Monumental anniversaries are powerful forces for so many reasons. They not only cause us to remember and, to what extent we are able, relive the big moment that originally stole the show. They also snap a quick shot of an era of our lives. Like most any other, a tangy cocktail of an era both sweet and bitter, both beautiful and terrible. Such is life. But several times in the course of a long stay, a wonder comes along that blankets the whole tumultuous season in a smiling sun’s rays.
Right about this time of day 30 years ago, I sat in the waiting room of my OBGYN’s office with one thing on my mind: I meant to have a baby that day or else. My man worked in the oil field with BJ Hughes and they were sending him off for a month in two weeks, just when she was due. If she was on time, I was on my own. BUT, if she had a little nudging, the four of us – Keith, Amanda (our nearly-3-year-old daughter and the biggest dream-come-true of my 25 year-old life), this new little creature that had swung on my bottom ribs like monkey bars for months, and I would have 14 days together. Those were the stakes.
High indeed.
So early that morning, my big sister, Gay, came to Victoria, Texas where we’d been transferred with BJ Hughes, and together we went on a brisk little – well, as much as I hate to admit to it – jog to very deliberately see if we could get some action going. There is absolutely nothing about this approach that I’d recommend to an expectant mother no matter how great with child she is. Those were the 80’s when the pendulum had swung WAY to the left and we were advised to do any physical activity in our pregnancies that we’d been accustomed to doing at the time we conceived. That was for normal people. Not me. Most women didn’t teach high impact advanced aerobics classes. What I’m recommending is this: sit down the moment you realize you’re expecting and get up when you head to the hospital.
Because here’s what happened: I trained up a child in utero in the way she would go and when she was born, she did not depart from it. She stretched, rolled, tumbled, jumped, lunged, and high kicked so wildly from five months’ gestation to full term that I lived nonstop at my maximum target heart rate particularly when I climbed into bed at night. I sang in the choir at First Baptist Church in Victoria and, in those latter days, my blue choir robe came alive like a 3-D illustration of the raging sea in Mark 4, only not once did Jesus stand up from the boat and say, “Please be still!” Or was that “peace be still”??
It was prophetic. That child would demand the training wheels off her bicycle two days before her 3rd birthday then ride off on it like she was born to be wild.
Because she was.
Dr. Mabry took one look at me, peered over the sheet draped across my swollen tummy and said, “Is your husband in town?”
“Yes, sir! As a matter of fact he is!”
“Good, because I’m about to break this water and put you in the hospital. This child is on her way.”
I’d asked God for a boy. In fact, I did it just right. I used all the biblical terminology. I prayed in faith without doubting and summed it up confidently with, “In Jesus’ Name.” I made sure I asked before conception so we could start out with the appropriate gender and God wouldn’t have to go to any extra trouble. I persevered in asking until the circle formed perfectly on the bottom of the EPT test tube then I sat back, smiled, claimed it…and, yes, named it: Brandon Keith Moore.
At seven months along, my OB nurse, good friend, and sonogram technician, said, “Beth, I’m telling you, I think this is a girl.” I went home undeterred, sat back on the couch and said to the Lord with utter confidence, “This is not hard for you. In fact, nothing is too difficult for Thee!” (Using proper King James English is always most effective for times such as this.) “Change it,” I chirped then got very still to see if I felt anything.
Nothing.
“It’s a girl,” I told Keith when he came in from work that night.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“How do you know?”
“I just know. That’s what they told me at the doctor’s office. And I asked God to change her into a boy and He didn’t. I could tell. I could tell He didn’t, that is.”
Young, strong, tan, black-headed, right winged, and at the peak of machismo as a 26 year old man tends to be, Keith grumbled something then looked up at me and said, “Well, then, we’ll have a girl.”
Good. Good plan.
The loud speaker went off over the grounds of BJ Hughes calling Keith Moore to the telephone. The kind with the black curly cord that was actually attached to the wall. “It’s your wife,” his supervisor said. “She said she needs to talk to you right away.”
“Hello?” Sounding a little frantic.
“Hey! Wanna have a baby today?”
“Today??”
“Yes, today. My parents are on their way to stay with Amanda. I’m packing. You better come get me.”
And he did.
Mamas push their babies into the world and then just keep on pushing.
We think we know just what we want them to be and just what will make them happy and we push and push and push and push, red-faced, grimacing, and threatening our husbands who got us into this shape. We just keep doing the thing we were doing the hours and minutes before they were born.
And, thank GOD, sometimes it doesn’t work.
