Hi everyone! This is Jon - - I've secretly logged into Amber's blog account to surprise her with this birthday post!
** Amber LOVES words of appreciation --- LEAVE A BIRTHDAY COMMENT BELOW!
As we all know, my wife is an amazing gal. In honor of her big birthday today, here are some of Amber's attributes that make her super-awesome-cool:
-- Amber is legit in her walk with Christ. The girl sets her alarm for an ungodly hour to spend time in the Word and in the Spurgeon. every. single. day. You can tell because her life is marked by wisdom, patience, and the aroma of grace.
-- Amber is sold-out to her family. She is ah-maz-ing with the kids. Absolutely devoted.
-- Amber is Coupon Queen. I don't care what you say, she is the best researcher, planner, and strategist with coupons and grocery deals. Seriously, she stretches our grocery budget more than Joan Rivers stretches her face. It's pretty much ridiculous what kind of deals she gets (like last night's 99 cent rotissierie chicken dinner? What?!).
-- Amber is fiercely loyal to her friends. If you are lucky enough to call Amber "friend," you already know what I'm talking about here. She is the person you want by your side and on your text messaging list. You will never see her throwing a friend under the bus. She is the first to listen and always offers to help a friend in need (or going through a tough time).
-- Amber loves her enemies. Ok, you probably weren't expecting to just read that because it's not like she has enemies; it's just that when you're a pastor's wife, a few knuckleheads in church-world will misunderstand your husband and sometimes take aim at the pastor's wife. There's no other vocation (except maybe politics) where the spouse carries so heavy a burden quietly.
This ugly side of ministry has been part of her journey. And I believe that the way she handles and navigates this is part of what makes her amazing. Amber is a grace-addict. She consistently offers forgiveness and extends grace. For example, over the past year she has sadly been the recipient of nasty letters that take shots at her and her children because of my vocation. Her response inspires me: first she prays over it for a few days. I mean, she really really prays over it. Then she will send an authentically uplifting card to the person, speaking love and grace into their lives. And then she continues to labor in prayer daily for the person. I've witnessed this again and again over the past year. Amber's default response to adversity is always, "What does the gospel compel me to do?" Amazing.
Amber, I love you.
I am blown away that I get the privilege of going through life with you by my side.
Josiah and Ainsleigh adore you and Slinky, well, he has a weak bladder and I'm really sorry about the carpet. Happy birthday, sweetie!
OK, YOUR TURN! Leave Amber a birthday comment below -- thanks!!
Happy Birthday Amber! I hope you have a wonderful beginning to a new year in your life. Bless you and all you do.
Posted by: Lisa Groth | November 17, 2012 at 09:37 AM
Amber! Happy Birthday! Thank you for everything that you have been doing for LifeKids. These kids will be blessed because of it. You are an awesome woman of God and an inspiration to everyone around you. Hope your day is swell!!
Posted by: Kelly C. | November 17, 2012 at 09:41 AM
Wishing you a very very Happy Birthday Amber.
Hope this next year is one awesome year for you.
So glad I have had the opportunity to get to
know you this year. It is really great to witness
a women so sold out for the Lord, an so in love
with her husband.
Posted by: Tammy Wark | November 17, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Happy Birthday Amber! Hope you enjoy your day to the fullest with your beautiful family! I'm very blessed to know you. You truly are an inspiration!
Posted by: Lacey | November 17, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Happy Birthday Amber. I hope that you have a blessed day with your awesome family. It may be your birthday, but I feel as if I am the one receiving the present by having your family in my life now. I am so happy that Gad had our paths cross.
Deb Peters
Posted by: Kiapet51 | November 17, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Happy Belated Birthday!
Wishes for many more.
Posted by: Deb Kale | November 20, 2012 at 04:14 PM