My older brother had a shirt with a cartoon duck saying that on it when he was in junior high.
Is it sad that for me, that statement is true? I really do live for weekends. Friday nights spent traveling to see loved ones or being lazy or hanging out with friends; Saturdays spent with those loved ones or being lazy or cleaning or writing or reading; Sundays spent at church with afternoon naps and random meals. That is what I live for.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my weekdays. They just aren't my favorites. Especially Mondays. But it's funny to me how some very significant things can take place on weekdays and really, our weekdays determine our weekends, they set the tone. If we get a lot done during the week, we may get the occasional lazy weekend. If we are lazy during the week, we work on our days off. And sometimes, it's both-a busy week AND a busy weekend. Unfortunately, my life consists of mostly the last option.
But here's the question I ask myself at least once, every day:
Is what I'm doing making a difference???
Now I realize we all have obligations. I'm single so I am solely responsible for the upkeep of my home and taking care of tasks every day. Me having a lazy day means that I'll be the only one making up for it later. But I'm starting to learn the ebb and flow of that. However, the times when this question is really prominent are when I'm running around, acting like a mad woman trying to get anything accomplished. It's in those moments when my inner voice, the Holy Spirit, seems to flash that question across my mind.
And it's in those moments that I completely understand what is meant in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?
Those words really hit home when you feel that's what your whole life's work is sometimes. They stir up feelings of anger, sadness, regret, contempt, even jealousy (towards others who seem more fulfilled). Yes, I know I make a difference for a lot of people in my church and in my life. But I think you, my faithful Blab readers, understand what I mean. I want to 'know in my knower' and 'feel in my feeler' that I'm making a difference. I want to see the fruits of my labor. It's my desire to leave my mark on the world. A mark that only I, Bethany Ann Pearce, can leave.
I believe that one day, at the end of all of our journeys, we'll stand before our Creator, the Author & Finisher of our faith, and He'll ask us what marks we made on the world. I don't think He'll ask us the number of marks but about the quality of the marks we were able to make. Did we truly give Him glory through the marks we were able to make in the places we were able to make them? He won't compare our marks to anyone else's but He will compare the marks we made to our potential. And I want to be able to stand and confidently say, "Lord, I made the best marks I could."
So let me ask you this: Are you leaving your you-shaped mark???
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Time Flies...
So how is it Wednesday already???
I can't believe how fast the weekend flew by and now here we are, in the middle of the week. So much has been done, doing so much & so much to do.
I enjoyed a fabulous weekend with Z and his fam Friday and Saturday. When I arrived Friday, Z & I headed to the church to chaperone a trip to a 'Hell House' (Christian Halloween event depicting influence of the devil and reality of hell and heaven). The line was so long (I mean, HELLO this is a big city, not your tiny little farm town, Bethany) so Z and I headed to dinner at the fabulous Macaroni Grill leaving the kids with the youth intern. Now before you think we're terrible youth chaperones, there were only 6 youth and they were simply going to be standing and waiting in a contained line. So see? We're not THAT bad. I absolutely adore the Grill and I enjoyed my first dinner eaten beside my boyfriend instead of across from him. I guess we just wanted that physical proximity rather than being 10 feet apart as the table appeared to be that wide.
After stuffing ourselves with Italian food (and being gone for almost 1 1/2 hours), we headed back to the line where we waited another hour or more with the kiddos. It was a bit chilly and by this time, my feet were KILLING me (I had worn low-heel boots that I thought were comfortable) so I pretty much leaned on Z for the rest of the wait. We finally made it inside the building after being driven by hayride to the site. The scenes were pretty graphic and very powerful-rape by meeting an online friend in person, a school shooting, an accidental pregnancy resulting in an abortion that killed both mother and baby, death, heaven and lastly hell. I've not been to such a detailed hell house before and it made me say the sinner's prayer again. I especially enjoyed the young man (Vic was his name, I believe) who wrapped everything up. He got the kid's attentions (there were approx. 25-30 people in our group) and held them as he discussed influence and doing our faith instead of just having it-which, as myfaithful readers parents know, is a subject very dear to me.
Afterward, we delivered kids to their houses and headed back to Z's where we chatted with his parents and siblings. I was EXHAUSTED since my old body is not used to being out til 1:00AM but we were up until around 3 I think. Needless to say, I was NOT happy when my body woke me up at 8something because it needed to be...*relieved*. But luckily I was able to re-nest for a while longer until Z came in. Poor guy-he sleeps in the floor so that I can sleep in his bed when I visit. (And yes, I DO feel very bad about that.)
We were lazy for most of the morning and at 2:30 or so we sat down to a fabulous and famous Parker BBQ. There was so much food I could hardly take it all in: pulled pork, ribs, cheeseburgers, hot links, potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw, cheesecake, a chocolate something-or-other that I'll have to get the name from Z, and my german chocolate upside down cake. Needless to say- We. Were. Stuffed.
But even so, Z and I set off for the Dallas Arboretum and Gardens. And it was SOOO worth it!!! As you can see from the pictures, the place is beautiful. Z had known I'd wanted to go to a pumpkin patch or festival or SOMETHING fall-ish so he found out they were doing Autumn at the Arboretum. It was phenomenal and here are a few photos to prove it!
The first few days of this week have been fairly uneventful. My Pastor is in the hospital due to complications from a kidney stone (prayers are appreciated) and I've been very unmotivated to do much of anything. I have GOT to get back in the gym or walking or something. I also have GOT to start cooking healthier and drinking more (water please!) or I'll never get back to losing weight. I'm happy with what I've done (35 lbs.) but there's so much more to go. Hopefully soon...
Oh, before I forget: the big news for this weekend has been postponed to next Thursday so I'll keep you posted then.
As seen by my Twitter status, I scored a new coffee pot from the office as they bought a new one after thinking that the old one was broken. After bringing it home and cleaning it well, I've got it making the perfect pot of coffee again. :) Yay for free stuff!
I'm not going to make a speech about politics but let me suffice it all to say that I'm ready for this election to be over. Even though I know there will be disputes and bickering long into their presidency, I'm ready to just hurry up and vote and get somebody in there.
Ok, I'm tired and getting groggy and that means soon, I'll be incoherent. So I better end this while I am still speaking somewhat consciously. :) Blessings to you all through the rest of your week!
~B
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Proverbs 30:18
I can't believe how fast the weekend flew by and now here we are, in the middle of the week. So much has been done, doing so much & so much to do.
I enjoyed a fabulous weekend with Z and his fam Friday and Saturday. When I arrived Friday, Z & I headed to the church to chaperone a trip to a 'Hell House' (Christian Halloween event depicting influence of the devil and reality of hell and heaven). The line was so long (I mean, HELLO this is a big city, not your tiny little farm town, Bethany) so Z and I headed to dinner at the fabulous Macaroni Grill leaving the kids with the youth intern. Now before you think we're terrible youth chaperones, there were only 6 youth and they were simply going to be standing and waiting in a contained line. So see? We're not THAT bad. I absolutely adore the Grill and I enjoyed my first dinner eaten beside my boyfriend instead of across from him. I guess we just wanted that physical proximity rather than being 10 feet apart as the table appeared to be that wide.
After stuffing ourselves with Italian food (and being gone for almost 1 1/2 hours), we headed back to the line where we waited another hour or more with the kiddos. It was a bit chilly and by this time, my feet were KILLING me (I had worn low-heel boots that I thought were comfortable) so I pretty much leaned on Z for the rest of the wait. We finally made it inside the building after being driven by hayride to the site. The scenes were pretty graphic and very powerful-rape by meeting an online friend in person, a school shooting, an accidental pregnancy resulting in an abortion that killed both mother and baby, death, heaven and lastly hell. I've not been to such a detailed hell house before and it made me say the sinner's prayer again. I especially enjoyed the young man (Vic was his name, I believe) who wrapped everything up. He got the kid's attentions (there were approx. 25-30 people in our group) and held them as he discussed influence and doing our faith instead of just having it-which, as my
Afterward, we delivered kids to their houses and headed back to Z's where we chatted with his parents and siblings. I was EXHAUSTED since my old body is not used to being out til 1:00AM but we were up until around 3 I think. Needless to say, I was NOT happy when my body woke me up at 8something because it needed to be...*relieved*. But luckily I was able to re-nest for a while longer until Z came in. Poor guy-he sleeps in the floor so that I can sleep in his bed when I visit. (And yes, I DO feel very bad about that.)
We were lazy for most of the morning and at 2:30 or so we sat down to a fabulous and famous Parker BBQ. There was so much food I could hardly take it all in: pulled pork, ribs, cheeseburgers, hot links, potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw, cheesecake, a chocolate something-or-other that I'll have to get the name from Z, and my german chocolate upside down cake. Needless to say- We. Were. Stuffed.
But even so, Z and I set off for the Dallas Arboretum and Gardens. And it was SOOO worth it!!! As you can see from the pictures, the place is beautiful. Z had known I'd wanted to go to a pumpkin patch or festival or SOMETHING fall-ish so he found out they were doing Autumn at the Arboretum. It was phenomenal and here are a few photos to prove it!
Afterward, we spent a little more time out and then headed to his house to spend time with his family. We had dinner and started watching Saturday Night Fever but I was out like a light before long. I guess a full belly and cuddling with Z were the perfect combination to get me snoozin'. I headed to bed shortly after that and left at my usual 5:30AM on Sunday.
The first few days of this week have been fairly uneventful. My Pastor is in the hospital due to complications from a kidney stone (prayers are appreciated) and I've been very unmotivated to do much of anything. I have GOT to get back in the gym or walking or something. I also have GOT to start cooking healthier and drinking more (water please!) or I'll never get back to losing weight. I'm happy with what I've done (35 lbs.) but there's so much more to go. Hopefully soon...
Oh, before I forget: the big news for this weekend has been postponed to next Thursday so I'll keep you posted then.
As seen by my Twitter status, I scored a new coffee pot from the office as they bought a new one after thinking that the old one was broken. After bringing it home and cleaning it well, I've got it making the perfect pot of coffee again. :) Yay for free stuff!
I'm not going to make a speech about politics but let me suffice it all to say that I'm ready for this election to be over. Even though I know there will be disputes and bickering long into their presidency, I'm ready to just hurry up and vote and get somebody in there.
Ok, I'm tired and getting groggy and that means soon, I'll be incoherent. So I better end this while I am still speaking somewhat consciously. :) Blessings to you all through the rest of your week!
~B
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Proverbs 30:18
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Yes, I hear you singing along. :) Thank you Mr. Rogers!
Today really is a beautiful day in my neighborhood and I hope it is in yours too. The temperatures have definitely dipped, especially at night, and I haven't had my thermostat on in 3 days. I love what this weather does to my electric bill (which I just remembered is due).
