My Heart AND My Tummy are Full

August 27, 2018 Off By Donna Wuerch Noble

Please indulge me that last day of birthday celebrations then I’m done for another DECADE! It was said of God by St. Paul in Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…..” That is God Who exceeds our greatest expectations and that was my sweet family this last weekend with a 70th birthday celebration that was above all I could have ever asked or thought. I’ve been giving a brief overview of my weekend’s celebrations, topped off with the finale yesterday morning when they wouldn’t let me come downstairs until the festivities were ready to continue at a breakfast fit for a queen: cream gravy and chocolate gravy, biscuits, eggs, bacon, and fruit, followed by gifts and “special plate” times of hearing words from each and every one of my family sharing what I meant to them. To say I was humbled and a blubbering Nana puts it mildly. Then we had a sweet time of praise and worship as Staci led and Payton played the piano while we sang “Good. Good Father” and “God’s Reckless Love” followed by prayer. I was so thrilled that we gave God thanks for the many things He has done for me and for us, as a family. Then we headed to a local historical site for family photos followed by Flores Mexican Food. The pace didn’t slow down as we headed to the bowling alley for family bowling and back home for the 70-candle salute on the cake that we thought was almost out of control before I could get them blown out. It was a sight to behold.


I told my children that I know I reaped this weekend because of how I loved my Mom and celebrated her in an extravagant way on her 70th birthday. We had a huge surprise party at a nearby hotel with a room filled with local friends and family but hidden away in another room were childhood friends and family members from out of state and we gave her a “This is Your Life” celebration of those people speaking to her off-stage and then walking in the room to surprise her. I know that this weekend given to me by my children was the reaping of my seed-planting into that precious woman who was my greatest role model and in whom I owe a debt of gratitude for her deep faith and resiliency in the worst of times. She was my rock and remains my hero.

St. Paul wrote other words that I share with you, my dear FB family and friends. “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16. I am overcome with the love I felt from you for your outpouring of kindness and thoughtfulness as I received so many warm wishes, videos, cards and tributes for my birthday. You reminded me of the blessing of Facebook. Whoever wants friends to make you feel loved and appreciated…..make friends on FB. “A man (woman) who wants friends, must show himself (herself) friendly.” Proverbs 18:24. Facebook is one of my most passionate tools for sharing God’s love with my friends.

I thought “What would my 70th birthday have looked like if my family were out of reach for this birthday?” I choose to believe that my deep faith and absolute certainty of God’s call on my life as His devoted follower and my determination to live life with gusto means overcoming the mindset of loneliness or self-pity. Facebook, along with other purposeful outlets and places of giving back, has been so important to.me. Having “likes” and “loves” on my daily blogs gives me the motivation to continue to do what I KNOW God called me to do. The greatest gift is that it’s reciprocal — having a way to easily provide support and encouragement to others feels so good. Over the last few days, FB went to a new level when I saw how kind and encouraging so many of you are to me. I admit it. Facebook makes birthdays way more fun.

I thought “What would my 70th birthday have looked like if my family were out of reach for this birthday?” I choose to believe that my deep faith and absolute certainty of God’s call on my life as His devoted follower and my determination to live life with Gusto means overcoming the mindset of loneliness or self-pity. Facebook, along with other purposeful outlets and places of giving back, has been so important to.me. I’ve been given so much. Having “likes” and “loves” on my daily blogs gives me the motivation to continue to do what I KNOW God called me to do. The greatest gift is that it’s reciprocal — having a way to easily provide support and encouragement to others feels so good.
Over the last few days, FB went to a new level when I realized that “If you want friends, show yourself friendly” has been my mode of operation to live by and when I hear from those many friends, I must be feeling like what celebrities feel like. I admit it. Facebook makes birthdays way more fun. Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg and thank you, Facebook, and THANK YOU, my wonderful friends and family!

I am so blessed — far more than I deserve, but God’s grace exceeds what any of us deserve. It is the unmerited favor of God that blankets us in what we need when we need it. Becoming a decade older has its rewards…..and God and all of you, along with my family have rewarded me remarkably. God bless you all for taking the time to make this “ole’ girl” feel so loved. It just makes me want to keep on keeping on to my Finish Line and look forward to what my 80th will be like!
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Tags70th birthday birthday cake celebration Ephesians 1:16 Ephesians 3:20 exceedingly abundantly good good father hero humbled Proverbs 18:24 reckless love this is your life