MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!

I just wanted to say, "Merry Christmas!" from my house to yours. I pray that it is a blessed day for you and your family.
Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. Don't forget to go to the Lord's House and worship the One for Whom this day is celebrating.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!!
Beth :-)

WHAT IS IN A NAME?

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:" Luke 1: 32
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.
What is in a name? You know, when my husband and I were trying to decide on names for our two boys, we wanted good, strong Biblical names. We searched the Scriptures to find men who had lived uprightly and completely for God. Believe it or not, that was hard! We finally decided on the two Old Testament Prophets, Nathan and Samuel. These two men were not afraid to do what God told them to do, even if it meant death for them. Nathan had to approach and confront King David after his affair with Bathsheba. Samuel had many situations where he had to bring the Word of God to people, even if it was not what they wanted to hear and would make them very angry. We need more preachers like that today! Amen? Amen!
These are just a few verses that mention names given to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All through the Bible, He is given many different names. Isaiah 9:6 is my favorite, though. As I read the names, I get so excited! Think about them.
WONDERFUL-He is our wonderful Saviour, One Who didn't have to, but came to earth, lived, died and rose again that we might be with Him in heaven one day, if we only believe. He is WONDERFUL, for all the blessings that He bestows on us each day. He is WONDERFUL, because He is there to hear and answer our prayers.
COUNSELLOR-The dictionary defines Counsellor as "1: A person who gives advice or counseling. 2: Lawyer. specifically : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court." We need Someone to help us through and give us advice on our daily struggles. Who better to go to then Jesus and the Bible? He is also our MEDIATOR, according to 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;". When we sincerely ask for forgiveness for our sins, Jesus is our mediator, our lawyer, who goes before God our judge and pleads our case on our behalf.
THE MIGHTY GOD-Jesus and God are one, "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1.
THE EVERLASTING FATHER-Everlasting is defined as "lasting or enduring forever: eternal." (Websters Collegiate Dictionary). He is our eternal Father. Earthly fathers may leave or abandon you, but Jesus will NEVER leave you or forsake you!
THE PRINCE OF PEACE-Peace. There is so much turmoil and unrest in the world today. People's lives seem so upset, crazy and hopeless. They do not know any peace in their lives. But when you give your life to Jesus, you will know peace. An inner peace that you haven't known before.
How about you, my dear reader? Does life seem hopeless? Do you have inner peace in your soul? Jesus can give you that peace. All you have to do is ask! Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, ask Him to be your Saviour, give your life to Him. He will give you a peace that "passeth all understanding". It is true. I have been there. When you experience that peace, you know it is a completely different peace than you have ever experienced!
Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!
Beth :-)

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING-VENDOR SPOTLIGHT-MISTY SIMMONS WITH INITIALS, INC

Well, it's that time of year! Time to start thinking about what we are going to buy for our loved ones and friends.
I would like to help you out this year. I believe in supporting home businesses, and especially Christian home businesses, so I would like to post about some of these businesses that I know about.
Today, I would like to introduce you to Misty Simmons. I met Misty at our East Coast Ladies Retreat this year. She is an independent consultant for Initials, Inc.
 What is Initials, Inc? Well, it is a company based in Georgia that was started in 2005 by two sisters who wanted to stay home with their children, "but still having a desire to find something that would stir their souls creativity, fill their well socially and allow them to contribute to their homes financially." (under 'Our Story' on the website).
The company offers personalized bags (all sizes and shapes!) and accessories. Oh, and by the way,  personalization is always FREE.
I had a chance to talk to Misty for quite a while at the Ladies Retreat, as well as by phone a couple of weeks later. I enjoyed both conversations as she is very friendly and outgoing. Her love for the Lord shone through. She is also very knowledgeable about her product and is happy to answer any questions you might have.
Stop by and visit Misty at www.myinitials-inc.com/msimmons and see what she has to offer. You just might find that gift you were looking for!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

MAKING TRACKS

The weather Saturday was just SO beautiful that my family and I (our cats came along, too!) took a walk in the fields behind our house.
Nathan and Samuel love to look for animal tracks. The ground is still kind of soft, so the tracks show up pretty well. Among the tracks that we found were tractor tire tracks, deer tracks and, of course, people tracks (ours :-)!).
Some of the deer tracks were old, but my husband said that you could tell from the track how heavy the deer was, along with whether or not it was a buck or doe, as well as if it was running or walking. Boy! I learned alot that day. See pictures below:

BUCK TRACKS
MY HUSBAND SAYS THAT YOU CAN TELL THE BUCK WAS RUNNING BY THE WAY THE FRONT OF HIS HOOF IS SPREAD.

DOE TRACKS
MY HUSBAND SAID THAT THIS DEER WAS JUST WALKING.

PEOPLE TRACKS

TRACTOR TIRE TRACKS

CAT TRACKS
OUR LITTLE "TAG-ALONGS"

When we got back to the house, I started thinking about my life's path and what kind of "tracks" I was leaving behind me.

I have a poem on my refrigerator that reads, "The future lies before you like a field of driven snow; Be careful how you tread it for every track will show." Author unknown.

You know, everything we do, every decision we make, how we talk to and treat people (our families included), all leave "tracks" both in our lives and the people around us.

Our children are like sponges. Whether we are aware of it or not, they watch us VERY closely. Sometimes too closely. Often times, I will see an attitude or action in my child that I know they have seen in me. It's often hard and most humbling to see yourself reflecting back in your child, especially when it's a not-so-pretty attitude.

We as Christians have to be so very careful how we walk down this path of life. We should be a light, a beacon, shining out and showing people the way to Christ, starting with our own families.

