HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mommy

Linny Saunders184 Comments

Happy Birthday Mommy

Who would have ever imagined when you and Daddy met over 35 years ago that on your _____ birthday (dad said don’t tell)  you would be awaiting my 3rd brain surgery?  I mean a 17 month old at your age?  

That would be crazy!  But then again, you probably did know in your heart of hearts!

I want to let you know how thankful I am for you mommy!  You came to Africa, battled for 7 long weeks and brought me home, as daddy calls me,  “my precious treasure, Ruby Grace”.  So many things were so difficult, almost impossible, not the least being away from our family for 7 weeks. 

But you chose the road of thanksfulness.  You battled through red tape, sickness, and spiritual warfare to see that I would have a forever family – forever!  And you chose thankfulness!

When Daddy was discouraged you told him, you had decided to choose to be thankful in all things. 

When things looked bleak, you had a word from the Lord. When the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, you refused to give up!  Daddy says, “you are one tough chick”!  Whatever that means.   You never gave up! 

And I am so thankful that you didn’t give up!  Wow, when you and dad said you would do anything for me, you really meant it.  I never had that before, so many of my friends will never have it….   

Since you’ve been home, you’ve spent every night at the hospital with me! 

I love your touch!

I love your snuggles!

I know when you are close, and I know I am safe!

(Daddy’s jealous of the snuggles – ha ha daddy!)

You have refused to let me, Ruby Grace, be without an advocate at my side every minute.  We both know how important that has been for me.   I know you are there for me, and you won’t let anything happen that is not the best for me.   

Today you are giving up your birthday for me.  I know it will not be a normal birthday for you. I’m sorry mommy.   I will be in surgery but if I could,  I would snuggle with you all day long, and maybe even spit up on you like I did in Africa as a present.   I don’t understand what you thought was so funny in that picture, but if it makes you happy then I would gladly give you another present of spit-up… if I could.

Today won’t be normal, but daddy told me, “Since when is anything normal for our family?  As Daddy and you both say, “Normal is boring”!”

My brothers and sisters love you soooo much.  Daddy adores you!

Thanks for praying for me.  Thanks for valuing my life that you would do anything to save it.  You have proved it over and over again.   You’ve given me a chance to have another birthday.  Thanks mommy!  

They wouldn’t let me out of this place to go shopping for you.  I thought about buying you a Ruby ring.  That wold be fun – and I know you like rings.  But daddy said to much….. Anyway, I won’t throw him under the bus.  (why would someone throw someone under the bus?)

So my gift to you today mommy is just three words,  for you, to say,  “I love you!”  

You are the best mommy a little girl could have anywhere.  I so glad God chose us to be together!

And when I put on those Ruby Slippers, I will tell the world, there’s no place like home – in my mommy’s arms!

I Love You, Ruby Grace

(Oh yea mommy, there is a world of blog friends would love to wish you a Happy Birthday!  (That’s your hint to post if you missed it – come on lurkers you can do it too!)  Thanks for praying for me!  You guys rock!  (You Americans have the funniest sayings – why would you want to be like a rock, or….)

184 thoughts on “HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mommy”

  3. Happiest of birthdays, Linny. 🙂 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Psalm 23

    Ruby's going to thrive in Kansas. 😉

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  4. Oh, happy happy birthday Linny!!! You have so blessed my life with your openess and with your love for the orphans. Praying that God blesses you today in ways you could never imaging.

    Sonja
    in Alabama

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  5. Happy Birthday Linny! You are a true inspiration to me and challenge me to be a better person. Enjoy the time you have with your treasures today and may you have many more birthdays with them!

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  6. Happiest of birthdays Linny! You are beautiful, inside & out. The other day Alison said "Mom, you shouldn't color you hair anymore so you can look like Mrs. Linny!" We embrace you from afar & lift up your little gem today as you place her once again in the surgeon's hands – Show Yourself mighty Jehovah Raphah!! Hugs!

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  7. Linny, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the toughest chicks I "know".:) May the blessings overflow from heaven today, may you be lavishly loved by friends and family, and may you see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. This is your year.

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  8. Happy Birthday!

    I wanted to tell you how truly inspiring you are… really, really inspiring. You give me hope and lead me by example of your faith, trust, and delight in the Lord. I even tell my friends inspirational stories about the lady in colorado who's blog I follow.

    Be blessed today as we all pray for Ruby,

    Cancice

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  12. Happy happy Birthday, Linny!!!! God has richly blessed you with treasures from around the world. :o). May He grant you peace today as Ruby undergoes surgery. Love from Nebraska!

