Spiritual Birthday

Elie celebrates her first spiritual birthday this year! Last year over Memorial weekend she asked Jesus to take away her sins and be in her life for always.

Celebrating a spiritual birthday is a Paulson family tradition (new to me, but fun!). In honor of Nancy we are carrying it on with our kids.

In way of celebration Elie and I dressed up fancy and went out for desert. She picked three different cakes and we tried pieces of them all. We talked about what her first year of getting to know Jesus and learning more about what it means to have your sins taken away was like. I asked her if there was any way I could be a better Mommy, to which she answered that she needs more cuddles (melt my heart!) and for me to read to her more. We played a few table games and had lots of laughs. This is a picture of us in a goofy moment.

Part of her spiritual journey has been the two of us starting a Bible study together once a week. She eats up the special one-on-one time with Mommy, and totally takes me by surprise at what she understands and thinks about. This year has been a neat testimony to Bryce and I of God's presence impacting even a small child. We've watched her grow in her ability to forgive, especially her brother, to repent - to begin recognizing the difference between apologizing and changing the behavior, to choose a joyful attitude even when she feels like complaining and in getting to know God as a real presence in her day. We are so proud of our sweet, tender little girl!!