My Darling Baby Girl, Happy Birthday!
We miss you so much today! I have you know that Colin Fitzpatrick is the only man on earth I’d love and trust enough to move you off indefinitely without a small fight, especially on your birthday in a family where birthdays are king. Not only do all the Moores and Joneses miss you today, all your coworkers feel like confetti with no place to blow. You are the only one on our staff so far away that we don’t get to observe an official LPM annual celebration lunch. But, we’re all grown-ups here so call us the epitome of flexibility and understanding, as long as you rest assured we’re feeling the absence of your infectious and delightfully fun self.
I’ve already sent your wrap-able gifts and they should arrive right on time today so this is a minuscule ring-box of words to set beside them. Just a few things from the last 24 hours of life as we know it that I think might make you smile on your birthday:
A. Annabeth was dressed so cute at church yesterday that I honestly could not bear it. And when I asked your sister where she’d gotten that plaid skirt with suspenders and a white blouse in such a small size, she said “Her Aunt Melissa sent this to her!” Score, Child. Score. You’ve still got it. And I’m relieved since you are missing your two chief shopping cohorts.
B. Jackson was riding in the car with me from church to lunch yesterday like he usually does, but on this occasion he said something for the very first time: “Bibby, turn that up!” It was a praise CD. A monumental moment in a life, if you ask me. When I turned up the volume, I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw those little wheels rolling in his head and his big blue eyes cut over to the side, brows drawn down, trying to figure out whether or not he knew that Tomlin song. He’s starting to sing along with all sorts of different songs and guess who he requests most of all? David Crowder. Isn’t that a kick? You ought to hear him say his name. So precious you can’t stand it. And, by the way, he’s outgrown his shoes AGAIN. His feet are huge. (Jackson’s, not David Crowder’s. I don’t know if David has big feet or not. I’ll glance at them in January at Passion.)
C. We sang “Before the Throne of God Above” yesterday in the worship service. Knowing how much you love it, I could hardly get the words to come out of my mouth. I kept thinking of the lyrics in reference to the genuine trial by fire you’ve had this year with health issues attacking that little frame. Persevere, my sweet, sweet Child. I pray with all my heart that this is only a season and that God is going to bring you out of it twice the warrior that entered it. Please hasten to the finish, Lord Jesus. Restore Your young servant completely and bear such a harvest that she will one day look back on it as a gift in disguise from Your faithful hand.
Just in case you’ve forgotten any of the words:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!
Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
D. Abigail walked the aisle yesterday with her Mommy and Daddy and gave her heart to Jesus. She came up to me just before the service began and said, “Miss Beth, guess what I’m doing today??” And the rest is history. We had the sweetest baptisms yesterday and, all the while, I watched her and her Daddy elbowing each other with anticipation. You would have loved it. I was about to laugh and sob at the same time. I had a feeling she was on the verge of making this decision. You know what a people watcher I am. Last week we took the Lord’s Supper and Abigail was sitting right in front of me. She stared at that tray so hard when it passed her by that she nearly bored a hole in it. I knew something was up. She will stand in that same baptistery where you and your sister were immersed and right at about the same age. Is there anything like growing up in one church? Would we trade those folks in our section for anything on earth??
E. Mr. Parker finally squeaked up the coyote that’s eaten both of their beloved cats and one of their neighbor’s cats in the last few days. The rabbits are so scared of it that they’re nestling right up next to the houses. Geli stares at one out our front windows constantly. Don’t tell me you don’t miss Texas. Where on earth but here would that happen in a suburban neighborhood?
F. Dad and I made homemade buttermilk pancakes and bacon for supper last night. Yep, from a real live recipe with fresh buttermilk and eggs and baking powder and…well, I don’t remember now…just stuff. No mix, is what I’m getting at. It was so good! Dad even told me not to tell him again that I wasn’t a good cook. I’d dang well proved otherwise. How about that? OK, well, I might as well strut my stuff and share the recipe. I got it off the internet and it wasn’t attributed to anybody. I guess there’s no copyright on pancakes.
Beth’s Best Buttermilk Pancakes
(Oh, that made me so happy. It’s a lie though. They’re not mine.)
Makes nine 6-inch pancakes
The key to fluffy pancakes is not to over-mix the batter; it should not be beaten smooth. If serving these pancakes with bacon, reserve half a teaspoon of bacon drippings to grease the griddle instead of butter.
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1/2 teaspoon for griddle
1. Heat griddle to 375°. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, and 4 tablespoons butter; whisk to combine. Batter should have small to medium lumps.
2. Heat oven to 175°. Test griddle by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If water bounces and spatters off griddle, it is hot enough. Using a pastry brush, brush remaining 1/2 teaspoon of butter or reserved bacon fat onto griddle. Wipe off excess.
3. Using a 4-ounce ladle, about 1/2 cup, pour pancake batter, in pools 2 inches away from one other. When pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around edges, about 2 1/2 minutes, flip over. Cook until golden on bottom, about 1 minute.
