Today we celebrate Elizabeth.  These pictures describe her perfectly.

There are not many people who would take the time to cut a heart out of her toast and work forever to create a "gift" for you.  Elizabeth would.

Over the years, she's collected hundreds of these... for me.  Sometimes on the way out of school between the school's front door and our car.

She is often the first to notice if someone is upset or sad. Her apologies are heartfelt and emotion-laden.  She may not be the first to jump into the center of a crowd, but as a friend, you will not find one more loyal.  She inspires me to greater empathy and less judgment.

God speaks to her through music, and she listens so intently to Him.  She is so eager and willing to make a place of honor for Him in her life.  She trusts Him to help her in times of trouble - to defeat her  "giants" and give her courage to step out of the boat in faith.

 She's so creative - often grabbing the camera to take a creative picture of the architecture or an animal (all of which she loves)...

 or pose for a silly picture she invents.  Like this one where she's lifting the ancient Irish burial site.

When she was born 10 years ago, I got my first glimpse of sisterhood and loved what I saw.  May God help us as we endeavor to love her and lead her closer to Him.  Happy Birthday, Elizabeth.