Tomorrow is Ali's birthday. Although this idea didn't originate with me, I'm celebrating the life of my sister in this note dedicated to her.
If you know Ali, you've probably sang with her, competed with her or laughed so hard you nearly fell on the floor. I've done all three. My sister is an amazing person, aunt, sister, daughter, employee and friend. She spends quality time with her family and is a huge encouragement to her friends.
Recently, she took her nephews to an indoor pool and water slide park. Ali was the first to get into the water and enjoy her time with the boys; they couldn't stop talking about it either. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Because she has so much excitement about things, I've often felt like I would miss out on something spectacular if I didn't participate. I love the way that she can share about all the things going on in her life; it's a blessing to hear her passion for the relationships that she holds dear and the events that she deems meaningful. One of the things I admire most about Ali is that she maximizes each moment and strives to live each day for God's glory. This summer, Ali will be going on her first ever short term missions trip to India. When she told me about how all the details came together for her to go, I was and am amazed at how God is working in and through Ali.
Many of you know that Ali has a beautiful voice and she loves to sing. I can attest that she has been singing since she was a half pint. Even when she didn't know the words to the song, she would always think of her own. She is constantly singing....in the house, in the car, and sometimes just for no reason in the middle of the day. Ali is always making a melody in her hear to the Lord. This is one of the things that I love most about her. Even though she, like many others, has endured personal struggles, hardships and challenges, she still sings. She strives to make the most of her Life Song to the Lord.
Ali is fun, thoughtful, funny, talented, joyful, beautiful, organized, capable, courageous, strong, compasionate, thorough, fun-loving, saavy....I could go on and on. One of the things that amazes me about Ali is that she is full of great ideas. I'm not just talking about ideas in general, but you know, the ones you wish you had thought of first. It's amazing how they just seem to flow right out of her. She is so smart and talented in everything she does!
I'm so proud of you, Ali! Not only do you have so many great qualities, you have a great heart and great character. I love you so much for the remarkable young woman that you are! On this special day, I hope that you have a very happy birthday and a blessed year. You are so special to me, and I'm so very glad that you're my sister.
With much love,
Mary
If you know Ali, you've probably sang with her, competed with her or laughed so hard you nearly fell on the floor. I've done all three. My sister is an amazing person, aunt, sister, daughter, employee and friend. She spends quality time with her family and is a huge encouragement to her friends.
Recently, she took her nephews to an indoor pool and water slide park. Ali was the first to get into the water and enjoy her time with the boys; they couldn't stop talking about it either. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Because she has so much excitement about things, I've often felt like I would miss out on something spectacular if I didn't participate. I love the way that she can share about all the things going on in her life; it's a blessing to hear her passion for the relationships that she holds dear and the events that she deems meaningful. One of the things I admire most about Ali is that she maximizes each moment and strives to live each day for God's glory. This summer, Ali will be going on her first ever short term missions trip to India. When she told me about how all the details came together for her to go, I was and am amazed at how God is working in and through Ali.
Many of you know that Ali has a beautiful voice and she loves to sing. I can attest that she has been singing since she was a half pint. Even when she didn't know the words to the song, she would always think of her own. She is constantly singing....in the house, in the car, and sometimes just for no reason in the middle of the day. Ali is always making a melody in her hear to the Lord. This is one of the things that I love most about her. Even though she, like many others, has endured personal struggles, hardships and challenges, she still sings. She strives to make the most of her Life Song to the Lord.
Ali is fun, thoughtful, funny, talented, joyful, beautiful, organized, capable, courageous, strong, compasionate, thorough, fun-loving, saavy....I could go on and on. One of the things that amazes me about Ali is that she is full of great ideas. I'm not just talking about ideas in general, but you know, the ones you wish you had thought of first. It's amazing how they just seem to flow right out of her. She is so smart and talented in everything she does!
I'm so proud of you, Ali! Not only do you have so many great qualities, you have a great heart and great character. I love you so much for the remarkable young woman that you are! On this special day, I hope that you have a very happy birthday and a blessed year. You are so special to me, and I'm so very glad that you're my sister.
With much love,
Mary
Ali, how blessed am I to share a birthday with such a wonderful person! I feel so lucky to have you as a friend and you help bring out the best in me. God uses people is such special ways and we can all see Him working in your life. I only hope, that one day, someone will say half of the wonderful things about me that your sister said about you. I LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Ashley! Wow, who knew you were such a great person! JUST KIDDING!! :) Everything your sister said is so true! You are such a wonderful person and I am so thankful for you friendship. I feel very blessed and am very thankful that God put you in my life. I can't imagine what my life in NC would have been like, definetely a lot less laughs! I miss are little talks after small group and often think back to the things you said.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful day! You deserve it!