I'm wearing one of my AWESOME STEALS from my shopping extravangza to Sherman last weekend-a purple and cream wide-striped, button sweater hoodie that I got for $9.99! (And to my mother, I'm sorry that I am breaking my cardinal rule of wearing horizontal stripes but this was too cute to pass up. Pictures will follow shortly as evidence.) Not to mention that I paired said sweater with my perfect dark wash, boot-cut denim pants (not jeans) and high heel boots. I love when I feel this cute! (Because it's a rare feeling, folks.)
Last night was the annual fundraiser gala for the Paris Pregnancy Care Center and since I work with one of the board members, she invited me and the guests of my choice. So I attended with 4 girls from church and we had a great time. Volunteers had decorated the civic center very tastefully for the event and the food was DELICIOUS-pork bbq, red hot apples (made with real candy Red Hots), chicken creole, au gratin potatoes, pasta salad & raspberry vinagrette green salad. Not to mention the mexican cornbread, cranberry bread and mini-dessert pastries (banana pudding, chocolate strawberry & coconut cream). And after having stuffed myself to the slightly uncomfortable point, we heard the very inspiring story of Donna Paul, sister-in-law to the presidential candidate, Ron Paul. She is a nurse who has worked extensively with Dr. Paul during his time in practice and her story of choosing to carry her date-rape pregnancy full-term and then giving up her son for adoption only to reunite with him 38 years later was heart-warming. This son had flown in from the state of Washington to hear the speech and there were very few dry eyes in the house. The testimonies of the girls (Anglo, African-American and Hispanic) who have been helped by this minstry were inspiring and stirred my spirit in my desire to serve. What a great cause and a great evening!
Today I'm heading to Arlington to spend time with Z and his fam. I'm accompanying him and the youth intern at their church to a "Hell House" (I hate that term). It's basically a Christian haunted house that presents the message of salvation to teenagers in a relevant manner. Check it out: www.darkrailhellhouse.com. It's my first event to "chaperone" w/Z but it should be good. I'm excited! Tomorrow, his fam is cooking out since his sister's fiancee will be in town. I can't wait-they are such good cooks but I'm just hoping the upside down german chocolate cake I baked last night will make it untouched to Arlington. It looks SOOO good!
Of course this weekend will fly by all too quickly and since my Sunday will be spent teaching Sunday School, singing Christmas songs with the children, and churchin' it up, I'm sure Monday will be here before I can blink my eyes. There's big news for next weekend and no it's not that I'm fulfilling everyone's wishes and dressing up as Little Bo Peep for Halloween. I actually have NO plans for Friday night-which is amazing. I usually have at least one event lined up but it might be a good chance forGirls' Me Night In. The news is for Saturday but I can't post it here. Not sure when I will or if I will but should all go well, it's definitely when.
Ok, so this a long post and most of you have probably given up on finishing it (except you, Mom because you have to be able to call me and talk about your verbose daughter) but here's a last piece of info up for discussion. My little bro-the tech geek of the fam-just texted and said he bought an old iphone for $100 that he might part with soon and wants to know if I'm interested. What are your thoughts people??? I've never seen an iphone up close and personal in real life much less touched one. Should I do it?
Enjoy a beautiful weekend full of God's bountious blessings!
Love to all,
B
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Yes, I hear you singing along. :) Thank you Mr. Rogers!
Today really is a beautiful day in my neighborhood and I hope it is in yours too. The temperatures have definitely dipped, especially at night, and I haven't had my thermostat on in 3 days. I love what this weather does to my electric bill (which I just remembered is due).
I'm wearing one of my AWESOME STEALS from my shopping extravangza to Sherman last weekend-a purple and cream wide-striped, button sweater hoodie that I got for $9.99! (And to my mother, I'm sorry that I am breaking my cardinal rule of wearing horizontal stripes but this was too cute to pass up. Pictures will follow shortly as evidence.) Not to mention that I paired said sweater with my perfect dark wash, boot-cut denim pants (not jeans) and high heel boots. I love when I feel this cute! (Because it's a rare feeling, folks.)
Last night was the annual fundraiser gala for the Paris Pregnancy Care Center and since I work with one of the board members, she invited me and the guests of my choice. So I attended with 4 girls from church and we had a great time. Volunteers had decorated the civic center very tastefully for the event and the food was DELICIOUS-pork bbq, red hot apples (made with real candy Red Hots), chicken creole, au gratin potatoes, pasta salad & raspberry vinagrette green salad. Not to mention the mexican cornbread, cranberry bread and mini-dessert pastries (banana pudding, chocolate strawberry & coconut cream). And after having stuffed myself to the slightly uncomfortable point, we heard the very inspiring story of Donna Paul, sister-in-law to the presidential candidate, Ron Paul. She is a nurse who has worked extensively with Dr. Paul during his time in practice and her story of choosing to carry her date-rape pregnancy full-term and then giving up her son for adoption only to reunite with him 38 years later was heart-warming. This son had flown in from the state of Washington to hear the speech and there were very few dry eyes in the house. The testimonies of the girls (Anglo, African-American and Hispanic) who have been helped by this minstry were inspiring and stirred my spirit in my desire to serve. What a great cause and a great evening!
Today I'm heading to Arlington to spend time with Z and his fam. I'm accompanying him and the youth intern at their church to a "Hell House" (I hate that term). It's basically a Christian haunted house that presents the message of salvation to teenagers in a relevant manner. Check it out: www.darkrailhellhouse.com. It's my first event to "chaperone" w/Z but it should be good. I'm excited! Tomorrow, his fam is cooking out since his sister's fiancee will be in town. I can't wait-they are such good cooks but I'm just hoping the upside down german chocolate cake I baked last night will make it untouched to Arlington. It looks SOOO good!
Of course this weekend will fly by all too quickly and since my Sunday will be spent teaching Sunday School, singing Christmas songs with the children, and churchin' it up, I'm sure Monday will be here before I can blink my eyes. There's big news for next weekend and no it's not that I'm fulfilling everyone's wishes and dressing up as Little Bo Peep for Halloween. I actually have NO plans for Friday night-which is amazing. I usually have at least one event lined up but it might be a good chance for
Ok, so this a long post and most of you have probably given up on finishing it (except you, Mom because you have to be able to call me and talk about your verbose daughter) but here's a last piece of info up for discussion. My little bro-the tech geek of the fam-just texted and said he bought an old iphone for $100 that he might part with soon and wants to know if I'm interested. What are your thoughts people??? I've never seen an iphone up close and personal in real life much less touched one. Should I do it?
Enjoy a beautiful weekend full of God's bountious blessings!
Love to all,
B
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
AUTUMN
The 1st cold front of the season is moving through & I'm SO excited! Highs in the 60's for the next couple of days. And I baked my first loaf of pumpkin bread last night! It will be gone by the weekend. :) I love everything about Autumn-the leaves, the weather, the symbols (pumpkins, hay, apples, cornucopias)-EVERYTHING!
Happy harvest everyone!
Blessings,
B
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Happy harvest everyone!
Blessings,
B
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
I Think I Have Slight Paranoia
It's official.
I do NOT know how to be in a relationship.
Does that annoy anyone else besides me and my boyfriend? Probably not. Well, maybe my mother since she tends to be the soundboard for all my drama-especially the self-inflicted kind. Sorry Mom.
I have this problem with internalizing EVERYTHING. Which isn't a problem when it's just me I'm internalizing things about. But when you're in a relationship, internalizing things about the relationship is not good.
(And that's when those of you who have been in a relationship longer than me=more than 3 months-says DUH!)
So last night I got upset over something semi-trivial between me & Z. His decision was made out of pure intentions and would even give us a glimpse into our future. Why wasn't I happy with that??? Because I'm alittle lot selfish and sometimes usually only think about what is best for me. But I realize now that this task Z signed us up for is key for us getting a taste of our future in ministry together so I'm more than happy to accompany him. The problem is that instead of sharing my feelings of frustration last night, I internalized them and he had no idea that I was upset. Not healthy for a budding romance. And not fair to him either. We've been EXTREMELY open in our communication up to now and it wasn't fair for me to keep this from him.
So I came clean this AM and being the absolute doll that he is, he acted in total forgiveness and grace. So we've cleared things up. I just need a little Relationship Fairy that will tap me on the shoulder to let me know when I'm doing/saying things that are detrimental to my boyfriend.
Anybody know one that's looking for work since I'm pretty sure Tinkerbell is booked???
I do NOT know how to be in a relationship.
Does that annoy anyone else besides me and my boyfriend? Probably not. Well, maybe my mother since she tends to be the soundboard for all my drama-especially the self-inflicted kind. Sorry Mom.
I have this problem with internalizing EVERYTHING. Which isn't a problem when it's just me I'm internalizing things about. But when you're in a relationship, internalizing things about the relationship is not good.
(And that's when those of you who have been in a relationship longer than me=more than 3 months-says DUH!)
So last night I got upset over something semi-trivial between me & Z. His decision was made out of pure intentions and would even give us a glimpse into our future. Why wasn't I happy with that??? Because I'm a
So I came clean this AM and being the absolute doll that he is, he acted in total forgiveness and grace. So we've cleared things up. I just need a little Relationship Fairy that will tap me on the shoulder to let me know when I'm doing/saying things that are detrimental to my boyfriend.
Anybody know one that's looking for work since I'm pretty sure Tinkerbell is booked???
Friday, October 17, 2008
It's Nice To Meet You
Her name was Shirley Faye Early although I didn't know that when I saw her.
As I drove back to the office after a relaxing lunch hour, I passed her as I took my turn by the Mexican restaurant as I do every day. A few minutes early, I planned to clock in and regain a few of the minutes I had lost by being late this morning-as I am almost every day. But as I saw the little lady, dressed in red, hands full of grocery bags walking feebly down that street, my eyes took a second glance and then my heart began to pound. And that's when I knew this was my chance-my chance to make a difference.
Since most of you readers aren't part of my everyday life, I'll fill you in. Lately my prayers have been all about making a difference. Yes, I stay busy and yes, most of the things I do to stay busy have to do with God's work. And while I realize that church work does make a difference, my desire is to actually make a difference for individuals-to shine Jesus' light for them to see. Which is how I met Shirley Faye Early.
So as I found the nearest semi-circle drive, a million thoughts ran through my mind. My mom and her stories of picking up pedestrians who appeared in need... The countless warnings she and my dad had given me when I started driving about picking up strangers... But none of that mattered now. I knew I was meant to pick up that little, feeble woman. I turned around and pulled up beside her on the side street she was now walking. I could smell that she hadn't had a good bath in days and she was missing most, if not all of her teeth but the way she called me "dear" broke my heart for this kind woman. After accepting my offer for a ride, she showed me her right hand which had numerous stitches along the proximal joint of her pinky finger and explained that she had to be careful and that's why she was walking so slow. She directed me to the apartment complex where she lived and even helped me dodge the potholes along the street that ran in front of it.
As we pulled up to the row she lived in, I offered to help her get the groceries in (including the loaf of bread that had been mashed during the first part of her trek home) and we made our way to her home-a small one bedroom, one bath musty-smelling apartment. It appeared clean, just cluttered with artifacts that evidenced a full life history. I was only there briefly and didn't take much in but as I told her thank you for allowing me to drive her, I asked her name.
