Merry Merry Christmas!

I just can’t believe it’s already here. I mean, today is the Eve of Christmas Eve for goodness sake! The shopping is done, the cooking is underway, the parties have definitely begun! And it’s all wonderful!


I’ve alluded to it a few times here and if you know me personally, you probably know that I’ve really been thinking this year especially WHY we celebrate Christmas. WHY we celebrate the birth of Christ. I get it that Jesus probably wasn’t born on December 25. I understand that in order for shepherds to have been in the fields watching over their flocks that it probably wasn’t the middle of December. And I’ve really been challenged this year especially on why we celebrate Christmas.

Here’s what I know to be true:

We’re told in Luke 2 that “ there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”

And we all know that the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Now, here’s my thing. If the shepherds could go and “see” Jesus, if they could go to worship the Savior of the world, then why can’t we? So, I choose to celebrate Christmas with my dear friends and family, with you, my blog-buddies, and with the world. I personally find myself praising God in amazingly special ways during this season as I’m reminded of the incredible, eternal gift we were given in Jesus Christ.

We’re also told in Luke 2:20 that “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

And that’s exactly what I’m doing this Christmas, y’all. With all of my heart, I’m praising God for all that I’ve heard and seen, for I know my salvation is just as I’ve been told.

Can I get an Amen?

These words are from my favorite Christmas song of 2009, Chris Thomlin's "Emmanual"

What hope we hold this starlit night

A King is born in Bethlehem

Our journey long, we seek the light

That leads to the hallowed manger ground

What fear we felt in silent age

Four hundred years can he be found

But broken by a baby's cry

Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God incarnate here to dwell

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Praise his name Emmanuel

The son of God, here born to bleed

A crown of thorns would pierce his brow

And we beheld this offering

Exalted nowt the King of kings

Praise God for the hallowed manger ground

 Emmanual, Emmanuel

God incarnate here to dwell

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

Praise his name Emmanuel

Merry Merry Christmas, y’all!

Happy Anniversary!

Two years ago seems like just yesterday.  A brief period of time, really.  December 15, 2007.  It rained cats and dogs.  Four inches of rain in that one day. 

But I didn't care.  Rain or not, I was marrying the love of my life.  In this church.

Tim walked up the aisle to get me.  This was the first we'd seen each other all day.

We prayed together

We shared the Lord's Supper together

And we laughed together!  See, we'd turned to face the congregation, and as our pastor was pronouncing us, I was as giddy as a little school girl.  Tim was as solemn as could be.  God love him, he was so nervous.  So, Steve, the pastor, stops whatever he was saying and says, "I don't know what's going on on the other side, but y'all aren't listening to a word I'm saying!"  The congregation laughed!!

We danced!  Oh, boy did we dance! "Everything" by Michael Buble was the song we danced to! 

So much fun!! 

And we began this journey of marriage together.  Two years ago day.  And I couldn't be happier with the amazing blessing this gift has been. 

Tim, the day I met you I knew something was different about you.  You know this, but I told my friend, "I'm going to get to know that Tim guy."  Our second date, I went home and told my momma this was one different.  I just knew I'd marry you.  Shortly thereafter, I was head over heels in love with you.  And I couldn't imagine falling deeper in love with you.  But I did.  When you proposed to me, sitting on a swing at the King & Prince in St. Simons, I couldn't imagine loving you more than I did that very second.  Eight months later, when I married you, I loved you more than I ever dreamed imaginable.  And today, two years later, I'm absolutely, 150%, no-doubt-about-it, head over heels, madly, deeply, forever in love with you.  You're God's Best for me. 

Happy Anniversary!!  The Best is Surely Yet to Come!

~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~  ~~ 

"Everything" ~ Michael Buble

You're a falling star, you're the get away car.

You're the line in the sand when I go too far.

You're the swimming pool, on an August day.

And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy but it's kinda cute.

Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do.

Baby don't pretend that you don't know it's true.

'cause you can see it when I look at you.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,

And you light me up, when you ring my bell.

