Now, where was I?

It's been a wild 10 days. I've been to NC and back which means I've been to Dallas and back. It was a busy trip-or at least it felt that way. Here's how the past week and a half have gone in my world.

*Monday, 12/22/08
Had a good, busy day at work and left immediately after to go to DFW to see Z. Arrived safely and celebrated Christmas with him and his family. Went out to dinner at BJ's-a great pizza/sports bar in Arlington. They have the BEST pizza! Headed back to his house and did a photo shoot with him and his siblings. They are so fun! Had some of the Coldstone ice cream he got me and then hit the sheets.

*Tuesday, 12/23/08
Left DFW east bound and arrived in the Tarheel state at noon. The airport and traffic were total chaos but I ended up sitting next to a guy my age from Tyler so he filled me in on the events and attractions of my future home. Upon arrival, after a quick stop at Panera for a baker's dozen of their Cinnamon Crunch bagels (which is becoming a tradition), we headed home. Both brothers & sis-in-law had already arrived and Grandma had been there for a week. Was super tired from getting up so early & traveling so managed a short nap after lunch. Then headed out for some last minute shopping with the whole fam minus Gma & Dad. Never want to do that again. Came home, had pizza for dinner then opened presents with older bro & SIL as they were heading to her parents' house the next day. Got some great stuff, all from my list so that was good. Fell asleep on the couch with bros watching tv and chatting around 1am.

*Wednesday, 12/24/08 CHRISTMAS EVE
Got up late at 7:30 since I was supposed to pick Dad up from a minor medical procedure at 8am. Headed to get him & we had some father/daughter time. Ate breakfast & shopped for a bit then headed home. Hung out for a while until bro & SIL left and then went out last minute shopping AGAIN w/mom and little bro. Not so fun but really not as bad as I expected. Finished up then headed to Christmas Eve service at church where I sang a couple songs. It was a good service. Came home, ate dinner and just hung out until bedtime.

*Thursday, 12/25/08 CHRISTMAS DAY
Woke up around 9:30 and just sat for a while with mom til others started to wake up. Watched tv and ate breakfast then just enjoyed laying around in my pj's. Finally got a shower and we opened presents around 2. It was a good Christmas-I got all I asked for and more and the time spent with family was priceless. Stayed up watching tv & hanging around the house after bro & his gf left around 9.

*Friday, 12/26/08
I like to refer to this day as the "Post-Christmas Crash"-the day when everyone realizes the Big Day is over and 'real life' has begun it's trek back. Just did a little shopping with Mom, Gma & Dad & ate the BEST Mexican food EVER. Although, I think that's probably just because I've had to eat Tex-Mex for the past 16 months. I LOVE real Mexican though and I think it's because I LOVE white cheese sauce. I've seriously considered buying some from Moe's and bringing it home and probably will soon. So after great Mexican, we headed home to relax and enjoy the evening.

*Saturday, 12/27/08
The Post-Christmas Crash is in full swing but Mom and I ventured out early for a little Christmas surprise-manicures at Dashing Diva. We had a good time together and I really enjoyed just being with her. She's a lot of fun and I really enjoy her company. After lunch at home, we went out shopping for a bit and then went home and I went back out with Dad. Had a touch of the holiday letdown and stayed up way too late.

*Sunday, 12/28/08
Church time came early but it was a good service and lunch was grand-I finally got chicken & hashbrowns. Mix that with broccoli cornbread, leftover sweet potatoes and butter beans and that's a feast folks. Spent the afternoon napping and watched "The Notebook" with the fam that night. Packed, did a little laundry, and hit the sheets in preparation for my travel back.

*Monday, 12/29/08
Left around 9:30 headed back to the airport with a bag that weighed well over 50 lbs. Upon arrival, I found that it would cost $65.00 to get that 57 lb. bag back to TX so I unpacked a few items into my carry-ons and made it at 50 lbs even. Stood in the security line for 30 minutes and was finally in and ready to board. Perused the bustling airport for a bit and then made my way to my gate. We boarded and loaded on time and headed out. I slept most of the way and was picked up by my wonderful fiance in Dallas. (As you can tell, the flight back was a bit less thrilling than the flight there-as it usually is.) Back at his house, we enjoyed being together and had a great dinner of burgers and hot dogs that his dad had grilled. I made it back home at 11:30pm and unloaded, unpacked and hit the sheets. It was an excellent end to a wonderful Christmas vacation.

