Back-Up, Part 2
A fun day with Garrett
November 10, 2008 at 1:54 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
I didn’t blog on Saturday because Garrett and I were out on the town enjoying a day together! So much fun!
Saralynn went to stay with Nana and Paw Paw in Jonesboro from Saturday to Monday, so Garrett and I got some much-needed time just to spend together. We went Christmas shopping for Saralynn, and just all-around enjoyed our day together. It was action-packed- we left at 9 am and returned at 9:30 pm, but had a blast!!!
I am very thankful for my husband and the time we do get to spend together. I love him very much, and sometimes forget how the little things like a smile, or a wink, or grabbing my hand as we ride down the interstate mean so much. Thanks, Garrett, for a great day!
1 Comment
Garrett said,
November 12, 2008 at 1:43 am · Edit
Thank you for the kind words. I truly enjoy the time we share together. You know I love Saralynn with everything I have, but I also love the small, quiet moments we share as husband and wife. I had a great time, even though I was worn out and worthless for the rest of the weekend. I love you and thank God for you everyday. Thank you for second chances and your love. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.
TGIF!!!
November 9, 2008 at 2:35 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
Today was the longest day ever! Work was chaos! But, thank goodness I have a job… More tomorrow after a day off. :)
A bittersweet day…
November 6, 2008 at 3:47 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Today would’ve been my grandmother’s birthday. She went to be with Jesus in 2002, but I think of her often, especially lately. Our sweet Saralynn has so many of her characteristics- she doesn’t like socks AT ALL, wants her shoes off as soon as she gets inside, loves to be outside, and is jut all-around like her Great Grandmother Ice. My brother says Saralynn even looks like Ice (whose name was Icie Lee, hence the Ice) when she smiles. I hadn’t noticed it until he said something, but I think he’s right.
I miss Ice and PaClyde (who went to be with Jesus in 2000) very much, but I know they’re enjoying happier days in Heaven. Garrett’s grandparents, Memaw and Paw Paw, also went to be with Him around the same times as mine, so neither of us had the opportunity to know the other’s grandparents, but have had many happy (and even some bittersweet) times sharing memories.
Ice, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind sharing your special day, so here’s to the memories of all 4 grandparents who’ve gone on, and special love sent to the 4 that remain. We love you ALL!
And, on a happier note, Happy Birthday, Cousin Blair! We love you!
2 Comments
Katie Cottle said,
November 7, 2008 at 4:21 am · Edit
Grandparents are Blessings for sure! Glad you have sweet memories!
Becky Carter said,
November 7, 2008 at 3:04 pm · Edit
I see Ice in Saralynn in many ways - especially the way she crosses her ankles. I always talk to Saralynn about Ice when i rock her at night in Ice’s rocking chair. It has a very special place in Saralynn’s room - Ice can visit her there in her chair.
Love,Mom
Prayers for a Nation
November 5, 2008 at 3:19 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, here we are, the morning after the elections. No matter which way your vote was cast, one thing remains the same: the same Jesus is still just as alive, and moving in the hearts of His people! Sure, some things are different, but much is the same. We knew we’d wake up this morning with a new face that would lead our country. That much we can all agree on. Though we didn’t know which face that would be, we knew we would wake up to a difference. We woke up to much talk on the news shows about the politics of the evening, but did you notice what was “missing”? The political commercials and TV ads. May I subtly throw in my excitement at not having to watch another one for a while? Yet again, with no ads to view this morning, another difference. Even the roads looked different, with many of the signs that dotted the landscape yesterday removed today. But, even with all these differences and many more, one thing still rings true: Jesus is still at the right hand of His Father, who is still on His throne, and whose ears are still wanting to hear the voices of His people as they cry out to Him. No matter your political position, or your thoughts on the events of last night, I think we as Christians can all agree on this: God is still in control and still holding us tightly in the grip of His nail-scarred hand. So, what does that mean for us? It means that it’s time for us to remember the action we were called to in scripture:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Sure, we’ve heard this scripture over and over again in light of the elections the past few months. But, there is so much found in these words, that sometimes some of it seems to go unnoticed. A few thoughts, if I may:
God doesn’t say “when” my people… he leads it off with “if”. That puts the ball in our court, lets us make our choice. We got to make our own choice when we voted, but even more importantly, we get to choose whether or not we call on His name!
