Glory...

Let's face it, everyone likes a little glory for themselves every now and then. I would venture to say MOST people really like their birthdays because that means birthday presents, wishes, cakes, and the favorite- birthday money. Well I know one little girl that picks something every birthday that does not glorify herself, but glorifies God. Her name is Elizabeth Beaver. Instead of getting gifts for her birthday, she would rather give to others. I think we all can learn much from this extraordinary little girl.

That being said, I couldn't go today without doing a post on the most astonishing man I have ever known. This man has learned something from Elizabeth. That man is the co-founder of Team Thompson. (The CEO and founder of course being the Lord.) That man is Chris Thompson. Neither of us are very big on birthdays. Forgive us if we don't get ridiculously excited about anyones birthday. We have so many Kenyan friends who are clueless as to when their birthdays are because they weren't born in a hospital and they were born into very poor families. Chris and I don't "do" presents and gifts for one another. We can save our $3 on a cards b/c both of us would rather make our own. In fact, we usually try to see who can make the coolest gifts on the Thompson side. Or we try and go someone cool we've never been.

I asked Chris what he wanted to do for his birthday. And he had apparently already thought about it. He wanted to go and buy food and clothes at the Toi market and take to Mama Sylvia

and the kids. I just love my man! Taking the focus and glory off of himself to turn around and truly give God his "birthday glory".

I did want to take just a brief moment to tell the ones of you who care, 20 reasons why I love this guy so very much (b/c he's turning 20 ;-)

1. He is constantly striving to be a godly leader in this ministry and family.
2. He LOVES the Lord and is passionate about discipleship.
3. He washes dishes when my hands are broken out with eczema.
4. He washes dishes for no reason.
5. He is so, so brave here and always seems to know what to do in times of disaster.
6. He loves me, even when I'm all stinky and sweaty.
7. He is ridiculously funny- still doing very silly, funny things that keeps me in stitches.
8. He's supportive and excited about my endeavors (especially with Run4Revolution)
9. He is outdoorsy and adventuresome. I mean, the dude wants to raft the Nile!
10. He loves our children so much and is so excited about being a Daddy.
11. He is such a family man. That boys LOVES his family (that includes mine!)
12. He's BOLD and not afraid to take risks.
13. He loves food!
14. He's not a picky eater.
15. He thinks I'm the greatest cook (are you seeing a food trend here?)
16. He loves dating me.
17. He is such a hard worker.
18. He's very protective of me.
19. He's always the first to say he's sorry even when it's not his fault.
20. He has some really great ideas.

I don't tell you any of this to give Chris glory because neither of us want that. I tell you this to say "Look what God has done through Chris. Look at how God is glorified by who Chris is and models his life after. Look at how Chris' passions and obedience has led him to a life of honoring his Father." May God get the glory for this servants heart on his day of birth!