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  17. Happy Birthday to one tough lady…one determined woman…one faithful and obedient follower of God, one woman with an enormous heart for the children of this world, one woman who has overcome obstacles in her own life to dedicate her life to helping the little ones overcome their own with a loving family to surround them. I could go on and on, Linny. Happy Birthday to you. We are all blessed to have you in our lives!!

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  18. Happy Birthday to the most amazing, selfless, beautiful, loving, devoted, kindhearted, encouraging, non-judgemental, God-honoring, funny woman I have ever known. If I could pick anyone on Earth to spend the day with, it would be you. I love you and your heart and your ability to share God's wisdom. You are so very special, Linny. God's blessings for a wonderful birthday. I know I don't need to tell you to look around at your blessings, as you do that every day, good times, and in bad…you are running the race so well, and god is so pleases. It is an honor to wish you a happy, happy birthday. xoxoxoxo

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  23. In tears reading those sweet words…and how I know that are so true..if she could write them she would!! Happy Birthday..many prayers on your and Rubys behalf.

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  24. Happy Birthday Mrs. Linny! Can't imagine how hard this day may be for you but knowing God, he's got something special planned for you and Miss. Ruby today. I'm believing for the impossible. All of you are in my prayers! Many blessings are coming your way!

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  36. Happy Birthday to one of the most amazing woman I have ever had the pleasure of "meeting" through this thing called the internet! You are such a blessing to the world.

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  37. Happy Birthday, dear mommy Linny!

    Love keeping up with your family via your blogs. Bless you today on your birthday-and prayers continue for Ruby Grace…and your whole family.

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  42. Happy Birthday Linny , I will be praying for you all today .. for wisdom for drs and nurses . For God's hand on you and your family as you wait ! Love following your family . Judy

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  46. What a sweet letter!:) Praying your birthday is filled with miracles and many precious moments with Ruby Grace! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You inspire me every day!

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  47. Wishing you a blessed and peace filled birthday Linny! DW is right you are "one tough chick"! You are an inspiration and I am so thankful that you share your heart and your life with so many of us who love you…even if we never meet you this side of heaven. Praying for you and all your treasures always! Happy Birthday Friend!

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  49. Happy Birthday to my very sweet and dear friend who keeps sending me one words! 🙂

    I know your heart and you would not want to be anywhere else spending your birthday right now given the circumstances. I know your heart is thankful that you are right where you are with your Ruby Grace giving her life!!!!

    Love you!!!

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  51. Hey Linn, Happy Birthday to you!! Wish I could give you a big birthday hug….but I guess I'll wait for you to get back to Durango.

    Since you and I were both born on this day (though you were born a year before me!! smile!), I will be thinking of you as I celebrate this special day today. I love you, sweet friend! I'm praying for Ruby Grace and for all of you today!

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  52. I am saying a special prayer today that God would touch you in a way that would draw you close to His loving embrace! Of course I am continuing to pray for Ruby (and all else!) I wish you a happy birthday! Your life matters and I celebrate you and your inspiration! (What a super sweet post!)

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  55. Happy Birthday to an amazing woman of faith, one who radiates her love of God to thousands on her blog. May your days living for Him never be "normal" and may He make your steps firm as you follow His paths. Thank you for the inspiration that you are to me!

    P.S. That little gem, Ruby Grace, sure seems to have quite the communication with her Daddy. It's amazing how those words flowed straight from her tiny fingers to the keyboard. 😉

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  57. Happy Birthday, Linny! You deserve the best and I think you already have it!!! Hope your day is fantabulous and we will be praying for Miss Ruby! You are an inspiration! I hope more people in this world will learn to give until it hurts and then give some more and then some more…just like you! YOU ROCK!!

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  66. This is undoubtedly the sweetest "happy birthday" tribute I've ever read. Linny you are a wonderful and blessed woman. I am in awe at how loved you are by those around you and those of us who are cyber-friends. I hope today is blessed beyond measure by our God who is immeasurable. Love and happy birthday, Martha

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  67. Happy Birthday to the new "mommy" to Ruby Grace. I will continue to pray for her. I helped to "hurry" her along in the process only to have a long weight to hear she is fnally home… now catching up with the blog I realize it was only the beginning of a very long road. I will continue to pray for Ruby Grace. The relief I felt was short lived… I grieve with you and hope that God will have mercy on precious baby Ruby Grace. Gods blessings for your entire family.

