Easter Invitation

I'm not sure if I have any readers in Macon who don't have a church home, but if I do, I'd love to invite you to delurk and join us for what's sure to be an incredible worship service Easter weekend at Ingleside Baptist Church!

Wednesday's Walk

I added this button to my blog weeks ago, but I've yet to be diligent enough to participate. One of my fellow bloggers, whose blog I now read faithfully, Lynnette, provides this button and invites participants to remember a special time gone by on Wednesdays.

So, since last night I gave my brief testimony at Sav a Life's Mommy and Me class, I thought I might put it here. It's a walk down a painful, sorrow-filled journey, but it leaves me with so much hope, such an awe in my God and what He's done for me and my family. That makes it a beautiful walk.

I called my momma on the way home from the class to tell her about it. She had sent me a text about 5 minutes before I talked, telling me she was praying for me and she loved me. Just what I needed from my momma! It's like I told Momma, I am still amazed that I can talk about it to friends and usually remain calm. But in talking in front of a group, I could feel a huge lump in my throat. I guess it'll always be that way. I've been praying that God would show me opportunities for me to share my testimony, and it was no accident when Lori from Sav a Life asked me to talk last night. How exciting for me to witness God do his 'thang!!!

So, here it is. My Wednesday's Walk. . .

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You know, it’s really something isn’t it? This life. . . . To think that God created us, for His glory. But yet, He never promises us a life free of pain and heartache. I grew up in a Christian home, had great Christian parents who loved my sister and me, loved each other, and loved the Lord beyond measure. I was saved when I was 9 years old, and I knew that I knew that I knew that I was a child of God!

My picture perfect life shattered on a Sunday afternoon, 2 weeks before I would turn 15. My Daddy had apparently received word that morning that his career was in jeopardy. He was the president of a bank in our hometown. That afternoon, while I was with my mom and sister running errands, my Dad took a shotgun across the street, into some woods, and ended his life.

The pain, the anguish, the heartache is still something I cannot put into words. Years later, I still cringe when I think of the anguish and pain I watched my family experience, when I think of the nights I cried myself to sleep. But I do know this: I have a Heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally. I cannot begin to tell you how difficult those years were following my Daddy’s death. I dealt with depression, anxiety, panic, and fear. There were times that I honestly believed if I didn’t already know how painful it would be for my family, I would’ve ended my own life.

It wasn’t until years later that I slowly began to understand that my Heavenly Father was refining me, drawing me closer to Him so that I might have more compassion to those around me who are hurting and suffering. Having gone through such heartache, I know that my God was with me always. I learned to talk to Him and with Him as if he were right beside me. I learned to “crawl” up into his lap and cry, letting my Abba Father comfort me.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians: "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed....For our light affliction which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." (Excerpts from the passage of 2 Corinthians 2:7-18, emphasis mine)

As painful as my Daddy’s death was, I know it was “but for a moment” compared to the Eternity my Heavenly Father has planned for me. And in spite of such heartache, God has richly blessed me throughout my life with wonderful memories as a child with both of my parents, a mother who showed exceptional grace and strength during the toughest of times, a husband who is definitely God’s best for me and better than I ever dreamed I could have, a sister who has given me the joys of being an aunt, friends who love me and encourage me every day, a job that’s as stable as can be expected in today’s economy, and a hope for a future in Him. The best gift of all? His son, who he sent to die on the cross for me and for you. To save us from our sins and give us life everlasting.

So remember, no matter the suffering and heartache you might experience, if it’s all for God’s glory, it’s worth it. He’s promised us He will never leave us nor forsake us. And, it's "but for a moment".

The F Word

I didn't work last Friday. I had to do the F-word*. Furlough. Not good. But, all officers are required to take one day of furlough each quarter this year, and it's much better than the alternative if you ask me.

So, what did I do with my Furlough? Had a blast of a day with my three favorite ladies ~ Jenn, Lovie, and Ellie! Oh what fun we had!

We started out like we meant business heading to a MOPS Consignment Sale in town. My Heavens alive! There were cars everywhere! Mommies and babies strapped securely in strollers were making a bee-line for the entrance. Newbies like us didn't know what to think. Or do. So I jumped out of the car and braved the entrance to see what the fuss was all about. My report was something like this: Lots of mommies trying to pinch pennies, looonnnnnng lines to check out, more baby stuff than you can shake a stick at. Let's get outta here!

