tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59631062069463641712024-03-13T07:57:45.712-04:00Blessed with olive plants around my table"Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord." Psalm 128:3Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.comBlogger1687125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-14857720944984776872019-02-27T16:07:00.000-05:002019-02-27T16:07:26.840-05:00Wednesdays in the WordSome encouragement from Psalms 77 today:<br />
<br />
<i>"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Has His mercy ceased forever?" </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed." </i><br />
<br />
<i>"Has God forgotten to be gracious?" </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Ever feel this way?<br />
I love that the Psalms express the wide range of emotions that we go through.<br />
<br />
The following verses remind us that all the comfort we need on our blue days, is found in His story and ours!<br />
<br />
1. <i>"I will remember Your wonders of old."</i><br />
<br />
Look around you at all that He's created.<br />
Remember that there was once a day when He made the sun stand still.<br />
One time He had a whole bunch of people shout and a brick wall fell down.<br />
Another day, the Red Sea stood up in a heap on both sides and His people walked across it on dry land.<br />
And on more than one day, He made people who were dead, come back to life!<br />
<br />
2. <i>I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High </i><br />
<br />
His 'right hand' refers to the powerful acts of the Most High.<br />
Some of my favorite power acts of His have to be conquering sin, death, hell and the grave for us through His death and resurrection.<br />
<br />
3. <i>"I call to remembrance my song in the night."</i><br />
<br />
I think these are the desperate times in our lives maybe or maybe not at night, where we saw Him intervene in some amazing way. I've got lots of these!<br />
On the floor of a hospital room for one. Another time when I was so ill I should have been in a hospital room, for another..<br />
<br />
<i>"I will meditate on all Your work and talk of Your deeds." </i><br />
<i>"Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
So remember your story and His.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>~Becky</i><br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-48356606713426403092019-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-20T08:00:01.867-05:00Wednesdays in the WordMy Bible reading plan recently had me reading in the book of Numbers.<br />
In chapter twelve, God said that Moses was "faithful in all my house, I speak to him face to face. And he sees the form of the Lord."<br />
<br />
And then God asks Miriam and Aaron (Moses' siblings) why they weren't afraid to speak against His servant. Yikes!<br />
<br />
And it made me wonder why we aren't afraid to speak against God's servant today, who we know have His presence dwelling on the inside of them! Ouch! <br />
(mic drop) ; )<br />
<br />
Have a great day!<i> </i><br />
<i>~Becky</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-1809991161154349082019-02-10T16:04:00.002-05:002019-02-10T16:04:31.708-05:00That moment you live forThe other day held one of THOSE moments!<br />
One of those moments you look forward to from the minute your kids are born, and certainly all through the terrible twos, and the ornery elevens (I'm sure that's a thing) and the tumultuous teens!<br />
<br />
One of my kids relayed a conversation they had with someone else, in which they said "the greatest thing my parents ever taught me was how to love Jesus for myself." 😭 I grabbed that kiddo in a huge hug before they could finish. LOL<br />
Then they said "Instead of saying how to do it, you guys modeled your love for Him."<br />
💗 Oh my stars! That was a banner day.<br />
<br />
If you are in one of the seasons mentioned above, just know that you will blink and they will be adults, who appreciate you and what God helped you instill in them.<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>~Becky</i>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-25506815698083262162019-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:002019-02-06T08:00:09.455-05:00Wednesdays in the Word<i>Be a Caleb! </i><div>
Speak out your faith in spite of the circumstances!</div>
<div>
We all know that when the spies came back from surveying the promised land, Caleb is remembered for saying "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He saw the same giants everyone else saw but he declared his faith and the power of God. </div>
<div>
The others gave "the children of Israel a bad report of the land they spied out." </div>
<div>
Isn't it impressive that even though their words resulted in a 40 year delay in the wilderness, we never hear of Caleb hitting the road on his own. Or saying 'I told you so.' He walked in unity and patience in the process, as he awaited his promise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Surely not one of those men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give... except Caleb, he shall see it and to him and his children I am giving the land on which he walked, because he <i>wholly followed the Lord.</i>" Deut. 1:3 I love that phrase. In Numbers 14, it says, "My servant Caleb has a <i>different spirit in him</i> and has <i>followed me fully</i> and I will bring him into the land where he went." </div>
<div>
And in Josh.14:8 Caleb said "My brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but <i>I wholly followed the Lord my God.</i>" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Pray to wholly follow</i>! </div>
<div>
Be brave enough to have a <i>different spirit </i>than everyone else! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Guess what didn't happen? At year 40, a deed wasn't signed and dropped into his mailbox and that land did not suddenly become Caleb's. Wouldn't that be nice if our promises all dropped into our laps without any work on our part? </div>
<div>
Caleb had to fight for his promise! We often have to fight for ours. </div>
<div>
But <i>he literally had to fight</i>. LOL </div>
<div>
Because those giants he saw, still lived on his promised mountain. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Apparently, there was a 5 year delay! But Caleb doesn't sound bitter. </div>
<div>
