It's Bekah's Birthday!!

Today is a very important day here in Shafferland.  I'm told a national holiday.  I'm just guessing you figured it out from the title and graphic :).  Yep, Bekah's birthday has rolled around again!  So those of you that have been around here very long know that the bald one in the family gets the keyboard today.  If you're unaware, the bald one is Ryan.  I told Bekah that since I only write one day a year I have to fit everything into it (it's not always a lot, but today it is).  You may have to read this one in shifts.  So pull up a seat, grab another large cup of coffee (or two) and settle in for a great Friday.    

As you all know, we have taken on a new way of life in the last year.  We now serve together, working with young adults who have aged out of the foster system.  When we tell people that, we usually get a loving response and are thanked for our work, but they normally look at us with much confusion because they have no idea what we actually do.  It's a way of life that is hard to explain, and in many ways, it just has to be lived.  Many times people have this beautiful picture in their head that we live life together as if living in the Garden of Eden and everything is perfect.  I don't want to misrepresent anything.  It is a beautiful picture, but there are many cracks.  These young adults have lived lives that  have been hard, traumatic, unhealthy, and poverty laden.  They come from broken homes and a lot of times have fallen through the cracks or have been deemed unlovable and not wanted.  

So that is where we come in.  We get to begin a relationship with them, encourage them, support them, walk beside them and live out the love of Jesus in front of them everyday.  But we can't and don't do it alone.  Just like Jesus sent out the disciples two by two, He allows us to work together.  Even more than that He has given us a team, a village and community to be able to do this with.  It is a privilege to have the opportunity to do this work.  But it is also hard, emotionally & mentally exhausting and sometimes just plain messy.  

So as I was thinking and praying about what to write for the birthday girl today the Lord impressed on my heart a different approach this year.  Bekah has a talk she does that talks about giving a flower to those people in your life that you love.  With that flower she explains the importance of telling the people in your life how much they mean to you and thanking them for all they have done, because so many times we wait and then don't end up saying it until we get to their funeral.  The work we do is something we feel God has called us to do.  We know that God's calling in our lives is not always convenient, but it is necessary.  That is not only a reminder for the two of us, but for everyone.  In the midst of the hard, ugly, and broken there is reward.  Sometimes that reward feels like it is just knowing that you are where God has called you to be and that is okay.  Today I want to give Bekah a bouquet of flowers, but I can't do it alone.  I needed a community.  So, very carefully, I reached out to long time friends, new friends and friends that are there just when she needs them.  I couldn't get to everyone, but I did as many as I sneakily could.  I apologize if I didn't get to you, but you are welcome (and encouraged) to leave a comment for her and share your thoughts!  

Bekah has poured into so many over the years and even more since being at WillowBridge.  I'm being completely honest when I say there are days when she has literally done all she can with every ounce of her being.  She has loved and continues to love our tenants so well and has given them tough love when needed most.  She will tell you she hasn't been perfect and has made mistakes but just like anything else in life you learn, pray, grow and strive to do better.  The Lord has used her gifts in countless ways and pulled out of her gifts she didn't even know she had.  I'm so proud of her and look forward to what He has as we continue to journey through life!

Bekah, my love, being the Lover of words that you are, here is a Bouquet of Words for you to bask in today and any time you need a lift!      

Happiest of birthdays to my dear sweet/cousin/friend!  You are the greatest cheerleader, always delighting in other's successes.  You let Christ guide everything you do and your light for Him shines brightly because of it.  I admire you & Ryan's relationship and know you both use your collective gifts in so many blessed ways.  Sending you the biggest, tightest hug with wishes for an amazing year ahead.  I love you.  - April

Beautiful
Eyes to behold beauty in God's creation
Kindhearted
Adores her husband - so awesomely!
Honors Jesus through her love and actions
Happy happy birthday to a beautiful lady...beautiful in so many ways!! 💖  - Joyce    