"Shirley, Shirley Faye Early," came the reply and I felt her arms wrap around me in the tightest embrace I've felt in a long time.
"God bless you, Ms. Early," I responded as I headed out the door. "You too," was her response and I uttered a "see you later" and was gone.
Why this seemingly small incident has affected me to such depth, I have no idea. Except that I know it was a "God moment". I truly believe He used this event to remind me of my passion for serving others-even in the smallest of ways. Sure it cost me about 5 minutes of my time and a little effort but other than that, this favor was free. It didn't even incur a gallon of gasoline. So why am I not doing these things more often???
Because I'm selfish. I'm spoiled. I'm self-absorbed. I go through my daily routine and do what pleases me, what makes me happy, what satisfies me. And I get defensive if I start feeling prompted to do more because "I'm already sacrificing so much for the church." Here's the thing though: God doesn't need me to save the church; He needs me to save the lost. Churched people have already found Him, or at least are on their way and have found a safe refuge with the opportunity to do so. But people in the world are far more vulnerable to Satan and his lies and deceit. So I must be His hands and feet. I must speak His words and give His hugs. I must give the gifts of hope and joy to a dying and depressed world. Not only does it help those who are searching but it fulfills me.
And through the help of my Jesus, my minute efforts can be grandiose gestures for the Shirley Faye Earlys of the world.
As I drove back to the office after a relaxing lunch hour, I passed her as I took my turn by the Mexican restaurant as I do every day. A few minutes early, I planned to clock in and regain a few of the minutes I had lost by being late this morning-as I am almost every day. But as I saw the little lady, dressed in red, hands full of grocery bags walking feebly down that street, my eyes took a second glance and then my heart began to pound. And that's when I knew this was my chance-my chance to make a difference.
Since most of you readers aren't part of my everyday life, I'll fill you in. Lately my prayers have been all about making a difference. Yes, I stay busy and yes, most of the things I do to stay busy have to do with God's work. And while I realize that church work does make a difference, my desire is to actually make a difference for individuals-to shine Jesus' light for them to see. Which is how I met Shirley Faye Early.
So as I found the nearest semi-circle drive, a million thoughts ran through my mind. My mom and her stories of picking up pedestrians who appeared in need... The countless warnings she and my dad had given me when I started driving about picking up strangers... But none of that mattered now. I knew I was meant to pick up that little, feeble woman. I turned around and pulled up beside her on the side street she was now walking. I could smell that she hadn't had a good bath in days and she was missing most, if not all of her teeth but the way she called me "dear" broke my heart for this kind woman. After accepting my offer for a ride, she showed me her right hand which had numerous stitches along the proximal joint of her pinky finger and explained that she had to be careful and that's why she was walking so slow. She directed me to the apartment complex where she lived and even helped me dodge the potholes along the street that ran in front of it.
As we pulled up to the row she lived in, I offered to help her get the groceries in (including the loaf of bread that had been mashed during the first part of her trek home) and we made our way to her home-a small one bedroom, one bath musty-smelling apartment. It appeared clean, just cluttered with artifacts that evidenced a full life history. I was only there briefly and didn't take much in but as I told her thank you for allowing me to drive her, I asked her name.
"Shirley, Shirley Faye Early," came the reply and I felt her arms wrap around me in the tightest embrace I've felt in a long time.
"God bless you, Ms. Early," I responded as I headed out the door. "You too," was her response and I uttered a "see you later" and was gone.
Why this seemingly small incident has affected me to such depth, I have no idea. Except that I know it was a "God moment". I truly believe He used this event to remind me of my passion for serving others-even in the smallest of ways. Sure it cost me about 5 minutes of my time and a little effort but other than that, this favor was free. It didn't even incur a gallon of gasoline. So why am I not doing these things more often???
Because I'm selfish. I'm spoiled. I'm self-absorbed. I go through my daily routine and do what pleases me, what makes me happy, what satisfies me. And I get defensive if I start feeling prompted to do more because "I'm already sacrificing so much for the church." Here's the thing though: God doesn't need me to save the church; He needs me to save the lost. Churched people have already found Him, or at least are on their way and have found a safe refuge with the opportunity to do so. But people in the world are far more vulnerable to Satan and his lies and deceit. So I must be His hands and feet. I must speak His words and give His hugs. I must give the gifts of hope and joy to a dying and depressed world. Not only does it help those who are searching but it fulfills me.
And through the help of my Jesus, my minute efforts can be grandiose gestures for the Shirley Faye Earlys of the world.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
What's In A Name?
Bethany Ann Pearce
That's my name. Don't wear it out.
Growing up, I've had more than my share of nicknames and for the most part, I love them. Being called by so many terms of endearment makes me feel loved and helps me know that I mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Here's just a few...
*BAP to all my high school friends
*Bethany Ann to my mother when she is mad
*Bet to my dad
*Boo to a church friend in high school
*BP to a former boss
*BB to my 2nd family
*Betania to my Spanish/Brazilian friends
*Bethany Pearcey to a former boss & an ex
*Betty to an old college roommate
*Betney to another old roommate
*Anne to my French classmates
*Brittany to some confused elderly people
*Thunder Thighs to a "dear" friend
*Heifer to some other "precious" friends
And those are just a few. Over the years I've been called just about any variation of Bethany or BAP you can think of. My least favorite? Beth. Yes, that's worse to me than either of the last 2 I listed. I happen to like my full name and hate the shortened version. But most of the time, I can be called by any of those names or variations and I will answer. Any person could call any of them and I'd come running. And the funny thing is that I'd probably be able to tell who was calling me just by the choice of name used.
I think that's how God is too.
During my prayer times lately I've been thinking about all the names of God. I'm definitely not a theologian but I know a few and what they mean and have been very interested to learn more. What is so amazing to me is that my God, the God who led the Israelites out of Egypt and eventually into the Promised Land, who sent prophecies through His servants proclaiming the coming of His only Son to save all humanity to eternal life, who gave up His most prized possession, who orchestrated all of the miracles of the new Testament and who has sustained His followers throughout history hears me, my feeble cry when I simply whisper His name-Jesus.
That astounds me.
And not only does He hear the whispered prayers, but He responds to my angry wailing, my grateful shouting and my heartfelt praising. He knows exactly what I (or anyone else for that matter) need just by the name I call Him. He hears me if I call Him by Jesus or any of His other countless names. Some of my favorites are:
*Adonai: Sovereign Lord
*El Shaddai: All-Sufficient God
*El Roi: God who sees me
*Immanuel: God with us
*Jehovah Rophe: The Lord our Healer
*Jehovah Jireh: The Lord our Provider
*Jehovah Nissi: The Lord our Banner
*Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is Present
*Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord our Righteousness
There are so many more (and I encourage you to become aware of them) but these are just the first ones that come to mind. I am comforted that God, my God, can be so many things to me. Better yet, He can be so many things to so many people all at the same time. I am quite honestly in awe that the God of the universe, who created all things and all beings, takes time to give me His attention and not just that but the presence of His Holy Spirit is so vast that it is all around the globe yet even within me. How does this happen? How can it be?
But that's the beauty of our Lord and our faith. He is infinite and unfathomable. Our human finite minds cannot comprehend the vastness of deity that He is. And you know, even though that frustrates me so much, it's comforting at the same time. Because in knowing that He is such an incomprehensible God, I am reminded that He is so much bigger than me and more knoweldgeable that I am. His daily view is of the big picture of our lives, of the universe. And even though He doesn't get bogged down with daily 'junk', He is concerned with the details of my life. And of yours.
That is so mind-boggling to me and yet I am grateful. My feeble words could never express the gratitude I have for my Lord, my God, my Jesus. It is my prayer that you will find Him to be all that you, your heart, could ever need or want.
Blessings,
B
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " Isaiah 55:8-9
That's my name. Don't wear it out.
Growing up, I've had more than my share of nicknames and for the most part, I love them. Being called by so many terms of endearment makes me feel loved and helps me know that I mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Here's just a few...
*BAP to all my high school friends
*Bethany Ann to my mother when she is mad
*Bet to my dad
*Boo to a church friend in high school
*BP to a former boss
*BB to my 2nd family
*Betania to my Spanish/Brazilian friends
*Bethany Pearcey to a former boss & an ex
*Betty to an old college roommate
*Betney to another old roommate
*Anne to my French classmates
*Brittany to some confused elderly people
*Thunder Thighs to a "dear" friend
*Heifer to some other "precious" friends
And those are just a few. Over the years I've been called just about any variation of Bethany or BAP you can think of. My least favorite? Beth. Yes, that's worse to me than either of the last 2 I listed. I happen to like my full name and hate the shortened version. But most of the time, I can be called by any of those names or variations and I will answer. Any person could call any of them and I'd come running. And the funny thing is that I'd probably be able to tell who was calling me just by the choice of name used.
I think that's how God is too.
During my prayer times lately I've been thinking about all the names of God. I'm definitely not a theologian but I know a few and what they mean and have been very interested to learn more. What is so amazing to me is that my God, the God who led the Israelites out of Egypt and eventually into the Promised Land, who sent prophecies through His servants proclaiming the coming of His only Son to save all humanity to eternal life, who gave up His most prized possession, who orchestrated all of the miracles of the new Testament and who has sustained His followers throughout history hears me, my feeble cry when I simply whisper His name-Jesus.
That astounds me.
And not only does He hear the whispered prayers, but He responds to my angry wailing, my grateful shouting and my heartfelt praising. He knows exactly what I (or anyone else for that matter) need just by the name I call Him. He hears me if I call Him by Jesus or any of His other countless names. Some of my favorites are:
*Adonai: Sovereign Lord
*El Shaddai: All-Sufficient God
*El Roi: God who sees me
*Immanuel: God with us
*Jehovah Rophe: The Lord our Healer
*Jehovah Jireh: The Lord our Provider
*Jehovah Nissi: The Lord our Banner
*Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is Present
*Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord our Righteousness
There are so many more (and I encourage you to become aware of them) but these are just the first ones that come to mind. I am comforted that God, my God, can be so many things to me. Better yet, He can be so many things to so many people all at the same time. I am quite honestly in awe that the God of the universe, who created all things and all beings, takes time to give me His attention and not just that but the presence of His Holy Spirit is so vast that it is all around the globe yet even within me. How does this happen? How can it be?
But that's the beauty of our Lord and our faith. He is infinite and unfathomable. Our human finite minds cannot comprehend the vastness of deity that He is. And you know, even though that frustrates me so much, it's comforting at the same time. Because in knowing that He is such an incomprehensible God, I am reminded that He is so much bigger than me and more knoweldgeable that I am. His daily view is of the big picture of our lives, of the universe. And even though He doesn't get bogged down with daily 'junk', He is concerned with the details of my life. And of yours.
That is so mind-boggling to me and yet I am grateful. My feeble words could never express the gratitude I have for my Lord, my God, my Jesus. It is my prayer that you will find Him to be all that you, your heart, could ever need or want.