Here's what the guy with the "different spirit" had to say:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"The Lord has kept me alive and well as He promised for all those 45 years since Moses made this promise...Today, I am 85 years old and I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used to think that verse was figurative for some reason and that Caleb wasn't actually the strongest 85 year old guy ever. But according to Deut. 29:5, God kept the people's shoes and clothing from wearing out for those 40 years and apparently He kept Caleb from wearing out too! ; ) </div>
<div>
Caleb was 'given' his mountain, but that wasn't the same thing as possessing it. </div>
<div>
He had to go with God's help and actually drive out the giants that stood between him and his promise and he did! </div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>I hope you fight for what God has promised you! I hope you have His help taking down spiritual giants and taking back territory! </i></div>
<div>
<i>And may we all be patient during the delays because a different spirit is in us! </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Blessings,</i></div>
<div>
<i>Becky</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-67181107638762659702019-02-03T15:25:00.000-05:002019-02-03T15:25:21.217-05:00January inched byOne of my goals for this year is to read 12 books. I’m feeling incredibly accomplished because I finished the first four in the month of January, so that’s a great start! I hope to read a mixture of spiritual, historical and fictional books. This was the first one and I loved it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXdsp9qTKkw/XFdDaZDuMaI/AAAAAAAAMts/uLAhllv-f7YEPe3pKwaShOSh7PpJX9eaQCLcBGAs/s1600/244E1AC3-6154-4CA8-9EBB-CD2D3E91DEA8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXdsp9qTKkw/XFdDaZDuMaI/AAAAAAAAMts/uLAhllv-f7YEPe3pKwaShOSh7PpJX9eaQCLcBGAs/s200/244E1AC3-6154-4CA8-9EBB-CD2D3E91DEA8.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I usually run from books or movies that involve a cancer theme but this one was a fun, sweet read. And a bit therapeutic as I was reminded of our days in the Infusion Center and what it was like to cook for a chemo patient, who felt like everything tasted like metal. I love how the characters in the story dealt with that. Gotta love a book with lots of Jane Austen and C.S. Lewis quotes! 💕And it wasn’t even too sad!<br />
<br />
The beach is my absolute favorite happy place but not so conducive for winter. And it has actually been quite a cold one here in Florida! So Joy and I decided to get annual zoo passes! It was the cost of one visit, so you can't beat that! Great place to exercise on my days off! I walked 3.5 miles the other day, in between laughing at some of the sights! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eBzDOkM-F8/XFdDxW7vPwI/AAAAAAAAMt0/iSW7hOY7jrMDrdKSKzeDRbaXKOdEnamNACLcBGAs/s1600/232BA65D-9406-4C7B-9557-F04FD4A68C60.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eBzDOkM-F8/XFdDxW7vPwI/AAAAAAAAMt0/iSW7hOY7jrMDrdKSKzeDRbaXKOdEnamNACLcBGAs/s200/232BA65D-9406-4C7B-9557-F04FD4A68C60.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For 21 days in January, our church did a time of prayer and fasting. What you fasted was optional, of course. Some of us fasted food and others fasted social media, TV, video games etc. I was basically a sugar-free vegan who didn't watch much TV, which is the reason I could finish four books. LOL </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a great time of drawing closer to the Lord and getting refocused on His plan for my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other night, I babysat my friend's 9 month old and her 3 year old. It was so much fun! I got my baby fix with so many cuddles! -And seriously wondered how I ever cared for my 4 kiddos when they were all 6 years old and under. Obviously, I was once Wonder Woman! 😂 Who knew!? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the first year that I can think of that I'm not hosting a Super Bowl party. But I'm OK with that. I haven't ever really cared about who won it, just what I was serving and that people had a good time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead, I have been asked to go dog sit the 'grand dog' during it and I'm happy to do it. Here's hoping that maybe in the next 5 years or so, it will be a grandCHILD and not a dog! LOL </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, it is <i>finally </i>February! I don't why but January felt 3 months long! Maybe it was the fasting! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Happy February! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Becky</i></div>
</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-34236116015212036442019-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:002019-01-09T08:00:03.199-05:00Wednesdays in the WordI have lots of 20-somethings in my life!<br />
And I love that a bunch of them regularly hang out at our house.<br />
<div>
Reading about Hezekiah, who became king at age 25, recently impacted me and reminded me of what I would like to pray for in the lives of my 20-somethings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some powerful snippets about his life from 2 Kings 18 and 20</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Hezekiah was 25 years old when he became king</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He did what was right in the sight of the Lord</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He trusted in the Lord God of Israel,</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>After him was none like him nor were any before him</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He held fast to the Lord</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>The Lord was with him</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He prospered wherever he went</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He subdued the Philistines</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He made a pool and a tunnel and brought water into the city</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He walked in truth with a loyal heart</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>He did what was good in Your sight</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hezekiah wasn't perfect. But what a life to be proud of!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He was obedient, innovative, courageous, and described as one of a kind! </div>
<div>
He trusted God, he subdued giants and he rebelled against a king! He chose what was right over what was easy and he held on to God!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