I have known Bekah pretty much my entire life, in fact I'm pretty sure she is the longest friendship I've ever had.  So, for that alone she should qualify for sainthood for putting up with me all these years, Ha!  I truly cherish my friendship with you, Bekah, I know if I ever need anything I can always count on you to be there for me no matter what you have going on and to me that's true friendship.  So when thinking of ways to describe you, the best word for me is loyal.  You're always on my side, always checking in, and taking time out of what you're doing to make sure your friend is doing OK.  You have been doing this for as long as we've been friends...number of years don't need to be put out there.  We have made lifelong memories from grade school through high school, to our adult years and our infamous game nights.  I'm so excited to see what new memories come next in the years to come.  Happy birthday, Bekah you are loved by so many.  Enjoy your day.  I'm truly blessed to have you in my life.  Thanks for being my friend!  - Pat

What a joy it is to celebrate you today!  We have always been impressed by your creativity in everything you plan and do.  We share with you our love for coffee and Phoebe!  There is never a dull moment when you are around.  You love God and love others so well!  Your friendship has been a blessing to us.  We thank the Lord for you and pray that He will fill your days with His goodness, joy and hope!  Happy birthday!  Love and blessings!  - David and Sheila

Among the many, many, MANY things I love about you, you continually bless my heart and encourage me by the way you choose joy - circumstances not with standing.  What a beautiful picture of a life yielded in Christ!!                                                                             - Hazel 

There are so many reasons to love our dear Bekah!  You find fun in the ordinary and are not ashamed to celebrate it, bringing joy wherever you go.  You are authentic, honest and not afraid to laugh at yourself, creating a safe space for others to let down their walls.  You are intentional and passionate in everything you choose to pursue, most of all in the way you seek after God, inspiring myself and others to pursue God and use the gifts He has given with an equal fervor.  You are a dependable prayer warrior, carrying my burdens to the Father when I am too weak to carry them alone.  You love BIG, demonstrating the never-ending love of our God.  You are the best kind of friend I could ever ask for, a true kindred spirit, and I thank God for the blessing you have been in my life!  - Julie

What I love about my friend Bekah... 1.)  You invest in your relationships. You make what matters to others, matter to you.  2.)  You're a prayer warrior.  Without a doubt you are one of the first people I reach out to for prayer.  3.)  We get each others quirks.  Actually, we share a lot of the same ones. 😉      - Kari

Bekah, you bring life everywhere you go!!  I have only a handful of people I could talk to for hours and you, most certainly, are one of them!!  Thank you for being such a bright spot in my day!!  Love you bunches!  - Abagail

Bekah, your love for God and others is so evident in the way you live your life to the fullest!  I am beyond blessed to have you in my life!  I pray that you will enjoy the very HAPPY BIRTHDAY that you deserve!                                                                       - Shari

Happy Birthday, Bekah!  When I think of you, encourager, inspiration, prayer partner and friend immediately come to my mind.  You are awesome!                                                                     - Odie

Bekah, I love your positivity, openness, faith and outlook on what life can be as it is infectious and receivable.  Not only are these the things that make you your own but it is also what allows Ryan to be his own with you.  Because of who and how you are, you and Ryan can enjoy each other and have a love and respect for one another.  You keep each other grounded even if I do shake my head at you sometimes.  LOL!  - Shawn   

Bekah, you are the perfect fit into our Gateway Family and WillowBridge team.  I did not expect to develop such a fun friendship with you, but I am so thankful for your transparency and the many laughs we have shared.  - Love, Cordin    

Bekah, I love your complete trust in our Lord God.  Despite ruts in your life's road, despite changes in your detailed plans, despite the closing of carefully researched options in your life, you have your feet planted on God's path and your heart is seeking His truth and guidance.  You are a human reflection of God's grace and love and joy.  I love your big smile and the twinkle in your eyes!!  Oh and one more thing...I admire and applaud your ability to celebrate the big and little milestones of life.  - Lois

Happy birthday, dear Bekah!  You spark smiles and laughter with every memory and every conversation.  May this next year be filled with much hope, and even more joy!  - Liz