4. Repeat with remaining batter, keeping finished pancakes on a heatproof plate in oven. Serve warm.
G. Dad’s getting new glasses. These are not from Walgreen’s. I helped him pick them out, praise You, Lord. These should actually sit straight on his nose and we will no longer have to tilt our heads to look him in the eye. He is too handsome for $11 spectacles.
H. (This is Amanda now. I get one letter.)
For my sister on her 27th birthday…
Today we will eat cupcakes in your honor.
And be sad you’re not here to share.
We hope you’ll spend the day doing everything that’s fun and nothing that isn’t. Maybe some home redecorating? Fort building?
Don’t stay home. Grab your car keys and go somewhere fun!
I’m thankful for the day you made me a big sister. I was just about Jackson’s age.
Hopefully I was better at holding you than this.
We’re all wild about you, Melissa! We love you more than we could ever say! Have the happiest birthday ever.
Love,
Your family
Happy Birthday, Melissa! I hope you have a blessed day.
And thank you, Beth and Amanda, for letting us share the celebration.
And thank you, Beth, for the remembrance of "Before The Throne of God Above." And not just a mention, but all the words. Satan has so been accusing me…yelling actually. I needed help to shut him up.
So, Melissa, I got a blessing on your birthday…I hope you have many, many!!!
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
I pray that your day and your life are filled with everyone and everything you love!
May God continue to bless you!
I was just going to go over to Facebook to wish you, Melissa, a very happy birthday, but saw that your mom had posted on her blog!
I hope your day is blessed beyond words! 🙂
P.S. I think that was one of the coolest birthday letters/posts I have ever read! Loved it
A very Happy and Blessed Birthday to you sweet Melissa!!
Melana in Wyoming
Yes, Happy Birthday Melissa! You are so blessed by a family that reflects God's love in its love of family- what a perfect gift! Thank you Beth, Amanda, and Melissa for letting us siestas all be one big happy family in Jesus!
Beth, thanks for the recipe- looks so good.
Happy Birthday and happy Monday everyone!
Happy Birthday, Melissa! May God bless you, your family, and your ministry!
So sweet! So fun! Happy Birthday, Melissa!!
P.S. Beth, we have the coyotes in our neighborhood in the beach town of Gulf Shores,AL, too! And the armadillos are digging up my yard like crazy! We need a Mr. Parker!
This Siesta is just dying to DO something for Melissa!! I am right here in ATL and would love to surprise her and give her the POP of confetti like you ladies want to give.
Melissa, your heart for the Word of God and passion to see people deal with real things encourages me greatly. Lovin' you today!
Charlotte
Have a wonderful birthday, Melissa! May God bless your day today with love, joy, and peace!
what a wonderful post!!
wishing you a very happy birthday Melissa! May it be filled with some of the sweetest memories yet.
You are dearly loved by so many!
~rachel
May God bless you abundantly Melissa! Happy Birthday! Thank you all for sharing your family (and church family!) with us Siesta's. I love our Siesta Family. And eventhough I have never met a one of you, I love you all so much and pray for you!!
Have a great Monday all(here it is lightening and thunderstorms all day!), and Melissa especially YOU. Love the picture, you are absolutely beautiful.
Shelly, Tampa Bay
Happy Birthday Melissa…
Your family has truly said everything wonderful that can be said, but I just wanted to add my wishes to their beautiful words.
One of your siestas…. Kim
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!! Hope you have a blessed, wonderful day, running over with joy deluxe!
I will be praying for your health issues.
Beth, Amanada & Melissa…thank you for making the Siestas part of your family and sharing such special times with us….love to all of you…
Happy Birthday!
Your siesta-Lawan
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
Just the POST is a gift and not just to you but to all of us!!
Thanks, Beth and Amanda!
Love you all
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELISSA!
Enjoy your special day! May you continue to be showered with the blessing of knowing that there are people who are estatic that you were born on this day!
Beth,
If you made them you can claim them! (talking about pancakes).
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
Happy Birthday Melissa! Par-tay on today with Colin and friends! Thoughts and blessings are with you!
Happy Birthday! Hope it's a special one!
Happy Birthday Melissa! I would love to do something with you or for you today! It sounds so crazy considering I've only known you through this blog.
I pray that God would shower you with His love and blessings today!
Love,
Jenny from VA
Happy Birthday Melissa! If I were in Atlanta right now, I would be going to The Varsity. 🙂 HOpe you have a fab day!
Charity
Lord, I thank you for Melissa and her work with LPM. What a wonderful ministry that has been to so many womens lives. And, Lord I lift up Melissa and her health issues. I know she struggles with migraines and Lord I know how miserable and paralyzing those are. Lord, heal her of these headaches, whether that is a miraculous healing from your hand or by finding things she can do to reduce them. Grant her wisdom and she seeks to know your direction.
Happy Birthday Melissa! And thanks to each of you for showing us such wonderful examples of what family is all about!
Wishing you a truly, wonderfully, Happy Birthday!
Love,
Melissa
Happy Happy Birthday Melissa…. Have a wonderful and glorious day in Our Fathers Love ….
Lichelle
Austin,Texas
Happy Birthday Melissa!