Saturday's walk opened my eyes to a few life lessons. I am so very human. I need to rely on the Lord an awful lot. But, you know what? He is there for us. Keep praying, stay in your Bible, attend church REGULARLY.  We will fall, that's the truth. But He is there to catch us and put us to right again.

What kind of tracks are you leaving?

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers! I can not begin to thank the Lord enough for all of the blessings that He has bestowed on my family and I!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 23

"Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name." 2 Samuel 22:50

*****************************

I am so thankful today that my son, Samuel, joined me for my morning devotions. He has always been an early riser, but I usually have already had my devotional time with the Lord by the time he gets up (I try to get up atleast an hour before the rest of my house does).

Well, this morning, I told him that I hadn't read my Bible or had my special time with the Lord yet. He was excited to join me in my devotional time. We each took our Bibles, climbed up on my bed (my husband had already left to go deer hunting), pulled the quilt up and read. I read three verses and he read three verses. At six years old? Why, yes! As soon as each of my sons started to learn how to read, I would give them verses to read out of the Bible at our Family Devotion Time. It is VERY slow going at first, I must admit, and takes alot of patience. But they do eventually start doing better and better.

After reading, we prayed. Then Samuel jumped up and said, "Mommy! We have to sing some Bible songs!" So I said OK. He ran into his room and grabbed his little song book. We sang about five songs.

 Let me tell you, nothing, absolutely NOTHING, could have made my morning any better! What a joy and awsome privilege to share Jesus with my children!

Have you shared Jesus with your children today?

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)



A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 22



"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15



+++++++++++++++++++++++++



Well, it's been a few days since I've posted. Between sick children, sewing bag orders and laptop issues, it's been difficult to find time to just sit down, so I am going to pick up my Month of Thanks from today, Nov 22.

Today I am thankful that our local Wal-Mart put their full-service fabric department back in. Now I don't have to travel an hour to buy fabric!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 15



"Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13

*******************************



I am so very thankful for the healing that my friend received from cancer. We were praying for what ever the Lord's will was for her life, because, since she is a born-again Christian, she said that she is a winner either way. Praise the Lord!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 14

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Psalm 50:14-15

***********************************

I am thankful for a wonderful, Christian mother-in-love. She took me in with arms wide open and accepted me into the family with love.

You know, before my husband and I were married, I heard all sorts of "mother-in-law horror stories".

 My husband and I lived in two different states before we got married-I lived in New Jersey, and he lived in North Carolina. We decided that, when we got married, we would live in North Carolina (much to my Mom's dismay! But that worked out, and that is another story of God's grace to tell!). This meant that I would be moving ten hours away from everything I had ever known, to where I knew absolutely NO ONE except my husband and my uncle, who had introduced us. Alot of my friends and co-workers tried to talk me out of it. They said that was too far away to go where I didn't know anyone. They especially emphasized the "mother-in-law" factor, for , you see, she lived next door.

Well, let me tell you. All those stories were FAR from the truth about my husband's mother. She is a sweet, loving and kind woman. She never intrudes in our marriage, and will not take sides when we have disagreements, unless absolutely necessary, which does not happen very often.

I could not have asked for anyone better for my mother-in-love!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)



A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 13

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7

****************************

Day 13! Wow. The month is really flying by. Next week is Thanksgiving! Well, today, I am thankful for my children's hugs and love.

You know, some days I feel like such an imperfect mom. I make SO many mistakes. Sometimes I fuss and am grumpy when I should have just stepped back, looked the situation over, then reacted. The list goes on and on. I start thinking about it, and I get somewhat discouraged. I love my children SO much, and yet I am always messing up, or atleast that's the way it seems to me.

Then, out of nowhere, I get an impromptu hug from one or both of my boys. How wonderful that makes me feel. But I also think about how undeserving I am for such love! They seem to love me no matter what.

You know, that's the way it is with the love of Jesus. We don't deserve it, but He loved us so much that He came to earth, lived, died and rose again, for you and me-imperfect, undeserving you and me.  

Do you know Jesus as your saviour? If not, why not today? He knows your heart, your imperfections. But He LOVES you. He is knocking at your heart's door. All you have to do is let Him in. Ask Him in today!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)





A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 12

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4

*************************************



Today, I am so very thankful for my home. Last month marked our eighth year here in this house, the house that God provided for us.

How so? Well, let me tell you our story.

When my husband and I were first married, we lived in his grandmother's old house (she had passed away several years before) which we were renting from his uncle. My mother-in-law lived next door, which worked out perfectly when our first son was born. She watched him while I worked.

One day, we decided that it was time to look for a house of our own. We started praying and looking and PRAYING! Like everyone else, we were on a budget, had a certain price range we could afford, and we really needed a house in the area that we were living in. My prayer was for a house close to my mother-in-law so that I didn't have to do any extra travelling during the work week.

Every house that we looked at was either way out of budget or just too far. What were we going to do? Time was getting short. We really had to move out of the house that we were in. It was getting pretty discouraging. But, we held on to the promise that Jesus gives us in the Bible that says, "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall as, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 18:19. John also tells us, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" 1 John 5:14.

The key words in 1 John 5:14 to me is "according to his will". We knew what WE desired in a house, but we also wanted to be in the will of God, and go where He wanted us to go. Well, only two months after we started looking, guess what? A house opened up that wasn't on the market, but was being sold privately. How far do you think it was from my mother-in-law's? About two miles right up the street! Plus, it was definitely in our price range. Glory to God! 

