4Jul 07
Never seen before this side of Culpeper!
posted by
The rain had ceased, all was calm, all was dark. The ‘night we won’t forget’ 
was coming to a fast end. Stars were popping out in brilliant splendor across the sky and 6 tired, but dry (simple pleasures of life) guys were wrapping themselves in sleeping bags.
Accompanied by the brightly beaming sun, a choir of hundreds of birds warmly greeted us the next morning. I was just beginning to stretch and slowly move myself off the hard ground when a new choir of voices chimed in with the song ‘Happy Birthday!’ A new year had begun! During my quiet time that morning I took a few moments to review Scripture verses the Lord has used over the years to bring encouragement and direction. What a joy it is to know His merices are new every morning. He is faithful.
I was expecting a fulfilling day of work as we prepared for a weekend campout with the Alert Cadets of Northern Virginia. Dad delegated the different jobs out and all was coming together 
beautifully. Little did I know but a secret party of planners was plotting a surprise never seen before this side of Culpeper . Following lunch, Adam and I made a quick run to town and were on our way back when a 
sighting of a green van moving across the 90 acres was made. Proceeding on with wonder and a hint of excitement, we ascended the hill on our land only to be welcomed on the other side by a “Party Van” decorated with streamers, 
balloons, and a spectacular banner. Mom, Jennifer, Sarah, Hannah, and Markie totally surprised our crew. As I rumbled to a stop, 10 smiling faces greeted me with ‘Happy Birthday,’ balloons, rice crispie bars, and a memory I’ll never forget! Spiced with creativity and a big pile of joy, a special group of people sacrificed their day and turned an ordinary afternoon into an extra-ordinary production, never seen before this side of Culpeper.
I know it is usual for others to report on the birthday parties. But with being completely surprised and overjoyed by your all’s creativity, I couldn’t help but write what I was thinking about the whole event. Thank you once again for energizing that weekend!
Jennifer was driving the van over our farm hill and we looked back and saw you all coming down the paved road just seconds behind. Our van was vibrating from all the happy squeals and excitement to get ready to surprise you.And we made it , just in time.
What a fun and creative year this has been in trying to come up with unique ways to celebrate birthdays!!
Josh what an encouragement you are to me. God has used you in many ways throughout the years to encourage me in the ways of righteousness.
Thank you for letting God form you into the man of God that you are and I’m especially grateful to be your sister!