So these newbies went to Chick-fil-a for a biscuit and then to Wal-Mart. That's enough penny pinching for us, thank you very much! Wally World is so much fun with a baby to shop for! Ellie was rolled out of there with a new car seat toy, hairbows, Easter candy. . . Oh, wait, that was for the adults. Anyhow, the "bows" that are working are really scrapbooking bows with sticky on the back of them. Ellie doesn't have enough hair to clip anything in yet. Mom and I think it's precious. Ellie's Mommy isn't quite sold. . .

Anyway, we did a little more "knockin' around" as my mom calls it, going to other consignment stores, checking out houses for sale, and then making a pit stop at Aunt B and Uncle Tim's for Ellie's bottle.

Then, the real fun was beginning! We loaded up and headed to Milledgeville for good ole' Bunny Pictures with Kyle Hitchcock. How precious! Kyle had her front porch set up beautifully for spring pictures: tulips, ivy, pansies, easter eggs, and even a live bunny! Here are a few pictures of Ellie's first photo shoot

Happy About Her First Shoot!

Precious outfit from our dear friends, the Kononens

Sweet girl

The four of us girls loaded back up and headed back to Macon later that afternoon. It was a full day, full of girl fun and memories made! Thanks, Jenn, once again for being such a gracious mommy and letting me be the daffiest aunt around!

*Shame on you for thinking I was cussing. Shame. Shame.

Thanking Him

If you don't read this precious girl's blog, you're missing an amazing treat! Today, Kelly Gives God Praise, and man alive did I need to read her uplifting post. Kelly has an incredible ministry through the blogosphere by sharing prayer requests with all of her readers. And, Kelly has a great testimony to boot! It helps, too, that she's always posting precious pictures of her little miracle, Harper, too!

So, I'm picking myself up out of this pit of stress, dusting this pity party off of me, and praising God for the many, many blessings He's given me.

* Beautiful spring weather that promises capris, tans, and sandals are in our near future.

* Health

* A job, even if the boss does tell me 40 minutes prior to this morning's presentation, "It's going to be a big audience, Bethany! Over 100 participants; no pressure!" Really? Seriously. No pressure? More like step into a big ole' pressure cooker!?!?

* An amazing friend who's understanding and forgives me when I blab too much.

* A husband who works his buns off day in and day out .

* That same husband loves me beyond measure.

* That I grew up in a home full of unconditional love.

* The hope I have of leaving a Godly legacy to Ellie, and future mini-McMens, and our future kids.

* The get-up-and-go the hubby has every morning to get us to the gym, home, showered and at work by 8:30.

* Amazing girls who share so much in Bible Study each Tuesday night as we grow together in Him.

* The precious little ones I get to love on every Wednesday night at church.

* How easy it is to cook for Tim. I say all the time he'd be perfectly happy with a piece of cardboard and melted cheese. Granted, I know when he pulls out the honey mustard, it's not a great meal, but that doesn't happen very often!

* This spring weather means our hammock is calling our names every afternoon to come for a short swing!

* You peeps who give me amazing encouragement and love day in and day out.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the many gifts you give me every single day!

Answers, Please

Okay, here are the truths to Friday's Fun:


1. I definitely quit playing church softball in the middle of our first practice a couple of years back!

See, I thought it would be fun to play; I mean, I was always at the games because Tim played. After catching ZERO balls in the outfield during practice, they tell me it's batting practice time. I had to hit the ball in front of everyone!?!?! After approximately 15 swings and (again) ZERO hits, I quit. Forever.

2. I'm most certainly not a neat freak.

Tim on the other hand is a very neat and tidy person. I know it's time to clean up when I go into our bedroom and there's a nice little pile of random things of mine on our dresser. That means he went through the house and gathered all the things I've left here there and everywhere. It also means, "Clean Up, B!" Yes sir! Point taken!

3. I am absolutely crazy about my precious niece!

Helloooo. If you know me or read this blog and don't know this, well, then, you are slap silly. I love Eleanor Grace more than I can begin to put into words.

4. I do, in fact, have a strange way of creating short, gay poems at the drop of a hat.

Even my mom, a 3rd grade teacher, has called upon me to create poems for her. At work, anytime an announcement is to be made about an engagement or pregnancy, I tend to get called upon to create a "jingle". It's strange how I can create them. Even stranger: they're always really gay.

5. I definitely do not prefer butter cream icing over cream cheese icing on cakes.

Cream cheese icing all the way! No explanation needed!

Fun times! It's no surprise my momma was correct! Thanks for playing!!

I am. . . What about You?

Ally had this cool little game, and I am always game for blog games! Plus, I don’t really know what I want to write about these days. . . . So, here ya go!