What are you praying for today? If you are a born again Christian, are you praying YOUR will or GOD's will? We need to pray for God's will. Make Him first in your life and decisions, and it will all fall into place. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Lean on God, He knows what is best for you.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)



A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 11

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:4-5

***********************************

Since today is Veteran's Day, I will have to say on this day, Day 11 of my Month of Thanks, that I am very thankful for those who have served and are serving our country and the sacrifices that they make so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we have.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

VETERANS DAY-11/11/11



Happy Veteran's Day! I would just like to take this time to thank all veterans, past and present, for their sacrifices so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we have here in America. Let us never forget or become unthankful! God bless all of you!
Have a wonderful and blessed day.
Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 10

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms." Psalms 95:1-2

***********************************

Day 10! Today I am thankful for my mom, who taught me about Jesus from the time I was born. I love you, Mom! You are the best!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)



A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 9

                                             
"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God." 2 Chronicles 5:13-14
All I can say is, Wow! See what can happen when we praise and thank God for what He has done for us! Oh, that the glory of the Lord would fill our churches! Let's praise Him today! You may be going through a hard and very trying time right now, but, if you are a born again Christian, please don't forget that He is still with you and will not forsake you. He knows what you are going through. Thank Him for this. As I always say, He sees the end that we do not. He is bringing you through this valley for a reason. Hang in there!

                     *********************************************************

Well, today, I am thankful for YOU, yes, YOU my dear readers. You are an encouragement to me, and give me a reason to keep on blogging and writing. Thank you!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 8

"And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." Revelations 7:11-12.
Hallelujah! Doesn't this verse just make you want to praise God even more?

****************************************************************
Today, on Day 8 of my Month of Thanks, I am so grateful to God for the Christian school that my children attend. It is not "conformed to this world", but takes a firm stand for Christ, upholds Biblical standards and the KJV Bible, and teaches the children to know, love and serve the Lord.

How about you, my dear readers? What have you found to thank Him for? Keep searching! There is so much that He has blessed us with. We don't have to look very far.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 7

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:15 

What am I thankful for today, as I sit and pay bills, bills, bills? I am thankful that the Lord has provided the money so that I can pay them. We may not be rich, but He sees to it that every month we have enough. Thank you, my dear and precious Saviour!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 6

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

Today, I am thankful for the beautiful weather. After last week's cold snap, it feels so VERY good!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

A MONTH OF THANKS-DAY 5

""Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Phillipians 4:6

Today, on day five of my "Month of Thankfulness", I am so very thankful for my church and church family. We have a very loving and friendly church that is not afraid to take a stand for Jesus and preach the true Gospel.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

NOVEMBER-A MONTH OF THANKS

HI, everyone! Since Thanksgiving is in the month of November, I thought that I would try to post a verse or quote about "thankfulness" every day. I'm a little bit behind as my laptop went a little wacky on me, and I haven't been able to access the internet. It is finally back up and running, so I will pick it up from today, which is November 4th.

11/1- "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever." Psalms 136:1

11/2 - "Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever." Psalms 106:1

11/3 -" In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

11/4 - "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4

The Bible is absolutely full of  "thankful" verses! What are you thankful for today? How about a challenge? Each day of this month, find something that you are thankful for. You might say that you don't have 30 things to be thankful for, but I guarantee that once you get started, you will find that you have many more than 30 things that you can be and are thankful for!
I'll start-First and foremost, I am thankful for God, Who sent His only begotten Son to die and live again, that I may have eternal life! Second, I am thankful that Jesus did this for me. Third, I am thankful for my husband and two boys. Fourth, I am thankful that we were able to get the new heating system installed in our house (it was getting quite chilly!). I will continue on tomorrow and each day of this month.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!!!!
Beth :-)



        

PRAISES, PRAISES TO THE LORD!

Oh, my dear readers! I have such wonderful news this Wednesday morning!
A couple of posts ago, I asked for prayer for one of my dear co-workers as she had a cancerous tumor at the top of both lungs, as well as a spot on her back. When the doctors started her radiation and chemo treatments, it was not to "cure" her cancer, but just to shrink the tumors enough so that she could breath better.
Well! Guess how good our God is? After going for radiation and chemo treatments, she went for a scan last week. You know what??? She is cancer-free! The doctors do not understand it. They are sending her for more scans, because they are sure that it is still there, just "under the surface". The spot on her back is completely gone as well. To give you an idea as to how large and deep this spot on her back was, the doctors told my co-worker that if they went in to remove it, she would need extensive plastic surgery. So, they were waiting until her treatments on her lungs were done before they would operate.
The doctors are baffled, but we are not. We serve a Living Saviour, One who can heal! My friend is also a born-again Christian, so she was prepared for whichever way her cancer would take her. She said she was a winner either way, because she has a home in heaven waiting for her.
How about you, my friends? If you should get a terminal diagnosis, or die today, do you know where you would go? There is only one of two places-Heaven or Hell. Jesus is the only way to heaven. Why don't you give your heart to Him, today?
It's as easy as A-B-C!
A=Admit that you're a sinner. Romans 3:10 says, "As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one." Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
B=Believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sins. Believe that He is the only hope of your salvation. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
C=Confess that Jesus is Lord of your life. Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
If you have come to accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I would love to know! Also, go tell someone-a Pastor, a friend or family member. Share with them the good news! Then find a local, Bible believing church so that you will grow in your faith and rejoice in your new life!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)
                                            