He reminds us that we’re called BY HIS name. That means we’re labeled Christians “little Christs”. A subtle reminder from the Father that we’re HIS- all the time!
“If they will humble themselves”- we can’t be haughty in our dealings with Jesus. No room for that. He was the ultimate example of humility- and He lead with His life. His actions spoke for Him. His words, important no less, were paralelled by His actions.
“If they will seek My face”- it’s not just enough to come before the Father and pray. We have to seek His face. As much as we all know to look in the direction we’re walking. or look in the direction of one that’s talking to us, we also should look toward Heaven- maybe not outwardly, but at least inwardly. Know the direction from which our help comes! When we converse with others around us, we look them in the face- doesn’t the God of the universe deserve the same from us?
“And turn from their wicked ways”- again, it can’t just be words we say. If we’re asking God to help us, we have to be willing to lay aside the sin that we all bear and let Jesus take control.
“Then I will hear from heaven”- to me, this is a picture of Jesus interceding to the Father on our behalf. God has the ultimate say-so, but these 6 words give me a mental image of Jesus saying to His Father, “Listen, Dad. They’re praying to you. And, because of the sincerity of their prayers, I’m asking You to please hear their prayers and work in their lives- in Your own way”. That may not be the exact, theological interpretation, but that’s the way I see it. And, I’m comforted by the thought that Jesus would talk to His Father on my behalf. Wow!
“I will…”- it starts with an “IF” on our part, but ends with a “WILL” on His part. Nothing else to say on this one, really. He will… No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Maybe not HOW we want, but HE WILL!
“forgive their sins and heal their land”- notice- it starts with healing our sins- individual sins- and then moves to healing our land. So many prayers have gone up the past few days and weeks for the health and protection of our country. I wonder how many prayers have gone up in that time for the health and protection of our hearts, homes marriages…?
So, this is by far my longest blog, and if you’re still reading, you deserve a prize. My last thought for the morning:
Saralynn held my hand this morning walking down the stairs, as she always does. She was, of course, very chatty, as usual. All the while I’m listening to her excitedly tell me all about something I don’t uderstand all of, I had this sudden thought: History was made today. The face of America has changed. The history books will have to be re-written. What we know of politics, and many other things has changed. And my child will know no different. What is different and life-changing for me will be a way of life for her. She won’t know what significance this brings to the world. She will grow up with new leaders in the White House and will one day ask questions as to why this was so historic, maybe why it took us as a country so long to get to this place. So, to those of us with children that will grow up with history being the mundane, please join together and pray for the hedge of protection Jesus offers to be over our children. May their hearts be guarded by the words we teach them and LIVE OUT before them. Jesus, continue to reign over all of us, and be glorified!!!
1 Comment
Mary Johnston said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:02 am · Edit
MaryBeth,Pam knows I love blogs and sent me your link. You have touched my heart with your very insightful words. Thank you for reminding us again that our God reigns, and what most importantly our job is to pray, for our nation and for that hedge of protection around our children and grandchildren.Bless you! Mary Johnston
Voted Yet?
November 4, 2008 at 7:52 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
I, for one, have not yet voted, but am anxiously awaiting 5:00 so I can leave here to head to the polling area. What a blessing to be a part of history. Sure, we all have our candidates picked out (or at least I hope we do by now), and, yes, there will be one winner and one loser, but in the end, all that matters is that Jesus is still on the throne and in the business of loving all of us!
As I sit at work, trying to look busy, and thinking of the countless other things I could be doing with my time than sitting, trying to look busy, I’m thinking all the while about Saralynn. Wondering what she’s up to at day care, thinking of something creative to feed her, and thinking of how big she’s getting. I’m reminded of the times I would hold her, just watching her chest move up and down as she breathed. The first time she laughed. Those sweet coos and smiles. And, yet, I’m also thinking about the day she’ll cast her first vote. Sure, it’s years from now, but then again, it’ll be here before I know it. What am I doing to make the world a better place for her? In my opinion, the presidential race can be summed up best, for all of us, in the words of Edward Everette Hale. What will you, the one and only you, do to make the world a better place, for all those around you?
