Here I am again, on the verge of the most important day of my life, my birthday, May 6--the day the Lord, who foreknew me and my purpose, sent me down from Heaven to grace the face of the Earth.  Though my conception was initiated through an act of pleasure between my father and mother, my date of entry had been Divinely orchestrated by the Creator of the Universe.  Much thought was given to who my parents would be; who my siblings would be (although I was raised as an only child), and what my destiny would be.  He foreknew me and predestined me to be Vickie Lynell Ellis.  As time progressed, my destiny led me to acquire the surnames, Richardson and Evans, each who have influenced my life in some form or fashion!  I have always been one who has been excited about my birthday, those who know me can testify to that fact. Those celebrations have ranged from trips to Mary Jane Magic Castle (you had to live in or near Houston, Texas to know or be familiar with that television show), to numerous dinners at Larry's Mexican Restaurant (Mexican is my favorite food), to a elegant "Sweet 16" debutant celebration at the top of the glass and revolving Hilton hotel in Houston, to the grand 30^th birthday party I threw myself at the non-commissioned officers' club (NCO) in Germany.  As you can tell, I love to celebrate my birthday in a memorable way!  The last two years has been more low-keyed than others because I feel that I am in a "time of transition" and for some reason or another, I haven't had the privilege to give it the "grandiose celebrations" as I desire!   However, as I reflect on my "51" years on this earth, I realize that there are various seasons of our lives, and no matter what the case, I have survived the changing of the seasons and come through with a sound mind, without malice or bitterness, with a forgiving heart, and much more love to part!  I have survived challenges that have literally taken others to their graves.  I am a mature, strong, healthy, vibrant, beautiful, highly-anointed, Divinely-appointed, multi-gifted, blessed beyond measures, blood-wash, blood-bought, heiress, daughter of Zion, child of the Highest!  I am extremely grateful to have the activity of my limbs (though they are stiffer than they used to be)!  When I smile, I light up my surroundings, and if truth be told, I have had more opportunities to smile than frown.  Age has been kind to me; I have been told on numerous occasions that I do not look my age!  Some have even said I look twenty years younger (Thank you!).  Though there are many things I desire today for my birthday, I realize that I have the greatest gift of all....Jesus!   Call me a "Jesus Freak" or whatever you like-but one thing that I have consistently had in my life, is His Love!  When I am sad, He always sends a Word, sometimes in the most "peculiar" way.  A couple days ago, I threw my hands up and said, "I quit!"  "I can't take this anymore!  This is it!  I am just going to stop trying to walk in faith!  If  I don't see it, it won't happen!"  Later, as I was walking on the treadmill in my complex, the television was on, and an AT&T commercial appeared that said, "Any second could be the second!"  Though peculiar, I got the message!  Though I had it on "mute" the TV spoke loudly and clearly to me, and I surely got the point! The second AFTER I decide to give up, could be the very "second" my victory knocks on the door!  That very second could be the season of "breakthrough" for me!  So, you see why Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!  He knows just what to do and say at the right time, in the right way!  And just as He orchestrated my birth some 51 years ago, He is still guiding my footsteps and illuminating my pathway!  Therefore, as I plan to celebrate this most glorious day in a quiet, gentle way-- I say to you, "Trust In the Lord, with all you heart, mind, and soul, and lean not to your own understanding!  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He Shall direct your path (Proverbs 3).  Happy Birthday to me!