2011 EAST COAST LADIES RETREAT-SOUTHERN GRACE

Well, another East Coast Ladies Retreat has come and gone! A special THANK YOU to the ladies (and men!) of Parkers Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, NC for being our host church. I know that a lot of prayer, time, hard work and effort went into this.
What a wonderful time of fellowship in the Lord! There were 700 women there. Wow! That's alot of women in one place!
Along with the thought provoking, soul challenging and "getting our toes stepped on" sessions, there were also times of laughter. Since the theme was "Southern Grace", the focus was on life in the South, with a couple of good-natured "Yankee" jokes dished out here and there (hey! wait a minute! I'm a originally aYankee!). But, it was all in love and good, clean fun. Oh, yeah, and LOTS of shopping! Lunch was also a delicious "southern" affair of fried chicken, green beans and good ole "sweet" tea.
The sessions were:
1) Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman in the 21st Century-This message was brought to us by Pastor Williams.
2) Our Verbal Gifts-about what we say and how we say it affects our Christian testimony and others.
3) Attitude Check!-Our attitudes towards life and circumstances and how we react-Ouch!
4) Keeping a Quiet Heart
5) The Cost of Grace-This was the teen session, but it still blessed and challenged me when I listened to it.
6) Busy but Balanced
The audio download is available at: http://www.parkerschapel.org/. Click on "Events and Happenings", then on "East Coast Ladies Retreat". Please note that this download is for PERSONAL USE ONLY.
I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day! Don't forget to be in Prayer Meeting tonight!
Beth :-)

FACEBOOK OR GOD'S BOOK-WHICH COMES FIRST AT THE START OF YOUR DAY?

Ok, as I have said before here on my blog, my thoughts are quite random. I usually blog about what I am thinking about at the moment. Actually, talking to me in person is kind of the same experience. I often drive my husband crazy when we are talking because I will "jump tracks" several times as thoughts run through my head (maybe it's a woman thing?).
Just a quick question for today-which did you read first: Facebook or God's Book?
I'm asking because, not too long ago, my morning routine had become something like this:
1.) Get up (we all have to do that, yes?)
2.) Turn the coffee pot on.
3.) Throw in a load of laundry.
4.) Pick up my phone, turn it on, start checking Facebook and my emails (just a quick look, I tell myself).
5.) Hopefully get back to my room to read my Bible and spend time with the Lord.
Hmmm....what's wrong with the order? For me, it was picking up my phone and turning it on before I even spent ANY time with the Lord. As I am checking my messages, commenting, answering, etc,  the next thing I know, time has slipped away from me. I then quickly try read a few moments in my Bible and say a quick prayer, because now it's time to get everyone up and running. Whoa! Back up!
The first and foremost thing should be spending time with the Lord-studying His Word and praying. How can we put on the FULL armour of God if we only spend a few minutes (if any) with Him? How can we FULLY serve Him, when our cup is half empty? We need to spend time in His word. There is a saying that goes, "Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like trying to eat without swallowing." Allow yourself time for the Lord to speak to you.
So, when you get up tomorrow morning, open God's Book, the Bible, first. Then read your messages. Perhaps the Lord will give you something to post that will uplift your friends or help someone who is struggling or in need.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

Boyds in the Nest: CHOCOLATE CHERRY MICE

Boyds in the Nest: CHOCOLATE CHERRY MICE: This past Sunday was our annual Homecoming at our church. I tried something new in the dessert line. It's called "Chocolate cherry mice". Th...

A CHANGE OF HEART AND ATTITUDE

Earnestly and honestly start praying for that person who is being mean to you, or is just having an "ugly" (that's how they say it down here in the South) attitude towards you. It may not change how they treat you at the present time, but you will start to see them in a different light. The Lord will change your heart towards them. Yes, that's worded the way I intended. The Lord will change YOUR heart.
Recently, someone I know was (and is) being not-so-nice in their attitude. They are known for their, um, fiery and explosive personality. Right now, it's partially aimed in my direction. Lord, I said, I am hurt and ANGRY! My insides just churn and boil. I want SO bad to put her in her place.
"Pray for her", was my Lord's quiet reply to my heart. What? "Pray for her". I, well, I, um (my insides were still churning and boiling), alright, Lord. I'll do it. I took a deep breath. And you know what? As I quieted myself down, asked His forgiveness first of all, and actually concentrated on praying for this woman, I could feel a peace coming over me. I continued to pray and lift her up to the Lord.
The Lord changed my heart towards this woman. Things are still the same, but I see her much differently now. I try to see her as the Lord sees her, someone who needs peace in their lives. Or maybe life is just overwhelming to them. There are so many things that could be going on that I don't even know about.
Lord, let them see You through me!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

Today, my husband and I are celebrating our fifteen year wedding anniversary. I love him with all of my heart.
A lot of people tell me that fifteen years is a record in today's society. Many marriages do not make it past the five year mark. My advice? Keep the Lord at the head of your marriage, and it will last. There will still be ups and downs, of course. You are two different people, after all! :-)! You won't agree on everything. And when the big "discussions" come along, and you can't see eye to eye at all, step back and PRAY. Or, harder yet, be the one to give in a little.
For the young (and possibly older) single Christian people out there-STAND YOUR GROUND! WAIT! DON"T GIVE IN! Keep yourself pure for that person that God has prepared for you, if it is His will for you to marry. If you have already fallen, ask His forgiveness, then start again. Don't "settle" for someone because you want to be married and you are tired of waiting on the Lord, or are being pressured because "everyone else is married". Pray, pray, pray! Get someone who you know to be a prayer warrior to help you pray. Waiting is hard, I know. My husband became a Christian at 32 years old. He was determined to wait and pray for a Christian wife. We did not meet until he was 37, five years later. Did it seem like a long time to him? Yes, it did. It seemed longer for me. I was saved at a young age, and was waiting on the Lord to send me a good, Christian man. I had actually gotten discouraged as well. I was 26 when we met.
God is good and I thank Him for my wonderful husband!