So that's the roundup of the holiday season for my little life. I'll do a 2008 finale and 2009 projection in the next couple days as I have time. I'll be traveling quite a bit but really want to get some writing in as well. The new year is bringing lots of change to my Pearce party of 1 but good times are coming!

For now, have a happy and safe New Year's Eve and a joyous celebration of the new beginning! Blessings to you all!

~B
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I have decided to follow Jesus

I found myself singing that song with more passion than ever this Sunday morning before Christmas. The pastor had just finished his holiday sermon about the Life, Love, and Logos of the Word and I was just one in the sea of people in that big Baptist church. Without going into a lot of detail, there were some events that transpired at the church I joined and had been so faithful to during my time in Paris that made it pretty much impossible for me to continue attend. Fortunately, I guess you could say, I've been out of town every weekend for the past month so I hadn't dealt with the blow of attending another church in town. Until today. But I resigned myself to going to this particular church as I had gone to a women's conference there back in February and had been quite impressed.

In all honesty, I kind of expected to feel like a fish out of water. It had been this way last Christmas after the guy I was dating, considered marrying, and moved to Paris for broke up with me. He was the youth pastor at our church and I wondered if I'd ever be able to be a member there and be comfortable again. In fact, over the Christmas holidays, I started the process of preparing to move back east, to NC, where I knew I could settle back into the comfort of home. Christmas hadn't been the joyous, heartfelt holiday it had always been and I had suffered through every minute of it. We all know that story had a different ending but this year, I found myself in much of the same situation. I was mourning the loss of a dear friendship and the loss of the safe haven that church had been to me. Yet again in the throes of transition with preparations to move, start a new job and get married, I didn't see how this Christmas was any more joyful than the last and was throwing a great pity party for myself.

But there I was, seated in the flawlessly decorated sanctuary, listening to the pianist play this childhood favorite. And though the rest of the congregation remained silent, I couldn't help but allow the words to spill over my lips. For it was in that moment, the sweet, hushed voice of the Holy Spirit reminded me what my life is really supposed to be about. And as I closed my eyes and bowed my head and continued to sing softly, I began to realize again that I had made a choice to follow Jesus and there would be no turning back. I could allow my life to be overrun by circumstances and worldly things or I could die daily to myself and pick up my cross to follow Him.

So there, in that big, Baptist church, singing a non-traditional Christmas song, I relinquished control again to the only Man who sees me in all my imperfections but still continues to love me perfectly and I began to see the true meaning of Christmas.

Blessings,
B
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer...

Sad but true fact:

I finally officially got in the Christmas spirit last night.

Why has it taken so long for me to embrace the holiday season?

Well, between changing job assignments at work, planning a move (more on that later), planning a wedding, traveling every weekend and getting ready to start a new position w/Z at our new church (related to the move), I just have not had time or energy to shop or do anything Christmas related.

But last night, I finally had the chance (and felt up) to face the Christmas retail industry. And in all honesty, it wasn't that bad. I hit up Hasting's, Tuesday Morning, Office Max (they actually have some funny "Office" stuff), Dollar Tree (picked up a ton of great notepads for my co-workers) and Wal-Mart (where I bought everything else since that's the only place to really shop in this town).

I'm only buying for a few people here in TX, mostly Z & his fam, and then will pick up the gifts for my family (if my sweet mother hasn't already) after I fly to NC. I figure I'll save the $25 it would be to check a 2nd bag on my flight. I feel pretty good though because when I made my list last night, I have something for almost everyone on it. And I don't have too much to do this weekend to get ready. Some baking, wrapping, and minor prep and I'll be good to go.

However, I have 3 songs to prepare to sing while I'm in NC at my father's request. And as much as I love "Feliz Navidad", I don't think that's quite what he had in mind. So I'll be working on prepping those in the next few days-or on the plane.

I'm looking forward to being away from work for a bit. I switched positions within my office and my new desk is up front. This wouldn't be a problem except for the co-workers up front are a bit rowdy. I'm really trying to do my best to keep my cool but the past few days I've seethed quite a bit so my method of combat?

CARRY MY BIBLE. And that's just what I'm doing. I figure I will kill 'em with kindness or soak myself with Scripture. I'm thinking the latter will have the better end result. So I'll give it a whirl.

I'm hoping next year I'll be able to prepare more for the Christmas season. *Hopefully* Z & I will be settled in our apt/house and I won't be dealing with so much change. Maybe that will mean I can get my Christmas list to my family more than a week in advance. But in my defense, the 1st list from the others just got sent out Sunday.

My prayer this season is that we all will take the time to remember the Reason we even celebrate this blessed holy day Christmas. And that I don't get a huge photo of my brother's dogs as a gift.