You're a mystery, you're from outer space,

You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,

And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.

Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,

And you know that's what our love can do.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're every song, and I sing along.

'Cause you're my everything.

Yeah, yeah

Titus 2 Tuesday: YOU

Today, I'm honoring you, and you, and you.  See, last week, I posted this crazy emotional post.  Silly me.  I didn't even realize at the time that all my emotions were due to the hormones of pregnancy.  No, instead, I honestly was wondering what in the world was wrong with me!  Why did I cry at the end of The Price is Right ~ and not because I was happy with the winner but because the loser's price estimate was waaaayyy off and made me sad!

So, I stepped out on a limb.  Well, at least for me.  I'm intentionally careful of what I post because I realize it's on the internet for goodness sake and there's no telling who might see it.  I mean, my word, when I wrote the post on the 15th anniversary of my Daddy's death, 2 weeks later, the CEO of my bank called me to tell me he'd just read it and how he still missed my Daddy.  Not only was I touched beyond words, but that right there reminded me that I have no idea who's reading.  And that's great!  But I must choose my words wisely.

So, anyway, I stepped out on a limb and wrote a very transparent post about my emotions, my frustrations, and my thoughts.  And you?  You pulled through!  I seriously felt like I was being hugged and encouraged over and over again with all of your comments!  Thank you! 

While most of you hit the nail on the head by reminding me that it's totally par for the course with pregnancy, many of you reminded me that you're here for me.  You shared with me that you'd just cried when putting away sippy cups because you realized you'll soon be washing bottles all over again.  You promised me it's all worth it!  You reminded me of the incredible miracle I am carrying!  You assured me my every-so-often Diet Coke splurge is okay.  You gave me other medicinal advices and secrets. 

And I. am. So. Thankful for YOU.  I really am.  I'm amazed at the community of women I know and love here in this ole' blogosphere!  And I love you each for what you have said to me, how you've encouraged me, and how you're praying with me.  Thank you so much!

So, who's encouraged you this week?  What woman has taught you a Godly lesson?  Link up and share it with us!

A Plethora of Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions

- I’m tired. Tired physically. This pregnancy tired is truly like none other!

- Frustrated. With people who don’t celebrate Christmas and are making it their mission to question every one of the reasons we Christians celebrate the season. You know what I wanna say? Get your hiney off your high horse, leave us Christians alone, and let us worship our Savior as we see fit. Thankyouverymuch. And, while I’m on it, please stop judging and assuming my heart’s focused on worshipping a Christmas tree in my house and buying gifts and Santa. Because it’s not.

- Anxious about tomorrow morning’s doctor appointment. Is it normal before every appointment to get a little anxious and worry that something is going to be wrong?

- Feeling like we’re living in Kansas and the big ole’ tornado is on its way. What’s with this crazy wind and rain? Gee Whiz!

- Feeling pudgy. I swear I feel like I blew up and swallowed a kids’ inner-tube and it’s settled right on my waistline. Apparently it looks that way, too, as two different women have commented on my “pudgy belly”. Thanks, y’all. Pregnant or not, I don’t want be “pudgy”.

- Worried that I’ve done, eaten, or taken something that could’ve harmed this baby. I’ve only had a handful of diet cokes in the last couple of months, and I’m limiting my Sprite Zero intake (thanks to aspartame) and hardly drinking coffee at all (decaf regardless) because I like Splenda in my coffee. But have I done enough?

- Looking forward to a 5K on Saturday. It’s the Children’s Hospital’s Reindeer Run, one of my favorite 5Ks of the year. Sure, I won’t break any of my time records as I’ve hardly exercised lately, but I’m looking forward to running / walking a great route through a beautiful downtown and college campus and seeing lots of friends.

- Competitive! Tim’s decided to run in a half in March. And it’s driving me batty that I can’t do it, too. I know I have no business trying to run a half marathon in March, when I’d be 6 months pregnant. And he certainly doesn’t expect me to. But why does it bother me?

- Wishing this sinus headache would go away! Not taking anything for it and just hoping it’ll pass is no fun!

