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
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