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”- Edward Everette Hale, minister and author
Fishin’
November 4, 2008 at 2:05 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Saralynn got some new fish today. Uncle Bub’s betta fish from college swam his last laps around the aquarium Sunday night, so Saralynn, Bub, and I went to Wal-Mart to buy some new fish. Aunt Dana sent Saralynn some money in a trick-or-treat card, so she picked out the fish. We asked for two and were given four, so their names are… drumroll, please… Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Moe. Saralynn had a great time watching them swim around- they’re much more spry than Bub’s fish, who was a little advanced in age.
We’re happy to report today that all went WELL for Katie Cottle’s newborn cousin in his heart surgery. Praise God that He still loves and protects His children!
Seconds…
November 3, 2008 at 1:29 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
There’s a riddle that goes something like this: There are 12 seconds in a year… January 2nd, February 2nd, and so on… Sure, the argument can be made that there are actually 31,536,000 seconds in a year, but I like to focus on the 12 seconds, at least for now. Today is November 2nd- what will I do with today to make it different than November 1st or November 3rd? What a thought to ponder… What will you do to make today different?
Welcome to another month…
November 1, 2008 at 9:41 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, in an attempt to do better with the blogging, I’m making a goal to write something every day… A new month, a new mindset… Here goes nothing…
Today is the first. The first of what? November. Night of daylight savings time. Time LaGrange College football has gone 8-1… EVER… And, hopefully, the first of many day-to-day blog entries. Why, some might ask… No one knows your blog exists… True. But, in the past few months more tha never, I’ve learned that the day-to-day, somewhat mundane exmperiences of life are the most important.
So, here’s a rundown of a few of those experiences of late: Saralynn made the front page of the paper today in her Halloween costume at school. I, for one, am very proud! Garrett is kicking booty running the PowerPoint projection for our new 11:11 service at church, which has exploded beyond anyone’s expectations. And me? I’m just loving every minute of watching my family live their lives- together!
So, a day of firsts… I wonder what the seconds and thirds will bring?…
November 10, 2008 at 1:54 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
I didn’t blog on Saturday because Garrett and I were out on the town enjoying a day together! So much fun!
Saralynn went to stay with Nana and Paw Paw in Jonesboro from Saturday to Monday, so Garrett and I got some much-needed time just to spend together. We went Christmas shopping for Saralynn, and just all-around enjoyed our day together. It was action-packed- we left at 9 am and returned at 9:30 pm, but had a blast!!!
I am very thankful for my husband and the time we do get to spend together. I love him very much, and sometimes forget how the little things like a smile, or a wink, or grabbing my hand as we ride down the interstate mean so much. Thanks, Garrett, for a great day!
1 Comment
Garrett said,
November 12, 2008 at 1:43 am · Edit
Thank you for the kind words. I truly enjoy the time we share together. You know I love Saralynn with everything I have, but I also love the small, quiet moments we share as husband and wife. I had a great time, even though I was worn out and worthless for the rest of the weekend. I love you and thank God for you everyday. Thank you for second chances and your love. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.
TGIF!!!
November 9, 2008 at 2:35 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
Today was the longest day ever! Work was chaos! But, thank goodness I have a job… More tomorrow after a day off. :)
A bittersweet day…
November 6, 2008 at 3:47 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Today would’ve been my grandmother’s birthday. She went to be with Jesus in 2002, but I think of her often, especially lately. Our sweet Saralynn has so many of her characteristics- she doesn’t like socks AT ALL, wants her shoes off as soon as she gets inside, loves to be outside, and is jut all-around like her Great Grandmother Ice. My brother says Saralynn even looks like Ice (whose name was Icie Lee, hence the Ice) when she smiles. I hadn’t noticed it until he said something, but I think he’s right.
I miss Ice and PaClyde (who went to be with Jesus in 2000) very much, but I know they’re enjoying happier days in Heaven. Garrett’s grandparents, Memaw and Paw Paw, also went to be with Him around the same times as mine, so neither of us had the opportunity to know the other’s grandparents, but have had many happy (and even some bittersweet) times sharing memories.