- Tired. But I think I’ve mentioned that one!

- Thinking our tree needs some pizzazz this season. It just seems dinky. Bare. Not sure why. . . .

- Wondering how Belle is escaping from the back yard and we have yet to find the first hole.

- Hopeful. I realize this entire list is pretty down-and-out and whiney. I’m sorry, but it’s just my emotions right now and I need to get them out! But, regardless of all these worries, I’m hopeful. I’m choosing hope and remembering that God is always with me. Zephaniah 3:17. How can I complain with that knowledge?

Titus 2 Tuesday: More Talented Friends

I'm continuing my highlighting of talented, crafty friends!  Today, it's all about my blog-buddies.  So many of you are so crafty and talented, and you create great things! 

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Melissa over at Initial Designs.  Melissa is an artist, and she can paint just about anything you can imagine!  I've bought a couple of things from Melissa, including a precious polka dotted E for Ellie's room and this canvas for my mom's baby area in her home.

Another talented blog-friend is Veronica at Hooked on You Hats.  She makes the cutest croqueted hats!  Oh how I wish it got cold here, and that Ellie allowed anything on her head!  If either of those happened, I'd have already bought quite a few of these precious little hats.  Here's a pic of my personal favorite. I love the scalloped edges and ribbon!

And of course there's Kristin's online boutique, Summer Suzette Couture.  Kristin creates anything from precious onesies and hair accessories jewelry and handmade cards.  And, often times ~ like now! ~ any proceeds from Summer Suzette sells are donated to a worthy cause.  How cool is that? I love this precious Creation Onesie, and that's saying a lot since I despise birds (another post for another day).

What I love about each of these women is that individually they have a passion for the Lord, for using the talents He's given them to His glory, and to creating special things for you or your loved ones.  That's just awesome to me!

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ~ Colossians 3:17

Who has taught you Godly wisdom recently?  Link up and tell us about her!

Fun Free Desktop Website

If you're like me, you're always changing up your desktop on your computer.  I've found this great free site for desktop backgrounds and just thought I'd share it with you!

http://www.crosscards.com/

Here's my latest desktop background:

Cute, huh? 

Welcome to another version of Titus 2 Tuesday, where we honor women in our lives who have taught us Biblical principles and truths.

Last night, the women in my family gathered in Atlanta at the Coca-Cola Museum for a Paula Deen cooking show.  Now, you have to understand, my 89 1/2 year old Gma is convinced Paula Deen is the best cook this side of the Mississippi, no doubt.  So, the 9 of us packed into the museum's auditorium with 200 of our closest Paula-fan-friends and had a great time!  Paula was funny, silly, smart, and yummy!

Here's a picture of all 9 of us

 

There is Gma, front and center, of course.  You have my mom and my Aunt Lynda, plus the six cousins.  Yes, only girl cousins in the family!  Everyone was there, even my Aunt Nancy, whom I'm sure was there in spirit.  We laughed, we squealed like little girls ~ okay, Gma squealed like a little girl when Paula came out, we ate some good ole' southern cookin', and we talked and we enjoyed our time together.

And that's what I absolutely love about this family.  We're all busy in our own ways.  In the crowd above, you have a teacher, a retired teacher, an artsy stay-at-home mom, an attorney and mother, a financial whiz, a coffee barista and masseuse, a radiological tech and mommy, a banker and expectant mommy.  And the matriarch of them all who keeps us straight and in check!  But, when we get together, we're family.  Plain and simple.  Complicated and strong.  We've been through our share of heartaches and pains.  We've cried together and prayed together.  Always trusting the One who knows every step of our journey.  We've celebrated together.  We've hoped together.

So, last night, as I crawled into bed, I praised God for the amazing women in my family, for what they mean to me, for what they've taught me about life.  And for that I'm forever grateful!

Who are you thankful for today?  Link up and share with us!

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Would you please join my family in prayer today?  My Aunt Lynda is undergoing multiple tests today.  We appreciate your prayers.