Love you,
Jess
Ali Ali the singin ma.... wait that doesnt work! Ali Adams, I love you and I am blessed to know you. Its a joy to sing with you and to call you friend. Have a wonderful birthday!! see you at rehearsal!
ReplyDeleteTina G
Dear sweet Ali Adams. I love you so much. I know we don't often talk, but the Lord brings you to mind in so many ways. You are a testimony to me of God's faithfulness, of his passion, and of his tender care of his own. I am so sad you are no longer in my living room every Sunday evening for small group or down the way for a drop in. I am so sad that MY children do not get to know and enjoy "Aunt Ali", but am so thrilled you are so near your own. I just miss you ever so much - now almost THREE years later and wish I could take you out to Tapas for a serious celebration and some salsa! I love you friend! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHello my friend, and Happy Birthday. You came to my mind just the other day and I was reminded of what a gift you are to me, even miles away. We don't talk often, but I cherish that we have always had the ability to talk about the real things in life and talk about them from the heart, without small talk necessary. What a gift that kind of friendship is - what a gift you have been to me. Your passion for life, your love for Christ, and your positive attitude is inspiring and contagious. While I miss you being part of my daily life, I know you are being used for great things right where you are. I love you friend - have a fantastic day.
ReplyDelete(since they can't type, but remember you and have asked about you, I think they'd say something like this):
ReplyDeleteDear Miss Ali,
We hope you have a great birthday. We hope you have lots of ice cream and a cake with your favorite colors on it (Ruby would vote for pink). We hope you get balloons too. Please come visit again so we can have ice cream with you.
Love, Caleb and Ruby
Happy Birthday Ali! I just want to say how much our friendship means to me. You are a very special person and I am so glad I met you. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Also, thank you for opening up your home for SG! What a difference that has made in my life! Thanks again and I hope you have a very Happy Birthday! May GOD bless you for your never ending kindness.
ReplyDeleteBT
Bryan Todd
Happy Birthday my dear friend! I hope that today you are able to sit back and reflect on all the special ways that God has blessed us (your friends and family) through you. You have blessed my life in SO many ways. God knew that we both needed each other a few years ago in Rochester, and look what has developed! Like Mary said, you have made me laugh SO many times, and who can ever forget the bocce ball story! =)
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for you, my friend! Thank you for loving God with all your heart, and for striving to serve Him in all the ways you can. You are an answer to prayer!
Love you to death SuperChick! =)
~WW~
Ali, I just wanted to echo what Mary had said. You are a great aunt and sister in Law. I wish you all the best. I hope you have a great Birthday.
ReplyDeleteJeff
Ali! It's your birthday! So you have my permission to get a little crazy and silly, dance around the house like you are 16 again (using your fav hairbrush for a microphone of course!) and eat whatever you want W/O feeling an ounce of guilt! It warms my heart that you've been able to move down close to the family and share in all of the special times together...but your NY friends and family sure do miss you! Getting to know you better as the sister of my bestest friend has truly been a blessing to me. Your genuine smile and compassion is such a testimony...you are a living, breathing Raggedy Ann in my world! Now how cool is that?! May you enjoy a beautiful birthday celebration of life and the joy of the Lord today, Ali. I love you so very much!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! ~Meg
Happy Birthday Ali! All these wonderful things that have been said about you are true. You are a great person and God has really grown you and used you for His glory as you sing your heart out in worship and serve Him as a small group leader and soon on the mission field where it is my honor to serve with you. India will be quite a stretch for both of us but I know God will do great things through us. Keep focused on Him and growing and all else will be added to you as He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts. Have a great birthday!
ReplyDeleteDavid Dilley
Happy Birthday Ali!
ReplyDeleteAbout a year ago I sent Derrick an email about joining a small group and he gave me your name. I am sooo grateful for that. You have helped make the last year a great one for me. I love coming to your house and seeing you up front on Sundays. You are an inspiration to me and I'm so blessed to be able to call you a friend.
Daniel Kidd
Darling Ali,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you, darling friend! You are precious to me in so many ways, and I love to think about our times way-back-when in the Chase tower, and how God has grown both of us in incredible ways since then. We have such fun memories - from being "partners" in birthing class (Ha!), to sharing N's birth, to dinners out, to sharing stores, joy, and even grief. You are loved by many, including your Minnesota friends! :) Love you, Ali!!!!
Alison,
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best birthday ever. I'm so blessed to have both you and Mary for daughters and I'm so proud of the godly women you have become. Ali, I can honestly say that you are the best neighbor I've ever had. We're so happy to have you here close to us, but I can see how much your Yankee friends miss you.
I love you dearly,
Mom