Jul 21, 2012

happy birthday to the old-fashioned girl!

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there are many people in life that mean the world to us, yet there are fewer opportunities to express this. a birthday is the perfect time to do so, whether through an elaborate gift or a few typed words. birthdays are not just a celebration of a special someone's life, but a celebration of how dear they are to your heart. and that's what three girls and I want to do to-day for one special young lady whose relationship has blessed our lives immensely...

The day has finally come when my dear friend, Johanna, is turning fifteen. I have known this lovely young woman for over three years. That year was a hard one for me when we started talking...we were switching churches, and I did not have many friends. My sister had been blogging for a few months, and told me about a girl that was a lot like me: Johanna. She showed me her blog, then we starting emailing each other and commenting. I had found a new friend. It was delightful to receive phone calls from Johanna, when we discussed everything from Bible verses to nail polish. We also wrote long letters, and emailed each other frequently. It has been a joy to know you, Johanna!!! I will forever remember all the charming gifts you have sent me, words of encouragement you have given me, and the friendship and love you have shown me. I remember the first time that we video-chatted. I was nervous and excited at the very same time. I had seen photos of you on your blog, and had heard you voice on the phone, but had never felt like I was right there with you until then. We talked and talked, but never ran out of things to say. We shared so many of the same interests and hobbies, that we quickly became good friends. We laughed together, and I recall one time when we shed a few tears and sobs as we talked about family members that did not know the Lord. You have been a big blessing to me, Johanna! I have learned many things from you! I hope that we may one day meet, and share a real hug! I pray that this year you will draw closer to the Lord, and always seek His guidance. 

Happy Birthday

 By: Janel M. Perez
Dance among the ribbons 
of the birthday balloons. 
Smile through the lit candles 
and sing to the classic happy tune. 
Eat the cake of wishes, 
frosted with sweet dreams of parties to come. 
Blindly swing at the flying unicorn, 
sending treasures across the lawn. 
Spin among the music and laughter 
in your perfect party dress that's brand new. 
And till next year my darling,
happy birthday to you.

Happy Birthday!!! May the Lord immensely bless you!

I love you!

xoxo,

--Miriam from Maidens of Virtue

Dear Johanna,

Happy birthday, dear sweet friend! Even though I have only known you a few short years, I feel like we have been friends forever! I am so thankful for our friendship and I thank God for you! I am so blessed to have such a faithful, godly friend. You are always such an encouragement to me, you can always bring a smile to my face, I always know I can talk with you about anything and know that if I ever share a prayer request, that you will faithfully pray for me. I hope that you will have a most blessed birthday this year and that the Lord would shower you with many blessings!
-Bethany 

To My Dear Old-Fashion Girl ~ 

  I can still remember vividly the first time I visited your little corner of the blogging world. my eyes lit up with delight as I read your blog's title "An Old-Fashioned Girl" and even though you barely knew me - somewhere within the depths of my heart - I felt as though I had discovered a kindred soul. I had only wished someday that we might become better acquainted, and I smile as I recall the thirteen year old girl who timidly enquired as to whether or not you would have liked to correspond through letters. would you say yes? would you say, "no, sorry I am too busy," {since after all you were the "popular" girl in my blogging circles}? and then the day came, when you said yes. 

during the years we became more acquainted with each other, were a especially difficult years for me as relationships were changing a little and "growing upishness" overwhelmed me; however I was comforted to know that there was another young lady out there {albeit hundreds of miles away} who shared the same thoughts, emotions, standards - and you were one of the firsts friends who shared the same interests as me.

Three years have passed since I first met you, and m'dear, and words cannot describe how blessed I feel to call you one of my closest and dearest friends. Thank you for being a wonderful encouragement. Your faith inspires many. You are the very picture of how good God is.You are so very dear to my heart.  Know that you are such a wonderful example and blessing to so many around you. ;) 

this is just for you...
May the Lord bless you, keep you, make His face shine upon, be gracious to you and give you peace,
 my dearest friend. 

Love you forevermore,  

~ Your Lavender Friend ~

please do stop by and wish this sweet young lady a happy birthday. I know she will very much appreciate it. 

>> disclaimer, the images above are not my own but were found through pinterest <<

8 comments:

  1. oh.. happy birthday, Johanna!
    Grace, this is so amazingly lovely. just like you are.

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  2. this is so sweet, Grace! dear friends are so special... one of God's greatest gifts. happy birthday, Johanna! {what is the address to her blog, if you please? :)}

    ::hugs::
    Mikailah~

    ps-that song is gorgeous! ;) as are you.

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  3. Happy Birthday, dearest Johanna!!!
    I hope that this day will be filled with much good food, friends, and dreams come true!!!
    I love you, and may the Lord bless you!

    xo,
    Miriam

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  4. Awww this is so cool how you guys all became friends over blogging! I have never heard of something like that but it's so so sweet! Happy birthday Johanna! Can't wait to check out your blog!

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  5. I just stopped by her blog. :) This is such a wonderful idea, Miss Grace!

    Blessings,
    Emily.

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  6. Oh heavens. This is just *so so* sweet! I got teared up *sniff*
    Happy 15th birthday, Johanna!

    -Gabby

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  7. Happy Birthday! I hope you have an amazing 15th year Johanna!

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