OUR WEDDING

(sorry for the quality! I am just learning how to use my scanner

and don't know yet how to resize)

Have a blessed day!
Beth :-)

FIERY SERPENTS IN YOUR CAMP

If there's one thing I don't like, it's a snake. They fascinate yet scare me, even the non-poisonous ones. Since there are irrigation ditches around our house (we are surrounded by farm fields) and woods, it is not uncommon to have an uwelcome visit from a rattlesnake or water moccasin on occasion. We always give our boys strict instructions that if they see one, they ARE NOT to even go near it, but to come and tell us immediately.
Well, not too long ago, I had allowed "fiery serpents" in my house. What? Yes, that's right. Please allow me to explain.
A couple of months ago, I just went on a complaining, mumbling and grumbling spree. I was looking at all of the stay-at-home moms, wondering why the Lord hadn't answered my prayers. I wondered when He was going to move and allow me to be one? I was tired of praying and waiting. I also had some set backs in setting up my small business. Time definitely was not on my side. As I allowed myself to wallow in my self-pity and unhappiness, I became a little bit grumpy with my husband and children. I was finding little ways to bicker with my husband. I just wasn't happy with how my life was turning out because it wasn't the way I wanted it to be. I was, yes, a little angry with God. Hmmm....
The Lord started to deal with me, and let me tell you, when He starts dealing with you, you know it! One scripture reference that kept coming to my mind was Numbers 21:1-9, where the Israelites were whining, complaining, and being VERY unthankful for what the Lord had done and was doing for them. The Lord had just given them a wonderful victory over the Canaanites and they were on their way to "compass the land of Edom". But the verse goes on to say that, "and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way." vs 4. Maybe the way was rough and hard to travel on, I don't know. But the people got discouraged, so they start to murmur and complain against God and Moses. They even started to complain about the bread (manna) that God miraculously provided each day for them. They said that, "there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread," vs 5. How spoiled does that sound?
Well, God had heard enough, so He sent fiery serpents among the people. They bit the people, and many died. You know, when we get a bitter and complaining spirit, we are not the only ones affected. It affects our families and those we come in contact with. It causes strife in our homes. Nothing pleases us.
 James 3:14-17 says, "But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
Envying and strife are not of the Lord, they are of the devil! The devil absolutely LOVES to attack a Christian home. The Bible says that he, "as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." He wants to devour and destroy your home and family. And, ladies, who better to start with than mom? Who sets the mood in the house, really? Mom does. If we are bitter and moody, our house is unhappy. This shouldn't be, and this is what the Lord was bringing to my attention. I really believe that He kept bringing those scriptures to my mind because He was giving me a warning. He would have to deal with my attitude!
It was hard, but I humbled myself and brought everything to the Lord. I asked His forgiveness. We are told "in everything give thanks". We need to thank God because He sees the end that we don't. If we are letting Him guide us, then we are on the right path. This has taught me to be thankful for my circumstances. There is a reason that I am still working. I can't see it, but He does. There is a reason that I had to slow my business plans down. This I now see, because it really was becoming like a second full-time job, and was robbing me of my time with my family. God is so good to us! And I am exceptionally thankful that He gave me a warning!
How short I fall many times. Lord, please forgive me! Help me to be the wife, mother and woman You want me to be. 
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

BUILT UPON A ROCK

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:24-27
These verses came to my mind several times during Hurricane Irene as we watched the strong winds and rain beating down, not knowing what damage we would find when it was all over.
This parable is actually talking about a person's spiritual "foundation". What is your "foundation" built on? Faith in Jesus, money, popularity, friends?
The wise man in these verses is one who has built his life upon the Lord. The storms of life may beat upon him, but as long as his faith is in Jesus, he will stand firm. Sometimes we have to hold on to His hand a little bit tighter during these times, but He is always there for us. That is why it is so important to daily read our Bibles and pray. Church attendance is also very important, as not only is this where we are taught the Word of God, but we are also among other Believers who can pray for and uplift us during our "storms". These are important "building blocks" in our foundations.
On the other hand, the foolish man is one whose spiritual "foundation" is built on things such as money, popularity, friends, etc. All of these can be taken away in a moment. All are like the "sinking sand" that he has built his house on. It is like building a house on the beach. When a hurricane comes, this house would be destroyed because the foundation was made of sand, and not rock.
During the "Great Depression", suicide was great among the rich. Their lives were founded on the money that they had, and when the banks crashed, so did their lives. It was very sad! Their foundation was built on sinking sand.
What is your life built on today? How firm is your foundation? Are there "storms" in your life that you are going through right now? If you are a Christian, stand firm. Keep praying and get those special "prayer warriors" in your life to help you pray. It will soon pass. If you don't know Christ as your Saviour, why not ask Him today? He is knocking at the door of your heart, but He won't come in until you ask Him. Let today be the day of Salvation, and the beginning of a new life!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