His rebellion was inspiring! It included laying a letter open before the Lord in the house of God and praying and begging God that the situation that his nation faced would result in the kingdoms of the earth all knowing that "You are the Lord God, You alone!" Wow! When you care about making God known on the earth and praying to that end, I'm pretty sure He backs you up! 😊</div>
<div>
In fact, God came through for him in a mighty way!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
God, I pray that the 20-somethings in our lives would be like Hezekiah and do what is right in Your sight. May they remove idols from their lives and have a faith that believes You for the impossible. May they be uncompromisingly devoted to making Your name known on the earth. May they keep Your commandments and subdue spiritual giants. May rebellion in their lives be against the status who and the easy way outs. Help them do hard things. May they see you intervene when they pray and see great supernatural deliverance. May they care about Your fame and Your glory going forth in the earth and not their own. May they desire that all people know You as God and God alone.</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">~<i>Becky</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-27360539452825587392019-01-02T18:51:00.001-05:002019-02-03T14:35:18.911-05:00Christmastime was here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi Friends! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
December was pretty special for our family and I hope it was for yours as well! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since I am on staff at a church, it was a busy but fun season. One amazing gift that we received, was two weeks off, starting on Christmas Day. What an incredible gift to all of us since I've been able to spend so much time with my adult kiddos!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On December 11th, Zac graduated from Arizona State University, Summa Cum Laude with his bachelors in Communication and a 4.1 GPA. It was a long road. To this day, I don't know if I am more proud that he stepped away from college to spend time with his dad, who had cancer, or if I'm more proud that he went back, worked two jobs and graduated with honors. I guess I'm just plain PROUD! He's a hero in our family and the most hard working and determined human we know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the 17th, Nathan came home for Christmas! He is always our favorite gift, for sure! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He has been here for 16 days and we have had a blast the whole time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When he arrived, the first thing he wanted to do was take his mom on a date. How sweet is that? And he told me to order anything I wanted and not to look at the price! What a sweetheart! We had an amazing dinner and happened to walk up to a movie-on-the-lawn event that was taking place downtown. It was A Charlie Brown Christmas and at the very best part, when Linus explains what Christmas really means. So fun! Then we went out for dessert.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the beginning of December, Joy's brakes stopped working and the fix was going to be $2,000! (that Prius life) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Y'All, buying a car is not for the faint of heart! Super thankful for our 'village' and all the input we received and especially for my boss and dear friend,who knows how to haggle! Joy came away with a good deal on a 3 year old car, which is a Toyota but not a Prius. Oh happy day! She is thrilled to have a safe, reliable car and happy to make the payments on it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Andrew's best friend asked him to baptize him while his family was in town for Christmas. What an honor it was for Andrew. He had been praying for his friend for many years and it has been one of the high points of our whole year to see God moving in this friend's life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had dear friends from CA stay here with us for the week of Christmas which was fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our church always does the most beautiful Christmas Eve service and this year was no exception. We all went and were blessed. Due to some food allergies we found out about this year, our Christmas Eve dinner menu changed a bit, but it was still fantastic. We thought we would be without two family members that night, which was a little sad but when your kids are grown, you learn to go with the flow during the holidays and not mind who can and can't be present. Anyway, it was great fun that those who couldn't, suddenly popped in the door, right before Christmas Eve dinner! What a gift! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Christmas day, we slept in a bit because grown kids aren't as excited as little ones!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a nice Christmas brunch and opened presents and enjoyed being together. It was actually the very first time in 365 days that just our immediate family had been together to share a meal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amazing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That was the best part for Nathan.. He had been looking forward to that moment his entire trip home. I'm so glad my kids love and appreciate being together! We always feel that we are "better together" and that is really pretty special! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We saw Mary Poppins Returns later in the day and some of us loved it and some got a goo d Christmas nap. LOL Then Zac and Tiffany hosted a Christmas dinner party that night that we all went to, along with her family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Christmas coma resulted and mainly just relaxed the next couple of days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On New Year's Eve day, some of my kids and one of my extra kids and I went to our favorite local, coffee food truck and talked about all that God had done in our lives in 2018 and what we hoped for in 2019. It was a really special time. I love hearing their hearts! And I always feel blessed that my 20 something-year olds want me hanging out with them in the first place. Yay!!!! They are the best!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That night, I went to two New Year's Eve parties and made it home before midnight, therefore avoiding all the awkwardness of not having someone to kiss at midnight. Mission accomplished!