Blessings,
B
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " Isaiah 55:8-9
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Just A Thought...
Is it abnormal that the thought of running away and starting a new life somewhere completely different excites me to no end???
Monday, October 13, 2008
And I Think To Myself, What A Wonderful World
Another week has started and I've made my first 'To Do' list of the week. Luckily it isn't too long but it is growing by the hour. It's funny how randomly I think of things to add. That's not the only thing growing either. My grocery list is getting a little lengthy but I'm trying to hold out until the next payday. Times are tight and I must conserve where I can. Good thing I love brown rice-I have a brand new box of it. Another good thing? Gas is at $2.61 here which means I can fill up my tank for about $30.00. YAY!!! As a co-worker stated-maybe our prayers are working. And since I serve a God who hears our prayers and does answer, that is a definite possibility.
I enjoyed a great weekend with Z. We spent some quality time with his parents. They took me to Zaxby's for my birthday and I enjoyed being with them. They are very kind and generous people. His gift to me-Willow Tree "Promise" figurine. His parents' gift to me: Willow Tree "Love", "Peace", & "Joy" figurines.
We were up late Friday (as usual) and so we got up late Saturday. Headed straight to lunch at an amazing pizza place (BJ's) and then Z and I spent some quality time together just walking around window shopping and laughing and talking. That was probably one of the best days I've spent with him ever. There was a rhythm to our relationship and we just enjoyed being relaxed together. I will say, he is a patient shopper. I doubt he was enjoying it at all but he never let me know it. I think we were both just so grateful to be together after the emotional rollercoaster of last week. There's just something pricelessly soothing about having face time with a person.
So after walking around for a while we went and saw his mom at work and she was generous enough to buy me some great clothes and earrings. I owe her big time. We headed home and got there just as his dad and brother were finishing feeding the puppies they have. Their female hunting dog had puppies 3 weeks ago and then died a few days after giving birth so the puppies (there were 9, now there are 7) have to be bottle-fed. They are so cute and small-I can't remember the last time I held one but it definitely brought back memories of my childhood.
Z and I then had some PT during which he opened his birthday gift from me. After we celebrated a bit, we spent some time with his fam and were up late talking...again. But I don't mind the sacrifice since I don't get to see him much. I left around 5:30 Sunday morning and came home to 2 awesome church services, a good Sunday School class, and an excellent drama rehearsal. God is so good and I am amazed at how quickly He can turn things around. I truly believe that since Z & I worked through some issues and are getting our focus and priorities in order, God will recognize our efforts and reward them. I am just so thankful that I don't get what I do deserve (mercy) and I do get what I don't deserve (grace). I could not possibly be more blessed.
So with that, I'll sign off. More updates throughout the week. May each of you experience His presence in a new, exciting way this week.
Blessings,
B
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10
I enjoyed a great weekend with Z. We spent some quality time with his parents. They took me to Zaxby's for my birthday and I enjoyed being with them. They are very kind and generous people. His gift to me-Willow Tree "Promise" figurine. His parents' gift to me: Willow Tree "Love", "Peace", & "Joy" figurines.
So after walking around for a while we went and saw his mom at work and she was generous enough to buy me some great clothes and earrings. I owe her big time. We headed home and got there just as his dad and brother were finishing feeding the puppies they have. Their female hunting dog had puppies 3 weeks ago and then died a few days after giving birth so the puppies (there were 9, now there are 7) have to be bottle-fed. They are so cute and small-I can't remember the last time I held one but it definitely brought back memories of my childhood.
Z and I then had some PT during which he opened his birthday gift from me. After we celebrated a bit, we spent some time with his fam and were up late talking...again. But I don't mind the sacrifice since I don't get to see him much. I left around 5:30 Sunday morning and came home to 2 awesome church services, a good Sunday School class, and an excellent drama rehearsal. God is so good and I am amazed at how quickly He can turn things around. I truly believe that since Z & I worked through some issues and are getting our focus and priorities in order, God will recognize our efforts and reward them. I am just so thankful that I don't get what I do deserve (mercy) and I do get what I don't deserve (grace). I could not possibly be more blessed.
So with that, I'll sign off. More updates throughout the week. May each of you experience His presence in a new, exciting way this week.
Blessings,
B
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10
Friday, October 10, 2008
100 Things You May Or May Not Know About Me
And now for something a little more uplifting...
As if you didn't learn enough about me during TI30, here I am with this. It is a common practice in 'blogland' for writers to list 100 pieces of informationi about themselves to commemorate their 100th post. Well, I'm hitting that milestone and you're the lucky readers that get to learn more than you ever wanted to know about yours truly, moi.
So, ready or not, here we go...
1. Do not talk to me before I've had my shower in the morning. It won't be pretty.
2. I keep my toothbrush wrapped in a tissue to keep the other "bathroom germs" off it.
3. In order to keep other "bathroom germs" to a minimum, I only flush the toilet if the lid is down.
4. I have a discolored tooth due to a small indentation that was in said tooth. I had it filled my senior year of high school and the dentist matched the filler with my tooth color at the time. Let's just say, they're a lot whiter now. :)
5. I mix a minimum of 2 cereals together when I eat it-Great Value Toasted Oats (cheap-o Cheerios) & Just Bunches (of the famed Honey Bunches of Oats).
6. Growing up, my family always had 2 kinds of tea (sweet & unsweet) & 2 kinds of milk (skim & 1%) in our fridge.
7. I've kissed 7 guys in my lifetime.
8. I've only seriously dated 5 of said guys.
9. I once dated a guy I never kissed.
9. I have a certain routine that I follow in the shower (shampoo, condition, loofah, rinse conditioner, shave-on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, & Sundays, wash face).
10. I have a certain routine that I follow in many venues of life that I will save you from having to read here.
11. I make 'To Do' lists almost every day.
12. Most things on those lists get carried over from day to day until I get a burst of energy and cross off a bunch of things in one day.
13. I have 25+ folders into which I organize my e-mails.
14. I (think) I graduated 9th (academically) out of 234 in my high school class.
15. I graduated cum laude from college.
16. I'm lucky God allowed me to borrow Jesus' brain on test days when I didn't/forgot to study. #s 14 & 15 were definite God moments.
17. I've been called to serve in ministry alongside my husband, who will be in full-time ministry.
18. I have a peace plant named Bradley (after the county in TN I used to live in) who I've only almost killed once. Those things are invincible.
19. I've been working pretty much continuously since the time I was 14-doctor's office, 3 real estate offices, music library at college, daycare, day camp, tutoring, teaching Spanish, nannying, accounting for construction company, university, and insurance office.
20. My very 1st car was a white, 1990 Geo Prism that I shared with my dad. My mom totaled it and that's when I got my Saturn.
21. My biggest fear when I first got my drivers' license was that I wouldn't be able to talk & drive at the same time. Ha! How wrong/naive I was. At present, I've been known to eat, talk on the phone, apply makeup, adjust the music and drive at the same time. :) I've got good insurance.
22. I love spring & autumn. The changing of seasons invigorates me. I love that 1st warm spring evening or that 1st cool autumn evening.
23. My favorite color is pink.
24. In my lifetime, I have broken an arm, a leg and a toe. Two of those injuries involved roller skates.
25. I've also stepped on a rusty nail and had to be on crutches for a few days.
26. I cried like a baby during the final episode of 90210.
27. I cried like a baby during the season premiere of the final season of ER-Pratt died. Seriously.
28. A little piece of my heart died when 7th Heaven went off the air. Thank God for re-runs.
29. I want to work in an environment like the one on "The Office". Some days, I think I already do. I mainly want to work there so I can participate in Office Olympics.
30. My 2nd car was a burgundy 1997 Saturn SL2. I loved that little car. It saw me through a lot-NC, TN & into TX. I retired her at 143,000 miles and bought my silver 2004 Honda CRV.
31. I am addicted to organization. Nothing satisfies me more than putting events on a calendar. :)
32. I was a vegetarian for about 7 years. During the first part, I was lacto-ovo (only dairy products) and the latter part, I ate chicken.
33. My mother blames my weight on the fact that I ate potatoes all the time during my veggie years.
34. I blame my weight on lack of portion control, lack of exercise, love of sweets and big bones.
35. I am slightly addicted to FOX News.
36. My mother also says I am a glutton when it comes to shoes & purses. I agree.
37. I took four years of French & four years of Spanish in high school.
38. I double minored in college in Religion and Spanish.
39. College for me = 5 years, 5 schools, 5 majors
40. My parents almost did a Jericho march when I graduated. (If you don't know what a Jericho march is, refer to Joshua 7.)
41. I don't really have a favorite flower. I love roses, lilies, tulips, and many, many more.
42. I talk to my Mom and/or Dad almost daily.
43. I fall hard for musicians-especially keyboardists.
44. I sing-probably considered a semi-high-church/semi-contemporary musician.
45. I wish I'd been blessed with 1/2 the piano talent of my father. He's amazing!
46. I wear a size 10 shoe.
47. I'm not telling my clothing size.
48. A famous saying between me and my mom is "What are mothers for?". I only hope I can say it to my daughter as much as she's said it to me.
49. My parents really are my heroes. I adore them beyond words.
50. My brothers are the comic relief in my life. Family dinners are the BEST at my house.
51. Sunday lunches after church are some of my favories memories of my childhood.
52. My dad was a twin. Since that gene is said to skip a generation, it is now my turn to have twins. : \
53. I find the greatest satisfaction in helping people.
54. Getting dirty in any form is not exactly my idea of a good time. Muddin'??? Playin' in the rain??? NO.
55. Yes, I'm one of those people who spend entirely too much money at Wal-Mart.
56. MySpace and I have a love/hate relationship-some days I think it's a great networking tool, others I think it's a tool of the devil. But you can still look me up at myspace.com/bbap1.
57. My dream car used to be a baby pink Cadillac Escalade with pink fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview. :)
58. I prefer sentimental & heartfelt over latest trend ANY day.
59. My dream job used to be the minister of music in my home church-I would just take over my dad's position after he retired.
60. I depend on other people in my life to keep me up to date on the latest music. I'm usually still listening to hits from 6 months to a year ago.
61. Confrontation causes me to hyperventilate. Really.
62. I love other people's beautiful children. Having my own? I'm not so sure yet.
63. During high school, I had a slight addiction to Pepsi. I've overcome it but sometimes I just have a craving for an ice-cold Pepsi. (Have you noticed that all of my addictions are "slight"?)
64. Things I have collected in the past: sunflowers, Winnie-the-Pooh, hippopotamuses/hippopotami/whatever the plural is. Yes, you read that right.
65. I was raised Southern Baptist (since my dad is an associate/music pastor) but am now a "tongue-talker" aka Pentecostal-Church of God. And no, Maidenites, I haven't taken "Tongue Talking 101" or "Snake Handling 101". Yet.
66. I have an abnormal fear of something happening to people close to me. When I was a kid, I would lay awake in my bed listening for the garage door to close so that I'd know everyone was safe at home. Now that I've moved away, I get a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach when anyone from my family calls me in the middle of the day. I just know that they're calling to give me awful news. So far...nothing.
