jesus for allowing me the privilege of knowing and love them back.

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times.”

Published by Dianne Horne

I can’t think of anything I enjoy more than to see lives changed! There’s nothing more that puts “oxygen and joy” into my life than to bring the application of Scripture into the “shoe leather” of our lives and to share it with others. I feel awkward speaking about myself, but I understand it can be helpful to enable others to relate to and enjoy the work of our Lord does in other people. Another down-to-earth way of sharing who I am, is that I love to eat, laugh and to talk about the Lord. I’m not a very exciting individual, but my Savior sure is! I’ve been happily married for many years, and I now reside in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. God has transplanted my husband and I 28 times in our years together; and it is only when in His presence that you can ask the “why questions” as to the adjustments He’s brought us “to” and “through” in the numerous locations and countries we have lived. God’s care, love, forgiveness, faithfulness and moment-by-moment presence has not only carried me (when I had every reason to fall apart), but lifted me to a joy I’ve never known. There’s one thing to have joy when things are going great, and quite another dimension of joy and peace when everything in your world is crumbling and unknown. Most of our lives will appear like “ordinary oatmeal living”, but when we allow Him to “establish our steps”, He alone takes our mundane acts of kindness or aid and makes them “extraordinary” for His purpose in the lives of others. The seasons of caring for my parents and the associated grieving process has forever changed me. It was my honor, joy and privilege to participate with my Lord in what He was accomplishing in their lives, as they both gave their lives to Jesus Christ just days before they were escorted into His presence in heaven. The medical challenges and decisions that needed to be made for a number of those years thrust me into a trust and dependence upon the Lord that I had never known up to that point in my life. In my journey, I’ve come to realize that our “weakness” is our greatest “strength”, because real power, provision, and His purpose being carried out in and through our lives, depends on Him orchestrating such through His sovereignty. My “heartbeat of fulfillment” lies in sharing with women, in various settings, helping them to enjoy, study and apply the principles of God’s Word in a down-to-earth fashion. I thrive interacting with women and encouraging them to put their trust in the One Who knows them best and loves them extravagantly; and to prioritize “spending time alone with God each day” developing their relationship with Him. Our lives aren’t designed to just get answers to prayer….but to know and love a very personal Savior, and to surrender daily to “His plans, His agenda and purpose” for our lives. Several years ago I was challenged to respond to a critical question I had never considered: Why do you exist? What’s your purpose in life? I live to bring an expression of God in the ordinary events of life, seizing every opportunity of serving and delighting in others. I want my life to be an infectious expression of His love for others, and for them to know how special “they are” to Him; and thus be contagious with His grace. My life compass is: After people spend time with me, what do they think of Jesus Christ? The stories that will appear in my blog, are true events that have taken place in my journey. They’re all “very ordinary” circumstances that have occurred through sharing them with Jesus and watching Him orchestrate and demonstrate what He can do when we yield “our ordinary” to the Extraordinary One.

8 thoughts on “AN EARLY MORNING BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

    1. Hi Dorothy
      Yes, I still burst into laughter when I think about this scene. Lovely to hear from you…perhaps a call one of these days would be great. We remember your visit here with John. We loved having you and our home is always open.

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  1. I love your “cups of cold water”. And look forward to them.   I don’t know if we shared the same dear friend Carolyn.  But I sure miss my sweet friend too.  Thank you.  Katie >^,,^<

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    1. Hi Katie
      Yes, it’s Carolyn Smith and Ann Ford…both with Jesus. I miss you too…..you were always such a joy to be with. We both loved animals. I remember you having me over when you had lots of puppy Shelties in your yard and we just sat in the grass and LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I remember you were a wonderful hairdresser too. I MISS YOU TOO.

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    1. Thanks Carol
      Do you still live in Morgan Creek. I may stop by some day…will phone lst. You were a lovely neighbour…..I still have the video of you and Jeannie singing to me. lol lol Fond, fond memories of you.

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      1. HI Dianne,

        I would love to see you. Let’s go for high tea again, my treat. I’ll contact you in a few weeks.

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