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  69. Happy, happy, happy birthday Linny!
    Be blessed abundantly today and always!!
    We are praying for your sweet Ruby Grace today. *and everyday!
    We love you,

    Alycia and family

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  70. Praying for you today on your birthday! You are being used by God in so many ways to change lives and it is inspiring to see. Many blessings to you today and every day.

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  72. I'm first – Happy Birthday. I'm so thankful you, Emma and Ruby Grace are home (or as close as the correct country.) We are praying for her – the surgeries and her eye-sight to be restored. I'd love to come for a visit when your life is as least normal enough for you to live at home again.
    Jenny a.k.a. Gabe's mom

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  74. Linny! Blessed Bday. Praying for you to have the very best bday yet despite the current circumstances. Just watch God show up big and strong. Much love to you.

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  75. Dear Miss Ruby Grace.
    Thank you for your blog post. You do indeed have a very special mommy. I am so very thankful that she is my friend.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINNY.

    Praying for you all.

    Love Becky XXX XOX XX

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  77. Happy Birthday Linny! May today be a day filled with many moments that show how much our Heavenly Father thrills to lavish His love on you! Many blessings, Emily

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  78. OK so that was the BEST thing anyone could ever do!! Of course Im sitting her bawling…but that was GREAT!!! Way to go Miss Ruby Grace, you are so talented!! You are the best gift your Mommy could ever have along with all your siblings!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINNY….you are the best blessing this world could ever have. YOU ROCK!!!

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  79. Happy Birthday to you…
    Happy Birthday to you…
    Happy Birthday, Dearest Linny…
    Happy Birthday to you!!!

    Have a great day with your family – wherever it happens!

    Praying for you all and Ruby.

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  81. •´*•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.• *´•,
    ♡ ♥« Happy Birthday»♥ ♡
    '•.¸.•*(¸.•*´♥`*•.¸)*•.¸.•'

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  82. Happy Birthday Linny! May God bless you exceedingly abundantly above all that you can even imagine. I don't know of another person who deserves it more. You are a daily inspiration to me. You are changing the world – one life at a time!

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  85. Happy Birthday! I know you are celebrating in the hospital, but I am sure there is no other place you would rather be! So thankful- you already received the best present- Ruby Grace HOME and your family together.

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  87. Ok I though the post might have been from Liberty and I was getting ready for a few tears. But,this was completely unfair Miss Ruby Grace, you caught me completely off guard!! Little stinker already:)

    Happy Birthday dear friend! I'd wish you blessings on this day, but you are surrounded and nose deep in them already!

    You are the best Linny, the absolute best. Hugs and love from RI.

    btw, i have no idea why Liberty just jumped into my head when I saw the post title. But I really was expecting it to be her.

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  89. My mom and I have been "Lurkers" on your blog for a little while now and we just love your family! Our family is actually trying to adopt either from Ghana, Uganda, or Congo (wherever the Lord leads us) so it has been very uplifting to read your sweet stories about you and your children:)
    Our prayers continually go out to you and your family in this hard time, especially for little Ruby Grace 🙂 May the Lord bless you and continue to keep a hedge of protection around you.

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  90. Happy Birthday! I have been following your blog and praying for you and your family. All I can say is that you are "amazing" and God filled! What a crown of jewels you will have waiting for you and your husband in heaven! Keep up the good work!

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  96. SO exciting to get to wish the sweetest lady in the world a BIG HAPPY 30th birthday! 😉 I love you so much even though we have never met in person. Hope your day is filled with love and laughs, but knowing your hubby and offspring it will be! love and hugs! and little Ruby– your mommy is one lucky lady!!

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  103. Happy Birthday. I can't think of anything a mom could want more than this beautiful letter. Praying everything goes perfectly for Ruby today so you have another reason to celebrate!

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  106. Ruby Grace, I'm sure you already know, but you have an amazing family. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule today to tell us about your Mommy's birthday.

    Happy Birthday Linny!! Praying for all of you today.

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  107. Happy Birthday to one determined, faith filled lady! You and your blog have blessed me so much – you will never know!
    I truly appreciate all the things you have taught me … From clinging to faith to the plight of orphans.
    I pray that God will shower you with blessings this year. Good health for all your treasures and good health for you!
    Thank you again for the impact you have had on my life.
    I will be praying for Ruby's surgery!
    God Bless You!
    Sue S from GA

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  108. Ruby Grace you have me in tears! Happy Birthday to your VERY special mommy! I think she must only be about 29 or something…God makes those that follow him younger and it is very evident in your Mommy…and Daddy too!
    I am so glad that you and your family understand the spiritual warfare that happens when we stand up for the orphan and do something. But our God is more powerful! Continuing to pray!