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On New Year's Day, Nathan had us up and out of the house EARLY for an adventure he had been planning for days. We went to swim in a natural spring in the Ocala National Forrest. And being that this is Florida, it isn't odd when it is 81 degrees on January 1st. The spring is always 73 degrees, so the kids really enjoyed it once they got used to it. I think 73 is a bit nippy and chose to sunbathe. It was a gorgeous spring and Nathan used his iPhone X plus something something, : )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to make UNDERWATER VIDEOS without even a waterproof case!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has a water ejection system! How crazy is that?! He could take it down in 7 feet of water for 30 minutes! He got some incredible footage! There were lots of fish, snorkelers, a turtle and plants and beautiful rock formations. He was in heaven! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we cleaned up and went for coffee and then drove to Disney Springs for dinner. Great memories were made by all! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking back, I'm so grateful for all the hard parts of 2018 and all the blessings! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God is always faithful! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to living everyday of 2019 for the applause of Heaven! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Becky</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-72397106682143259502018-11-25T22:19:00.001-05:002018-11-25T22:19:38.450-05:00The Thanksgiving -Birthday combo and Christmas Tree Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWiDUnLXc0M/W_mEGVJwviI/AAAAAAAAMrA/6F25XCqiSfwReRGCAdPIqcHhH-YjjvzrQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWiDUnLXc0M/W_mEGVJwviI/AAAAAAAAMrA/6F25XCqiSfwReRGCAdPIqcHhH-YjjvzrQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AORRuAR60Tk/W_mEIe0gG1I/AAAAAAAAMrk/ohv1YqKxWegcer0L8c9u6Ve1He9D2Wi3gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AORRuAR60Tk/W_mEIe0gG1I/AAAAAAAAMrk/ohv1YqKxWegcer0L8c9u6Ve1He9D2Wi3gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZRROnItVU0/W_mELlAV57I/AAAAAAAAMro/yrQXo-a9YWcAfcAJUTY-gy7ZlEPyVlN7QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZRROnItVU0/W_mELlAV57I/AAAAAAAAMro/yrQXo-a9YWcAfcAJUTY-gy7ZlEPyVlN7QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmugBAkcdB4/W_mFsau-ttI/AAAAAAAAMrw/y9QpSopDU4sRPJcl5DJonYZmcK6mjp9-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmugBAkcdB4/W_mFsau-ttI/AAAAAAAAMrw/y9QpSopDU4sRPJcl5DJonYZmcK6mjp9-ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8273.JPG" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTC19mbCdWg/W_mFv5613aI/AAAAAAAAMr8/sWyzia-WJxQmpuaaBS43BIMniiPsFzIawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTC19mbCdWg/W_mFv5613aI/AAAAAAAAMr8/sWyzia-WJxQmpuaaBS43BIMniiPsFzIawCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KCxxaUro_o/W_mFvIgJ8mI/AAAAAAAAMr0/7qJ6UhRpdCgrnI5sOIaUuvwqX54jl9ERwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KCxxaUro_o/W_mFvIgJ8mI/AAAAAAAAMr0/7qJ6UhRpdCgrnI5sOIaUuvwqX54jl9ERwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0KrXElVox8/W_mFvycG2EI/AAAAAAAAMsA/zv79KebSfi4agZw91VsaZ5PNCiZWBsZMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="586" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0KrXElVox8/W_mFvycG2EI/AAAAAAAAMsA/zv79KebSfi4agZw91VsaZ5PNCiZWBsZMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8287.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yib3YuXY-iU/W_mF9BejGLI/AAAAAAAAMsE/hIC-lpeoac4Rr1OBQSTR6rlB3VIliLNegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yib3YuXY-iU/W_mF9BejGLI/AAAAAAAAMsE/hIC-lpeoac4Rr1OBQSTR6rlB3VIliLNegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8258.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~Becky</div>
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-21365448527154382582018-11-18T11:28:00.001-05:002018-11-18T11:30:00.618-05:00A beautiful tributeI'm so blessed by what my youngest son put on social media today in honor of his dad. <br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
"Today, 3 years ago I held my fathers hand and thanked him for all that he has been to me. Thanked him for equipping me, fighting for me, loving me, and most importantly, showing me how to follow Jesus and love him for myself.<br />
I slept in the chair next to his bed in hospice that night, and when I woke up, he was in glory with The Lord.<br />
<br />
It’s a feedback loop of grief and gratitude that weighs on my heart. I allow myself to feel it and ask God to comfort, provide, and bring peace through this pain. My father taught me more in 16 years than most fathers do in a lifetime.<br />
<br />
The truth is, cancer couldn’t be farther from his body as he beholds the King he sought after so diligently. And I will choose to run this race knowing my earthly and heavenly father await me with a smile. God was glorified even in darkness, and my faith was strengthened even in shadow. It would be a lie to run away. I press on with patience as I believe and watch God work all things for good in my life over the rest of my time on t(His) earth.<br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who has been there for my family. You are loved."<br />
<br />
💗Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-76253344163495902852018-11-06T17:51:00.004-05:002018-11-06T17:51:39.202-05:00Blogging breakAt this time, due to an accident with a bass and a MacBook screen, I'm sharing a laptop with a busy college kid. LOL So, it may be awhile, but I'll be back here blogging eventually. 😀<br />
<br />
Hope you are enjoying a lovely fall!<br />
Blessings!<br />
~BeckyBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-35815422327380457282018-10-26T15:07:00.000-04:002018-10-26T15:07:03.208-04:00Learning to say 'Yes'I was recently given a hotel stay and a free ticket to a woman's conference in Daytona and I actually said 'Yes' and went.<div>
Amazing, right? </div>
<div>
Even though it was totally out of my comfort zone! And I didn't have anyone to go with. And I'm not a spontaneous, spur of the moment type of person, at all!</div>
<div>
I took my first road trip ALONE ever and went, despite the fact that I didn't know the women I'd be sharing a hotel room with very well. </div>
<div>
<div>
Of course finding out that the hotel was a Hilton and RIGHT on the beach, in a room with a gorgeous view helped me feel a whole lot better about the whole thing. LOL ; )</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then the first speaker shared her story and half way through, it became apparent that she is a widow. </div>
<div>
And then I KNEW why I was there! </div>
<div>