I suppose Melissa would be at the peak of her professional basketball career if she kept going where I was pushing. And I’d be chaplain of the team. And assistant coach. Or head coach.
But she’s always had a mind of her own.
A fine one. Like her big sister’s.
I gave my heart away 30 years ago today for the second time in my life. Totally. Withholding nothing. Complete abandon. Both times to squirming little creatures that didn’t even weigh as much as their Daddy’s career trout.
I sat across a white-linened table from both of them 2 days ago, sharing three desserts, coffee and teas and I got lost in them all over again. Lost in their laughter. In the color of their eyes. In the way they use words. And sip out of a cup. Such a flawed woman. Such an embarrassing past. So many insecurities. Secrets that make me nauseous. And yet there before me, grace welled up in two distinct heaps, like twins born three years apart. Twins who only look a smidge alike. Twins as similar as salt and pepper…as homemade peach-vanilla ice cream and pico de gallo. Twins only because they each broke into my fortress, shimmied down the side, and ran off with my heart.
We asked the waiter at the restaurant if we could sit by a window because we needed to keep an eye on my car. We were seriously certain someone would want to steal the clothes we’d just bought from Anthropologie. Yes, all three of us. Of course, the birthday girl got the most but the three Moore women have always liked to do things together. So, we all got presents.
Just like Keith, Amanda, and I did 30 years ago today.
That very day a pair of ocean green eyes opened to this beautiful and terrible earth and none of us who know her well have ever seen life the same again.
And, as for Keith Moore?? Well, he wouldn’t trade that baby girl for a world full of fine sons.
And, whatever happened to that professional women’s basketball star? Well, a good friend of ours gave her a fragile centuries-old piece of Torah scroll a few days ago for her birthday.
And the child commenced to read it to me.
Precious story. Please follow up with the fashion show — love some Anthropology! I saw a sign at our store “SALE” on Wednesday but sanity ruled and I marched straight to Vera Bradley for the flat iron sleeve which was my purpose for shopping that day. It was a rare and sad moment of control. Lol.
Happy Birthday to Melissa!
Oh, yes, and a flat iron sleeve it a must. If I didn’t have one, every speaking outfit in my suitcase would have a big hole burned smack in the middle of it. You did the right thing. Grin.
Absolutely beautiful. Happy Birthday Melissa!
Tracy L.
Richlands, NC
Beth,i admire you,not only because you are a great teacher of the word,but because i see that you are a most wonderful wife,a most, most wonderful mother and an even greater grandmum. All this i hope to be and i thank God for the lives of people like you who have been given the grace to set the pace. Melissa,on the day of ur birth,it so happens that i was to be born 5yrs later and am glad that you are my big sister. Make sure to be kind and be good. Happy, happy birthday!!
We found out on Tuesday we were having our third….our third Girl! I swear my husband couldn’t be happier! He had only chosen girl names saying boys were too much work and didn’t like family time.Thank goodness the days of needing a male heir are behind us!
Beth, this is beautiful. Made me weep. And take a moment to thank the Lord for His perfect, intricate plans and timing. I’m a 26 year old mama to a 2 year old boy and sweet 16 month old twin girls. Spent some time this afternoon praying over their lives and the Lord’s gracious pursuit of their souls…wondering what I’ll have to write about in about 28 or 29 years! Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us!
What a precious post! Thank you for sharing your heart with us so freely. Happy Birthday Melissa!
Oh and 30 years ago, I was 8 going headed to 3rd grade and tomboy through and through- funny that God has blessed us with 4 girls so I’ve come to fully embrace the pink in my life 🙂 , and like Keith, my man wouldn’t trade a moment with these precious girls- although I guess there are probably moments when he wishes he could turn down the volume of the chatter a little bit :). God bless you for being such a wonderful example to other mama’s of little girls trying to figure out this crazy journey!
Oh and I know you will appreciate this! I said we can put big bows in their hair and match them. My husband was quick with a Yeah Bow and Arrows with Camo!Then he finished watching Bone Collectors with my little girls!HA
This is so beautiful. I’m not a mom yet, but I’ll be turning 30 in October, and I shared this with my mom. She and I have had a very tumultuous relationship at times, but we are now each other’s best friend. Happy birthday, Melissa!
Well, I was not alive 30 years ago..BUT..I do love stories. You’re a great storyteller, and this brought tears to my eyes. Your girls are blessed to have a mama like you.
We’re so glad you’re on here, Caitlin. I bet you’re a blessing to your mama.
