In His Name We Will Succeed: Happy Birthday to me!

Some people in my life ask me why I choose to not "celebrate" my birthday. For those of you who don't know my birthday is November 8. On November 8, 2002 ( my 24th birthday) my husband Joe was hurt in a fatal tank accident ( Spc. Jonathan Stehle went to see Jesus that night). Joe's hurt ended up being Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or in plain English severe nerve damage in both of his legs. That night I almost lost my Joe. He was in freezing cold water for about 4 hours before he was pulled out. He suffered a mild form of hypothermia and he was struggling to gain feeling back in his legs. So now back to 2008, 6 wonderful and challenging years later. Last night I started to think about my birthday more. This year I will be 30. Right now where my life is, this is why I choose to not celebrate my birthday the way most people celebrate their big day.

1. I already received a great present. The Lord allowed my husband to live through the accident. Something we weren't to sure of at first.

2. Restoration. Joe and I were not getting along too well before he left for training in Oct/Nov 2002. When the accident happened that was our second chance to make our marriage work. I proved by choice to devote myself to my man. That sacrifice opened up many doors in mine and Joe's life together. 6 years later we are still together and going strong. Hallelujah!

3. Friendship. I fell in friendship love with the Oberholtzer family during that time. The love and support during that time was amazing. We are still really good friends today. They have continued to stand beside us.

Stacie Storrie. She is Jonathan Stehle's sister. I met her just when Joe and I needed her most. Only God can arrange a meeting like that. She is a devoted sister, wife, and mother. We are truly honored to have her in our lives. She has been a wonderful comfort and blessing. We have learned so much from from her.

Most importantly Joe. We became best friends through this whole ordeal. We have used our friendship that really started during that time period and gone back to that during the many other tough times we have been blessed to go through. That friendship bond is how I fell in love with Joe.

4. Testimony. We have an amazing story to share not just about the accident, even though most things started there. Through all the ups and downs be have been through I hope at least one person who will hear our story about what Christ has done in our lives will make that commitment for themselves to live their life for Jesus.

Now you know my reasons. Why would I or how could I receive a better present? Joe living through the night and all that has happened since is by far the one of the best presents ever. The best of course being the gift of Salvation. Most of my blessings began on November 8, 2002. No more pain on November 8th my perspective has been changed. I will try to celebrate the beauty that has come from the ashes.

FYI: Joe always says that we should give our moms a party on our birthday cause they are the ones who did the most work!