67. I have never been to Disneyworld or Disneyland. Yes, I'm deprived.
68. To beat that, when I broke my leg in 5th grade, my parents told me that they had to use the money they were planning to use to take us to Disneyworld, to pay for my injury.
69. I have an abnormal fear of stopping under overpasses or on bridges while driving.
70. Yes, I do indeed enjoy Hip Hop Abs w/Shawn T & Tae Bo w/Billy.
71. Yes, it is funny to watch me do either. But it is funnier to watch me do pilates. :)
72. I love giving gifts. It's def my top love language. Unfortunately, my bank account accurately portrays this truth.
73. I am absolutely terrible at keeping up with friends via telephone. Ask any of the ones I have from my past-I need a support group.
74. A lady named Yami in NC used to give me pedicures and let me practice my Spanish at the same time. I miss those pedis!
75. While I love praise and worship music, there will always be a special place in my heart reserved for hymns. And my heart dances a little jig every time a contemporary Christian artist 'covers' a hymn.
76. I'm a closet granny-house-shoe wearer. You know, the ones that look like ballet slippers and have ribbons on the toe.
77. I possess a fondness for Mexican food, Italian food, and the occasional greasy bacon cheeseburger.
78. My palm treo phone is my LIFE. It has over 500 contact #s in it. Don't ask me why, it just does. I surprise myself with whose numbers I have.
79. I am NOT an animal person. When I was little, I killed every hamster, goldfish (2 I remember named Cletus & Willis), and bird I ever had. My brother and I even used to put our hamsters in those clear exercise balls and roll them down the stairs. Then we'd roll them up to the sliding glass door where our cat liked to sit. Yes, we were cruel. I realize that now.
80. I used to have a recurring nightmare in which a witch-like lady chased me and kept running after me making her fingers into a one inch square saying that if she caught me, she would cut me up into pieces that small.
81. My other recurring nightmare involved a tsunami on the beach. To this day, I am terrified by huge waves. And we won't even mention the movie The Day After Tomorrow.
82. I hate tuna.
83. My favorite fruit is the pomegranate. I love almost every fruit-minus raisins and prunes.
84. Pillsbury pumpkin bread mix is one of my absolute faves!
85. My fave cereal of the moment (which I sometimes eat for dinner) is Just Bunches by Post.
86. I still own and know how to use my VCR. And I still record shows on it because I'm too cheap to upgrade my cable and get DVR.
87. I've been out of the country once, to Brazil in 1998 when I was 14 on a mission trip with Brio magazine.
88. Screaming babies in public make me never want to have kids. Ever.
89. My all-time favorite restaurant is Zaxby's. I can't believe it didn't come up before now. Wow.
90. My two brothers and I were all born during church related events. I was born on the same day that my older brother was a ring bearer in a wedding and also on the day before the church homecoming. My older brother was born during the middle of revival. My little brother was born during VBS. (Mom, if that's not right, tell me.)
91. As a teenager, I got left at my best friend's house numerous times after church since she lived next door to the church. My mom would think I was with my dad and my dad would think I was with my mom.
92. If you don't like my driving, blame it on the fact that I thought I was cool as I practiced in the church parking lot in that 1990 Geo Prism. Would you believe that little car could do some pretty sweet donuts? :)
93. I have never seen the movie Titanic.
94. My blonde hair is from a bottle but it was very blonde-almost white-when I was very young.
95. Men's cologne is one of my favorite scents. If I could wear it and not be considered a freak, I totally would.
96. I consider myself to have a classic sense of style.
97. I used to dream of being a contemporary Christian musician. Or at least one of the few female bass guitar players.
98. Originally, I wanted a 5-carat, platinum ring from my future husband. My father talked me down to 3. I'm not sure how much lower I'm willing to go but I think with the right man, I'll gladly accept a Cracker Jack box ring.
99. Seeing leaves change their colors reminds me that my God is a master artist.
100. Every day I am reminded of how blessed I truly am. I serve a big God who is concerned with my smallest needs and is faithful to me even though I don't deserve it. I am surrounded by family and friends who love, support and encourage me through all my crazy antics and phases of life. I have never been in absolute need. I have shelter over my head, clothes on my back, food in my tummy and love in my heart. I owe all that I am and all that I have to the God of the universe, the Master of the sea, the Lover of my soul.
Blessings,
B
Psalm 139 1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. 19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! 20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
As if you didn't learn enough about me during TI30, here I am with this. It is a common practice in 'blogland' for writers to list 100 pieces of informationi about themselves to commemorate their 100th post. Well, I'm hitting that milestone and you're the lucky readers that get to learn more than you ever wanted to know about yours truly, moi.
So, ready or not, here we go...
1. Do not talk to me before I've had my shower in the morning. It won't be pretty.
2. I keep my toothbrush wrapped in a tissue to keep the other "bathroom germs" off it.
3. In order to keep other "bathroom germs" to a minimum, I only flush the toilet if the lid is down.
4. I have a discolored tooth due to a small indentation that was in said tooth. I had it filled my senior year of high school and the dentist matched the filler with my tooth color at the time. Let's just say, they're a lot whiter now. :)
5. I mix a minimum of 2 cereals together when I eat it-Great Value Toasted Oats (cheap-o Cheerios) & Just Bunches (of the famed Honey Bunches of Oats).
6. Growing up, my family always had 2 kinds of tea (sweet & unsweet) & 2 kinds of milk (skim & 1%) in our fridge.
7. I've kissed 7 guys in my lifetime.
8. I've only seriously dated 5 of said guys.
9. I once dated a guy I never kissed.
9. I have a certain routine that I follow in the shower (shampoo, condition, loofah, rinse conditioner, shave-on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, & Sundays, wash face).
10. I have a certain routine that I follow in many venues of life that I will save you from having to read here.
11. I make 'To Do' lists almost every day.
12. Most things on those lists get carried over from day to day until I get a burst of energy and cross off a bunch of things in one day.
13. I have 25+ folders into which I organize my e-mails.
14. I (think) I graduated 9th (academically) out of 234 in my high school class.
15. I graduated cum laude from college.
16. I'm lucky God allowed me to borrow Jesus' brain on test days when I didn't/forgot to study. #s 14 & 15 were definite God moments.
17. I've been called to serve in ministry alongside my husband, who will be in full-time ministry.
18. I have a peace plant named Bradley (after the county in TN I used to live in) who I've only almost killed once. Those things are invincible.
19. I've been working pretty much continuously since the time I was 14-doctor's office, 3 real estate offices, music library at college, daycare, day camp, tutoring, teaching Spanish, nannying, accounting for construction company, university, and insurance office.
20. My very 1st car was a white, 1990 Geo Prism that I shared with my dad. My mom totaled it and that's when I got my Saturn.
21. My biggest fear when I first got my drivers' license was that I wouldn't be able to talk & drive at the same time. Ha! How wrong/naive I was. At present, I've been known to eat, talk on the phone, apply makeup, adjust the music and drive at the same time. :) I've got good insurance.
22. I love spring & autumn. The changing of seasons invigorates me. I love that 1st warm spring evening or that 1st cool autumn evening.
23. My favorite color is pink.
24. In my lifetime, I have broken an arm, a leg and a toe. Two of those injuries involved roller skates.
25. I've also stepped on a rusty nail and had to be on crutches for a few days.
26. I cried like a baby during the final episode of 90210.
27. I cried like a baby during the season premiere of the final season of ER-Pratt died. Seriously.
28. A little piece of my heart died when 7th Heaven went off the air. Thank God for re-runs.
29. I want to work in an environment like the one on "The Office". Some days, I think I already do. I mainly want to work there so I can participate in Office Olympics.
30. My 2nd car was a burgundy 1997 Saturn SL2. I loved that little car. It saw me through a lot-NC, TN & into TX. I retired her at 143,000 miles and bought my silver 2004 Honda CRV.
31. I am addicted to organization. Nothing satisfies me more than putting events on a calendar. :)
32. I was a vegetarian for about 7 years. During the first part, I was lacto-ovo (only dairy products) and the latter part, I ate chicken.
33. My mother blames my weight on the fact that I ate potatoes all the time during my veggie years.
34. I blame my weight on lack of portion control, lack of exercise, love of sweets and big bones.
35. I am slightly addicted to FOX News.
36. My mother also says I am a glutton when it comes to shoes & purses. I agree.
37. I took four years of French & four years of Spanish in high school.
38. I double minored in college in Religion and Spanish.
39. College for me = 5 years, 5 schools, 5 majors
40. My parents almost did a Jericho march when I graduated. (If you don't know what a Jericho march is, refer to Joshua 7.)
41. I don't really have a favorite flower. I love roses, lilies, tulips, and many, many more.
42. I talk to my Mom and/or Dad almost daily.
43. I fall hard for musicians-especially keyboardists.
44. I sing-probably considered a semi-high-church/semi-contemporary musician.
45. I wish I'd been blessed with 1/2 the piano talent of my father. He's amazing!
46. I wear a size 10 shoe.
47. I'm not telling my clothing size.
48. A famous saying between me and my mom is "What are mothers for?". I only hope I can say it to my daughter as much as she's said it to me.
49. My parents really are my heroes. I adore them beyond words.
50. My brothers are the comic relief in my life. Family dinners are the BEST at my house.
51. Sunday lunches after church are some of my favories memories of my childhood.
52. My dad was a twin. Since that gene is said to skip a generation, it is now my turn to have twins. : \
53. I find the greatest satisfaction in helping people.
54. Getting dirty in any form is not exactly my idea of a good time. Muddin'??? Playin' in the rain??? NO.
55. Yes, I'm one of those people who spend entirely too much money at Wal-Mart.
56. MySpace and I have a love/hate relationship-some days I think it's a great networking tool, others I think it's a tool of the devil. But you can still look me up at myspace.com/bbap1.
57. My dream car used to be a baby pink Cadillac Escalade with pink fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview. :)
58. I prefer sentimental & heartfelt over latest trend ANY day.
59. My dream job used to be the minister of music in my home church-I would just take over my dad's position after he retired.
60. I depend on other people in my life to keep me up to date on the latest music. I'm usually still listening to hits from 6 months to a year ago.
61. Confrontation causes me to hyperventilate. Really.
62. I love other people's beautiful children. Having my own? I'm not so sure yet.
63. During high school, I had a slight addiction to Pepsi. I've overcome it but sometimes I just have a craving for an ice-cold Pepsi. (Have you noticed that all of my addictions are "slight"?)
64. Things I have collected in the past: sunflowers, Winnie-the-Pooh, hippopotamuses/hippopotami/whatever the plural is. Yes, you read that right.
65. I was raised Southern Baptist (since my dad is an associate/music pastor) but am now a "tongue-talker" aka Pentecostal-Church of God. And no, Maidenites, I haven't taken "Tongue Talking 101" or "Snake Handling 101". Yet.
