Last week, I celebrated my 31st birthday. And, thanks mostly to my wonderful husband, it was a very special time.
Scott always goes out of his way to do for me. He would buy me everything I could imagine and more if we had the money. And he would take me on wonderful trips, we would eat at all the nicest restaurants, and so forth. But, that life is not possible, nor really desired by me. So, a long time ago, I asked Scott to keep his gift buying to a minimum and to keep his birthday plans simple. All I wanted was to spend a little time with my family and eat a little cake!
Over the weeks, Scott kept insisting that we go somewhere special to celebrate. Knowing how much I love going to the beach, even in the middle of January, he kept suggesting we plan a trip there. I kept refusing. But then I found out that Loren Larson, a minister from Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, would be preaching a revival at a church in Tennessee pastored by a friend of ours, Thomas Climer. Knowing that this church is located about an hour from Pigeon Forge, I told Scott that if he really wanted to take me somewhere, I would love to ride up to Pigeon Forge that Friday, attend the service that night, and then do a little shopping in Pigeon Forge on Saturday before returning home. He agreed. That would be the plan.. And although I really didn’t care if he took me anywhere for my birthday, I would love getting to go for a night of the revival.
So, the weekend of my birthday came. On Sunday night, the day prior to my birthday, Scott’s mother brought a homemade cake and ice cream to our church have after service. Then, on my birthday, Scott left work early to come home and cook a delicious supper (steak, baked potato, salad) and had an ice cream cake from Bruster’s. We then spent some time watching a movie. It was nice and simple and I enjoyed it. Scott and the kids gave me an exercise ball (something I wanted to use for my pregnancy), a drink dispenser (to fill with tea when we have cookouts outside this summer), and a new shirt.
Friday came and we did just as I asked. We went to Pigeon Forge to stay. Scott did pull one surprise on me. We had agreed on staying at one hotel that would be a little cheaper but then he made reservations at the Inn at Christmas Place instead. So, we were headed up the road to the hotel and when I realized he was passing the hotel that I thought we were staying at, I started telling him, “You missed the turn!” Scott just replied with something like “Whoops!” and kept right on driving. I figured he would turn around but he made no effort to turn around. Then, when I said, “Umm… Aren’t you going to turn around?” Scott began laughing and then finally told me that we were staying somewhere else. So, I had been fooled! But I just laughed and thanked him. Even though I had told him to with the cheaper hotel, I knew I would enjoy staying at the Inn as we have stayed there before and it is very nice.
After getting settled, we immediately began dressing and heading to church. Needless to say, it was well worth our drive. Visiting the Climer’s church is always a blessing in itself. We met this family via Facebook but they have been a huge blessing to us. If you want to hear some good preaching, you must go to www.familyworshipcenter-tn.org and watch the videos. Thomas Climer definitely does some good preaching, and although he was not preaching on that particular night, he gets excited just talking between songs and so forth! And being able to hear Loren Larson is also always a blessing. I love his preaching and teaching! It always speaks right to my heart.
The next morning, we got up and ate a delicious hot breakfast in the hotel. Then, we packed up, and headed out for a little shopping before heading home. Bought all the kids some new clothes, a few kids’ books, and a few other things – all for the kids! Not long after lunch, we headed back home so we could get in and get ready for service at our own church.
Everything was very nice! I am so appreciative of everything that was done. Scott said that he felt like he didn’t do enough but it was perfect to me! I keep trying to remind him that I’m very pregnant right now and really don’t have the energy to do a lot anyway. So, simple is really best. And besides, I had everything I could possibly want.. Time with my great family. Yummy cake. And a night in revival! It was perfect!
I am thankful and blessed. Love my family and love the way they make me feel all year, not just on my birthday.