Thursday's Ten ~ Favorite Quotes

Taking a break from highlighting my friends who create and design today.  I want to participate in Lora's Thursday's Ten!

If you'd like to play along, simply jump on over to her site for details and link in!

So, today's Thursday's Ten is ten of your favorite quotes.  Here goes. . . .

1.  "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must be felt with the heart." ~ Helen Keller

I've always liked this quote, and just yesterday my best friend gave me a gift for baby Slocum ~ Thanks again, Jodi! ~ and the sweet card she gave me had this quote on the front.  Extremely fitting for this time in the pregnancy when I certainly can't feel this butterbean at all yet, but it's still the most beautiful, amazing miracle I've ever been a part of!

2.  "The Lord your God is with you.  He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you.  He will quiet you with his love.  He will rejoice over you with singing."  ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I've had this verse printed and sitting on my desk for months and months now.  I've prayed that Ellie Grace and our child will know always the Lord is with them, that they'll know His saving grace and power, and that He rejoices over them!  How awesome is that?!?!?

3.  "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit." ~ Aristotle

This is a quote I use sometimes as the tagline of my work email signature.  As the trainer in the bank, I think it's important that we remember to do the right thing.  Repeatedly.

4.  When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'". ~ Erma Bombeck

Just so true.

5.  "This time, like all times, is a very good one if we but know what to do with it."  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Again, this is one of my taglines on my email signature at work.  It's just so fitting to me for this time in the economy when we as banks in general are facing obstacles and challenges we have never seen before.

6.  "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." ~ Hebrews 11:1

7.  "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." ~ Psalm 40:2

8.  "Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire."  ~ W.B. Yeats

Another work quote I really like!

9.  "Never never never give up."  ~ Winston Churchill

10.  "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17


So there you have it!  Ten of my favorite quotes!  What's one of your favorite quotes? 

Yet Another Talented Friend

This has been so much fun, these blog posts! I've had the grandest time highlighting my friends who I know who are so creative and talented! 

So, without further ado. . . . 

Meet Carolyn, Designs with Care.  Carolyn and I have known each other for years.  We went to high schooll together, and although we were not the same age, we always knew each other.  And now, we go to the same church, so I see Carolyn and her precious family often!  I'm new to Carolyn's cute business myself, too.  Amy (remember yesterday?  Purdy Personalized?) actually shared Carolyn's website with me earlier this week!  Perfect timing!

Carolyn creates bag tags

Calling Cards or Gift Enclosure Cards

And, my personal favorite, placemats!  Check out this cute Christmas placemat!

You name the season, Carolyn has the placemat!  And she'll custom make one for you!

Her prices are extremely reasonable as well!  Be sure to check out Designs with Care today!

Stay tuned for more. . . tomorrow I'll be making sure you all know of a few special ladies in blogland who create and sell amazing things!

Another Talented Friend

Today, I'm showcasing another talented friend.  Remember yesterday, my referring to things some of my friends made as being "purdy" rather than pretty? 

Meet Amy from Purdy Personalized

Amy can ~ and does! ~ personalize anything with vinyl. . .   Here in the south, lots of girls like to monogram stuff.  Anything that has a spot is monogrammable in our opinion!  And Amy can do it all!

From car decals. . .

and Purdy clean hand santizer (Teacher Christmas Gifts, people!!!)

to these cute cute cute ornaments

and cake carriers

Amy does it all!  Remember me saying she'll personalize anything she can?  She even tackled her daughter's rain boots and umbrella.

So, be sure to check out Amy's cute blog for these items and so much more!!!

http://purdypersonalized.blogspot.com/

Titus 2 Tuesday ~ Talented Women

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

Many of my friends are so talented!  And today, I'm honoring those friends who've taken the talents the Lord's given them and use them to make beautiful creative things!  The ones who can sew and monogram, the ones who create "purdy personalized" items for their friends and customers.  The ones who create, craft and design! Since Christmas is right around the corner, I'm spending the next few days highlighting my friends who design and create!  Check 'em out!