I am…wishing I could convince myself to like oatmeal. YUCK!
I think…random things way too often.
I know…that I am loved beyond measure by my hubby!
I want…calmness and peace about career issues.
I have…way more than I deserve.
I wish…I was 10 pounds lighter. For good.
I hate…pride.
I miss…the good ole’ days in banking
I fear…that God’s plan might not be for me to carry children
I feel…restless.
I hear…lots of chatter.
I smell…my candle.
I regret...poor decisions from my past that have affected my precious husband
I love…my life!
I care…way too much what folks think about me
I always…am game for ice cream!
I am not…the smartest eater.
I believe…in God’s grace.
I dance…anytime I get the chance.
I sing…and love it, but I have not a pretty voice!
I write…and love it.
I win... little.
I lose…a lot.
I never…focus enough.
I listen…to everything I can!
I can usually be found…reading.
I’m scared of…Ellie’s heart being broken.
I read…as much as possible!
I forget…most of the plots of the books I read.
I just…finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird again.
I am happy about…my marriage and its future!

What about you?

Friday Fun

TGIF!!! And it's almost 5:00!

Lucy is hosting a game, and you know I'm a sucker for blog games! I'll list 5 things about me, 3 of which are true. 2 will be false. Can you guess which ones are false?



1. I quit playing church softball in the middle of our first practice a couple of years back!

2. I'm a neat freak.

3. I am crazy about my precious niece!

4. I have a strange way of creating short, gay poems at the drop of a hat.

5. I prefer butter cream icing over cream cheese icing on cakes.

So, whatcha think?!?! Where am I fibbing? Want to play? Hop on over to Lucy's site and check it out!!

Are you In?

We are! “In” means we’re participating in our church’s challenge to pray together as husband and wife for the 31 days of March. We got this encouraging email from our pastor this morning:

Dear Tim and Bethany,

I’m so glad you have joined Beverly and me in the commitment to hold hands and pray together with your mate for the 31 days of the month of March.

Are you still “in”? Even if you have missed a day or two—keep it up!

Ephesians 5:33 says: “So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (NLT).

What’s the key need of most wives? Love. What’s the key need of most husbands? Respect. As you pray together, ask the Lord to help you better meet your mate’s primary need. You might even risk asking your mate how you could better meet their primary need.

I’m praying with you and for you—for stronger marriages for the glory of God!

Your Pastor and Friend,

Tim

P.S. If you are seeing evidences of God at work as you pray, send me an email update!

For so many of us, times have been pretty stressful and tense lately. Jobs are hectic, and it is amazing to me how quickly and easily that pours over into our personal lives. So, I stood high on my soap box last week and told (my) Tim WE ARE IN! I know that My God will not forsake me or leave me. I know He will cover us with His love, His peace that passes all understanding, and He will provide for us, as we ask. For we are told to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4: 4 – 6).

And I’m so excited to watch God work in our lives and in our marriage as we pray. Every day. Together. So, are you in?

Celebrating Gma

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Her children arise and call her blessed; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Prov 31:10 - 12, 25 - 26, 28 - 31

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, my Gma celebrated her 89th birthday last week. Like I did for my mother, I decided to create a list of things I love about Gma. And, to get in on the fun I invited my sister and four cousins to send me things they cherish about Gma. It didn't take long for us to have a long list, 89 things to be exact!

With the help of my crafty sister, I made a small scrapbook for Gma, listing these 89 things we love about her. I don't think I've ever seen Gma as touched and happy about a gift as this one. Within a day of her receiving it, she'd already instructed my sister and a cousin that this book is to be buried with her. And Gma has already called me wanting to know who submitted what to me. She's got them figured out for the most part, though!

Gma has no clue about this blog, and I don't really foresee ever trying to explain it to her. Gma might be a savy, young 89-year-old, but computer-smart she ain't! So, this is really for my family and for me! Enjoy!



Your soft, sweet “Yello” when you answer the phone

How in every birthday card ever, you explain that I might be your 5th grandchild but it doesn’t mean you love me any less than your first four.

Chocolate cupcakes at your house were always better than anywhere else

The time I came to visit and you were on your neighbor’s back porch talking. Shortly after I sat down, I learned what y’all were gossiping about happened in the 70s!

Your never-ending commitment to Gpa through the years

Teaching me that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Getting onto Gpa when he’d scare me with Fireball’s eyes

You taught me the proper way to say “w-a-s-h”…warsh, as in go get a warsh cloth

How neat and pristine your house always is.

How proud you are of your 5 great grandchildren

How you aren’t afraid to ask Tim when he’ll produce another great for you!