Have a beautiful day today! May you feel extremely loved by Him and from all of us here in Siestahood!
I also am going through an ongoing, unexplained health trial of my own. Your words that you wrote the other day at the end of your blog resonated deeply with me. I printed it out and now keep it nestled in my Bible for easy access. I can't tell you how many times I've brought it out to remind myself that God is here with me—even in those dark, scary and lonely moments. Thank you for encouraging me to keep His promises close to my heart.
Many love and blessings on your journey,
M'Lissa
Happy Birthday, Melissa! You are a precious woman of God and we're all so thankful for the way you've shared your life and passion with us. Blessings for a wonderful, healthy year!
Happy Birthday Melissa!
I am thankful you were born! Have a blessed day!
Emmy
(precious post!)
Happy Birthday, Melissa!
Melissa, thank you so much for blogging and sharing your Biblical knowledge and insights with all of us.
Beth and Amanda, Thank you for all that you do and thank you for this adorable post, allowing us all to be in on the wishing Melissa a Happy Birthday!
Melissa ….. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hope you have a great day. Know it is hard to be away from your loving family ( Could Jackson's sad little face be any sweeter? )
I love birthday's and making others feel special and I love the way the Moore's do that so well. Thanks for inviting us into your wonderful family!
We love you all!
Jan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!!!!!!!
You share the month with my neice
(14th), my son (17th), my grandson (19th), my Mom (22nd), and my daughter (29th). Great Month!!
Pray you have just a wonderful day and God reigns down all over you.
I love the song your Mom posted. I wish I knew the tune. Enjoy every minute of your day!!!
Blessings,
Bible Bunny in NO MI
Oh I love birthdays too!
H A P P Y
B I R T H D A Y!!!
M E L I S S A
Have a special day, this day, Melissa.
Love, Allison
Happy Birthday Melissa! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Blessings ;o)
Sweet Melissa, a very Happy Birthday to you! I am so grateful for your many contributions to the blog and to LPM. Your insight and the impact your spirit has had on this community is a genuine delight. Thank you for sharing your love for Jesus and heart to teach us to know Him more. I hope today you laugh until you cry and you bask in your Savior’s love and joy! We also had a sweet boy accept Jesus yesterday at church and he was so overwhelmed with emotions that he couldn’t stop crying and his little chest wouldn’t settle down. He was a beautiful expression of zealous surrender.
Love, Amy in OK
Have a fun filled 'Melissa' sorta day–doing what makes you happy! And every time your phone rings, may it be a special birthday message for a young lady that brings so much love, joy and happiness to those who know her.
Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Birthday dear Melissa! Thank you all for sharing your love for your sister with us. It's always so good to see a real loving family!
On a personal note, I ask prayers for myself today. I am a foster mom and on Friday we dropped off our little one with his grandparents and it broke my heart. They will take great care of him but oh how my soul longs to hold him again. I've been ok all weekend but today is hard. I miss him so much. Please pray for healing and peace in my soul.
Happy Birthday Melissa!!!! Have a God day!
Jump’n on the band wagon and Joining in the Hoopla
(((applause)))
Happy Birthday Melissa!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!
Happy Birthday Melissa! I hope you have a great day. You also need to let us know what perfume you picked! 🙂
Happy Birthday Melissa! And thanks Amanda for the picture of Jackson wearing his Appalachian State t-shirt from Boone, NC. I guess you texans know good football after all. HAHAHAHA!!!
Happy, happy birthday to you, Melissa! I'm praying you feel nothing but blessed today. And that you're shown lots of love on your FB wall as well. Isn't it amazing how special that can make you feel?
Have a wonderful day!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many, many blessings and love 🙂 Hopefully you'll get some new perfume! <3 <3 <3
You are such a joy to follow, Melissa. All of the Moore gals are excellent writers, but I especially appreciate your candidness and willingness to encourage all of us to think harder about life. You rock!
Happy Happy B'day!!!!
God sure has given us a beautiful day in the ATL! It's the perfect day for a picnic with b'day cupcakes!!
blessings,
steph.
Happy Birthday Melissa!!
Hope that you have a fabulous day even though you arent' with your mom and sis. My youngest daughter celebrated her 20th birthday Saturday and she is in Colorado – a long way from her mom… So I know how Beth and Amanda feel!
Many blessings,
Happy Birthday Melissa!
"Dad’s getting new glasses. These are not from Walgreen’s. "
THAT MADE ME LAUGH SO HARD. I can relate. I finally had to say to my guy,"Baby, you need some REAL glasses…."
Happy Birthday Melissa.
A VERY Blessed and Happy Birthday to you Melissa!
You make this blog spot special in your very own special way. I love all the blog entries – you each put your own personality in and it is always a blessing.
Your unique view and observations have given me much to think about and ponder and that is always a blessing. Now thanks to you I'll be considering several new fragrances.
Have a very special day today.
Heidi
In Fayetteville ( Just south of you!)
Happy Birthday Melissa!! Wishing you a super Blessed day 🙂
Go have some fun! Head out to the mall and find some new perfume 🙂
Love ya!
Have a Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!