First, my sister Jennifer.  You've heard all about Jennifer before, and we all know she's the mother of Ellie Grace!  Also, Jennifer is getting started in sewing and monogramming.  SoSewSassy, it is!  Check out her etsy site today for precious ideas such as monogrammed birp cloths and bibs

First Birthday Sassy Panty

Or this precious retro snowflake kitchen towel

Stay tuned for more on my crafty, creative friends this week!  And hey, jump on over to Jenn's etsy site today and get to shoppin'!!!!

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Titus 2 Tuesday ~ Ashley

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

This past weekend was not only spent celebrating our big news, but it was also my 30th birthday!  And, wouldn't you know my best friends and family threw a Surprise Party for me!!!  It was sooo much fun, and I was definitely surprised!  I hope I'll have some pictures (hint hint to any who were there with cameras) soon I can share with y'all! 

So, just as I was surprised and greeting everyone who was at the party, one of my dearest friends popped through the door.  Ashley lives in North Carolina, so it was a super treat to have her there!  Ashley is one of those rare women who just radiates with beauty, character, and warmth.  She truly captivates an audience with her charisma and zest for life.  Ashley worked at Disney World for a few years, and she's really an actress at heart.  I love Ashley for her love for life and all things in it!  She really is one of those women in my life who reminds me that a happy heart makes the face cheerful (Proverbs 15:13!

Ashley came bearing gifts. . .  It's something she's known for doing, and we love getting these fun boxes of goodies.  This was a pregnancy box, and she filled it full of fun, loving, and heartwarming things.

It has the sweetest Mother-to-Be card ever, and it included Palmer's cocoa Butter Massage Cream for stretch marks, crackers for morning sickness, a oneside that has Sleepy from Snow White on it with a cute little tag that said *hopefully* my little one will love to sleep, and my favorite of all, a jounal.  Each gift had a handmade tag on it, as you can see in the picture.  The journal's tag is my favorite:  "You know how in the Bible it says 'Mary pondered all these things and kept them in her heart' regarding her new baby?  Well, Mary had a better memory than me!"  Ashley goes on to tell me how she keeps a journal to her little boy of fun things, silly random things, and big stuff like her prayers for her son.  How awesome is that!  I absolutely cannot wait to fill it full for Baby S!  I already have a prayer journal I plan to fill with prayers during the pregnancy, so this journal is perfect for my thoughts I want to share with my baby!

Ashley, I am so glad I got to see you and you came to my party!  I love you to pieces, as we three girls say, "more than my luggage!" 

Jodi, B, and Ashley at my 30th Birthday Bash!

Who has touched your heart and life this week or ever?  Link up and tell us about her!

Guess What. . .

Ellie Grace has some news to share. . .

She’ll be a Big Cousin in June of next year!

A boy or a girl, it’s already loved so dear!

Tim and I are expecting, it’s true!

We’re tickled pink. . . . or maybe blue!

We appreciate your prayers as this baby does grow

We’re so very thankful God has blessed us so!

Much love,

Bethany and Tim

“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17

Thursday's Ten ~ Halloween Costumes

Today for Lora's Top Ten, we're listing Halloween costumes, Halloween candies, or anything Halloween!  Lora has been lots of great things; check her blog out for great ideas!

So, here are ten a few things I've been for Halloween.  Sadly, I think I stopped dressing up when I was a pre-teen, and I haven't dressed up since.

1.  Witch.  I was four, and my Gma made the costume for me.  It was so dang cute!  Hat and all!  I was in Kindergarten at a private school in Macon.  We lived 45 minutes away in Gordon.  My class was to dress up on Halloween, but the parents received a letter warning them against "scary" costumes.  Only friendly costumes, please.  My parents were clueless that in Macon there was a huge wave of folks convinced Halloween was of the devil and evil.  My mom sends me to school in my witch costume!  And you know what?  There ended up being a full page picture of me in the school's yearbook that year!  In the witch costume!