66. I have an abnormal fear of something happening to people close to me. When I was a kid, I would lay awake in my bed listening for the garage door to close so that I'd know everyone was safe at home. Now that I've moved away, I get a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach when anyone from my family calls me in the middle of the day. I just know that they're calling to give me awful news. So far...nothing.
67. I have never been to Disneyworld or Disneyland. Yes, I'm deprived.
68. To beat that, when I broke my leg in 5th grade, my parents told me that they had to use the money they were planning to use to take us to Disneyworld, to pay for my injury.
69. I have an abnormal fear of stopping under overpasses or on bridges while driving.
70. Yes, I do indeed enjoy Hip Hop Abs w/Shawn T & Tae Bo w/Billy.
71. Yes, it is funny to watch me do either. But it is funnier to watch me do pilates. :)
72. I love giving gifts. It's def my top love language. Unfortunately, my bank account accurately portrays this truth.
73. I am absolutely terrible at keeping up with friends via telephone. Ask any of the ones I have from my past-I need a support group.
74. A lady named Yami in NC used to give me pedicures and let me practice my Spanish at the same time. I miss those pedis!
75. While I love praise and worship music, there will always be a special place in my heart reserved for hymns. And my heart dances a little jig every time a contemporary Christian artist 'covers' a hymn.
76. I'm a closet granny-house-shoe wearer. You know, the ones that look like ballet slippers and have ribbons on the toe.
77. I possess a fondness for Mexican food, Italian food, and the occasional greasy bacon cheeseburger.
78. My palm treo phone is my LIFE. It has over 500 contact #s in it. Don't ask me why, it just does. I surprise myself with whose numbers I have.
79. I am NOT an animal person. When I was little, I killed every hamster, goldfish (2 I remember named Cletus & Willis), and bird I ever had. My brother and I even used to put our hamsters in those clear exercise balls and roll them down the stairs. Then we'd roll them up to the sliding glass door where our cat liked to sit. Yes, we were cruel. I realize that now.
80. I used to have a recurring nightmare in which a witch-like lady chased me and kept running after me making her fingers into a one inch square saying that if she caught me, she would cut me up into pieces that small.
81. My other recurring nightmare involved a tsunami on the beach. To this day, I am terrified by huge waves. And we won't even mention the movie The Day After Tomorrow.
82. I hate tuna.
83. My favorite fruit is the pomegranate. I love almost every fruit-minus raisins and prunes.
84. Pillsbury pumpkin bread mix is one of my absolute faves!
85. My fave cereal of the moment (which I sometimes eat for dinner) is Just Bunches by Post.
86. I still own and know how to use my VCR. And I still record shows on it because I'm too cheap to upgrade my cable and get DVR.
87. I've been out of the country once, to Brazil in 1998 when I was 14 on a mission trip with Brio magazine.
88. Screaming babies in public make me never want to have kids. Ever.
89. My all-time favorite restaurant is Zaxby's. I can't believe it didn't come up before now. Wow.
90. My two brothers and I were all born during church related events. I was born on the same day that my older brother was a ring bearer in a wedding and also on the day before the church homecoming. My older brother was born during the middle of revival. My little brother was born during VBS. (Mom, if that's not right, tell me.)
91. As a teenager, I got left at my best friend's house numerous times after church since she lived next door to the church. My mom would think I was with my dad and my dad would think I was with my mom.
92. If you don't like my driving, blame it on the fact that I thought I was cool as I practiced in the church parking lot in that 1990 Geo Prism. Would you believe that little car could do some pretty sweet donuts? :)
93. I have never seen the movie Titanic.
94. My blonde hair is from a bottle but it was very blonde-almost white-when I was very young.
95. Men's cologne is one of my favorite scents. If I could wear it and not be considered a freak, I totally would.
96. I consider myself to have a classic sense of style.
97. I used to dream of being a contemporary Christian musician. Or at least one of the few female bass guitar players.
98. Originally, I wanted a 5-carat, platinum ring from my future husband. My father talked me down to 3. I'm not sure how much lower I'm willing to go but I think with the right man, I'll gladly accept a Cracker Jack box ring.
99. Seeing leaves change their colors reminds me that my God is a master artist.
100. Every day I am reminded of how blessed I truly am. I serve a big God who is concerned with my smallest needs and is faithful to me even though I don't deserve it. I am surrounded by family and friends who love, support and encourage me through all my crazy antics and phases of life. I have never been in absolute need. I have shelter over my head, clothes on my back, food in my tummy and love in my heart. I owe all that I am and all that I have to the God of the universe, the Master of the sea, the Lover of my soul.
Blessings,
B
Psalm 139 1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. 5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. 19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! 20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Advice Overload
When it comes to important, life-altering decisions, I love getting advice from other people. Problem is, I love getting advice from other people so much that I sometimes lose my own opinion and voice among all the others I'm hearing. Biggest problem is, I forget to seek advice from the only person who knows the final outcome of my life-the Lord.
I've been stretched to my emotional limit max as of late and haven't dealt with it well. There are so many situations that are very unstable in my life right now and as a result of that instability, I have become an unstable person. I know I've been running the opposite direction of the way I need to be but life (for many people including myself) has gotten so hard lately.
So now, I'm searching for what I feel, what I want, what I need. And I don't really want any more unsolicited (and at times, even solicited) advice. Because that just results in me feeling very torn between what I feel, in both my head and my heart, and the other opinions that are expressed. I've got to seek the ultimate Organizer of my life, my Agent. I need to find out what He has me scheduled for so that I can hurry up and get on with it.
I realize this hasn't been the most uplifting post (and it may not have made any sense to some of you reading) but I'm not really sorry about it. We all have ups and downs, good and bad. Today just happens to be one of my "off" days. And now that I'm taking a stand and am going to make a conscientious effort to be more of the woman God created me to be, I'm expecting the turnaround. And the God I serve, is large and in charge-of my life and my future.
I've been stretched to my emotional limit max as of late and haven't dealt with it well. There are so many situations that are very unstable in my life right now and as a result of that instability, I have become an unstable person. I know I've been running the opposite direction of the way I need to be but life (for many people including myself) has gotten so hard lately.
So now, I'm searching for what I feel, what I want, what I need. And I don't really want any more unsolicited (and at times, even solicited) advice. Because that just results in me feeling very torn between what I feel, in both my head and my heart, and the other opinions that are expressed. I've got to seek the ultimate Organizer of my life, my Agent. I need to find out what He has me scheduled for so that I can hurry up and get on with it.
I realize this hasn't been the most uplifting post (and it may not have made any sense to some of you reading) but I'm not really sorry about it. We all have ups and downs, good and bad. Today just happens to be one of my "off" days. And now that I'm taking a stand and am going to make a conscientious effort to be more of the woman God created me to be, I'm expecting the turnaround. And the God I serve, is large and in charge-of my life and my future.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Political Sentiments
Just a quick political rant. I try not to share too many of my political views lest it be proven that I am a politcal novice-even though the whole government/political scene really intrigues me.
While watching The O'Reilly Factor (hosted by FOX news' Bill O'Reilly) I was struck with this brilliant idea:
Bill O'Reilly should run for president.
Honestly people, I'm starting to agree with some of my colleagues who expressed this sentiment yesterday: Out of more than 300 million residents of the United States, are Obama & McCain really the best candidates we have to offer for President? Like many people I converse with, I am not impressed with either option. Neither one has made any profound presentation that has won my devout loyalty and so, with the rest of America, I wait. And I pray. And then I wait some more.
But as I watched Mr. O'Reilly last night, I really identified with his passion and zeal to help the average American people. His re-cap of the debate and how he desired for both senators to express some aggression in their road to the White House was exactly how I felt. I wasn't able to watch much of the debate when it aired live but the clips I've seen and the coverage the election has received since have not shown me a person who is going to stand up and fight for anything. Understandably, a candidate must have an even-temper and not be easily angered but I believe even just a little emotion is not just appropriate but is called for.
So Bill, when are you gonna go out on a limb and and take the chance??? I know you've already got my vote!
While watching The O'Reilly Factor (hosted by FOX news' Bill O'Reilly) I was struck with this brilliant idea:
Bill O'Reilly should run for president.
Honestly people, I'm starting to agree with some of my colleagues who expressed this sentiment yesterday: Out of more than 300 million residents of the United States, are Obama & McCain really the best candidates we have to offer for President? Like many people I converse with, I am not impressed with either option. Neither one has made any profound presentation that has won my devout loyalty and so, with the rest of America, I wait. And I pray. And then I wait some more.
But as I watched Mr. O'Reilly last night, I really identified with his passion and zeal to help the average American people. His re-cap of the debate and how he desired for both senators to express some aggression in their road to the White House was exactly how I felt. I wasn't able to watch much of the debate when it aired live but the clips I've seen and the coverage the election has received since have not shown me a person who is going to stand up and fight for anything. Understandably, a candidate must have an even-temper and not be easily angered but I believe even just a little emotion is not just appropriate but is called for.
So Bill, when are you gonna go out on a limb and and take the chance??? I know you've already got my vote!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Happy Hump Day
Now that TI30 is over, I don't really know what to write about? What did I write about before TI30??? ... Oh yeah, not much of anything.
This week has been fairly calm-thanktheLord. After a chaotic past few weeks (no, mom & dad, you didn't make things chaotic), I'm ready to be back in my routine. Isn't that funny? How most of the time, we long for something different, something exciting and then when something different and exciting happens, we want things to get back to "normal"? Ok, maybe you don't feel that way but I do. I am a closet creature of habit. :) That's just my personality-perhaps because I'm a planner and want things mapped out. So when something throws a kink in the plans, I get a little uptight.
I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately. Trying to figure out what the next step is for me, where my future is headed. I'll admit, I've wandered around a bit attempting to create my own path myself but I've recently rediscovered the Way and am learning to embrace His plan and His will. It's not easy for someone like me to trust. I don't suppose it's easy for any of us to trust a Being we've never seen, never touched. But I believe that's the purpose of faith. If we had seen and had touched our Creator, how hard would it be to trust Him? But our beliefs are tested by the challenge to put our hand in His and take the next step with each new day.
I'll also admit I haven't done so great with taking His hand every day here lately. It's seemed so much easier to walk in front of Him, me leading as He follows and watches. That's my comfort zone-me taking the lead and being in charge and letting Him just observe. Even though I know that's not the intended plan for my life, it just seems to come so naturally-as I guess it should since He created us to be beings of choice. But you know what has happened? Sure, I've been happy during the process with being able to lead myself and make my own decisions. But I've been very dissatisfied with the end results. At the close of every day, I long to see an area where I made a difference or truly accomplished something of worth. But I have nothing to show for all my toil. Why? Because although I did everything the way I wanted to, I did it my way-instead of under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
So I'm working on that-taking time to hear direction from God and then acting on it rather than taking action and hoping it fits into God's plan for me. I believe I will feel a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment-not that I should boast anyway. It's not I who lives, it's Christ in me. (Galatians 2:20) So as I seek to correct my mistakes, please show a little grace with me. It will go a long way. And the amount of grace that you show to me, I'll be happy to return.