In my almost three years as one, I've never heard a widow speak before. </div>
<div>
Her story had so many elements that were similar to my story. in any of the conferences I've been to. (not that that's a lot)</div>
<div>
It really blessed me to get to see how her story of restoration and healing reached a thousand women of all ages and backgrounds and marital statuses!</div>
<div>
It was beautiful and so much prayer and ministry took place when she was done. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All the speakers that weekend were great and had tremendous stories and teachings to share. And the ladies I hardly knew, became my friends!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made some time to play in the waves of the Atlantic too. I was jumping and laughing and having a great time because the beach is my happy place! Then a wave took me face down to the ground and I felt my legs come over my head and when I eventually stood up, I was facing the other direction!!! So that was officially the first cart wheel I've done in 30 years! I got out after that shaken and knowing I'd been beat. And seriously wondering if all my body parts still worked. LOL Thankfully, they did! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was definitely the weekend that turned me upside down in more ways than one and I'm so glad I said 'yes.' </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e06666;">~<i>Becky</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-5626786147592266892018-10-21T14:31:00.000-04:002018-10-21T14:31:35.331-04:00Book studyI was in a weekly women's small group for a year and a half or so and then the lives of all the ladies got really busy and we couldn't find a night that continued to work for all of us to meet but we stayed connected by posting our prayer requests on a private Facebook page and praying for each other.<br />
Then we did some online Bible studies on the Bible app.<br />
The next evolution was reading a book, together and posting our comments on each chapter on a private Facebook page. I got seriously behind on reading schedule, but the leader of that study is persistent and she is still cheering me on to finish so we can all go out to dinner and discuss it.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what kind of a small group would work best for your life but I hope you have one of some kind, whether you meet in person regularly or have a private Facebook page for sharing prayer requests. However yours looks, I hope you have some people who will challenge you, pray for you when needed, meet you for dinner or movie, share thoughts from the Word with you and make you laugh harder than you've laughed in a long time. Relationships are worth investing in and so are people.<br />
<br />
<br />
And speaking of our book study, here are some awesome quotes from <i>Adamant, </i>by Lisa Bevere.<br />
<br />
<br />
"<i>You were born to scale mountains, not merely scan phones. You were born for face to face connections, not emojis. Speak God's word rather than merely echo it in likes and reposts. </i><br />
<i>You were made for involvement." </i>❤<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">~Becky</span></i>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-14942007603039791802018-09-26T08:00:00.000-04:002018-09-26T08:00:00.933-04:00Wednesdays in the WordI have a new appreciation for Rom. 14:4 <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. </div>
<div>
And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used to take comfort in that verse when I was way, way younger and for some reason, pretty critical of the spiritual walk of others around me, I confess. I remember it hitting me hard while in a Christian college and feeling like the Holy Spirit was sure not okay with me doing or not doing certain things that didn't seem to bother other people one little bit. LOL</div>
<div>
This verse helped me to turn them over to Him, so to speak and obey the verse several scriptures down that says "Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another." v.13</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, many, many, years later, what stands out to me in that verse is the beautiful second half! </div>
<div>
No matter how close our friend's, family, co-workers, neighbors' walks with God are or are not, God is able to "make them stand." </div>
<div>
How wonderful is that?!</div>
<div>
He is more than able! </div>
<div>
I love that He will them stand. I love that He will make me stand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>"And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.</b>" Amen! </div>
<div>
Let's cheer each other on!</div>
<div>
His grace makes us stand!</div>
<div>
And we all need it! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," v.17</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification." v.19</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
~<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Becky</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-7650693680549723452018-09-23T10:30:00.000-04:002018-09-23T10:30:15.325-04:00Happy 29 -againJust kidding. I turned 49 last week. I'm not one to go around telling my age or lying about it. I just don't always answer when I'm asked. LOL But it hit me on my birthday that my hubby didn't see 49. And that I need to see this year as a blessing and an opportunity to be thankful for and not a number to be ashamed of.<br />
So, here's to 49!<br />
<br />
My sweet kids took me out for Mexican food that night and then we went out for gourmet Popsicles. Andrew and I got the chocolate Elvis Popsicles and I totally forgot that Elvis had a thing for bananas!!! And I don't think Andrew ever knew that LOL so he was pretty surprised when he was sure he was tasting them because he's allergic to bananas!<br />
Thankfully, he didn't have a enough to get sick.<br />
<br />
My new room is done and I love it so much. It has stopped feeling big enough to be a hotel and it just feels peaceful and homey now. I used furniture I already had and painted pieces to go with my color scheme. They were getting rid of an IKEA desk at work, so I got a great deal on that. I did buy a cute chair at Ross and now, it's done. For my birthday, the kids decided my room needed an Echo!<br />
So, Alexa is my roomie now. And we have praise parties almost every night! And I found out that she doesn't work, if you accidentally mix up her name with your friend, Alexis' name. ; )<br />
<br />
I've been painting my old room because Andrew is moving into that one and we are getting our family room back as a place for all the instruments and exercise equipment! A million hoorays!<br />