Dear Bekah, I love your creativity and your sense of humor!  You are a kindred spirt, and I treasure our inside jokes and the way we can reconnect instantly, even when many weeks or months have passed.  I wish you the happiest of birthdays and continued blessings from the Lord.  - Love, Jenny

Dear Bekah, Happy Birthday! I haven't been reading your blog for long, so I don't know you real well, but when I read your blog I always come away encouraged and inspired in my walk with Christ. One of the things that especially stands out to me is your desire to glorify God in everything you do! May this be a wonderful year for you of drawing closer to Him!  - Love, Heidi

Bekah I am so blessed that God put you in my life while I was at the West Campus and the friendship we have made.  God is using you and Ryan to mentor people to become amazing people.  You inspire everyone in your life, praise God.  Love and miss you both!  - Cindy E.

Bekah, I always enjoyed your sense of humor after getting to know you at church.  Then through social media I learned that you and Ryan did a podcast.  Being an over-the-road trucker I need things to listen to while driving.  No matter what kind of day I was having, hearing the stories and devotional always brought (and still brings, even though you're not making new episodes anymore) joy and peace of mind.  It was (and is) a wonderful reminder that God is always in control, and we can always count on His word to guide us through life.  Happy Birthday, Bekah!  - Adam

Dear, Dear Bekah, I'm incredibly thankful for your humor, your ability to laugh your way through life, your spiritual depth, your heart of love for others, your fervent prayers and your sincere friendship.  You bring so much joy to my life (and many others)!  Love you - and Happy Birthday!!!  - Jamie 

Working in ministry is so beautiful but can also be challenging as well!  On top of that, add in a pandemic, raising a baby and trying to figure out how to do life with so many transitions.  I felt so isolated in everything I did and grieved a loving and supporting friendship.  I was so thankful when God sent you, Bekah, our way to WillowBridge last summer!  Your fun personality helped so much to make hard days so much lighter.  You learned to love our baby girl (and of course you are our daughter's favorite person ever) so much and we have learned to love you like family.  We are so thankful God has blessed our lives with your sweet (and sometimes sassy, which I love) soul.  - Justine 

Bekah, you have shaped my life in countless ways, and have been an inspiration in my Christian walk.  You genuinely care about and wholeheartedly love people.  You are a great listener but are brave enough to deliver the truth.  You are so smart, kind, accepting, talented, loved, hilarious and irreplaceable.  I'm honored to be called your friend.  I wish you the happiest of birthdays!! - Amanda

Bekah! I don't have many friends from my college days, but I am so glad you are one of them!  Thanks for the time spent with me, at work and out of work.  Sorry I corrupted you and we got pulled over :).  Frog and I appreciate the hospitality you and Ryan show on our yearly visits (you turned your home into a legit hotel for our children!).  I am glad to have a fellow grammar-lover in you.  No one else understands what makes me cringe like you do.  Keep sending me all the pictures!  I hope this birthday is amazing for you!  - Jenna    

Happy Birthday, Bekah!  As my longest-running friendship, you've been there with me through everything--since story hour!  I'm so grateful for your sincere and devoted friendship, your encouragement in the tough times, your willingness to share in even the tiniest of triumphs and laugh at life's absurdities.  You are so much to so many, and I hope your birthday brings many reminders of how much you are loved! 💜                                                                          - Amber

Bekah, you have been my best friend for over 30 years.  Your ability to commit to something and follow through with it has always been an inspiration.  Despite a natural tendency towards fear, you have chosen to overcome it, to put your faith in the One who casts out fear and to live a life full of dreams and wonder.  Happy Birthday!                                                                          - Lynnette

Dear Bekah, Happy Birthday!  One of the things I love about you is that you are not a complainer - you use every circumstance and every hardship to ask the Lord to help you grow in Him!  I think that is beautiful.  Psalm 144:12That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as cornerstones, polished after the similitude of a palace: 13That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: 14That our oxen may be strong and labour; that there be no complaining in our streets: 15Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.  You are indeed polished and beautiful spiritually, may this be the beginning of a happy (blessed) year for you!                                                                                      - Love, Holly

In trying to keep up with Bekah's creativity in all she does...