Here's to praying the Lord will lead you instead of just observe you.
Blessings,
B
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
This week has been fairly calm-thanktheLord. After a chaotic past few weeks (no, mom & dad, you didn't make things chaotic), I'm ready to be back in my routine. Isn't that funny? How most of the time, we long for something different, something exciting and then when something different and exciting happens, we want things to get back to "normal"? Ok, maybe you don't feel that way but I do. I am a closet creature of habit. :) That's just my personality-perhaps because I'm a planner and want things mapped out. So when something throws a kink in the plans, I get a little uptight.
I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately. Trying to figure out what the next step is for me, where my future is headed. I'll admit, I've wandered around a bit attempting to create my own path myself but I've recently rediscovered the Way and am learning to embrace His plan and His will. It's not easy for someone like me to trust. I don't suppose it's easy for any of us to trust a Being we've never seen, never touched. But I believe that's the purpose of faith. If we had seen and had touched our Creator, how hard would it be to trust Him? But our beliefs are tested by the challenge to put our hand in His and take the next step with each new day.
I'll also admit I haven't done so great with taking His hand every day here lately. It's seemed so much easier to walk in front of Him, me leading as He follows and watches. That's my comfort zone-me taking the lead and being in charge and letting Him just observe. Even though I know that's not the intended plan for my life, it just seems to come so naturally-as I guess it should since He created us to be beings of choice. But you know what has happened? Sure, I've been happy during the process with being able to lead myself and make my own decisions. But I've been very dissatisfied with the end results. At the close of every day, I long to see an area where I made a difference or truly accomplished something of worth. But I have nothing to show for all my toil. Why? Because although I did everything the way I wanted to, I did it my way-instead of under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
So I'm working on that-taking time to hear direction from God and then acting on it rather than taking action and hoping it fits into God's plan for me. I believe I will feel a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment-not that I should boast anyway. It's not I who lives, it's Christ in me. (Galatians 2:20) So as I seek to correct my mistakes, please show a little grace with me. It will go a long way. And the amount of grace that you show to me, I'll be happy to return.
Here's to praying the Lord will lead you instead of just observe you.
Blessings,
B
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Birthday Blast
I am officially old. Or at least I feel old.
When I celebrated my quarter-century birthday Wednesday, I was still pretty sore from my fall at Grandmother's. So I felt a little older than I actually was. But in spite of my body making promises it couldn't keep, the birthday was FABULOUS!
Yes, I showed up to work late. But that didn't deter the celebration. My co-workers had decorated my work space and had red velvet cake waiting. YUM :) They even bought me some pink tulips that were beautiful. Not to mention, the 2 people I work with in commercial lines were gone to CE so I had the back office to myself. (I had told the girls I wished for a day of peace and quiet and I acutally got it.)
Mom, Dad & Grandmother showed up at my office with 25 pink balloons and a birthday brownie.
Not for me but for my co-workers (the brownie that is).
Dad toured the office while Mom & Grandmother sampled the brownie and then we came to my house. They unloaded the car and checked out the place and we just kind of hung out for a bit. Z showed up and we headed to lunch. 24th Street was great-as usual and afterward we picked up the cake. It was sooo pretty-I just adore A Piece of Cake! Definitely the best bakery in town.
After coming back home, we spent the afternoon just chatting and spending time together. Since Z was just meeting the 'rents for the 1st time, we thought it would be good just to take it easy. So while Grandmother napped, we talked. Then Dad, Z & I headed to Wal-Mart and picked up a few things. After we got back, Mom prepared the biggest birthday spread I've ever had. We had breaded chicken, hash brown potato casserole, steamed broccoli, butter beans, fried okra, crescent rolls, and strawberry pretzel salad. It was all SOOO tasty and I am just finishing up the leftovers today. Afterward we enjoyed cake and Braum's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and just relaxed. I took Z over to Dustie's, where he would spend the night, and Dad & I went and saw the church as he hadn't seen it post-renovation. We returned home and headed to bed.
Well, I was headed to bed until Matt called. We talked for a couple hours and it was so good to catch up. Though I know I'll never go back to the Cleveland area, I sure do miss him. We had such good times together and I'm grateful for our friendship. Hopefully a reunion is in the near future for us-Texas style. :)
*************************************
I'm sad for Mom & Dad to return to NC today but know that change is in store for all of us. More on that in a later post. It was such a refreshing time to have them here. And they officially have won the Best Parents of the Century award. I mean, do you know any other parents who would take a week of vacation to drive halfway across the country just to celebrate their daughters' birthday? Even if you do, they aren't 1/2 as cool as my parents. :)
*************************************
Z's birthday was yesterday. He had put in to be off from work from the 1st through the 4th and so he was able to stay here until early yesterday morning. I love him so much. After meeting my parents, I can't tell you the relief I felt and definitely feel things are heading in the right direction. We have some praying to do about the future but I trust the Lord has a divine plan for both of us.
Reasons # 5,814,927 & 5,814,928 why I love Z: his ipod tutor session w/Dad, he & Dad doing the dishes from dinner...
I dare you to tell me I don't have a perfect boyfriend! Love you Z!
Ok, I absolutely MUST sign off. I have a Sunday School lesson to prepare, nails to manicure, gifts to prepare, and a house to straighten. My prayers are for the Lord's blessings to overflow on each of you tomorrow as we gather in our individual houses of worship to praise the Ancient of Days. To Him be all blessing and honor and glory and power forever!
~B
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2
When I celebrated my quarter-century birthday Wednesday, I was still pretty sore from my fall at Grandmother's. So I felt a little older than I actually was. But in spite of my body making promises it couldn't keep, the birthday was FABULOUS!
Yes, I showed up to work late. But that didn't deter the celebration. My co-workers had decorated my work space and had red velvet cake waiting. YUM :) They even bought me some pink tulips that were beautiful. Not to mention, the 2 people I work with in commercial lines were gone to CE so I had the back office to myself. (I had told the girls I wished for a day of peace and quiet and I acutally got it.)
Mom, Dad & Grandmother showed up at my office with 25 pink balloons and a birthday brownie.
Not for me but for my co-workers (the brownie that is).
Dad toured the office while Mom & Grandmother sampled the brownie and then we came to my house. They unloaded the car and checked out the place and we just kind of hung out for a bit. Z showed up and we headed to lunch. 24th Street was great-as usual and afterward we picked up the cake. It was sooo pretty-I just adore A Piece of Cake! Definitely the best bakery in town.
Well, I was headed to bed until Matt called. We talked for a couple hours and it was so good to catch up. Though I know I'll never go back to the Cleveland area, I sure do miss him. We had such good times together and I'm grateful for our friendship. Hopefully a reunion is in the near future for us-Texas style. :)
*************************************
I'm sad for Mom & Dad to return to NC today but know that change is in store for all of us. More on that in a later post. It was such a refreshing time to have them here. And they officially have won the Best Parents of the Century award. I mean, do you know any other parents who would take a week of vacation to drive halfway across the country just to celebrate their daughters' birthday? Even if you do, they aren't 1/2 as cool as my parents. :)
*************************************
Z's birthday was yesterday. He had put in to be off from work from the 1st through the 4th and so he was able to stay here until early yesterday morning. I love him so much. After meeting my parents, I can't tell you the relief I felt and definitely feel things are heading in the right direction. We have some praying to do about the future but I trust the Lord has a divine plan for both of us.
Reasons # 5,814,927 & 5,814,928 why I love Z: his ipod tutor session w/Dad, he & Dad doing the dishes from dinner...
I dare you to tell me I don't have a perfect boyfriend! Love you Z!
Ok, I absolutely MUST sign off. I have a Sunday School lesson to prepare, nails to manicure, gifts to prepare, and a house to straighten. My prayers are for the Lord's blessings to overflow on each of you tomorrow as we gather in our individual houses of worship to praise the Ancient of Days. To Him be all blessing and honor and glory and power forever!
~B
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2
A Re-Cap: Part V
THE GRAND FINALE
Tuesday, September 30, Day 30
The last day of TI30 and even though I didn't have time to post (I mean, my parents were coming the next day and my house was nowhere near being ready for them not to mention I had NO groceries and also need to pick up some birthday items for a certain someone) I definitely reflected over the past month. I'm SO, SO, SO glad that I took the time to do Thankful in 30. I've learned that some days, life will abound with things to be grateful for and God is good and you really feel that He's on the throne and you just want to say 'thank you' to everyone you meet everywhere you go. But other days, life is lemons and it seems impossible to find the water and sugar to make the lemonade (aka it seems impossible to find even the smallest thing to be thankful for).
Regardless of whether the day is good or bad, a life of thankfulness is a choice. As I'm learning with a lot feelings. But the 2 that I am really working on are joy and gratitude. A life of joy is a choice-I must make the choice to live in joy every day. I must make the choice to be thankful-for whatever God has blessed me with-every day. The gifts of breath and life are the very least that I can be thankful for-not to mention all the things above and beyond those that God grants me. And so, as I conclude my month of TI30, while I may not continue to physically write 3 things each day that I'm grateful for, I will attempt to continue this attitude of gratitude well into the future.
1. I am thankful to the Lord for the gift of each new day, for the life and breath He provides me, for the opportunity I am given to live for His glory every day. While I haven't been very faithful to taking advantage of those opportunities in the past, I really have a desire to do so from here on out. I know that each day that God leaves me on His earth contains a task for me to complete while I'm here.
2. However, to know the task I am to complete for God, I must know Him. And so, I am thankful for yet another chance to restore my relationship with Him. I have a lot of personal issues to work through but I can't forget that my relationship with Him is just that-me & Him. Noone else. And so, Lord, help me to trust You-even when I don't want to, even with things I want to fix myself. You are in control and I am not the general manager of the universe. (But if you ever have a vacancy, let me know. I'd love to apply!)
3. Lastly, I'm so, so, so thankful for the fabulous family, friends, and boyfriend that surround me each day. From church, to work, to home (TN, NC, VA, TX, GA, etc.), I am definitely blessed and consider myself favored by God for such great gifts of friendship and family. He is so good to me even though I am EXTREMELY undeserving. I only pray I can be as much of a blessing to all of my loved ones as they are to me.
And with that, TI30 is finished.
Now it's your turn to count your blessings & name them one by one...
Blessings innumerable,
B
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Tuesday, September 30, Day 30
The last day of TI30 and even though I didn't have time to post (I mean, my parents were coming the next day and my house was nowhere near being ready for them not to mention I had NO groceries and also need to pick up some birthday items for a certain someone) I definitely reflected over the past month. I'm SO, SO, SO glad that I took the time to do Thankful in 30. I've learned that some days, life will abound with things to be grateful for and God is good and you really feel that He's on the throne and you just want to say 'thank you' to everyone you meet everywhere you go. But other days, life is lemons and it seems impossible to find the water and sugar to make the lemonade (aka it seems impossible to find even the smallest thing to be thankful for).