Ice, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind sharing your special day, so here’s to the memories of all 4 grandparents who’ve gone on, and special love sent to the 4 that remain. We love you ALL!
And, on a happier note, Happy Birthday, Cousin Blair! We love you!
2 Comments
Katie Cottle said,
November 7, 2008 at 4:21 am · Edit
Grandparents are Blessings for sure! Glad you have sweet memories!
Becky Carter said,
November 7, 2008 at 3:04 pm · Edit
I see Ice in Saralynn in many ways - especially the way she crosses her ankles. I always talk to Saralynn about Ice when i rock her at night in Ice’s rocking chair. It has a very special place in Saralynn’s room - Ice can visit her there in her chair.
Love,Mom
Prayers for a Nation
November 5, 2008 at 3:19 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, here we are, the morning after the elections. No matter which way your vote was cast, one thing remains the same: the same Jesus is still just as alive, and moving in the hearts of His people! Sure, some things are different, but much is the same. We knew we’d wake up this morning with a new face that would lead our country. That much we can all agree on. Though we didn’t know which face that would be, we knew we would wake up to a difference. We woke up to much talk on the news shows about the politics of the evening, but did you notice what was “missing”? The political commercials and TV ads. May I subtly throw in my excitement at not having to watch another one for a while? Yet again, with no ads to view this morning, another difference. Even the roads looked different, with many of the signs that dotted the landscape yesterday removed today. But, even with all these differences and many more, one thing still rings true: Jesus is still at the right hand of His Father, who is still on His throne, and whose ears are still wanting to hear the voices of His people as they cry out to Him. No matter your political position, or your thoughts on the events of last night, I think we as Christians can all agree on this: God is still in control and still holding us tightly in the grip of His nail-scarred hand. So, what does that mean for us? It means that it’s time for us to remember the action we were called to in scripture:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Sure, we’ve heard this scripture over and over again in light of the elections the past few months. But, there is so much found in these words, that sometimes some of it seems to go unnoticed. A few thoughts, if I may:
God doesn’t say “when” my people… he leads it off with “if”. That puts the ball in our court, lets us make our choice. We got to make our own choice when we voted, but even more importantly, we get to choose whether or not we call on His name!
He reminds us that we’re called BY HIS name. That means we’re labeled Christians “little Christs”. A subtle reminder from the Father that we’re HIS- all the time!
“If they will humble themselves”- we can’t be haughty in our dealings with Jesus. No room for that. He was the ultimate example of humility- and He lead with His life. His actions spoke for Him. His words, important no less, were paralelled by His actions.
“If they will seek My face”- it’s not just enough to come before the Father and pray. We have to seek His face. As much as we all know to look in the direction we’re walking. or look in the direction of one that’s talking to us, we also should look toward Heaven- maybe not outwardly, but at least inwardly. Know the direction from which our help comes! When we converse with others around us, we look them in the face- doesn’t the God of the universe deserve the same from us?
“And turn from their wicked ways”- again, it can’t just be words we say. If we’re asking God to help us, we have to be willing to lay aside the sin that we all bear and let Jesus take control.
“Then I will hear from heaven”- to me, this is a picture of Jesus interceding to the Father on our behalf. God has the ultimate say-so, but these 6 words give me a mental image of Jesus saying to His Father, “Listen, Dad. They’re praying to you. And, because of the sincerity of their prayers, I’m asking You to please hear their prayers and work in their lives- in Your own way”. That may not be the exact, theological interpretation, but that’s the way I see it. And, I’m comforted by the thought that Jesus would talk to His Father on my behalf. Wow!
“I will…”- it starts with an “IF” on our part, but ends with a “WILL” on His part. Nothing else to say on this one, really. He will… No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Maybe not HOW we want, but HE WILL!
“forgive their sins and heal their land”- notice- it starts with healing our sins- individual sins- and then moves to healing our land. So many prayers have gone up the past few days and weeks for the health and protection of our country. I wonder how many prayers have gone up in that time for the health and protection of our hearts, homes marriages…?
