Human knowledge must be understood to be loved; divine knowledge must be loved to be understood. Pascal

The cuddly Happy Birthday bear you see pictured is a product of poet philosopher and international author named Noah benShea.  I gave this particular one to my wife Cynthia as part of our celebrating her natural birth January 20^th, several years ago.  When you press on the left paw of the bear, a recorded voice recites these encouraging Happy Birthday words.

Happy “Natural” Birthday

Your birth has made a difference in a lot of people’s lives, and the world is a better place because of you.  So here are some birthday bear wishes, wishing you the best. May you find peace not in what you are given, but in who you are. Never worry about growing old because what grows…never grows old.  Be enough of an optimist to think you can fly and enough of a pessimist to always pack a parachute. Embrace the wisdom to laugh at your self and your life will never lack amusement. And always be prepared to trade being right for doing right.  Say your prayers not because you should, but because you can.  And may the candles on your birthday cake allow you to see that even in the darkest forest you have friends who will light the way. Happy Birthday to the best in you that is busy being born.

Interestingly, the name Noah is a Hebrew name that means comfort, rest, or quiet. It can also mean long-lived.  We enjoyed celebrating Cynthia’s natural birth and have no quarrel with the words above. We’d like to share with you another birth we both have celebrated every day for almost two decades.  We chose to be born again or “of the Spirit of God” back in 1998.  In that context, please read the words that follow; this time they are inspired through the One Voice who is life and allows us the privilege to love or celebrate anything in the first place. In Him is where comfort, rest, quiet and long life takes on true meaning.

Happy “Spiritual” Birthday

Your rebirth by faith has made a profound personal difference and the world is a better place because My Holy Spirit is now alive in you.  So here are some birthday blessings as My Kingdom child. May you find peace in the gift of My Son you were given in your inner being. May you focus on eternal growth and learning and not simply growing old. May My wisdom guide you to think on good things and be balanced in My authority. May you relax and lighten up… the ability I’ve given you to laugh is medicine for your bones. Laughing at yourself is My idea of having a funny bone. Do the right thing and if you are not sure, seek Me first.  Let’s stay in contact, not because we should, but because we are now one.  And may the candle of the Spirit of Truth guide your steps and allow you to see that even in the darkest world, you have a friend in Jesus and in those He sends as an influence to light your way. Happy Re- Birthday to the best in you that is busy being born again, both to will and to do My good pleasure!

 John 3:3-7; Phil 2:12-13