Turning 40

My birthday falls every third week of November  (23rd) which is very near Thanksgiving Day celebration. It always remind me to be grateful for all the blessings God has been showering me all these years.  There may be trials every now and then but I have learned (and still learning) to turn my burdens into blessings. 

This year is a milestone, I just turned 40!  

I am sharing a very special message from one of my closest friends who is now residing in the US.   She also turned 40 last August. 

Welcome to the club ;) ! I wish you a ton of cakes as beautiful as the ones you make, and blessings as numerous as the ones you bring to others. Stay beautiful my friend, because you are one good case where age is only a number. Wishing you good health, happiness, and new hope every day. Happy birthday!!!

These beautiful words really warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes! She writes very well since our college days and I always feel good whenever she sends me notes of encouragement. These words came from the heart of someone who really knows me inside and out.  Thank you so much Mild!

I usually bake personalized cakes for loved ones and friends but this time I had my day off away from my mixer and oven.  I was surprised when a mommy friend baked me an Apple Pie.  She came all the way from Bacoor, Cavite to deliver it at home right after it came out of her oven. So sweet!

I received special birthday greetings thru texts, emails and private messages from family, relatives and friends who really truly remembered not necessarily because Facebook reminded them. My best friend Hazel even set her alarm at 12mn just to be the one to greet me on the first hour of my birthday. Thanks and God bless your hearts!

I am also treasuring a short but very special note from Matt's teacher aide.  I was touched by her thoughtfulness in her own small way and very honored when she mentioned that she always think of me whenever she reads Proverbs 31:8-31 (The Wife of Noble Character.)

I got lots of hugs and kisses from my kids.  Matt even announced in school that it's holiday last Friday because it's his mommy's birthday! My sweet Belle wanted to be closed to me the whole day but she's like this most of the time.  Hubby went home early with flowers and a birthday card with lots of "Thanks for the ..."  The exciting part is the last line that says "PS.  I don't know what to give you, pang-shopping na lang!" Hugs and kisses to these three wonderful people and  "Thank you" for completing my life. 

My day ended with a simple dinner with very, very close friends from church, our bible study group of almost 10 years.  We never fail to meet every Friday.  We've been through thick and thin and we're like paper and glue that will be forever attached to each other no matter what.   They are our family's JOY and CROWN (Philippians 4:1)! The people who gives us joy here on earth just like a prize or reward from God. We pick each other up when we fall and help each other to walk faithfully and fruitfully all the days of our lives. 

Birthday Sundae from CPK (my favorite resto)

Let me end my post with a poem by Victoria Sullivan.  I had to change some of the lines to make it very personal. 

Turning 40 

I just turned 40 and as I reflect on what my life has seen, 

I have accomplished quite a list; 

fulfilled most every wish. 

I have welcomed two beautiful kids who are my life, my loves, my joys.

A husband so loving, patient and kind.

What would I be without them in my life.

I've climbed mountains and run through streams,
but I'm not done chasing my dreams, 

going on adventures and trying new things.
 

I am teaching my kids what I've learned about life,
To share in their laughter and 

help them through times of strife.

I have a few wrinkles, my bodies seen more youthful days,
But all this shows that I have really lived 

and for me - that's ok.

Turning 40 is a gift, a gift some never live to receive
I will make the most of the next 40 years - 

that, my friends, you had better believe!