So, this is by far my longest blog, and if you’re still reading, you deserve a prize. My last thought for the morning:
Saralynn held my hand this morning walking down the stairs, as she always does. She was, of course, very chatty, as usual. All the while I’m listening to her excitedly tell me all about something I don’t uderstand all of, I had this sudden thought: History was made today. The face of America has changed. The history books will have to be re-written. What we know of politics, and many other things has changed. And my child will know no different. What is different and life-changing for me will be a way of life for her. She won’t know what significance this brings to the world. She will grow up with new leaders in the White House and will one day ask questions as to why this was so historic, maybe why it took us as a country so long to get to this place. So, to those of us with children that will grow up with history being the mundane, please join together and pray for the hedge of protection Jesus offers to be over our children. May their hearts be guarded by the words we teach them and LIVE OUT before them. Jesus, continue to reign over all of us, and be glorified!!!
1 Comment
Mary Johnston said,
November 6, 2008 at 12:02 am · Edit
MaryBeth,Pam knows I love blogs and sent me your link. You have touched my heart with your very insightful words. Thank you for reminding us again that our God reigns, and what most importantly our job is to pray, for our nation and for that hedge of protection around our children and grandchildren.Bless you! Mary Johnston
Voted Yet?
November 4, 2008 at 7:52 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
I, for one, have not yet voted, but am anxiously awaiting 5:00 so I can leave here to head to the polling area. What a blessing to be a part of history. Sure, we all have our candidates picked out (or at least I hope we do by now), and, yes, there will be one winner and one loser, but in the end, all that matters is that Jesus is still on the throne and in the business of loving all of us!
As I sit at work, trying to look busy, and thinking of the countless other things I could be doing with my time than sitting, trying to look busy, I’m thinking all the while about Saralynn. Wondering what she’s up to at day care, thinking of something creative to feed her, and thinking of how big she’s getting. I’m reminded of the times I would hold her, just watching her chest move up and down as she breathed. The first time she laughed. Those sweet coos and smiles. And, yet, I’m also thinking about the day she’ll cast her first vote. Sure, it’s years from now, but then again, it’ll be here before I know it. What am I doing to make the world a better place for her? In my opinion, the presidential race can be summed up best, for all of us, in the words of Edward Everette Hale. What will you, the one and only you, do to make the world a better place, for all those around you?
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”- Edward Everette Hale, minister and author
Fishin’
November 4, 2008 at 2:05 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Saralynn got some new fish today. Uncle Bub’s betta fish from college swam his last laps around the aquarium Sunday night, so Saralynn, Bub, and I went to Wal-Mart to buy some new fish. Aunt Dana sent Saralynn some money in a trick-or-treat card, so she picked out the fish. We asked for two and were given four, so their names are… drumroll, please… Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Moe. Saralynn had a great time watching them swim around- they’re much more spry than Bub’s fish, who was a little advanced in age.
We’re happy to report today that all went WELL for Katie Cottle’s newborn cousin in his heart surgery. Praise God that He still loves and protects His children!
Seconds…
November 3, 2008 at 1:29 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
There’s a riddle that goes something like this: There are 12 seconds in a year… January 2nd, February 2nd, and so on… Sure, the argument can be made that there are actually 31,536,000 seconds in a year, but I like to focus on the 12 seconds, at least for now. Today is November 2nd- what will I do with today to make it different than November 1st or November 3rd? What a thought to ponder… What will you do to make today different?
Welcome to another month…
November 1, 2008 at 9:41 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, in an attempt to do better with the blogging, I’m making a goal to write something every day… A new month, a new mindset… Here goes nothing…
Today is the first. The first of what? November. Night of daylight savings time. Time LaGrange College football has gone 8-1… EVER… And, hopefully, the first of many day-to-day blog entries. Why, some might ask… No one knows your blog exists… True. But, in the past few months more tha never, I’ve learned that the day-to-day, somewhat mundane exmperiences of life are the most important.
So, here’s a rundown of a few of those experiences of late: Saralynn made the front page of the paper today in her Halloween costume at school. I, for one, am very proud! Garrett is kicking booty running the PowerPoint projection for our new 11:11 service at church, which has exploded beyond anyone’s expectations. And me? I’m just loving every minute of watching my family live their lives- together!
So, a day of firsts… I wonder what the seconds and thirds will bring?…
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