We Are The Reason as recorded by Avalon

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love

I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him

He is my reason to live 

Blessings,
B
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

At this exact moment...

I hate the evils of technology. E-mail, twitter, text, instant message, blogs... ALL OF IT! Why, oh why, am I so full of hate? Only because when using any of the above listed means of communication, the tone or inflection of anything written is questionable. And that small detail is causing some serious trouble in my life right now.

Don't worry. I'll get over my strong feelings soon but let me offer a small word of advice-CALL. If there is any question that what you are trying to say may be received differently than it is intended, just call whomever you're communicating with. You'll save yourself a LOT of trouble & apologizing. And you might even stay out of the doghouse.



Blessings,
B
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

And for the record...

Changing jobs/desks at my office = mass confusion. Especially since the office manager isn't here today and these girls need some hand-holding when it comes to such commotion.

But this is just the beginning. Today it's my desk, in the next few weeks it will be my house, and within the year my entire life will be completely different than it is today. I choose to look at it as a renovation, updating, if you will. My life at this point is good-things are moving along at a steady pace and I'm comfortable. But it's time to step out of my comfort zone-in a lot of areas. And so here it comes, the dreaded 'C' word...CHANGE. Dun, dun, duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.

This should cause fear, trepidation, and uneasiness. I should be stressed, doubtful and anxious. Yet for me, it is different. There is courage, not fear. There is contentment, not trepidation. There is peace, not uneasiness. I am relaxed, not stressed. I am confident, not doubtful. I am assured, not anxious.

And all because I know Who holds my future & whose Hand I hold.

Blessings,
B

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

I Finally Figured It Out

All this time I've been thinking that all these Texans I'm surrounded by were just crazy or redneck or country or whatever. But after a conversation with the girls in my office, I'm convinced this is what makes them the way they are:

They eat the 1st snow.

Any of you North Carolinians know what I'm talkin' about? In the big NC, you just don't eat the 1st snow. Not too sure of why (maybe something to do with all the pollution and whatnot) but you just don't do it. That's a no-no. And hello!?!?! When you get the 2nd snow, that's when it's safe to make snocream. YUM! Gosh, I miss that stuff. I haven't had any in sooo long but boy was it GOOD growing up! We'd always rush to get a big bowl full of snow so that everyone can have a cup of snocream (snow mixed with milk, vanilla & sugar). I can almost taste it!

But so much for ever eating any of that here in TX. The 1st snow is usually the only snow! And I still love all you crazy Texans that eat it...

Hump Day = Random Thoughts Day

Just for you, my faithful followers...

~I love the statement on my daily calendar for today:

Lord God, may I always remember that you are my refuge. Because my hope is in you, I am held in your arms forever. Amen.

This is a very comforting statement to me today for whatever reason. Perhaps because it is 100% truth.

~I am very excited about Christmas but am not sure why since I have purchased 1 (that's right ONE) gift. Maybe just the thought of the festivities and being with loved ones and seeing friends. I am very blessed to have wonderful parents who help me get home for the important holidays. Thanks Mom & Dad!


~I actually went to the gym for the 1st time in months yesterday after work. It was freezing cold & I was only able to walk/jog for 20 minutes before leaving in embarrassment because a middle-aged skinny woman had lapped me. Twice. (For the record though, my thunder thighs are SUPER sore today from walking so hard & fast as to try to stay ahead of Motor Middle-Aged Marge.) So I left and bought groceries-mostly healthy things and on the way home stopped and took pictures of Christmas lights.

~That may become a project for me this Christmas-taking pictures of Christmas lights. Now that I have a new camera I can take good pictures at night (since that is a new setting) that don't look like blurry poop. And it has smile detection too-for all those smiling snowmen in everyone's yards. Ha. Seriously? That's how I got the picture of my mom in yesterday's post-she had to smile that big for it to pick her up. But it actually works really well. So plan "Capture the Christmas Lights" is in action!

~Tonight, I am actually setting forth to buy my 1st real Christmas gifts. I'm trying to either find stuff my mom could maybe buy in NC or I can go ahead and ship so that I won't have to pay $25 to check a 2nd bag since that has become standard. (BTW-I HATE the new airline regulations!) Anyway, we'll see what I can find. I also can only pack 50 lbs so I'll have to watch what I take with me. Let's see how this goes...

~I also have a dilemma: To Christmas card or not to Christmas card? The ultimate holiday question. Considering my personal life, I realize I really should send out some form of contact to the people of my past & present that I love so much but I have quite a bit to do between now and Christmas. So would it be terrible to wait until after January hits to send out a blurb about my life? I'm thinking no but if you have an opinion, please share.

