Happy 10th Birthday, Lane!

In honor of my 40 year old brother : a list of my favorite things about James Lane McMichael (in no particular order!) (here he is with his sweet wife, Wendy!)

1. His name is cool. Lane. I like it (well done mom and dad)
2. His birthday. February 29. It's just fun to have a brother who was born on Leap Day.
3. The way he has always handled only having 1/4 of the actual birthdays of most everyone else...I've never heard him complain about celebrating on 2/28 or 3/1. I like my birthday...alot...i don't know if I would handle it very well if it only came around every 4 years.
4. He never meets a stranger. Never. He is one of the friendliest people ever. And, more than likely, by the time a person walks away from him they are going to be encouraged and blessed for having encountered Lane (and the Lord through Lane) that day
5. He loves the Lord with ALL of His heart, soul, mind and strength
6. He serves generously in the body of Christ - He's been a volunteer children's minister, youth minister, RA leader, Sunday School teacher...I bet he'd lead the choir if they needed him bad enough (jk)
7. He is an INCREDIBLE father. He loves his kids enough to discipline them AND play with them.
8. He facilitates excellent memory making opportunites (like driving to find snow)
9. He believes in the HEALING POWER of Jesus...and has been a part of God's healing in a plethora of ways
10. He has a heart for the nations and isn't scared to venture into foreign lands to love on people
11. He has a great southern accent
12. He was (and is!) an excellent big brother...quick story: I remember coming home one time in 3rd grade and I was so upset because of something some girls had said to me. Somehow Lane was the one I ended up talking to about it (i think he found me crying) and I still remember what he said. He said "even if they hurt you, don't ever stoop to their level and start saying hurtful things back." That's wise advice for a Senior in high school to give his 9 year old sister.
13. Someone could give their life to the Lord while he's asking the blessing (even though it makes for long prayers :), it's kind of neat that he works the plan of salvation into prayers at family gatherings!)
14. He's not afraid to tell it like it is and share his opinions and views
15. He is an excellent role model for young boys and men who may be lacking a Godly father figure
16. He's fun and funny. Full of Joy and Laughter and Smiles!
    
17. He was the 3 point guy on the basketball team. That was his specialty.
18. He loves his wife and 2 boys and little girl with all that he has. He is the epitome of a family man.
19. He was always happy (or never said as much if he wasn't) with getting big red chewing gum and tennis balls as a Christmas present from me.
20. He took really excellent care of his Buick Regal. what a car!
    
21. He loves on my children well.
    
22. He's a nap taker.
23. He's a fire maker!
24. He makes in INCREDIBLE breakfast...french toast...pankcakes...cabin toast...bacon...sausage...all if it is so good.
    
25. He continues to invest in me with encouraging words and prayers (he's left me some of the most powerful and encouraging voicemails reminding me - among other things - that I am "a daughter of the Most High God.")

Thank you, God, for the gift of Lane McMichael. It's an honor to celebrate Your creation of him today. May he walk closer and know You more in the coming year than ever before.