2.  Hobo.  I think I was a hobo many years.  Maybe that's why I can only think of four costumes in my life!  After the witch costume, my mom seemed convinced you were supposed to make your Halloween costumes at home with items around the house.  So, I wore old jeans, one of my Dad's flannel shirts, and an old straw hat.  Momma even painted a tooth black for me.

3.  Punk Rocker.  This was mid 80's, I believe, and I sported purple and silver.  Everywhere.  My hair was even silver.  I can still remember the smell of the spray we used to color my hair silver!

4.  Little Red Riding Hood.  Another Gma creation.  It was really cute!

um, yeah, I'm sure I had more costumes but I just can't remember any of them!  So, I'll top off this list with Halloween candies I loved:

5.  The goodie bags from the Blankenships.  We always went to the Blankenships' house on Halloween, and she always had the best goodie bags of treats for us! 

6.  Pixie sticks.  I think I love these today because of the fond memories I have of my sister eating as many of these as she could possibly stomach on Halloween night!

7.  Popcorn balls

8.  Those peanut butter chews that are in orange and black wrappers.  I didn't really like these until adulthood.  They are goooood!

9.  Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

10.  Peanut butter cookies

So, what have you been for Halloween?  What's your favorite Halloween candy?  Link up and tell us about it!

Titus 2 Tuesday: Eleanor Grace

 am having Mcklinky issues ~ again!?!?! I apologize that the link is unavailable until mid day.  I can't get into MckLinky to edit it at the moment either.  Sorry, y'all!

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

Today, I'm honoring the youngest little lady yet.  Eleanor Grace is my niece, as any of you who've been following my blog for a while know.  Ellie is 11 months old, and she has absolutely stolen my heart.  Yesterday, I honored my sister on her birthday, and Ellie is her daughter.

Ellie has taught me so much about God's love for us.  I never knew the feeling of truly loving a child so much that you think your heart might burst until Ellie was born.  Really, I loved her that much before she was born.  The promises God gives us that He knits us in our mother's belly and knows every detail about us, including the hairs on our heads came alive in amazing ways when Ellie Grace entered my life. I've mentioned before that my sister allowed me to be in the delivery room when Ellie was born.  Wow, what a miracle to experience!  I was in utter awe at the site of seeing a life be brought into this world, and really, all I could think was My God truly is Good. 

Ellie's big smile and sweet laugh reminds me time and time again to enjoy life.  Watching her little mind grow and develop has taught me to enjoy the little things in life.  Her smile is infectious, and her giggles light up our family!

We recently took Ellie to the pumpkin patch for some picture fun!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." ~ Psalm 34:8

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million.” ~ Walt Streightiff

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful." ~ Proverbs 15:13

Ellie Grace, your crazy Aunt B loves you beyond measure!  You are a beautiful little girl, and I pray God showers you with His favor and blessing all the days of your life! 

Happy Birthday to My Sister

Oh blogosphere, how I miss thee. . .  Work is quite insane these days.  And, as usual, life outside of work is crazy busy as well!  I can't believe I've been so slack with posting, but it's just been that nuts! 

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Monday is my baby sister's 27th birthday.  Just as I've done before for my mom and my Gma, I'm honoring my sister with 27 things I love about her. . . .