~I am super excited to make my very 1st Spice Cake. Z & I had it at my Grandmother's this weekend-more on why we were there later but it is a SUPER easy cake and SO SCRUMPTIOUS! Just a cake mix, 3 eggs, 1/3 cup of oil, 1 cup of water, and a can of frosting MIXED IN the batter. A little piece of heaven on earth.

'Tis all for now. I'm sure there will be plenty of stories from the holidays to share with you all. If I have time in between moving & finding a new job. So, until then...

Happy Holidays,
B
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Happy Birthday Mom!

I would be remiss if I didn't pause & wish my mother happy birthday (even if it's just after midnight-her time-when I post this).

Happy birthday, Nancy Lou!

To the woman who...
*gives her all for others,
*works tirelessly @ 2 jobs,
*forgets why she calls me,
*yet calls back 3 minutes later because she remembered,
*was a constant presence during my childhood,
*was my personal taxi driver during my high school years,
*is my biased counselor who usually takes my side,
*makes me laugh on a consistent basis (at least once a conversation-'my kilobytes', 'I forgot my narcotics!', etc.),
*always thinks of others before she thinks of herself,
*has never been selfish a day in her life,
*is a GREAT shopping partner,
*still has dreams,
*treats all people with the love of Christ,
*taught me that I am somebody and I have a purpose,
*corrected me when I needed it even though it hurt both of us,
*allowed me enough room to make mistakes but discover life on my own,
*believes in me and encourages me to pursue my dreams because I am capable of that,
*is still in love with my father, her husband of 35 years,
*takes care of everyone else while neglecting herself,
*has lived her faith,
*taught me what God's love looks like through hers,
*is a real-life role model to me,
*has served the Lord whole-heartedly for as long as I've known her,
*has loved me unconditionally since the day I was born,
*exemplified servant leadership in our home,
*is the best mom a girl could ever have...

Happy Birthday, Mom! You're the best!

I Got Some 'Splainin' To Do

As Ricky Ricardo would say.

A few days ago when I made my list of all the things I'd accomplished as of late, I mentioned some things that need a bit more clarification. This post is only 1 of those. More will follow...

I'm ENGAGED!
Yes, Z popped the question on October 25th and I of course, said yes. It's funny because the start of our relationship can be traced through this blog and now here we are planning our wedding! Here's the story as adapted by our wedding webpage at The Knot.

*************************************************************
Z and his family had invited me down for the weekend since they were planning a family BBQ on Saturday. Not out of the ordinary, I traveled to Arlington Friday, October 24th after work. Zeb & I chaperoned a youth outing that night and the next morning enjoyed just being together.

After the mid-afternoon BBQ, Z then rushed (for the 1st time I'd ever seen) to get us to the Dallas Arboretum before it closed at 5pm. He said he knew how much I wanted to visit a pumpkin festival and Autumn at the Arboretum was occurring through the following weekend. Upon our arrival at 4:20, the ticket lady made sure we knew we HAD to leave at 5pm because the entire facility (66 acres) had been rented for 3 weddings. I tried to talk Z out of paying so much to go in for only 40 minutes but he persisted. So in we went.

The gardens were beautiful and pumpkins lined every walkway. I loved every display and snapped as many pictures as possible during our time. Z kept suggesting we visit different spots and so we managed to wander through much of the gardens. A certain flower Nazi (aka facility security woman) unsuccessfully attempted numerous times to usher us toward the exit. Z repeatedly asked if we could just take "one more picture" and we continued to peruse the gardens.

Finally, at the top of a tower-like spot that overlooked a grassy lawn and the lake next to the gardens, I stood at the edge taking as many pictures as possible before we were forced by the flower Nazi to move along. Z stood behind me and made the comment "I love doing things like this with you" to which I replied "Me too. It's so fun.". As I finished snapping pictures, Z took my camera and asked if I was done taking pictures. Though I found it odd, I said yes and so he put the camera in his pocket. As he pulled me in to hug him, I rested my head on his chest and could hear his heart pounding a million miles a minute and became worried, thinking something was wrong. He stepped back, pulled the ring box out of his pocket and knelt down on one knee. The following was our exchange in that moment:

Him: Bethany Pearce,
Me: Zeb Parker,
Him: Will you marry me?
Me: Are you serious???
Him: Yes.
Me: Yes. YES!
Him: (smiled and stood)
We embraced
Me: Thank you!
Me (repeatedly): Oh my gosh! Are you serious??? Zeb Parker!