Ethan was convinced from about the time he was 3 to just recently that G-ma was on TV whenever I’d have Paula Deen’s cooking show on the TV. No amount of arguing would persuade him to think otherwise! “G-ma is ON TV!!!!”

Not ever seeing you cry until the night after G-pa’s funeral when we were all sitting in your living room. It was one of the most moving and pinnacle moments of my life.

NO ONE can beat G-ma’s cupcakes with the chocolate icing! I used to sneak into the kitchen at the lake whenever you brought them and eat them…I must have eaten 10 in one day!!

I really do hold you in such high regard- I am still to this day in awe of your character and marriage to G-pa and so grateful for the legacy you will leave to all of us.

I loved you ‘rattling pans’ when cooking dinner. G-pa always was trying to watch Bonanza or Sanford and Son and he’d get so aggravated! He’d always yell that you missed one and you’d always retort, ‘oh, Ted…’ Classic!

I love you for being my mom’s ‘Mother’ and for loving ‘your Nancy’. You were a good mom to my mom. SO many things my mom did, she got from you, G-ma. And what I’ve noticed since mom is gone is that I now do some things like both you and Mom.

I loved helping you in your gardens.

I tell Emma all the time of how you used to wrap your hair in toilet paper to go to sleep. Emma thinks that is hysterical but isn’t it so cute!

I love watching (or listening) to you be a backseat driver!

I love how dedicated and devoted you have been to your church. I have memories of you dressing me all up in little dresses with “fancy panties” and taking me to Mabel White to show off “Nancy’s daughter”.

I love your quiet strength. You know it’s made of steel!

I loved (and still do) you telling me stories of your life as a girl and when you met G-pa (slack in your pants!) You never offered those stories but you would always tell them to me when I asked.

I love the toy drawer you used to have for all of us. Do we even know where in the world you got those noise maker tubes with the marbles? I loved those and the black rubber gorilla.

I love the fact that at 89 you still look beautiful and take meticulous care of the way you dress and your appearance. Any of my friends who have ever met you or seen pictures of you cannot believe you are in your 80’s.

I love how you loved my husband from day 1…Eric loves you too!

I loved having the only “G-ma” of any of my friends growing up. In fact, I still haven’t met anyone outside of our family who has a G-ma!

I loved how you came up to help me with the baby after I had Emma, even though I was completely moody, neurotic and hormonal. Just the fact that you’d come to Atlanta at your age was such a sweet and special gesture.

Eating a bucket of KFC after church with all of G-ma’s side dishes on Sundays when we’d visit.

I love all your costume jewelry in your jewelry box!!!!!!! Your jewelry box and your lipstick holders are two of my favorite things EVER!

Your re-used, ready-made gift bows.

Your “Well, I declare!" interjections.

The reinforcing, steadfast Christian influence you and G-pa guided me with through the years.

The hope you give me that, perhaps, I’ll be in half as good a shape as you are at 89, if the good Lord lets me reach that age.

The way you love your daughter-in-law as if she were your own.

You talking about Krystal hamburgers and "tacos" (pronounced with a short "a" like in pat, rat, bat...)

Lake Sinclair...family, fun, the cabin, the refrigerator, the screened porch, boat rides, endless summer days of just being

Check brand ginger ale

Missy...and your gentleness in redirecting me from torturing that dog

Wimbish Road

Your love for the Lord

Turkey dressing at Thanksgiving

Strength of character

Love for and devotion to family

"Everyone totes their own sack of rocks." I heard you make this comment several years back, and for some reason it really stuck with me. I find myself saying it quite often.

Sock-it-to-me Cake, Cowboy Cookies, Buckeyes, and Chex Party Mix

Pine straw

Daytona Beach....family, fun, "early bird specials" at restaurants

Your Hershey kiss Christmas tree

The playhouse (i.e. storage building) behind the Wimbish Road house

Grace and beauty beyond compare

Plum jelly

Playing with your jewelry and make up

Christmas Day

Role model for me and my girls

Playing Checkers, Go Fish, Croquet, and Old Maid

"Co-cola" never tasted better than poured over half-moon ice cubes in smiley face glasses

Roller skating over the roots on Wimbish Road driveway

My fave ice cream was always chocolate peanut butter & you would make me a dish regularly!

You MIXED the peanut butter & jelly BEFORE putting it on the bread!

You lookin' stylish in your swimsuit @ the beach or @ the lake

One time you told me, "God sure broke the mold when he made you!"

The smell of bacon & eggs in your yellow kitchen. Now whenever I smell this glorious smell, it's not just glorious 'cuz it's bacon & eggs; it's glorious 'cuz it's breakfast at Gma's!