HURRICANE IRENE

Well, Hurricane Irene has come and gone. She made landfall here in North Carolina on Friday and didn't leave until sometime late Saturday night.
We lost power around 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning. What a very long day without power and having to ride out the storm! My husband and I looked out of our dining room window, and watched as shingles flew off of our garage roof. What can you do, except just watch and pray that the damage is not too extensive.
But, God is so good to us! He protected us during this hurricane. The loss of shingles and branches was the worse for us. This was not so for everyone else in our county and surrounding towns. As of now, there are still so many without electricity and phone service. My husband and I are very blessed as our power was restored at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and our phones this afternoon. Many, many trees down, houses and vehicles damaged, and much flooding. Even cel phone service was limited. Gas stations are slowly getting power back, so everyone rushes to fill their gas tanks and their generators.
Please keep us all in your prayers as we all try to get everything cleaned up and back in order.
It's funny how we take all of our "modern technology" for granted, until we don't have it! The Lord blesses us so much in so many ways!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

Earthquakes and Hurricanes

As we here in Eastern NC are gearing up for Hurricane Irene, which may be a category 4 by the time it makes landfall on Saturday, we felt the aftershock of an earthquake in Virginia. What a strange feeling to one who is not accustomed to earthquakes!
It's funny, but with all of the crazy weather and earthquakes that we have been experiencing, it is all so clear to me as a believer in Christ that everything that the Bible says will happen in the last days is coming to pass. But, when I try to say this to my unsaved friends and co-workers, they just kind of "hem and haw", give me a funny look, and say that it is just "nature".  Oh, the prayers I put up for those souls who need the Lord, that He would open their eyes before it is too late!
Something else happened that same day which I definitely took as a "teachable moment" for my boys.
When I talked to Nathan after school, he told me something that worried me and had me calling the school to check into.
He told me that they were all told to get under their desks because there was a man outside their school, wearing a mask, just standing there staring at the building. Of course, in this day and age, this is a very real concern. I asked him repeatedly as to whether or not this was just a drill, to which he answered very adamantly that it was not a drill.
Of course, I called the school to verify this. I was pretty certain that it really was just an earthquake drill, but I had to make sure. The school reaffirmed what I thought. It was an earthquake drill.
As I got off of the phone, I asked my son where he had heard this information. It came out that he heard it from one of his friends, who "heard" two teachers whispering loudly. Boys like action, and since I'm sure they didn't feel the tremor, this was a more exciting way to explain the drill.
Well, I took this opportunity to talk about gossip. Even we as adults are guilty sometimes of spreading some news that sounds interesting or exciting about someone before we find out if it's actually true or not. We, as Christians, should not do this. If someone comes up to us trying to talk about another person, we should stop the conversation before it even starts.
Did you know that the Bible says, "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Proverbs 11:13? The Bible has alot to say about those who gossip and spread stories about others. A Jewish proverb says, "What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth". I also have a saying on my desk that says, "Whoever gossips to you will be a gossip of you." How true!
Lets stop that gossip wheel!
Please keep those of us on the East Coast as Hurricane Irene makes landfall.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

VBS, 2011-"TREASURE QUEST-PURSUING THE RICHES OF CHRIST"

At last! Here are some pictures from our VBS this year. The Lord blessed us tremendously! The children and adults all had a wonderful time.
The descriptions are below the pictures. If you need ideas, I hope that some of these pictures help. Also, I found the ideas at http://bogardpress.org/vbs2011/index.html helped us alot!

OUR SAPPHIRE GLACIER ROOM

TOPAZ RIVER ENTRANCE

TOPAZ RIVER CLASSROOM

ANOTHER VIEW OF TOPAZ RIVER

THE SANCTUARY

(WE ALWAYS TRY TO BE RESPECTFUL WHEN WE DECORATE THE SANCTUARY)

ENTRANCE TO DIAMOND MOUNTAIN CLASSROOM

EMERALD FOREST CLASSROOM

(WE USED BRANCHES FROM A COUPLE OF TREES BEHIND THE

CHURCH THAT HAD BLOWN DOWN IN A STORM)

OUR LITTLE ADDITION-THE GEM MINE.

WE HAD A "GEM MINE" THAT THE CHILDREN WALKED THROUGH. AFTER GOING THROUGH, THEY EACH RECEIVED A SMALL CLOTH BAG WITH DIRT IN IT. WE THEN LET THEM DUMP THE BAG INTO SOME SIFTERS (BEACH SAND SIFTERS FROM THE DOLLAR GENERAL-SEE 3 PICTURES DOWN). INSIDE WERE ABOUT 5 JEWELS THAT THEY COULD KEEP. THE CHILDREN LOVED IT!

Please let me know if these helped!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Beth :-)

PROVERBS 27:2-OUR "I" PROBLEM

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." Proverbs 27:2.
My children and I are getting ready for our annual eye exams this week. All year long, of course, I watch my two boys for any vision changes or eye problems. But when it comes time for the exams, I take an extra hard look and write down any questions or concerns about their eyes, so that I can ask their eye doctor.
As I was doing this, my mind wandered off to people in general; not to "eye" problems, but to "I" problems.
Today's society says that "I" am most important. It's all about me. What a selfish society we live in!
Have you ever been around someone whose conversations mostly consist of what THEY are doing, what THEY have accomplished? The word "I" comes up in every, or every other sentence?
My friends, if you are a true, born-again Christian, then we are called to be a humble people. 1 Peter 5:6 says, ""Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." Verse 4 just before this stated that, "for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
We all need to take an "I" exam, not annually, but every day. Look at your life and conversation. Are they centered around yourself, or Jesus Christ and others?
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

AN ORGANIZED MOM (OR A REASONABLE FACSIMILE!) :-)