Here are 5 things I love about you, My Birthday Friend...
B - beautiful wife...You are a precious example of wifehood and of loving your husband unconditionally. Your relationship is a constant reminder of what a gift marriage is and how powerful of a team a husband and wife can be. 

E - excellent writer...This one is rather obvious, but seriously...I don't think there is hardly anything you've written that I haven't thought "she is so good with words" or that I haven't chuckled from your humor or that I haven't gleaned from. You are a truly gifted writer, and the most awesome part is that you are using your gift for God's kingdom in all you do. Your writing blesses your marriage, the church, your friends, your family, and many who you will never know. Keep writing!!!!!!!!!!

K - kindred spirit...I just love all of our shared loves...coffee, recipes, hospitality, wordiness, themes, homeschool curriculum, exercise (is this a love!?!), celebrations, creativity, treats!!!, good books, scrapbooking. Did I mention coffee??!!??!! It's been a joy to be able to share many of these in various ways over the years! Some very special memories indeed.

A - always celebrating...Ok, so I love this about you and think of you often when I come up with another reason for my family to celebrate something (the day we moved, the day we bought a house, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! :) :) :)). Celebrating, I think, helps to keep us focused on the Giver of all good things and helps us to remember God's goodness again and again. I love that your celebrating usually involves a cupcake or coffee...I mean, is there any other way!?!

H - homemaker...I admire SO MUCH that you and Ryan have made this calling a priority in your lives. Thank you for being an example to so many in loving this part of your God-given role and in fulfilling it intentionally. 

Hope your day is as special as you are, Dear Friend. Happy Birthday!!  - Olivia    

Bekah, you inspire me everyday with your intentional love for Ryan and commitment to your marriage.  You put 110% (or more) into anything you do.  The staff and tenants at WillowBridge are blessed to have you!                                                                               - Heather

I worked with Bekah at IWU and it was an instant friendship!  Bekah you are very thoughtful and really funny!  You always make time for others!  You are creative, a great cook, hospitable and love the Lord!  So glad God brought us together!!   - Blessings, Rachel  

Bekah, I admire your fearless compassion and commitment to doing what is right even when it is hard.  You have a tender heart, a strong mind and a poets soul.  Watching you love God and love people in unique and tangible ways is a reminder of what the REAL work of Jesus requires.  You live authentically and are constantly pointing us all to Him.  For this and so much more, I am very thankful to call you a sister, friend and colleague.  Happy birthday Bekah, Onward and Upward... - Rob

Bekah, when I first met you, I immediately felt a special connection.  You are such an inspiration to anyone you come in contact with.  I love your sense of humor, humility and deep love you have for God and others.  Happy birthday sweet friend.  - Cindy L.   

Let's celebrate another year of Bekah!  From your infectious laughter to your faithful and prayerful spirit, you are one of the most genuine friends a girl could ever have.  I am thankful to call you one of my dearest friends!  - Marie

My sweet Bekah, you bring laughter and thoughtfulness into all your encounters.  Thank you for bringing these blessings into my life!  You are loved and celebrated on your birthday, and always.   - Lynne

Bekah, life with you is even better than I had even imagined!  It has been a joy and has made me smile so big to see the wonderful words from people whose lives you have impacted recently and over the years as they continuously came in while writing this post.  I'm so incredibly grateful to God that He brought us together to serve and enjoy marriage in a way that glorifies Him.  It truly is a gift!  Life with you is never dull or boring; you keep me laughing, crying and amazed with so much, I cherish every moment.  Marriage and life with you reminds me of words from Song of Solomon 3:4, "I have found the one my soul loves".  These words completely encompass my feelings for you.  Thank you so much for saying yes to life with me!  

Happy Birthday my sweet love.  May your day be filled with the kind of joy that is only known through our most gracious and loving Lord, whom I'm sure created you with a smile :).
                                                 Love you more, - Ryan