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  109. Happy Birthday to the mom of many…and many more to come!!! So blessed by your heart for the orphan. May your year ahead be filled with great joy and abundant blessings!!! Thank you for your blog.

    Love ya tons!
    A lurker from Massachusetts

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  113. Happy Birthday Linn! I know that being with your kids is just where you would want to be. Sending you hugs and praising God for your life that makes such a difference. Blessings friend!

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  114. Happy Birthday or Grattis (as they say here in Sweden). May your gift be a little girl that has a wonderful surgery and a surgeon that comes out with God-inspiring news about here health. We are praying.

    Blessings,
    laurie

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  119. Happy Birthday Linny. Thank you for sharing your life with us bloggers, even us lurkers! God has taught me much through you and I will always be grateful for the lessons. Praying for Ruby Grace today and for you and your family.

    Cindy Agnew

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  123. Happy Birthday dear Linny! Your blog brings joy to my heart and praise to God, and I thank you for sharing your life with us. Hope this year brings more miracles and blessings to you.

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  125. Happy Birthday, Linny!!!! I know how old you are, because you're 1 year older than me, and I turn _?_ on November 28th. Hee hee!! And I have a sweet girl from Ch*na getting ready to turn 3 on December 5th. Isn't Father awesome? He certainly asks us to do things we'd never do on our own.
    Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And, I'm praying for all that concerns you.

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  128. Happy Birthday to one of the luckiest moms in the world. You are so blessed and have been such a blessing to all of us out here! May God continue to bless you and your children and give you the desires of your heart. Praying for the whole family and Karl too!

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  134. Awwwwwwwwwww so sweet that it brought tears to my eyes! You are one of the "bestest" moms I have ever had the privilege of e-knowing! I posted on FB, but will post here too – Happy Birthday!

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  136. Sweet Ruby, thank you for getting word out into blog land that it's your dear mommy's birthday! She is all you said and more. I'm so glad she has the best present, the one she would die for if she had to, and that's you here with her and the rest of your precious family!

    Happy Birthday, Linny! You share it with my daughter who is turning 13. I hope you get good news from the doctors today…wouldn't that be a good birthday gift?
    Praying fervently for this special little gem that's been added to your family. And I just LOVE the photos of Ruby reaching out and touching your hair, listening, feeling, smelling you; learning every bit about you and the rest of her family. Lovely!

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  137. Happy Birthday, Linny!

    I'm a "lurker" but I have so enjoyed getting to know you and your family through this blog. (I am also Carie's sister)

    I pray that next year will bring you even more joyous surprises than ever before.

    stacie

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  138. Happy Happy Birthday from all around the world! We would love to come and give you a big birthday hug and share a cup of tea with you! But, I'll just have to settle for thinking of you today and saying prayers for you (and RG) that you will have a wonderful birthday! (:

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  139. totally weeping here! seriously, your love for orphans, your family and especially jesus has inspired me to go to a whole 'nother level in my faith. your life is not easy,i know- esp. right now. but it matters… for eternity. thanks for the example of faith you are, and i hope and pray that you know a special touch of love and grace from your heavenly Father today! happy birthday… from haley in florida
    http://www.hisplanourjoy.blogspot.com

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  140. Happy Birthday to M.O.M (Mom of Many) May you be richly blessed with all of God's Blessings He has for you and your family. Praise Be to God, who is the healer for all of us, this includes you and your Ruby Grace today. Such a precious family you have.

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  141. Happy, happy birthday to one of the most special ladies I know, or don't know, but really do know from such a wonderful heartfelt blog and such an obviously wonderful mother. I always think of the virtuous woman of Proverbs – her children shall rise up and call her blessed and her husband shall praise her. He's a pretty great guy too! I have no doubt you have inspired others to adopt by sharing your own joys of your precious little ones. I will continue to pray for Ruby and the precious one you had to leave behind for now – I know that broke your heart, but I know God has a plan for her. May God continue to bless you!

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  145. Happy birthday to a dear, sweet, generous, strong, loving, committed tenacious and most of all God loving and honouring woman that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. And even then not really knowing at all. I am so glad that I came across your wonderful blog. I can't wait till Ruby wears her slippers and maybe you will have a ruby ring as well.'

