Yesterday it was that day again. I was 36 … wow, I remember when my mother turned 36 … and now that’s my age. Where did those 20 or so years go …

On Sunday night we had my Mum, Dad, Sister and Aunt come for dinner, along with Katrina’s Mum, Dad and Granddad. That was really nice. Our wider family is really important to us, and it is good to have official sort of reminders during the year of that. Katrina’s Granddad (89) hadn’t caught up on the news that my Mum and Dad now live in Christchurch, and after they’d gone asked “How far will they drive tonight?” It took me a moment or two to realize that he thought they’d driven down from Wellington (three hours on a ferry, plus 5-6 hours driving) to come for dinner, and that now they were going home. I was blessed to receive a couple of small boxes of Roses chocolates (which made my children VERY happy), and some money that I’ll put towards some running trousers for the upcoming winter.

Eric and Kathy Mack and family sent a card. They are so good at remembering dates and actually doing something physical/tangible about it. Thanks. It challenges me every time I receive a real card in the mail that I have become lazy … please hear this as a statement about me … the availability of instantaneous communications lets me forget about other people’s special dates until the day itself, and then hope that a phone call to sing “Happy Birthday” (with my children taking the lead roles, BTW) or a blog post will suffice. There is something special about actually getting something real in the mailbox. I need to change.

Having said what I just said about *me*, I was touched to receive emails from Eric, Chris and Gavin, and even a blog post from the latter. Thanks guys. And Gavin, Jessica (yes it is), Carl (no I didn’t) and Ed (no it’s not) wrote on my FaceBook Wall.

I have for some years purchased my own birthday present, and this year was no exception. On May 15, 1988 I purchased my first NIV Study Bible (hardcover), which was a fairly major step up from my Good News one (hardcover too, but no study notes). I have loved that Bible, and it was showing it. Well, I purchased a replacement one this year, in two-tone leather, and I feel so blessed to have a new Bible. I am looking forward to hearing God and knowing more of God’s heart through this Bible, and I pray that He would use it to show me more of Jesus.