Dustin McClain

When I think about Whitney...

I think about all the great times that we had growing up together. She’s my sister, and we picked and fought and had a blast but we had a bond unlike many brothers and sisters. I remember the car rides home from school with my best friend Drew and Whitney and how we always picked at Whitney for not letting us have fun in the car.

I remember all of those dog gone dance recitals we went to where Whitney, deservingly so, stole the show. I remember the cartwheel she did in living room and smacked her face up against the tv. I remember shooting hoops in the back yard with her! But most of all I remember the love that she has for Christ and how she has ALWAYS been there for me! When I needed to talk, she has always been there. When I needed some encouragement, she’s always been there!

So on her 26^th birthday I just wanted to say thank you Whit for being an AWESOME sister and I hope you have a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Love,

Bubby

Kelly Collins

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I’m thankful for days like today that are set aside to remind you how much you are loved and treasured by those around you and the impact you have on their lives. I remember praying so hard for a friend that I could share life with during these first few years of marriage and being in a new place…God gave to me beyond what I could have asked or imagined and knit our hearts together and I am eternally grateful. We have shared so many joys and trials in the time we have known each other, but it has been rich and has bonded us deeply and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I am so grateful for the day you were born, but even more so I am grateful for the day you were born again. The day that Christ called you to Himself and you were compelled to follow. I am thankful for the ways He pours out His love through you to those around you. You are a great listener. Great encourager. Supportive. Kind. Brave. Smart. Discerning. Strong. You are servant. I am consistently challenged and pointed back to Christ as I watch your life. It is an honor to call you my best friend and to walk a part of your journey with you. I love you friend. Happy day to you!

Tyler Hopperton

When I think about Whitney...

 

I think about how joyful she is. I think about her ability to sleep under any circumstance. I think about how she can bring a dead room to a ball of life in a matter of seconds! When I think about Whitney I think about the God-fearing woman that takes care of (deals with) my best friend and brother on a daily basis! Love you, Whit, Happy Bday!!!

Renee Hargrove

When I think about Whitney...

Psalms 45:11 comes to my mind.  "The king is enthralled with your beauty."  The smile that Whitney always has on her face radiates the love of Christ.  Just thinking about her and that beautiful smile makes me so thankful to call her my friend and sister in Christ.  Her enthusiasm for life and her joy for the Lord are contagious.  She can always make my day by just being around her.  I love her laughter, her craziness, her spontaneity, her love for her husband and her joy for life.  I love to pray with her and pray for her. 

I know that life has presented her with some really difficult challenges but I am so touched and encouraged by how she has allowed the Lord to use those trials to mold her and make her into a beautiful woman.  The joy of the Lord certainly is her strength and she shares that joy with anyone who will allow her to touch their lives. 

I am thankful that she is a godly role model to so many young girls, and one of those is mine.  When Lily thinks of Whitney she sees a transparent, honest, humble and devoted servant of the Lord who does so with laughter and joy. 

Happy Birthday to Whitney!!  You truly are a beautiful person because you have trusted your life to the one who makes us beautiful from the inside out........God's spirit flows through you and out of you as a broken drink offering to others....I have been a recipient of that overflow and so have many others.  Thank you for being a blessing to me and my family.

Isaiah 60:1-2:  "Arise; shine; for your Light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples, but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you."  Continue to let the light of the Lord be upon you and let that light shine to the world.............

Many blessings to you sweet Whitney,
      

Love you as a daughter,
          Renee Hargrove

Tera Melber

When I think about Whitney...

I think about JOY! You have an infectious joy about you. You are a servant-hearted woman who is seeking the Father in everyday of your life. You are thoughtful. Often, I hear someone say that they received a quick note or an encouraging word from you that the Lord used at just the right time. You are others-focused and empathetic. You see or hear of a need and you are quick to jump in to provide whatever is needed.

When you are speaking to another person, you are engaged in what they are saying. You aren't distracted. When people talk to you, they can sense your genuine care for them. When I think of you, I also think of you as an amazing partner to Derek. Your love and respect for him as your spiritual leader and husband is lovely to see.

 These amazing qualities will serve you well as you journey through life. As a wife, mom, sister, and friend you will be called upon to be selfless and giving. You are both. Be sure of yourself and the gifts that the Lord has given you. Refresh yourself when needed. Even though all the characteristics I have listed seem to come very naturally to you, you can only give the love of the Lord if you are filled with it. I pray that you will find yourself hungering daily for our Savior and immensely desiring His Word. You are a blessing and I am honored to be your friend!

Lindsay Whitfill

When I think about Whitney...

I can't help but smile!! You have the most contagious personality of anyone I've ever met! Every time I see that big, beautiful smile of yours it just puts me in the best mood.

Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but your heart is just as beautiful. You have the sweetest spirit and your love for Jesus shines to everyone around you. You make me want to be a better person, and for that I am thankful. Your knowledge of the Bible has greatly impacted me in my walk with The Lord, and I'm certain it has for many others as well.

I am so blessed that you were brought into my life! I think everyone needs a good friend who they can have fun with, but they also need a good friend who challenges them. You are the whole package for me! I'm so thankful for you and your friendship! I hope you have a wonderful birthday...you certainly deserve it!

I love you!!!

Melissa Hale

When I think about Whitney...

 

I think about love, a Godly woman and a true friend. Someone who always encourages others and tries to be a blessing to all. Whitney has become a dear friend that I love to laugh with and share with. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love You.

Allie McClain

When I think about Whitney...

 

I think about an amazing sister-in-law I never thought I would have. I am so thankful for such a special person that I can now call my family! I look at her life and see how she lives it with an abundance of joy and love serving her Father! She enjoys the little things in life, which I admire so much. I am blessed to have her in my life as someone to look up to and I cherish our friendship! You are awesome Whit! I hope you have a wonderful birthday! You deserve it!

All My Love!

Al

Brittney Armstrong

When I think about Whitney...

I think about what a great friend she is. Several things come to mind...

THOUGHTFUL FUNNY PRAYER WARRIOR

ENCOURAGING LOVING HELPFUL

I am reminded of the time we stayed up until three in the morning laughing at our church retreat. I think about the sweet, encouraging texts she has sent and what those meant to me on a really hard day. Only a true friend can look at you and immediately know you are about to loose it. Seriously, how many times has she come to my rescue in the dinner line at church!

More than anything, Whitney has been an great example of a woman after God's own heart. I have learned a lot from her about studying God's word, service, and prayer. I am so thankful to have such a strong prayer partner. Even though I always tease her about being so much younger than me, I really do look up to her.

Because Whitney possesses all these qualities, now, when I think about Whitney I also think about what a great MOM she is going to be! I am over the moon excited thinking about Baby Hop in Ethiopia. I can't wait to see how the Lord knits this family together

I am so thankful for Whitney's friendship. She is such a blessing to me and everyone she come into contact with. Everyone should have a Whitney in their life! They are missing out if they don't. :)

LOVE YOU WHITNEY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Traci Hargadon

When I think about Whitney...

I think about a kind soul with a warm, welcoming smile. Always happy to see anyone and give a generous hug. She is also a woman with a passionate love for Christ that spills over into everyone she meets. Just very naturally, coming from her heart effortlessly. Her love for Christ reflects on her love for her husband, Derek. Typically when you see Derek, not far behind, you'll she Whitney because she genuinely adores him. The two of them are gonna make some of the best parents I know!

Rachel Thomas

When I think about Whitney...

When I think about Whitney I think of the word passionate. She is first and foremost, passionate about The Lord. It's evident in her marriage, the way she will one day parent, her job, her friendships, and the way she lives her life. She loves the gospel and it defines every part of who she is.

I also think about the word forgiving. She has literally seen me at my WORST yet still forgave me and I've been able to truly see the grace of The Lord between us and how He can heal and restore. She is one of my best friends and I thank God for her life and that He gives me the privilege of doing life together. She loves me, she listens to me, she encourages me, she inspires me, and most of all, she spurs me on in my walk with Christ!

Chelley Morgan

When I think about Whitney...

I immediately think of a beautiful woman with a constant smile on her face. Although I haven't know you long Whitney, I can already tell that the joy of The Lord exudes from you. What a joy you are to everyone around you, and an encouragement to so many women. I am blessed and thrilled to call you friend. Happy Birthday Sweetie!

When I Think About Whitney (b-day 2012!!!)

Of course the birthday blog is back!

This year, you'll be reading posts that are actually not from me. Instead, you'll be reading from several friends and family who care about you and want to say "Happy Birthday" in a special way!

This year's theme is "When I think about Whitney."

First up is Kayla DeLapp:

When I think about Whitney...

I think about the person I looked up to when I was a little girl. I wanted to be just like her!

I think about how messy my life would be if she wasn’t there for me when I needed someone most!

I think about Biggest Loser, HGTV, and Food Network! (and sneaking in The Bachelor when Derek wasn't home) I think about a late night fast food run after a long day at VBS... “Don’t judge me”

I think about lunch dates at Moe’s and McAlister’s.  Sweet Tea and Moo Moo Mr. Cow!

I think about a sister rather than a cousin.
I think about a best friend whom I happen to be related to.
I think about her strong admirable faith in Christ!
I think about the great example she has set for me in all aspects of life!
I think about how much I miss living with her and getting to see her every single day!
I think about how thankful I am to have her in my life!
I love you Whitney! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and many more to follow!!