The multicolored hickory nuts on display

The small, yet palm-sized for a little girl, soaps you kept in your front bathrooms

Your commitment to order (do & do not signs @ the lake)

The miniature colored-glass bottles, which always struck my imagination as royal kings & queens

The "we aim to please" sign. I remember when that first appeared, it was almost shocking but in a funny way

That Gma & Gpa would meet my parents halfway to pick me or me & sis up to stay a few days in Macon.

The ritual stop @ Fresh Air...another nostalgic smell, although I think I rarely ate bbq

Calling out for Gma & your singsong answering of "woo-oo!"

yummmm...apple cake

Your car ALWAYS smells brand new, even when it's years old!

How you save and reuse your aluminum foil!

You taught me how to play hop scotch in the carport at 757 Wimbish Rd

I loved the days you and Gpa would pick me up from school when I was in kindergarten, we would go get a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut and go to your house to eat it, then I would get to watch nickelodeon

The time we stayed with you and Gpa when mom and dad went to San Francisco, I was in K5 and got my first sad face in my Friday folder. You were NOT happy about that, I was more scared to tell you than momma!

During that same trip you would wrap my thumb in tape before school so I wouldn't suck it; I was VERY embarrassed about this too!

Playing "dress-up" with all of Mom’s old dresses you hemmed to fit me

The smell of Campho-Phenique reminds me of boo boos at your house

The best pancakes ever!

Watching Wheel of Fortune with you and Gpa and us all guessing what color Vanna White’s dress would be that night

The first time you ate dinner at mine and Brian’s apartment, you were SO impressed that I could entertain guests!

Watching you talk to little Ellie

Doing a snow angel at the house on Wimbish Road in all of my clothes and having to wear your clothes home!

How you know the names of just about every flower ever!

The critters in the house plants that lived on Wimbish Road

Children’s Table at each family function

The living room we never used on Wimbish Road; we were not allowed in that nice room!

The Fall

I knew it would happen. In the three years I’ve been going to the gym, I have watched poor souls fall, trip, lose their rhythm on the treadmills. It’s always so embarrassing for the victim of the fall. Many times I’ve concentrated on my run or walk, just making sure I, Grace herself, do not fall.

Tuesday morning, while walking hills on the treadmill, I decided I wanted to move the fan more towards me. So, I hopped off of the treadmill, adjusted the fan, and hopped back on the treadmill. . . . only I momentarily forgot the treadmill was MOVING!!!

. . . And down she went. . . .

In a split second, I fell, grabbing the handle bar of the treadmill, only to be further stretched from the handle bar to the very edge of the treadmill. Because it’s still moving!!!

It was a never-ending cycle! What seemed like an eternity probably only lasted 2 seconds, and I was soon back up and walking my hills like I’ve never tripped. Luckily, the only witness to this escapade was the old man I call Moses. Moses, who’s older than dirt and walks a brisk 2.0 mph on his treadmill each morning looked as startled as I was. But he never said a word. Just kept right on walking.

Three days later, I have slight strawberries on my leg as proof of this fall.

Due to feeling like poo because of sinus issues, Tuesday is my most recent visit to the gym. Tim told me this morning that Moses asked if I was okay. Poor man. He told Tim I was back up and walking before he could even stop his treadmill to check on me. Expected for someone who walks as slowly as Moses, I suppose. And Moses thought I’d hurt myself good, seeing as I’ve not been back since the fall. Sweet hubby assured him the only thing hurt from the fall is my pride.

My how true.

Getting to know You!!

So, one of my newer reads suggested this fun little game. And, if you play along just right, you have the opportunity of increasing the number of readers you have. While I full realize that my blog might be as boring as watching paint dry, I love it. I've enjoyed getting back into writing with this little blog, and so I figure it can't hurt, might help! Give it a shot!

So, part of this little game included me telling Lynnette my top five favorite blogs to visit. Of course, I included Melissa because her artistic talent just intrigues me, Kelly's Korner, which I found through Melissa. Kelly has been such a huge inspiration to so many women, and I just love reading about her miracle, Harper! Definitely had to include this amazing friend, just because she's so much fun, she lives to the fullest, and praises God through everything! I also listed The Heart Change Place and Leelou Blogs, both of which I just enjoy reading and checking out!

So, if you want to play along, jump on over to Lynnette's blog and check it out! You might want to grab some kleenex first, though. Lynnette definitely has a beautiful story to tell. She's such a woman of triumph in Christ who really does know how to dance barefoot.