I never knew turning 40 would make me cry so much.

I didn’t cry because of the age I turned. I bawled like a baby because of the way my friends and family made me feel.

I have never felt so much love in all of my life.

I am so grateful and thankful that I was alive to be a part of it.

It really caused me to cry like a baby (not a pretty sniff, sniff… a tear here and tear there — nope).

Tears flowing, snot not far behind, shoulders shaking and words barely audible. I was overcome with emotion!

God knows how to fill you up.

After several years of feeling wounded, empty and unlovable (due to being sexually mistreated as a child), it was humbling (and so paradoxical) to be able to feel the love of others on such a deep level.

It was the best gift I could ever receive. I have so many thank you’s to extend!

It really touched my heart to see so many friends from around the country take time out of their schedules to travel to St. Louis. I was so surprised as they walked into the room.

Cindy Thomas is my amazing, Puerto Rican preachin’ machine, friend from Free Life Chapel in Lakeland, Florida.

She snuck into town after we were together a couple days the week before in New York City with TBN.

She didn’t only keep a great secret, but also made me believe she didn’t know my birthday was coming up! She might need to repent for lying! LOL!

She also did the most phenomenal job emceeing the evening (along with my amazing husband, David). Thank you!

By the way, my husband is not a planner, but he surrounded himself with an amazing team of friends like Adrienne Rainey, Katrina Shaw and Morgan Fannin – and then BAM… it was a lovefest.

Jillian Chambers, also known as my brilliant gigglebox blonde friend from Oasis Church in Nashville, carved out time for the official Tuesday night celebration.

She also stayed the entire next day in St. Louis (another surprise).

My wonderful husband arranged for me to have the day off to enjoy special time with my girlfriends from out of town. Thank you!

I’m about to cry again!

Georgina De La Mora, the anointed worship leader and pastor’s wife from Cornerstone Church in San Diego, found a way for someone to care for all of her babies and her church so she could travel to be with us. Thank you!

I can’t wait to join Georgina in San Diego this June at her women’s conference!

Sheila Craft is one of the most pure, smart and sweet women of God on this earth.

All the way from Elevate Life Church in Frisco, TX, she pressed pause on her very busy schedule like her upcoming She Conference in May and all the other responsibilities she has, just to be with me. Thank you!

I’m so thankful that my local friends, Laura Carstens and Jessica Stern, were able to share in my special day too!

Laura Carstens of Enjoy Church in Illinois has been a great friend of mine for many years. Jessica Stern of Destiny Church in St. Louis has been a great friend too. We ate, sang, talked, and laughed.

Video Birthday Cards

I was so humbled by the video greetings sent by dear friends like Lisa Young of Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX. Lisa, your greeting brought tears to me eyes! Thank you.

Steven and Holly Furtick of Elevation church in Charlotte, NC encouraged me so much and gave me so much to live up to! #HumbledAndALittleScared (Yep Steven – LOVE the hat!!!) Thank you.

Kevin and Sheila Gerald of Champion’s Center made everyone a little nervous. They were driving in their car. When they were both looking at the camera, we we were all asking, “Who’s driving?” Those are some mad driving skills Kevin! Thank you.

Troy and Steph Gramling of Potential Church in Cooper City, FL said happy birthday by video and I wanted to get on a plane to Miami right then! Thank you.

Jerry and Hope Snider at Christian World in Lake Charles, LA played and sang Happy Birthday on video. It was awesome! As a gift to you – I won’t sing my thank you! Thank you.

Benny and Wendy Perez of Church of South Las Vegas are special friends in so many ways. We really love them. You were so sweet to send your love. Thank you.

Rich and Robyn Wilkerson or Trinity Church in Miami know just how to make a person feel loved… even right through a video screen! Thank you.

Jackie Vaggalis is such a sweet and prayerful friend. She is from Destiny Church in Destin, Florida. Your video greeting made my heart warm. Thank you.

David and Lisa Hughes of Church by the Glades in Florida did such a great job on their video birthday wish. For a minute, I thought I was watching a television program. You have mad talent! Thank you.

Lori Champion is pastor of Celebration Church in Texas. You were so precious for sending your love. Thank you!

Susan Thomas from Keystone Church in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. You did such a sweet job of conveying your thoughts. Thank you Susan!

Friends for years and years, John and Rebecca Polis of Faith Church International in Virginia and North Carolina have always had the most godly and encouraging spirit. Thank you!

To top it all off, the poem written and recorded by my mom touched my heart. And my precious quiet dad – when he actually shared his thoughts on video – I cried all over again. Thank you.

Thank You Faith Church St. Louis

Finally, I want to give a big thank you to my church family. Thank you for sharing in my special day. I could not have imagined a better group of people to share this moment with than you. Thank you.

You may be bored by now. If you are, I apologize – but I felt it necessary to say thank you to all the people who carved out time and energy to make me feel loved.

I want you all to know I love you right back and life would not be the same without your friendship!

Thank you all so much for the most amazing birthday ever!