WOW!! Beth, did anyone ever tell you that you needed to be a writer? And that you need to write books for women?! LOL
Beautiful, beautiful piece with so much love!! Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us! Many years ago, when I first did one of your Bible studies (we called it “the tabernacle”) God used you and your real-ness to reach into my heart and say, “Yes, child, you can know Me like that too.” I knew Him. He was/is my personal Savior. I just didn’t know how to relate to Him as Abba and have the kind of personal relationship that I could see that you had. I wanted it. I just didn’t know how to have it. You have helped me so much. Through the years I’ve done most all of your bible studies. I felt like I knew you personally. My husband was beginning to think I actually did know you personally by the way I was going around saying Beth said this, or Beth said that. Haha Even now I’ll mention something about you, Amanda, or Melissa that I’ve read on the blog and he just looks at me. 🙂 I’ve asked him if we can move to Texas so that you and I can become BFFs. Guess it’s not God’s will cause we’re still here in good ole Alabama. 🙂
Love you and your family to pieces! Thankful for you all!!
Oh, and 30 years ago I was waiting to start my Senior year of high school and I was dating the man who would become my husband.
Angie, I was nodding my head in agreement with your post…I was saved as a young child, but God starting drawing me closer to Him with Beth Moore’s David study…I wanted to know Him like that…two little words “pray to”…I began to ask Him to give me a heart to know Him and love Him more…and He has given me the desire of my heart 🙂
Happy Birthday Melissa! What an amazing birthday gift to get a piece of the Torah! I’m sure you will treasure it always.
Thank you, Beth, for the journey back 30 years ago today. Isn’t it interesting how much we remember from meaningful events?
Thirty years ago, I was in college, but doing an internship at I. Magnin store on Union Square in San Francisco. It was great fun buying such Avant Garde clothing and wearing it back home in my farmer hick-type community. One outfit I remember was hideous by today’s standards: a red and purple striped dress (very 80’s style) with purple hose and red shoes. My friends didn’t follow suit. Imagine that! I went back to my Izod shirts, khaki pants and topsiders. Remember those?
Mama Beth,
I haven’t commented in a while, but I love, love, love, loved this post. I’m not even going to bother to pin down exactly what it might be that was so wonderful… but it was somehow a great deluge of refreshment to me, mother-of-one-and-the-thousand-concerns-that-come-with-her. God will pull us all through to the end of this journey in His own excellent way, whatever the stories may be, won’t He? 🙂 Thanks so much.
Oh this just blessed me so much!!! I’ve been blue today as I remember that 27 years ago today I was grieving the tragic death of my younger sister. I miss her so much.
You can sure paint a picture with your words Beth, and you look as “pretty as a picture” not like one who has just given birth.
I had two babies in the 80s too – two boys. We don’t sit at white linened tables much :), but I attended a funeral today that my oldest son preached and sat there reveling in the joy of being his mom – how God is using his life and ministry.
What a trip down memory lane. Bittersweet for me today. Thank you for the preciousness of this post. Happiest of birthdays to sweet Melissa. I love her – and Amanda – and you!
GJ
I had no idea you’d lost a sister, GJ! I’m so very sorry. WOW. What a piece of your story that must be.
Beth – it is part of “my story” yes – and one of the reasons I treasure life – it changed our family forever.
Here is a tribute to Jean if you have some time:
http://granjansjoy.blogspot.com/2010/08/she-lived-25-yearsshes-been-gone-25.html
Great post, however I would be remiss if I didn’t mention your lovely earrings in the hospital picture. From one southern woman to another, a good southern woman never ever should be without her earrings, not even in the delivery room!
You’re good people. Happy b-day to your baby.
Laughing. I wish my nails would have been in that picture instead of Keith’s. They would have been the icing on the southern cake.
Expect new earrings, a fresh manicure and perfect hair when you’re in Knoxville next month. (just kidding) See you then!
haha- i noticed that too. i love the momma 🙂
Oh Beth, that was beautiful! What a tribute your daughter, and God’s grace!
30 years ago, I had just graduated from college, had started a new job, and was hoping to get engaged soon. (I ended up not getting engaged for 18 more months(!) but we just celebrated our 28th anniversary, so he was worth the wait :))
Happy Birthday Melissa! July 20th birthdays are awesome. My twin sister and I are 24 today!
Happy birthday Laura!