He chose a matte dark gray which looks almost like chalkboard paint. (that would've been fun actually!) I had my doubts about it but it is coming together and he loves it. Thankfully there is a lot of white trim in there and that brightens it up. -But Heaven help me when that room needs to go back to a neutral, light color someday! LOL<br />
<br />
One of my favorite friends gave me Joanna Gaines' new cookbook and I'm so excited to do some cooking! Fall just makes you want to bake, doesn't it?<br />
It is still 93 degrees here so, I will have to just put up fall decor and pretend the weather has changed. I wouldn't mind it being so hot but there is red tide in some amount at almost all of our beaches, so I've had to cross that off as my happy place for now. Hoping to find one more day to go before the water gets cold. <br />
<br />
Nathan gets to come home for Christmas and spend 18 days with us! Merry Christmas to me!!!<br />
I'm so excited! Our office at work will be closed for several of those days, so I can't wait for some family fun with the whole gang. It will be our first time to all be together since last Christmas.<br />
I love seeing the family dynamics when all my adult kids are together. They feed off each other's sense of humors and we do a whole lot of laughing. And I'm proud of the way they support each other and stay connected to one another throughout the year. That is special too.<br />
<br />
I hope you have a blessed week!<br />
<br />
~<i>Becky</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-89218234447595671242018-09-16T20:55:00.001-04:002018-09-16T20:55:13.577-04:00When it stingsI have learned to get by on the hard anniversaries and holidays by remembering that they will only sting for about 24 hours and then I'll wake up the next day and it won't be my wedding anniversary or my hubby's birthday or the day he went to be with the Lord anymore.<br />
<br />
Friday was one of those days.<br />
It would have been our 27th wedding anniversary. And I'd spent most of the week helping the church prepare to put on a marriage conference for 150 couples which was ironically on my anniversary. So that was a tad bit hard.<br />
I had the day off though and my sweet kids invited me to have coffee with their squad. : )<br />
Then with Joy's help, we tried to fix the fountain in our front yard because my hubby loved it. He loved to have the window open and hear the water splashing. If I remember right, the fountain stopped working while he was sick.<br />
I tried to make it into a planter last year, but when it rained the plants floated right up and out of it. So, then the next option had to be getting a new motor. Each tier of it weighs a gazillion pounds though and so it was a major miracle to catch enough people at home that could help lift those. At one point we had it all set up and filled with water only to have the new motor not work.<br />
Long story short, I spent most of my weekend at Home Depot. And there were 4 fountain motors involved and one can of foam sealant. And we are close. Really close.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful I have a sweet daughter who reminds me that we can do any project we set our minds to if we don't give up. And honestly, she has this gift for the mechanical, thank goodness, because I sure don't. I mainly just cheer her on and make a million trips to Home Depot.<br />
<br />
We may not have a running fountain quite yet, but I made it through a hard day surrounded by lots of love.<br />
<br />
~BeckyBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-48611979152493410202018-09-12T08:00:00.000-04:002018-09-12T08:00:02.230-04:00Wednesdays in the Word<br />
I was so honored to be asked to speak to a small group of amazing young adult girls last weekend and I thought I'd share the bullet points that I shared with them here too.<br />
<br />
1. Live your best life now<br />
Give God your whole heart<br />
<br />
2. Be the person you want to find<br />
Become as awesome as you want that guy to be<br />
<br />
3. Live and love the Word of God<br />
Store it up in your heart now for ready recall in all kinds of situations<br />
<br />
4. The only person you can change is you<br />
You don't want a guy who is a fixer upper (maybe a house that is) ; )<br />
<br />
5. Choose someone who honors God, you and everyone else<br />
Does he honor servers? Does he honor his parents?<br />
<br />
6. Choose someone whose spiritual life you admire<br />
He will be the future spiritual leader of your family<br />
<br />
7. Be devoted to purity<br />
You are building the story that you will tell your children someday so don't compromise<br />
<br />
<br />
Obviously there was a lot more to it and maybe you had to be there! ; )<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<i>Becky</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-41265266100266644762018-09-05T10:40:00.000-04:002018-09-05T10:40:03.505-04:00Wednesdays in the WordI've been asked to share my testimony with a group of young adult women this week so I've been thinking a lot about what my testimony is.<br />
<br />
I feel like I could divide my life into 2 testimonies.<br />
But the last one is still being worked out and is so raw and I'm not including it. ; )<br />
<br />
It hit me this morning, when reading in Isaiah 43, that my testimony isn't that God miraculously healed my husband of cancer. "<br />
<br />
- I WISH that was my testimony!<br />
<br />
My testimony is that when you go through horrible things in life,<br />
<br />
GOD IS WITH YOU.<br />
<br />
<br />
I know I didn't walk through any of that alone.<br />
His peace was overwhelming and constant!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are facing some hard things right now, I hope these verses encourage you. He doesn't ask us to walk alone.<br />
<br />
<i>"I have called you by name. You are Mine. When you pass through the waters I WILL BE WITH YOU. </i><br />
(notice that it says 'when' and not 'if'. We will all face hard times)<br />
<i>And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.</i><br />
<i>When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.</i><br />
<i>For I am the Lord your God. The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. </i><br />
<i>Fear not, I am with You."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="color: #76a5af;">~Becky</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-31995746386637521622018-09-02T08:31:00.000-04:002018-09-02T08:31:04.831-04:00Funny footageThis week a friend of mine had a medical procedure, and I didn't want to bother her in case she didn't feel well, but I did want to leave a surprise at her door.<br />