    Love and more love and always prayers.
    Jennifer

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  148. Happy birthday Linny. You are a blessing. Your Blog has inspired me to trust in God, to shrug off the shackles of 'Normal,' and to serve. You impact Woo many of us you have never even met. Thanks for leetting us into your life. Praying for Ruby and your whole family
    Samantha

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  150. I so wish I could hold Miss Ruby and sing to her the songs I sing to my little ones "Jeuse Loves me" and What a Friend we have in Jesus. Maybe we can make a CD for her in saing that we so are so Celion Dion kinda singers LOL.
    Please give Miss Ruby gentle touches and kisses from our family to her. We will kiss and hug when you want to meet us. Maverioc i1, Josiah,8, Savannah 5 Sailor is 2 1/2. My oldest lives in WA,

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  156. Happy birthday to you! It happens to be mine as well. I am 52 years old today and have a two year old. She like your Ruby is a special treasure with many medical issues ( she is also blind), but not a day goes by without being sooooo humbled that God gave her to me, to us. Wow! She is my present today and everyday, she is a gift from God. I pray for her without ceasing. My gift to on your birthday is to pray for Ruby as I pray for Gabriella Grace. Blessings.

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  157. Happy Birthday!!!
    We had our missions banquet tonight and one of our speakers is from African Hearts and taught a pastor's conference with close to 2,000 pastors in Uganda. It made me think of you.
    Wishing you a great year with your sweet Ruby and all of your treasures.

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  159. Who knew Ruby would be a blogger just like her Mama 🙂 Knowing that things did not go as planned today, we can rejoice in that Gods plans are always better. And maybe Ruby did not want to be apart from you for surgery today. Prayers for healing and peace beyond all understanding for you today. xoxo Debbie

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  162. Happy Birthday, Linny!!! Oh, how blessed you are indeed! Thank you for sharing your life with us, bloggy friends! May the Lord continue to bless you and yours throughout the coming year! 🙂

    Karen in OH

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  163. Happy Birthday Linny! Your life is such a blessing to so many through this blog, your testimony, your missions trips, etc. Hope the blessings come back to you today in celebration of your life!

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  164. Linny, your life is such a beautiful gift to so many. I'm so glad our Heavenly Father let our bloggy paths cross 🙂 Happy Birthday with LOVE!

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  166. Happy birthday my sweet friend! Gods blessings abound on you today. Remember He is walking beside you during all this and holding sweet Ruby close. We all love you SO much and especially your heart for the orphan. Hugs from our family to you on your special day!

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  167. When I was asked to adopt our two year old foster child as a fifty year old I was able to say, "Yes", easily, because of your blog and a couple of others like it. You and the others have given me the courage to not really care about what other people think and do what I feel called to do.

    I thought you might like to know that we just got back from court with our final adoption decree. I was very excited to find out that your birthday is also our little Mia's Gotcha Day. Happy Birthday.

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  170. Happy Birthday. You are an amazing mom and woman of God. Somehow it doesn't surprise me that you are with your treasure on this special day. I pray for a good report after this surgery and I know He has truly given you the desires of your heart. Love to you and may His favor and blessings be upon you and your family. Love Lori Florida

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  174. Happy Birthday to one of the most phenomenal and inspirational woman I've ever "met." Thank you for your faith and love for the orphan. Your blog has taught me so much & I am truly grateful for how you share your heart. I hope you had a spectacular birthday.
    Love, Jen

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  175. Linny, Happy Birthday sweet lady… praying that the Lord gives you rest as you have settle back in from Uganda, here taking care of Ruby up at the hospital… I am praying that the Lord holds you close, grants you rest, and shows you His abundant love each step of this journey:)
    sara

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  176. Happy birthday, Linny! I am a praying lurker. I am on my knees for you and all of your family. Thank your for posting your blogs and for reminding me how great our God is. May he grant you a blessed day filled with miracles and love.

    Happy birthday!
    Your Lurkey friend,
    Cinda

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  177. Happiest Birthday Linny.

    What an amazing gift to receive – another precious daughter brought home to a family who loves her madly!

    Oh wait… having to SHARE snuggle time with that kiddo might not be so much of a gift 🙂 But you know what I mean.

    God continue to bless you, to keep you, to use you, to sing over you.

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  181. Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it will be a difficult day comparatively, but I do hope you have a great birthday! You are such a special person; I can tell even though I've never met you. You are a super example to me of a woman in love with her Creator. You deserve a super special day; I hope you get it today.

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  183. Happy Birthday to one amazing, addicting (have to follow), inspirational, "hot" on fire for God chick!

    Linny, Praying for many many many more blessings for you this year!

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