Friday, January 16, 2009

Happy Spiritual Birthday, Laura

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for the way you continue to support Laura, Jon and Tanner. Your prayers and notes of encouragement mean so much to them as well as to Warren, Phyllis, Jan and me. As of this morning, the blog went over 61,000. None of us ever dreamed that when the kids started this journey that there would be such overwhelming support that has come from around the globe.

Today is a very significant day. Today is Laura's spiritual birthday. On January 16, 1983, Laura Ruth Welte invited the Lord Jesus Christ to be her personal Lord and Savior. I won't embarrass her by telling you WHERE she was when this significant event took place, but as her Dad and Mom, we will never forget that day.
The prayer of every parent is that there kids will grow up to love the Lord and serve Him with all of their hearts. This past six months have given evidence to the fact that Laura has a deep, abiding trust and faith in her heavenly Father. The growth that we have seen in her as she has faced one of life's deepest trials, has blessed our socks off.

I couldn't help but write today as Laura's spiritual birthday coincides with Lindsay's 8th month with Jesus. Because Laura invited Jesus into her heart on on January 16, 1983, she has the wonderful assurance that someday, she will be with Jesus and Lindsay forever!
Laura, we love you and are so proud of you. Happy spiritual birthday!
PS -- Drop her a line today and wish her a happy birthday. And if you don't know what a spiritual birthday is, Laura would love to share that with you.

6 comments:

GarretJulie said...

Happy Birthday Laura~
As a sister I am so proud of you!!! I love you very much and I am so thankful that God gave me a sister like you! I so wish that we could live closer together to be with each other more and do things with our kids. But I know that the time we do spend together is very special. Thank you for setting such a wonderful example of your relationship with Jesus!! You are such a strong woman.
I love you with all my heart,
~Julie

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!! :)
I love that we get 2 chances to celebrate birthdays! Party girl!

I wasn't even saved at your age and I continue to be so blessed by the life you live with Jesus. Thank you for having an open heart and sharing so much love.

BTW, I had my spititual BD on Wed.

Birthday hugs, love & prayers,
Miriam

Anonymous said...

Happy Spiritual Birthday!!!

I just want to tell you that I am Happy for you and that I am praying to God for you. You are a great sample of what a christian person is and I am sure that God is proud of you. God bless you and your beautiful family... Priscilla Maloney(Aunt Jeanne's Co-worker)

Anonymous said...

Happy Spiritual Birthday, Laura.
What a blessing you are to all of us and I for one am so blessed to call you my niece. As your Dad said, you have the assurance that you will see Lindsay again because of the decision you made all those years ago. We are so proud of you and the wonderful example you are to all of us.
We love you very much,
Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Mark

GrannyApple said...

Happy Spiritual Birthday, Laura Ruth!
I love you very much and very proud of the woman, wife and mother you have become. Thanks to the Lord for walking with you through this time. May you have a wonderful day as we continue to remember all the fun times with Lindsay while God allowed her to stay with you. Missing Lindsay tons.
Love to my 1st baby girl,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Many speak of the simplicity of the gospel and your asking Jesus into your heart way back then is proof.
You went to Sunday School and learned your verses, you sang and prayed as children do.
As the years have pasted and you became wife and mother that same Jesus has sustained you and you know the deeper things of the "good news".
Your father showed his being proud by writing this, your sister and mother by responding yet I imagine that Jesus makes that pale by comparison. He has also seen you be strong for your husband and son and family. He sees your reaching out to others with comfort and encouragement.
Happy Birthday , Laura.
LVS