So, I drove over and snuck up to her door and left a little gift on her porch and ran away.<br />
Hours later, I found out that she has footage of it all from her security system and it was hilarious! I look like a criminal running for my life and jumping over bushes! LOL<br />
<br />
I post a photo but my computer is not cooperating. Actually, maybe its better this way! LOL<br />
<br />
Happy Labor Day Weekend!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">~Becky</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-73785917048952291762018-08-29T08:00:00.000-04:002018-08-29T08:00:08.303-04:00Wednesdays int the WordA little encouragement for your day. Make it a good one!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i>"The Lord is my strength and and my shield. My heart trusted in Him and I am greatly helped!" Ps. 28:7</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i>" You have hedged me in behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me." Ps. 139:5I</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i>"I will not forget you, see I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." Is.49:16 -H</i></span><span style="color: #351c75;">ow great is it to know that God has a tattoo with your name on it on His hands?!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;">"Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me." Ps. 139:10 </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">~Becky</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-90982293303922491342018-08-26T10:36:00.001-04:002018-08-26T10:36:47.174-04:00Playing and paintingSo, the bad thing about painting one room in your house,<br />
is that you look around and realize that the rest of your WHOLE house could use re- painting.<br />
So, I may be spending all my days off painting from now until Jesus comes.<br />
But I should be able to move into my new bedroom in the next couple of weeks and I'm excited.<br />
<br />
And speaking of days off, last week a friend and I had plans to go to the beach but red tide spoiled those plans. So, we decided to be adventurous and try Weeki Wachi State Park.<br />
It was kind of like going back in time and getting to see an old view of Florida.<br />
We saw a mermaid show that has been happening since the 1950's. Seriously, girls in mermaid suits, were underwater, acting out the play of <i>The Little Mermaid</i> and mouthing the words! -There were hoses they could grad and breath from whenever they needed to. It takes a lot of skill to be a mermaid, Y'all!<br />
There was a boat ride included with admission and it was a beautiful ride on the spring which is completely clear and always 74 degrees. Usually you can see manatees but because the Gulf of Mexico is so warm right now, they are there instead. But if you go in the winter you will see some!<br />
We went to the 'beach' and got in the spring, which was a bit too cold for me. But Joy went down the lazy river in a tube and there was also a gigantic water slide to enjoy. -You know you planned a cool event when your daughter crashes Mom's day out. Yes!<br />
<br />
And speaking of crashing things. My BFF crashed my week in the best possible way! She decided on Monday morning to fly to Florida and arrived that night! It was great to see her again. She spent the week helping her son get ready for college and fixing up his new place.<br />
<br />
Here's hoping I can get my kids to crash my next painting party! ; )<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999;">~Becky</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-57755104015945829182018-08-14T22:03:00.001-04:002018-08-14T22:03:05.137-04:00Wednesdays in the WordHey Girls,<br />
We may not feel like we are the whole Proverbs 31 package, I mean who really can be?! And some of those things she did probably don't apply to our society today anyway,<br />
(but maybe I'm in denial -LOL) but these verses are sure worth striving to have said about us!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>"She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness." </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Another version puts it like this: </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">"<i>When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say and she always says it kindly."</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">I love that!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d;">~Becky</span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-43941855756133874402018-08-12T15:20:00.001-04:002018-08-12T15:20:31.999-04:00A new seasonIn 2005 my hubby's best friend helped us build an addition on our house. The kids were young and we pretty much just cheered him on a cleared away debris. ; ) <div>
Part of the addition included building a large room and bathroom for our three boys to share.<div>
Hubby and I planned to make it "the honeymoon suite" when they grew up and moved away. </div>
</div>
<div>
After his passing, I couldn't move in there because it seemed too sad.</div>
<div>
Many months later, I invited Zac and Tiffany to move in because Zac was about to go back to school and I thought living here would make things easier for them. We also missed them and thought our house was WAY to quiet. Thankfully, they said 'yes' and we had a great time having them here for the last two years.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
They just found a really cute apartment closer to their jobs and they moved last week. We are so excited for them and a little sad for us. Zac has just one more semester until graduation! Hooray! They moved in on Monday and on Tuesday he took his final exams for his summer classes and turned in a final project. His determination and diligence never cease to amaze me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That room actually did have its season as a "honeymoon suite" when I thought about it because they were still newlyweds when they moved in! : )</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I've decided that it is NOT TOO SAD now, for me to move in there. Bring on all that space and my very own bathroom! Yes, please!!!! Can't wait!