Jenn, Brian and Ellie

1 - Jenn, you were the best playmate a girl could've ever wanted.  Whether it was playing dress-up in momma's clothes and heels or playing house in our playhouse in the back yard, riding bikes around and around and around the neighborhood or raking "homes" into the leaves in the front yard.  You were so much fun to play with as a little girl!
2 - You were the best "P-nut" ever
3 - Your big brown eyes and soft curls as a baby always did make my heart melt. 
4 - Your big heart for Benjamin in your daycare class at school.  He was a special needs child that you had such a sweet relationship with; I always thought it was so neat how you were always the one to help him wash his hands, help him eat his lunch, and take care of him.
5 - "Miss Yinn's"
6 - Your funny questions throughout life:  "Are all silverados silver?"  "Chickens aren't birds. . . .  are chickens birds?"  "RIP. . .  yep, he was a Really Important Person."
7 - Your not-so-futile attempts of reading your summer reading books every year at the beach.  Remember the picture of you "reading" your book, only the book was upside down?
8 - You were a fantastic cheerleader!  I always thought it was so neat how you'd be so high up, jumping and flipping without a care in the world.
9 - Christmas Eves, laying in bed together watching Scrooge until the wee hours of the morning because neither of us could think of sleeping. 
10 - Sneaking into the living room on Christmas mornings WAAAAAYYY too early to see what Santa left us, only to slip back into bed until a more acceptable hour to wake our parents.  We kept that a secret for years! 
11 - Sweet Mama's, Crab Daddy's, and SSI in general
12 - Island Townhouses C-9
13 - Homecomings '98 and '00
14 - How sad I was when you left for college.  I missed you terribly!  I don't know that I ever really told you just how much I missed you!
15 - You coming up to Athens for the Indigo Concert one year for your birthday
16 - The back porch on Senora Place. . . .ahhhhh, the memories!
17 - Your incredibly beautiful wedding day
18 - Driving to Birmingham and sitting in the restaurant with our family the night Brian proposed.  You had no idea we were all there.  That was so much fun!
19 - Finding out you were pregnant and helping you get something together to give to Momma to surprise her!  Wow, wasn't she surprised!?!?! 
20 - Ellie Grace's birth.  What a gift to let me be in the room during that amazing miracle!
21 - You let me be such an obnoxiously proud aunt, and you always welcome me into your home to love on her and spoil her rotten!  Don't you and Brian ever wish we'd just leave y'all alone?  Wait. . . don't answer that!
22 - UGA Games Galore!
23 - Growing up with the Kononen's, Wilson's, Crews boys, and the like!
24 - How excited you were for me when Tim and I got engaged.  I'll never forget your smile when you walked through the door to see us right after we got home!
25 - King & Prince
26 - Growing as women together ~ becoming better women, wives, you being an incredible mother, and me hoping for such an opportunity
27 - YOU are my baby SISSER and I love you with ALL of my heart!

Happy Happy birthday, Jennifer! May this next year be your best one yet!

Titus 2 Tuesday ~ My Mother

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:1 - 5, NIV

Welcome to another edition of Titus 2 Tuesday. I always enjoy thinking back through my week and determining who taught me a Biblical principle the week before.  And then there are times, like today, when I know who to honor, and while there are so very many things I've learned from this woman, it's so hard to put it all into words. 

Today, I'm honoring my mother.  I told you all of the bittersweet importance of last Friday.  Well, when I think of all that we went through and how God provided for us so much so in the days, weeks, months, and years that followed my Dad's death, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love for my momma. 

Growing up, Momma was the disciplinarian.  There was never really the "wait til your Daddy gets home" line to scare me.  Rather, it was more of my mind knowing, "Oooooh, Momma's gonna get me for this one."  Maybe it was - and is - the teacher in her, but Momma always was the one to crack the whip and keep us girls in shape.

Momma loved us and provided for us in a way that was definitely second to none.  Looking back, after my Daddy's death, not one time did I ever wonder, "how's momma going to do this?"  I never ever doubted her.  I knew she'd make it through.

And sure, there were tears along the way.  Lots of tears.  But momma taught me early on the importance of honesty and transparency in a relationship.  We were oftentimes more friends than mother-daughter, but yet, I still respected her and admired her for being my mother. 

And now that I'm grown (knocking on the door of 30, actually!?!?!), I still love my momma so much for who she always was and continues to be in my life.  As a married adult, I am amazed at the dignity and strength she displayed through my Daddy's death.  I simply cannot imagine.  And as we have begun to dream of parenthood, I'm in awe of the incredible mother I have. 

Momma, thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me through so many highs and lows in life.  You truly are the best and I thank God for you!!

Who has taught you Godly truths this week?  Link up and share them with us!

Heartaches and God's Work in Reversing Them

Tomorrow is Friday, October 16, 2009. And I know where I was 15 years ago tomorrow. I know that I sat in church with my best friends while my Dad prayed a prayer that was heartfelt and true ~ way more than I knew at that time. My family had lasagna for lunch; it was left over from the night before when we ate with my grandparents.

