The Titus 2 woman

To my dear friend Ida.

On your birthday instead of wishes I want to share some other things with you.

I could go the Proverbs 31 woman route, but I thought I’d do something different if you don’t mind.

Ewe may be 92, but you are young to me.  We laugh together, giggle at silly jokes, and enjoy talking about His Word.  We share horsey douvers 🙂 and coffee and just love of Christ.   How great is that?  The Lord crosses the age barriers, there aren’t any with me for you and I believe many people I know feel that way about you Ida.   You have such a great sense of humor, even allowing that daughter of yours to have fun at your expense 🙂  But you laugh along with all of us, never worried, but enjoying the life God gave you.

May the Lord bless you with long years <3

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, (S)he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.   Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God.   They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.  Psalm 92:12-15

The Prophetess Anna

I pray you reach the ‘great age’ of Anna in good health still able to do great things for the Lord.  She prayed for others and worshipped the Lord day and night in the temple.  As a prophetess, she had the privilege of giving thanks after Simeon’s wonderful prophecy below (Lk 2), and she spoke of Him to all those that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.   (Although we too can do the same).  Thank you for your many prayers for others and your example of loving the Lord.

Simeon held up Christ and said:

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

I love this picture of you.  If any outward apparel reflected the inner woman, this reminds me of it.  A woman of grace.  You (I know) are precious in the sight of God because of your gentle and quiet spirit.  I mean that sincerely (I hope I don’t get in trouble for ‘borrowing’ the picture).

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.  1 Pet 3:3-4

Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had a big impact on him and the kind of faith he had.  You have had a big impact on the ones who know and love you. I know your daughter (my dear friend also) would say the same about you.  Your gentle way, your humble manner, your teachableness.  Yes, even you want to be taught (even in your nineties).  What wisdom (Proverbs 22:17-21).  You are so transparent and willing to hear others thoughts and takes on Scripture.  You don’t have the slightest amount of lording anything over anyone lingering in you.   Many by now would be commending themselves for their years of being a believer, or how much they know, but YOU still search the Scriptures to see what is really true.  How noble you are.

Naomi

Naomi was in great mourning in her great losses of loved ones. I know you have suffered similar losses.  Like Naomi, (who stirred up great love and loyalty in her daughter-in-law Ruth), you have done the same to those who know and love you.

I won’t make this too long, just a birthday greeting.  I know that Cheryl rises up and calls you blessed, and so do I.

Sarah and Elisabeth

Lastly, Sarah and also Elisabeth was well stricken in years Ida (laughing here now) because I just want to tell you…

It’s never too late, there’s still time Ida!

lol!

Happy Birthday my sister and mother in Christ.  I love Ewe.

P.S.  Send a man to do a woman’s job and it means you are not getting your present until Monday… I had to laugh, but then again, I forgot to send it for a couple of weeks.