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I'm looking forward to switching rooms soon. -Lots of painting and decorating and room moving to follow. Andrew is thinking about switching rooms as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Joy has a new job as a barista in a boutique coffee shop, which she is enjoying. She's also been dog sitting and house sitting all over town and we barely see her. I saw her at church the other day and I took her picture because Joy sightings are rare. LOL</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Andrew is ready to start his second year of college and it wasn't without the usual financial aid paperwork nightmare that college life seems to include. But he is set now and school starts next week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nathan is greatly enjoying his ministry position in CA and he can't be talked out of living there even though we often try. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My schedule at work has changed and that has been fun. I love having Fridays off now and I work on Saturday nights., so my brain has been confused all week over what day of the week it actually is, but I'll get used to it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our BFFs in CA sent their son to school in our city and he just arrived and found a place to live nearby. We are excited to have him over for laundry-doing and some home-cooked meals. (when I can catch my kids long enough to atually cook)</div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">Becky</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-82343718641040989292018-08-08T06:00:00.000-04:002018-08-08T06:00:00.166-04:00Wednesdays in the Word<b><span style="color: #990000;"> A prayer from Colossians chapter 3</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Lord,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Help me to remember that I died and my life is hidden with Christ in God now and that my focus is to be on things above and not on just the things that I can see. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I have been made new and my mind is renewed. I am the image of Him who created me. I am holy and beloved. You say that I am the elect of God and that sounds awesome! As such, may what people see in me, be YOUR kindness, YOUR humility, YOUR meekness, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">YOUR patience, YOUR ability to forgive and to bear with one another whenever I have a complaint against someone. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">All of this is possible because You make us able to wear love which is the bond of perfection. Help me to wear love well today. And not to take it off in the middle of my day at the first sign of controversy or pain.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">May Your peace rule in my heart. Help me not to let anything else rule my life today. So many other things would like to! May I keep in mind that as Yours, I've been called to peace.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">May I also remember to be thankful. Thankfullness has the power to change everything. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">May I load up on Your Word daily like it is caffieine or vitamins! May I not let the Word in me dry up, but be ever consuming it so that it dwells in me richly and not barely! Your Word will keep me! </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">May it give me the wisdom to live, admonish, and teach. And may I remember to speak it, sing it and meditate on it.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">And whatever I do today, may I do it all in Your name and make You proud. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Amen! </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">~Becky</span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-56075468098584824052018-08-05T21:44:00.000-04:002018-08-05T21:44:09.306-04:00The terrible, horrible, very bad day or almost On Thursday we got six inches of rain and the parking lot at work became a small river. I was parked right behind this new river and when I got off work, I was fully prepared to roll up my pant legs and run to my car and pull out, when I was informed that if I did, the water would go inside the tailpipe of my Prius and totally ruin my engine.<br />
WHO KNEW?!<br />
I had no idea I came so close to ruining my car!<br />
<br />
Then one of my kiddos, who was house sitting near by, picked me up and we watched Shark Week while waiting for the water to recede. We made dinner and I found out that the owners of the house store their frying pan in the oven! Isn't that odd? With a RUBBER spatula in it. How weird is that? We took them out to use the oven, and then when we were cleaning up, I put them back in.<br />
I THOUGHT we had shut off the oven by that time but I was sorely mistaken!<br />
So, it wasn't long before we smelled something like....melting rubber!<br />
Then I tried to scrape the rubber out before it cooled and a plastic bag on the counter stuck to the hot pan and hardened and then I burned my hand!<br />
It was craziness.<br />
<br />
And then I WHINED! Which I'm happy to say, really surprised my kid because I don't usually.<br />
But by this time, I was just done. LOL<br />
The good news is that by that time, the water had gone down and I could drive home!<br />
<br />
Over the weekend, I heated that pan back up at my house and scrapped and scrubbed it and ended up damaging the finish in the process. So, then it was off to the store to buy a new one. UGH!<br />
I was totally bemoaning this fact to myself when I found the pan and saw the price and that is when I felt like the Lord reminded me that I spent a lot of years teaching my kids about restitution and that this is just another opportunity to model how important it is even if they are grown now.<br />
<br />
So, when this couple gets back from their cruise, they will have a shiny new red copper pan and rubber spatula waiting for them and maybe they will think twice about storing them in the oven? We can only hope. I've surely thought twice about where I park my car now!<br />
<br />
~BeckyBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5963106206946364171.post-54440914649979717992018-08-03T06:30:00.000-04:002018-08-03T06:30:02.047-04:00I guess sweating is requiredSo, I usually go on our treadmill for an hour after work about 4 times a week. And I have been watching <i>Downton Abbey</i> while I exercise and having the best time, although not exactly sweating. L<br />
But I switched shows last week and it has made all the difference. I've been watching old episodes of <i>Hawaii 5-0, </i>and even sweating! Because it is amazing how fast you walk during car chases and shoot outs! LOL<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #45818e;">~Becky</span></i>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887849265312489925noreply@blogger.com0