Looking back, though, my Daddy picked at his lunch. Strange because he was eating his momma’s lasagna and he loved her cooking.


After lunch, my mom planned to go to Milledgeville (the nearest town) to run some errands. Being 14, I wanted to do my own thing, which I’m sure included yapping on the phone, running the neighborhood with my friends, or anything typical 14 year olds do.


My Dad, though, was quite adamant that I go to Milledgeville with my mom and sister. “You need to spend some time with your mother, Bethany.” I still hear him say that over and over in my head.


You know, they say hindsight is 20/20. We see everything clearly when we look back on it and know the outcome. So it’s easy for me to say Daddy was subdued at lunch. I didn’t think much of it at the time, though. And then, there were some of Daddy’s humor sprinkled in: I chased him down the driveway as he backed out to run an errand himself. I wanted him to take a roll of film to the store to have it developed. As I reached the truck, Daddy’d gun it for a second and leave me standing there laughing. I’d chase him ten feet down the driveway, and he’d roll down the window this time. He was actually gonna let me give him that roll of film. . . . Nope. He gunned it again and farther down the drive he went. I remember laughing at how silly my Daddy was. He was laughing, too.


Daddy took that roll of film to the store for me. But he never did tell me so. That was the last time I ever spoke to my Daddy. We three girls (Momma, Jenn and me) went on to Milledgeville and ran our errands.


Later, around 5 that afternoon, I guess, I was getting ready for church. Youth Choir to be exact. The next chain of events happened so quickly I don’t even know that I can – 15 years later, even – put them into words. The phone rang. We raced down the stairs. The front door flew open. The sheriff pulled into our drive way.


And the sheriff was in tears. I knew immediately something horrible had happened.


Minutes after his three girls left, my Daddy made his way across the street, through some woods, past an open field, and to the edge of a pond. There, he shot himself. Ending his life in an instant.


Did he think of us? Did he fathom the thought of leaving us forever? Did he realize his worries were temporary?


I don’t think so.


The minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months that passed were completely full of heartache and pain. Agony and grief. Raw and real.  My Daddy's prayer that morning in church, I was later reminded, included my Daddy asking God to be with us, comfort us as we faced things in our lives we might  not understand.  How prophetic.  How true that we needed our Father.


Fast forward to today, 15 whole years later. Man alive does it still hurt. I miss Daddy still and cry now for different reasons: Tim never met my Daddy. As I’ve fallen in love with my husband more and more everyday, I’ve cried over the fact that my Momma doesn’t have my Daddy to grow old with. Ellie will have no idea what her Granddaddy was like, and he would've been a fun one for sure. Daddy was a banker, too; how many times over the last 8 years of my career have I wanted to bend his ear about something in my job? I’ve officially lived as long without my Daddy as I did with him. And really? I’ve just begun living.


With all this heartache and pain, though, I’m celebrating something today. Something beautiful and true. See, I’m in an incredible Bible Study where we’re wrapping up studying Esther. One thing our teacher’s really challenged us with is reversals. How has something terrible turned to be used for God’s glory?


This is my reversal. God used my father’s death to teach me so many things about Himself. Because of my Daddy’s suicide, I know that my Heavenly Father’s love for me is perfect, without flaw, and never fails; this is something no human on earth can ever provide for me. I know the feeling of “crawling” into my Abba Father’s lap for a good long time. It was there, in His Lap that my heart was pieced back together again. And I’d like to think it was pieced back together again with much more compassion, empathy, and love. I know I pray that all the time. I also know, though, that Satan is always at work, attacking us when we’re hurting as my Daddy was. But I know that my thought closet must be completely rooted in the truth of the Scripture. No lies are good. I know that regardless of what comes my way on this earth, that my Heavenly Father is carrying me through.  Because of this heartache, I know Psalm 40:2 - 3 to be true:

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

And for that, I am eternally grateful.