I was walking in Big Lots yesterday on my lunch hour, just kind of browsing, when I saw this 17-month Planner laying on the shelf in the school supply section. It was not just any old Planner, it was a "busy Mom's" Planner. Yes! Just what I needed. It was the only the only one of it's kind there. It was meant just for ME! Well, atleast, that's the way it seemed! :-)
So I bought this wonderful Planner. Now I am bound and determined to be THE organized mom this year. It starts in the month of August, 2011 (how convenient!). It is broken down by weeks, with spaces for notes, events, and, yes, even a grocery list. Now I can jot down during the week everything that I will need when I go grocery shopping at the end of the week. No more guessing, because I have a LIST.
No more missed homework assignments, appointments or school projects and reports! Everything in one convenient place.
Now, if only I can find where I put that Planner.....Just kidding!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

FORSAKE NOT THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES

We shall all do well to remember the charge of the Apostle Paul: “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.” (Heb. 10:25). Never to be absent from God’s house on Sundays, without good reason – never to miss the Lord’s Supper when administered in our own congregation – never to let our place be empty when means of grace are going on, this is one way to be a growing and prosperous Christian. The very sermon that we needlessly miss, may contain a precious word in season for our souls. The very assembly for prayer and praise from which we stay away, may be the very gathering that would have cheered, established, and revived our hearts. We little know how dependent our spiritual health is on little, regular, habitual helps, and how much we suffer if we miss our medicine.

~ J.C. Ryle

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2011-TREASURE QUEST

Wow! What a very busy couple of weeks we have had at the church! And it's not stopping any time soon.
Let's see...between weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, getting ready for VBS, regular church activities, etc, the time has flown by quickly.
Everyone is excited as we gear up for our VBS on Saturday, July 16th. I chose to go with Treasure Quest-Pursuing the Riches of Christ by Bogard Press this year. I have enclosed their link bogardpress.org/vbs2011/ . We always like Bogard Press as they use only the KJV scripture in all of their material.
Everyone always tells me that they wouldn't like to be the director. But, I'll tell you something. Yes, being the director is VERY stressful at times because you have to organize and get everything together and in order. But, when the day of VBS comes, even though I still am going back and forth making sure everything is running smoothly, I get to go to each area and watch the program unfold. I get to watch the teachers and children as they go through their day. I can mingle with all of the classes and talk to everyone.
For the past couple of years, we have done our VBS as a one-day program on a Saturday. Although it was hard at first figuring up a one-day schedule, it is finally at a point where all I have to do is just change the information from year to year. Finally, this year, Bogard Press even had a sample one-day schedule in their material. I believe alot of other churches are finally trying that route.
A one day VBS works out so much better for everyone involved. In today's society (unfortunately!), just about everyone in the church is employed outside the home. It is extremely hard to find volunteers for a whole week. Also, if one would admit it, the children are SO exhausted when it comes to the end of the week. Attendance is usually down by that time.
With our one day VBS, everyone is there for the whole program. The children get to hear all of the lessons. Do they actually learn their lessons? Well, let me tell you. When we do our closing program the Sunday night after, I usually have my teachers do a quick "question and answer" session with the children. You know what? These children can answer all of the questions! And, I might add, with great enthusiasm!
Well, I've got to go for now and start my day. I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed day. Please remember our VBS in your prayers. Please pray for salvation and life changing decisions!
Beth :-)

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE WILDFLOWERS-LESSON #3 "SEEDS"

You know, the time comes when all cut flowers finally reach the point when they are droopy, drying up and dying. Then we must throw them out. When mine reached that point, I picked up the vase that they were in, and what a mess I found on my windowsill and around my sink! Petals all over the place! As I was wiping them up, I noticed that the flowers had also dropped seeds everywhere.
This taught me my third and final lesson. I thought about my Christian testimony. I thought about the kinds of "spritual seeds" that I am planting each day, not just in my children, but also in my friends, co-workers, other family members, the stranger that I meet. Am I doing my best to win others to Christ? Do I tell as many people as I can about my Lord and Saviour? Does my life reflect the Holy Spirit? When I am gone, will others see the "seeds" that I had planted for Him?
What kind of seeds are you planting? Are they seeds of bitterness, anger, hate? Or are they seeds of love, joy, kindness, hope?
We all need to take inventory of our lives. Talk to your Saviour. Ask Him what He wants to do with your life. If you don't know Him as your personal Saviour, why are you putting it off? Come to Him today!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE WILDFLOWERS-LESSON 2 "The Path"