Regardless of whether the day is good or bad, a life of thankfulness is a choice. As I'm learning with a lot feelings. But the 2 that I am really working on are joy and gratitude. A life of joy is a choice-I must make the choice to live in joy every day. I must make the choice to be thankful-for whatever God has blessed me with-every day. The gifts of breath and life are the very least that I can be thankful for-not to mention all the things above and beyond those that God grants me. And so, as I conclude my month of TI30, while I may not continue to physically write 3 things each day that I'm grateful for, I will attempt to continue this attitude of gratitude well into the future.
1. I am thankful to the Lord for the gift of each new day, for the life and breath He provides me, for the opportunity I am given to live for His glory every day. While I haven't been very faithful to taking advantage of those opportunities in the past, I really have a desire to do so from here on out. I know that each day that God leaves me on His earth contains a task for me to complete while I'm here.
2. However, to know the task I am to complete for God, I must know Him. And so, I am thankful for yet another chance to restore my relationship with Him. I have a lot of personal issues to work through but I can't forget that my relationship with Him is just that-me & Him. Noone else. And so, Lord, help me to trust You-even when I don't want to, even with things I want to fix myself. You are in control and I am not the general manager of the universe. (But if you ever have a vacancy, let me know. I'd love to apply!)
3. Lastly, I'm so, so, so thankful for the fabulous family, friends, and boyfriend that surround me each day. From church, to work, to home (TN, NC, VA, TX, GA, etc.), I am definitely blessed and consider myself favored by God for such great gifts of friendship and family. He is so good to me even though I am EXTREMELY undeserving. I only pray I can be as much of a blessing to all of my loved ones as they are to me.
And with that, TI30 is finished.
Now it's your turn to count your blessings & name them one by one...
Blessings innumerable,
B
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
A Re-Cap: Part IV
Monday, September 29, Day 29
1. I'm oh-so-thankful for birthdayweek month. It excuses me from eating anything healthy and I don't feel quite as bad for not working out.
(At the time I'm writing this, I really don't remember all that much about Monday. But I'm trying here, folks.)
2. I'm very thankful for my car. Since I mailed off my car payment Monday, it reminded me to not resent writing that check out quite as much if I remained thankful for the ability to even have that car. I'm truly blessed.
3. A clean house is definitely something I'm thankful for. With Mom, Dad, Grandmother, & Z coming, and with having been so out of it last week, I'm glad I even have the energy to clean. It will be so nice to sit back and relax in a clean house.
Blessings,
B
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1. I'm oh-so-thankful for birthday
(At the time I'm writing this, I really don't remember all that much about Monday. But I'm trying here, folks.)
2. I'm very thankful for my car. Since I mailed off my car payment Monday, it reminded me to not resent writing that check out quite as much if I remained thankful for the ability to even have that car. I'm truly blessed.
3. A clean house is definitely something I'm thankful for. With Mom, Dad, Grandmother, & Z coming, and with having been so out of it last week, I'm glad I even have the energy to clean. It will be so nice to sit back and relax in a clean house.
Blessings,
B
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
INSERT
I apologize now for the varying text sizes & fonts. I'm not sure how to fix it as I've tried all I can but please keep reading. I'll try to keep working on it. Thanks!
A Re-Cap: Part III
Sunday, September 28, Day 281. I'm VERY thankful for good hair days. My family is obsessed with taking pictures at any major family function any time more than 2 of us are together. Several of us together at Grandmother's for the weekend=PHOTO SHOOT. So I'm glad that sometimes, my hair occasionally decides to do what it's supposed to.
2. The past few weeks have been so abnormal with traveling so much and being sick, I haven't exactly been the model Christian when it comes to keeping in touch with God. Have I felt bad about it? Oh yeah. Have I felt bad enough about it to take action? Apparently not. But that's when I'm reminded that I serve such an awesome God. He gives us weekly opportunities to worship Him with fellow believers. Sunday, sitting in the worship service at First Baptist Church of Henderson, Texas, I was slapped across the face with this truth that I've heard 1,000 times: "When you feel that God is distant, it is not Him who has moved." And so, it's time for me to take the plunge. Either get with it or get out. There's not room or time for me to keep trying to live a Christian lifestyle that is little more than just moral & ethical. I can't keep equating church work with loving God. And just because I'm serving Him doesn't mean I know Him. So here I go again, trying to talk to and hear from Him more than doing for Him.
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' ~Matthew 7:21-23
3. I'm so thankful for protection even when I'm a klutz. I fell carrying some items from Grandmother's house to my car and went down HARD. I busted both knees-bad bruise on the left, big scrape on the right-and hit my hands and elbows fairly hard. Thankfully, nothing major. Just soreness and pain-ALL OVER MY BODY-the next day. :) But no broken bones. YAY!
Blessings,
BGive thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
2. The past few weeks have been so abnormal with traveling so much and being sick, I haven't exactly been the model Christian when it comes to keeping in touch with God. Have I felt bad about it? Oh yeah. Have I felt bad enough about it to take action? Apparently not. But that's when I'm reminded that I serve such an awesome God. He gives us weekly opportunities to worship Him with fellow believers. Sunday, sitting in the worship service at First Baptist Church of Henderson, Texas, I was slapped across the face with this truth that I've heard 1,000 times: "When you feel that God is distant, it is not Him who has moved." And so, it's time for me to take the plunge. Either get with it or get out. There's not room or time for me to keep trying to live a Christian lifestyle that is little more than just moral & ethical. I can't keep equating church work with loving God. And just because I'm serving Him doesn't mean I know Him. So here I go again, trying to talk to and hear from Him more than doing for Him.
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' ~Matthew 7:21-23
3. I'm so thankful for protection even when I'm a klutz. I fell carrying some items from Grandmother's house to my car and went down HARD. I busted both knees-bad bruise on the left, big scrape on the right-and hit my hands and elbows fairly hard. Thankfully, nothing major. Just soreness and pain-ALL OVER MY BODY-the next day. :) But no broken bones. YAY!
Blessings,
BGive thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
A Re-Cap: Part II
Saturday, September 27, Day 27
1. I am SO thankful for home cooking. Since I live alone, I don't take time very often to cook "good" meals for myself. Most of the time, I'm eating nachos or a bowl of cereal for dinner. But being at Grandmother's with Mom & Dad (& aunt & cousin) proved to be an occasion to cook. Not surprisingly, Grandmother prepared several meals before any of us arrived and boy, did we eat well!?! We had mock lasanga, chicken casserole, ham, roast & potatoes & carrots, hashbrown casserole, broccoli, green peas, chile pie, pound cake, chocolate pie, cherry cobbler......SO GOOD! Do I have to go home to my cereal & nachos?
2. I'm thankful for chairs! I know it sounds crazy but here's the short version of a LONG story...
When I graduated from college, I moved into my first place-a duplex in a quiet subdivision in Cleveland. Since I had basically no living/dining furniture, my parents and I shopped around at several local antique stores during one of their visits one weekend. At my favorite store, I purchased a small cabinet (that I planned to convert into a kitchen island), a Bentwood rocker (that I ADORE-only $30) and a wooden dining table (with ugly metal chairs-$80). I ended up selling the ugly chairs to another antique store-recooping a bit of the money-and was left with this beautiful (to me) rectangular oak table with white legs. Since that time (May 2006), I've been on the hunt for the perfect chairs to go with the table. I've considered many different kinds and have actually found some that I liked but it was usually that they were far too expensive or if the price was right, the chairs were UGLY!
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago...Dad and I were talking one night and he mentioned that his church had ordered new chairs for their fellowship hall and were also replacing the wooden, slatted, ladder-style chairs in several of their Sunday School rooms as well as their library. I was semi-kidding when I told him to save 6 for me but he did. And he brought them to me when he & mom came down to visit this week. I had a little doubt about the wood of the chairs matching the wood of the table but I have to say, when I got them home, they looked FANTASTIC! I love them. The woods match almost perfectly and they really complete the dining look in my home much better than the padded metal chairs I had borrowed from the church. Now I just need to find cushions and perhaps placemats and then everything really will be complete. (Granted, that task could take me equally as long-over 2 years-but still...)
So yeah, I'm so thankful for chairs.
3. This sounds crazy but I'm very thankful for caffeine. Talk about having the WORST headache. I definitely did today until I got some Coke Zero in me. I guess I've become a little addicted since I drink a cup of coffee every morning at work and Saturdays are hard if I don't have something with caffeine before noon. I'm very thankful for Coke Zero and the power it has to soothe my headaches. :)
Blessings,
B
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1. I am SO thankful for home cooking. Since I live alone, I don't take time very often to cook "good" meals for myself. Most of the time, I'm eating nachos or a bowl of cereal for dinner. But being at Grandmother's with Mom & Dad (& aunt & cousin) proved to be an occasion to cook. Not surprisingly, Grandmother prepared several meals before any of us arrived and boy, did we eat well!?! We had mock lasanga, chicken casserole, ham, roast & potatoes & carrots, hashbrown casserole, broccoli, green peas, chile pie, pound cake, chocolate pie, cherry cobbler......SO GOOD! Do I have to go home to my cereal & nachos?
2. I'm thankful for chairs! I know it sounds crazy but here's the short version of a LONG story...
When I graduated from college, I moved into my first place-a duplex in a quiet subdivision in Cleveland. Since I had basically no living/dining furniture, my parents and I shopped around at several local antique stores during one of their visits one weekend. At my favorite store, I purchased a small cabinet (that I planned to convert into a kitchen island), a Bentwood rocker (that I ADORE-only $30) and a wooden dining table (with ugly metal chairs-$80). I ended up selling the ugly chairs to another antique store-recooping a bit of the money-and was left with this beautiful (to me) rectangular oak table with white legs. Since that time (May 2006), I've been on the hunt for the perfect chairs to go with the table. I've considered many different kinds and have actually found some that I liked but it was usually that they were far too expensive or if the price was right, the chairs were UGLY!
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago...Dad and I were talking one night and he mentioned that his church had ordered new chairs for their fellowship hall and were also replacing the wooden, slatted, ladder-style chairs in several of their Sunday School rooms as well as their library. I was semi-kidding when I told him to save 6 for me but he did. And he brought them to me when he & mom came down to visit this week. I had a little doubt about the wood of the chairs matching the wood of the table but I have to say, when I got them home, they looked FANTASTIC! I love them. The woods match almost perfectly and they really complete the dining look in my home much better than the padded metal chairs I had borrowed from the church. Now I just need to find cushions and perhaps placemats and then everything really will be complete. (Granted, that task could take me equally as long-over 2 years-but still...)
So yeah, I'm so thankful for chairs.
3. This sounds crazy but I'm very thankful for caffeine. Talk about having the WORST headache. I definitely did today until I got some Coke Zero in me. I guess I've become a little addicted since I drink a cup of coffee every morning at work and Saturdays are hard if I don't have something with caffeine before noon. I'm very thankful for Coke Zero and the power it has to soothe my headaches. :)
Blessings,
B
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
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