Looks like you went to the hospital to have Melissa looking great! Big hair and earrings and everything! 🙂
Probably thirty years ago today found me canning or freezing some of the veggies my husband always raises in the garden. While at the same time I would have been running after a two-year-old, a four-year-old, and a five-year-old! And sweating! Profusely! Since we did not have A/C and we live in Mississippi, I’m absolutely sure about the sweat! ha
I can identify with how you sit an look at your children with awe as they are adults now. I do the same thing. It’s amazing how God took these three kids of ours and made such wonderful adults out of them!
Thank you so much for sharing about the “birth” day of your youngest!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
Beutifullt written,, as always! Happy Bithday, Melissa!
30 years ago, it was getting close to my wedding day, now my daughter, my second born , is planning her wedding day!
30 years ago…today
I had just turned 10 a few 2 weeks earlier. And I had become an aunt. I loved that baby so much I decided that I wanted to be a doctor for babies and that I would have six of my own.
Well… fast forward those thirty years. I am 40. I am an aunt 9 times over and I am a nun with no kids of my own.
God is funny but His ways are right – couldn’t be happier.
As for the 30 year old mentioned in the post – I think she is an amazingly brilliant, witty and devoted woman – I can’t wait to meet her someday!
love, S. Lynn
What a fun comment, Sister Lynn! I forget that you haven’t ever met Melissa face to face. You speak of one another like old friends. Thank You, God, for this crazy virtual town we call Siestaville.
Amen and amen – I so love Siestaville!
Beautifully written!
I was amazed when I saw the pictures of that scroll on Twitter. You have two beautiful daughters and I admire the mother you are to them and it is so sweet to hear you say they are your best friends. I have never had that type of relationship with my mother
Happy Birthday Melissa!!!
I love this story. I have 2 girls (born 15 months apart) who are now young women and each captured my heart just as strongly. 30 years ago I was dating their daddy, that marriage did not last but I can never say anything bad about it because my 3 children (I did get a son, he’s the baby) were the blessings from it. Tonight all of us, boyfriends and girlfriends included, will be going out to dinner and a movie. We’ll all be talking and laughing so much at the restaurant that I’m sure people will wonder what is going on. It just is that way with us when we get together. Smiles, love and laughter.
I wasn’t quite born yet 30 years ago…but in about 2 months time I will be whisked into the beautiful, heart-wrenching, life-changing land of motherhood for the first time!!! Can hardly wait to experience it!!! Loved this post!
Thirty years ago, my husband and I had just celebrated our first wedding anniversary and I was finishing up my master’s thesis. Happy birthday to Melissa. I loved her additions to the James study and am glad she didn’t go into basketball. I noticed the earrings right off in the picture! Made me laugh.
Happy Birthday Melissa and thanks for sharing your memories Beth! and might I add that in the hospital picture you look very like Melissa does today. Anybody else see that? As for me… 30 years ago I was 17 and praying like crazy that my Mom would receive a liver transplant in time to save her life. God said yes and she was the first person west of the Mississippi to ever have a successful one. Thank you God!
Jill,
Yes, I did see that!
Beautiful words from a beautiful mother for one of her beautiful daughters. As I prepare to take my oldest away to school four weeks from this very day, I was swept back to what it’s been like for me and each of my three children. Thank you for sharing your words with us today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the amazingly gorgeous, fun, witty and brilliant Melissa! And I know all of this only through your profound writings, cute tweets and a few personal intros! I can see why your fam loves you so!! Have a beautiful day celebrating your beautiful self!!
LOVE, LOVE this post! Siesta Mama…I love your heart and gift of words! Praying me and my girls stay close and always have fun together 🙂
Beth, I have two girls, too — one is 32 and the other will be 29 in August. Like you, my heart is so full when I’m with them. So glad you got to enjoy some special time with your girls. And Melissa, Happy Birthday!!
My daughter turned 18 only three weeks ago. What a joy it has been to watch her grow up. This past Monday she drove an hour and a half to a town where she knew no one, to stay in a hotel by herself, to instruct 10 percussionists at band camp for two weeks. Her Dad and I had our dreams and plans for her, but never imagined what God had in store. Eph. 3:20!
p.s. She’s getting paid, too, so woo hoo! 🙂
In the words of Truvy from Steel Magnolia’s, ” Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” I loved this tribute to your daughter!
30 years ago my 22 year old self was graduating from college. I look back at that silly, shallow girl and am horrified and amused. My goals were things such as getting the latest Esprit outfit, how big could I get my already big permed hair, and hiding my sin. I really excelled on the later. God’s grace is amazing.
I meant latter not later. :0
I excelled on the latter myself. And on the big hair. But I never had to perm this nest.