It really is amazing to me what lessons we can learn from God's handiwork! The second lesson that I learned from the wildflowers was-What Path Am I Leading My Children Down? Am I being the Christian example that I need to be?
The path that we walk down is dirt, surrounded mostly by woods and partly fields. My greatest fears are snakes, ticks, and, yes, bears, so we tell the boys time and time again to stay on the path. DO NOT go into the grass or the woods.
Now, keeping that admonishment in mind, where do wildflowers grow? On the path? No, of course not. They grow on the edge, IN THE GRASS. When I saw those flowers, I thought that if I only went quickly, grabbed some, then came back, I would be fine. My boys kept saying, "But, Mommy, you said not to go into the grass!". I said, "I'll be just a second. I'll be alright." No harm done. Right? WRONG!
The next day, I felt something itchy, only to find that it was a tick on me. Did anyone else in my little walking party have one? No. Just me. Why? Because I left the path and went where I shouldn't have, where we told the boys not to go.
That really got me to thinking. Thinking about how we are trying to teach our boys about the Lord and living the Christian life. While out on our walk, I told the boys one thing, then I went and did exactly what I had just told them not to do. What kind of example is that?
Our children are watching us much more closely than we know. We need to make sure that we practice what we teach. For example, if we teach our children not to lie, then they see us call out from work "sick", when we really aren't and just wanted a day off , what did that just show them?
Another thing that we try to teach our children is not to steal, but Dad comes home from work with items (yes, even those pens, post-it note pads, etc) that he has taken home with him, because "the workplace has so many, they won't miss it!".
Oh, Christian, be careful! Stay on the path! Be that Christian example to your children that you are trying to instill in them! We are so human. We will all fall at one time or another, but when we do, honestly and heartfully ask the Lord's forgiveness. Pray that He will help you.
This also gave me an opportunity to talk to my boys about consequences to our actions. Since I did not heed the rule and went where I wanted to anyway, I got bit by a tick, which, by the way, could be very serious if it is carrying Lyme disease. I told the boys that there are always reasons for the rules that we set for them. Even though they can't see it now (did we when we were their age?),  we set some of those rules for their protection. The Bible has rules on how we should live. Some of them seem very hard, but, once again, God had His reasons for setting them.
I feel that God has brought this lesson to me to open my eyes a little bit wider about the awsome responsibility of raising my children. I hope it has helped you as well.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Happy Father's Day to all of you fathers out there!
I just have to say that the Lord has blessed me tremendously with such a wonderful husband. He is an awsome daddy to our two boys.
As the pastor of our church, my husband is often called away for different things dealing with the church or it's members, which sometimes disrupts our personal family time. This is to be expected, of course. We love our church and this is what we are here for. But often a preacher can get so caught up with the church that his family gets pushed to the side.
My husband makes it a point to spend special time with our boys each day, even if it's a quick basketball game on the driveway, working together in the garage on some project, even working in our small garden. Family devotions are also a priority. This is a very important time of day. We read scripture, talk and pray together. We do this at night and it actually helps to wind down the day. He then also makes sure that he helps tuck them in at night.
Is my husband the perfect father? Of course not! We are all human and we make mistakes. But as long as we keep the Lord at the head of everything we do as a family, keep hemming everything in prayer, things will work out, not in our time, but in His.
I pray that if you are a father, that you will remember to take time with your children, play with them, pray with them! They are small today, but tomorrow they will be grown and gone. It happens that fast, it seems!
Again, Happy Father's Day! I hope it is wonderful and blessed!
Beth :-)

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE WILDFLOWERS-LESSON 1 "Looking to Jesus"

The other day, while taking our family walk, I picked some pretty wildflowers for my kitchen windowsill.
 I know, I know!  I am always taking pictures of flowers on my windowsill, but that is my most favorite place of my kitchen. When we found out I was expecting our second child, we had to rearrange some of the rooms in our house to accommodate our new little blessing.  My husband knew that the one thing that I absolutely wanted was a kitchen window that looked out on our backyard. The original kitchen in our house looked out into the next room. It had absolutely NO windows looking on the outside.
Well, these wildflowers have taught me a few lessons. The next few posts will be about my "Lessons Learned from the Wildflowers".
LESSON 1:
When we got home from our walk, I promptly put the flowers in a vase, nicely arranging them as best as I could. I thought they looked so "country" and pretty. See below picture.

I got up the next morning, and the flowers were actually leaning towards the other side. I thought that someone had turned the vase. I promptly turned them back so that they looked again as the above pictures.
This same thing happened by the end of the day.
Of course, I asked my boys which one was messing with the vase, and both denied any touching. I then took a closer look at the flowers. This is what I saw:

If you'll look closely, some of the flowers have actually turned towards the window. To be exact, they have turned towards the SUN. That is why they kept leaning in another direction.
I thought about my Christian walk. Am I trying my hardest to lean towards the SON, God's Son, Jesus? Whatever my circumstances, am I looking towards Jesus, no matter what happens?
These flowers reminded me to make more effort to keep my personal and family devotion times, to spend more time in prayer, to try to listen more closely to what the Lord is trying to tell me, to hold on to Jesus and know that He knows everything that is going on and won't let me go.
When my boys were little babies, no matter who was in the room, they were always craning their necks to find me. All they had to do was hear my voice, and they started looking.
We should be like that with Jesus. No matter who or what is around us, we should always be looking to Jesus. If we keep Him at the head of our lives, we won't go wrong! Hallelujah!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

VACATION TIME

Well, vacation has come and gone! Isn't that always the way it is? It takes so long to get here, then time flies by!
The Lord blessed us with a WONDERFUL vacation. I praise Him for the beautiful mountain weather and for our safety. But, you know, no matter how great vacation time is, there's no place like home for my family. We are always glad to come back!
We went to the Boone, NC area, where we visited Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad (Thomas the Tank Engine was there), hiked, swam, and just had some good family time. On Sunday, the Lord led us to a small church called Willowdale Baptist Church. The morning and evening sermons were spirit-filled and uplifting. We prayed very hard that He would send us to the right church, and He definitely did!
The best surprise for me was on Monday while we were at Tweetsie Railroad. All that long way from home, we ran into a family from our church. Imagine that! My husband and I joked with them that it's a good thing we were all doing and acting the way we should, as Christians.
It's a sad fact, and not really a joking matter, that some Christians, when they go on vacation, often try to take a vacation from God, going to places and doing things that they wouldn't normally do, because they think that no one knows them. But, Christian, let me tell you, not only do you never know who you will run into, but GOD KNOWS! He is still there with you, watching. He sees everything that you do. If you claim to be a Christian, then BE ONE, no matter where you are or what you are doing.
Well, I'm off to start my day. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)

On top of Grandfather Mountain

MEMORIAL DAY-LEST WE FORGET

I would like to take this time to remember all that have fought and died for our country and for allowing us to have the freedoms that we enjoy today. Too often, we take these freedoms for granted.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Beth :-)