*******************************************************
And so goes the story of our engagement. It was really sweet and SUPER unexpected although I did have a feeling something was going on. Over the previous 2 weeks or so he'd been asking for my ring size because his 'sister had a ring she had bought me for my birthday that needed to be sized' but I couldn't let her know that I knew about it. He did ask me twice which raised my suspicion and I thought there was an odd-shaped box in his pocket when we left for the Arboretum and he did rush for the 1st time EVER but even so, it was a surprise. Definitely a moment I'll never forget.

Afterward, we went to The Highlands (a very pretty outdoor shopping district) and sat on one of the park benches there just to revel the moment. :) As storybook as it sounds, we heard several love songs over the radio they had playing throughout the 'park' area as we sat on that bench in view of the creek and greenery. After 'When A Man Loves A Woman' played, we headed to Borders there in the shopping center and both bought wedding books by The Knot. We returned to his house, prayed and then celebrated with his family (who all knew it was coming). We had sparkling grape juice and chatted and took pictures. It was great!

Now I know what most of you are thinking, "When did she call her mom and dad? I'm sure they did that right when it happened. She must have skipped that part of the story." I'm sorry to disappoint you but we did not call my parents that day. Or the next day. Or the next. No, we waited until we were in person with them at Thanksgiving (yes, over a month later) to officially tell them the news. Can I just TELL you how hard that was? Everyone and their mother knew (including my brothers, several friends and co-workers) but not Mom & Dad.

Needless to say, the past month & a half have been bliss for me & Z. There have been stressful moments but overall, the first part of our engagement has been very exciting. We have a couple of dates in mind but haven't settled on one yet-we're planning to decide by Christmas so I'll keep you 'posted'. Ha.

In the midst of all of the engagement hype (and slightly prior to it), Z has been pursuing a youth pastorate position for us to take together. Another exciting adventure! And I sincerely mean it. I don't have time for the details on that journey now but will write about it soon. Let's just say I only thought Paris was country.

And so my friends, here's the 1st of many 'catch-up' posts giving you a deeper glimpse into my little corner of life. The holidays are soon approaching which means 1 of 2 things: A) I'll be bored so I'll have more time to write, or B) I'll be super busy so you won't see me for a while. Only time will tell but my calendar is looking a bit full.

Blessings to you & your family for a joyous celebration of our Lord's birth!

~B

P.S. One of my favorite passages of Scripture in regard to Christmas is Mary's song.

And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers. Luke 1: 46-55

'Tis The Season

Well, a day week late and a (couple hundred) dollars short-thanks Mom & Dad, I'm back in TX. When I last wrote, I was preparing for a long trip home to NC to celebrate Thanksgiving with my fam.Over the past 10 days I have done the following:

*Traveled over 2,000 miles
*Been on the road approx. 40 hours
*Driven or ridden through 4 states 2x each
*Told my parents that Z & I are engaged. Yes, you read that right-more details later.
*Eaten 4,962,185 calories. That could be a slight exaggeration.
*Lost 20 hours of sleep. That could also be a slight exaggeration.
*Written 0 blogs. Hence this one.
*Redecorated my blog, twitter & facebook sites for Christmas
*Decided to not decorate my house for Christmas at all. The time I'm going to be at home does not justify the hassle.
*Booked all my weekends for December
*Bought 0 Christmas gifts. That's right, nothing, nada, zilch. Can we say PANIC?!?!?!
*Exercised 0 hours. Fatty McRoll girl is back. Yuck.
*Contracted & successfully gotten over a head cold WITHOUT going to the doctor. And only once did I comment that I wanted to cut my head off to make everything better. The number of times I complained about not being able to breathe? I'm not telling.
*Laughed with my brothers 842,916 times. Withk it like thith. Mmmkay little boys? Do you want any candy???
*Officially received my TX driver's license (that saga to follow as well)
*Gone shopping 1 time. That's a record, folks.
*Forgotten about technology 492 times and even went 2 whole days without indulging into the e-world.
*Done a LOT of thinking and praying about my life and future
*Learned a new job at work
*Ended a close friendship. Ouch. That is a definite understatement.
*Thought a LOT about how to give creative Christmas gifts this year.
*Spent 11 consecutive days with Z. And am still madly in love with him. :)
*Decided that I am far too blessed for what I deserve. Thanks God-You're amazing!

And with that, this post is over. Finito. Finished. Check back later for more details on several items in the above list.

Blessings,
B
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Psalm 107:31