Beautiful website and touching post. God bless you in all that you do! Children are always such a blessing, and we think we know what we want, but God always knows better. In the end, we’re usually pretty content with what He gave us instead of what we wanted. God is good!
Hi Mama Beth!
I sat 8 rows behind you at Bayou City Fellowship this weekend and saw how settly you whispered to Amanda and rubbed her back in church! I so miss sitting next to my mom each week in church and snuggling up to her!
I introduced you to my sweet baby Lillian for the 2nd time (1st at the siesta gathering in Lubbock) and thought how I can’t wait to have that girl under my arm listening to the preacher and praising our God together!
Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Heidi
That’s good stuff, there.
What a precious post and happy birthday Melissa! My mom and I are the best of friends as well and I get so much joy out of seeing other mother/daughters who are very close. Such a sweet blessing from God!
30 years ago I was two years old and hobbling around with a giant cast on my leg that I earned from jumping off the couch and landing on a toy telephone. Mom says in no time flat I was back to running around and making quite a racket with the cast in the meantime! I’m sure I liked the attention. 🙂
Beautiful post! And a very happy birthday to Melissa. Beth I love reading any and everything you have written about your role as a mother. I have 3 children: two 7 year olds (boy/girl) and one 2 year old girl. I adore them and know what it feels like to have your heart stolen :). It’s a terrifying, lovely, blessed feeling! 30 years ago I was 6, and shy as a mouse. 30 years from now I hope to be sipping coffee and tea with two godly daughters and a godly daughter-in-law, and sharing lunches with a godly son. May the LORD be so willing. God bless you and thanks for sharing :).
Our Sweet Beth,
Thank you so much. Absolute tears – of appreciation and tenderness. I have three girls of my own, 18, 16 and almost 15 (her BD is the 23rd!). I was also trained as an aerobics instructor and married to a man whom I have nicknamed ‘my maverick man’ as he has an uncontrolable need to conquer every task that life presents. So often I relate to your descriptions of how Keith responds to life’s circumstances. As my oldest has just graduated from high school and heads to college this fall, I continue to fight the tears, terrified I have failed in doing my part in creating all the ‘right’ for her to solidify her own walk-of-faith. As well, like you, I have been in those pits of sin that bring amazement that I am so blessed to have these three beautiful girls and can be brought instantly to tears of appreciation as well as terrified they would experience one millionenth (word?) of the bad choices as those of their mama. Their dad is not a believer and although he is a man of incredible integrity and so adores all ‘four’ of his women, it has been a little terrifying being solely responsible in parenting them in their faith. Also, in the last couple of years, the church in which they were raised disintegrated as a result of that ‘one’ antagonist, fueled by his determined wife, and has me sending my oldest off to college without that church family connection. We serve an amazingly intimate Father whom loves my girls more than I could begin to imagine and He knows I know how He is mighty to save and protect. I know He most certainly hears the honest prayers of a mother for her daughter. A little terrified nonetheless and absolutely have brimming tears as I read this post. Happy, happy birthday to a beautiful result of two imperfect parents, so surrendered to do their Father’s will. You both encourage and minister in very powerful ways to all of us. Thank you for how you all continue to be so willing to be so invested in all of us. My prayers continue to cover you to be protected in being so successful in how you all continue to stand firm against such an evil and relentless enemy. Your ministry (all of you) continues to equip and empower more than you’ll probably ever know.
Kim,
As the mother of 23 yr old (graduated from college) & 19 yr old (in college) daughters. I know I have made many mistakes parenting, things I can’t take back. But for the grace of God, they both love Jesus. Hold on to His hand & entrust her to His perfect care. You are coming up on a sweet time with your girls. They will see you different & even WANT to be with you!! Keep doing what you are, it is good enough for Jesus 🙂
Thank you, Michelle. Appreciate your words very much.
That will preach, Kim!
OH Beth! You so often write what I feel! God too uses my two kids – Steve’s 24 and Meg’s 21 – to teach me about His grace every single day! That this flawed and sinful woman was given these amazing children is almost unfathomable to me. Undeserved and unmerited favour! They LOVE Jesus and even love me – go figure! 🙂 HE does do miracles!
Happy Birthday to Melissa! 🙂
That was so beautiful. There’s no love like a mama’s love. I know God’s love is way bigger, but that was such a sweet post. I’m glad you got those 2 girls, and so glad they love Jesus so much!
Beth,
I was going to tweet you, but I just have too much to say. Thank you for sharing your story. In just 6 weeks I’ll give my heart away to my firstborn, a baby girl. I’m terrified! However, I am thankful that God has graciously redeemed my messy life. Now I am just praying that God will help my husband and me to raise our daughter after His own heart.
Thanks,
Jennifer
I love your post.Thanks for sharing with us. I hope and pray that my 2 girls are as godly as yours.They are almost 8 and 5, they are full of life and emotions! I always thought I was going to have boys since I don’t have sisters.Now I can’t imagine having boys.Girls are so much fun, they already enjoy shopping with me (only if is for them ;). ) Happy Birthday Melissa!
Wow- I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks (no… bawling).
Beth, that may be my favorite blog post of yours ever. I’m 54 years old, happily married for 11 years next month, I was 43 when I wed. My first (and only) marriage, to a widower who had 2 grown children. All that to say, I’ve never given birth to a child. But, by God’s grace, I have had the blessing & privilege to “raise” some fine spiritual daughters.
What was I doing 30 years ago? Making some really poor choices that have remained my own nausiating secrets, but so redeemed by God’s grace that I’ve been able to train a spiritual child or two in the right way to go and keep them from the wrong way.
I’ve never known the kick and squirm of an unborn life in my womb. But I’ve experienced some spiritual labor pains with each one of them… and a spiritual “motherly pride” for these darling youngun’s that compares to the kind you have for Amanda & Melissa. I love how you love them.
Thank you for your post… and for sharing your life so honestly with us.
Love you so!
Punky, what a privilege to be a spiritual mother. Those girls will never forget all that you have poured into them!! Way to go 🙂
30 years ago I was not around (:
This is a fun post–there’s nothing quite like a relationship between mamas and daughters. I’m discipling a young lady that has a really absent mother and it reminds me to be thankful for the time I’ve had with my mama.
Happy bday, Melissa!!
This post was so fun to read Beth! I loved hearing that Gay came to help get things movin’ 🙂 …and how the love you have for your girls so beautifully comes acoss the page. You are a proud mama!
Happy Birthday, Melissa! I hope you have a special day and that your 30th year is rich with love, learning and LIFE!
Sitting here at work crying and laughing after reading your precious blog. Coworker (male) walked in on me and didn’t even bother asking what was wrong :)Just walked on out. Lost my 57 yr old brother 2 weeks ago unexpectedly, lost my eight year old son 23 yrs ago and have a 21 yr old Down Syndrome son. Love hearing your strong words of love for your girls because I feel the same way for my boys and now a renewed love for all of my family. Have learned to love and hug every day. Don’t know what tomorrow brings. Thank you for sharing. I love you Beth Moore.
Beth, As much as I love and learn so much from your Bible Studies… I adore when you write about your girls. Feathers From My Nest sits on a table in my den beside a pic of my 3 girls when they were young. I have given a copy of it to all of my girls, who are now mothers, and many friends. I loved reading about the day of Melissa’s birth today. 30 years ago I was 7 months pregnant with my last baby and busy tending to her 3 year old and 17 month old big sisters. We thought for sure she would be a boy but God had other plans 🙂 What joy our three girls have brought to our lives and as I get opportunities to be with them I am just as amazed as you at how God has blessed us. Happy Birthday to Melissa and love to you all! Martha in MS
What a beautiful tribute to your daughter(s) and your relationship with them. My sweet mother went to be with Jesus when I was just Melissa’s age. I miss her every day and wonder what our relationship would be like today, almost 16 years later. Thank you for sharing your heart….it blessed mine.
Beth,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of Miss Melissa’s arrival 30 yrs ago. My baby boy, Neil will be 31 tomorrow and he has a wife named Malissa 🙂
Looking forward to seeing a fashion show from today’s purchases on the blog.
Marianne
Beautiful! Simply beautiful.
I sit here today after catching my 12 year old daughter in a lie. A lie she has had going on for a couple of weeks. I feel like a failure as a mom at this moment. I know this will pass and this isn’t her destiny in life–to be a good liar–Lord, please no. I pray God capture’s her heart and transforms it to love Him with all of it.
Happy Birthday sweet Melissa.
Beth, you are the best storeteller EVER! Thank you so much for such a precious story and Happy Birthday Melissa!
Oh Beth, what a great thing to celebrate your baby girl’s 30th Birthday!! I just love the relationship you have with both of them. My girls are 23 & 19 and pray we can be close like that. Grin. Much love to Melissa today:)
Thank you for sharing! What a blessing.